sarah belle reid - manifold

digital quadraphonic album

+ zine art print (limited to 300 copies)

january 30 2026

sarah belle reid is a canadian composer who plays trumpet, modular synthesizer, and an ever-growing collection of handcrafted electronic instruments. her unique musical voice explores the intersections between contemporary classical music, experimental and interactive electronics, visual arts, noise music, and improvisation.

'manifold' is a quadraphonic composition and research project exploring how spatial sound can be experienced collectively and accessibly outside specialized environments. written for trumpet and electronics, the original version of the work was a live performance piece that used real-time processing in max/msp to transform live acoustic input into a continuously shifting four-channel sound field. in this piece, spatial movement functions as a core element in the compositional structure rather than a 'finishing' element added in post-production.

for this release, 'manifold' is adapted into a series of accessible listening formats in collaboration with los angeles–based label smartdumb. the release includes a dolby atmos mix that recreates the original uninterrupted quadraphonic experience, as well as a second disc with individual tracks encoded using QUARK, an NEA-funded technology that allows artists to distribute quadraphonic recordings in a stereo format.

later this spring, listeners will be able to gather together to recreate the quadraphonic system via a free QUARK decoder on their mobile devices. each participant’s phone acts as one speaker, transforming personal technology into a shared spatial listening environment. 

through 'manifold', spatial sound provides an opportunity for gathering and shared listening, inviting new ways of thinking about sound as both a compositional and social experience.

a limited edition, accordion fold-out zine (run of 300) designed with patrick dagle explores the inspirations and compositional techniques that inspired 'manifold.'

written, performed, and produced by:

sarah belle reid

mastered by:

j clark

design by:

patrick dagle