Feedback systems with FM receivers and transmitters as musical instruments

This paper investigates how FM receivers connected to FM transmitter in a feedback loop can be
applied as musical instruments, but with an inherent instability that at the same time breaks with traditional
instrumentality. The paper begins with delineating the specific historical situation in Norway with the closing
of FM band for national broadcasters, and how this could be seen as a call for action. The paper proceeds
with a short review of the application of radios in music and sound art and practitioners working with feedback
techniques, before presenting relevant theories of nonlinear dynamic processes and feedback systems. The
paper then briefly delineates a simple setup of equipment, and goes on to address issues related to playability
and sonic output. The paper shows how certain sonic categories are recurrent, but how different models have
different sonic signatures, how some features are unstable and difficult to consistently reproduce. The paper
concludes by discussing the findings in the light of the research literature in the field, and potential musical
applications of the radio as instrument in different setups and contexts.