Here are the full details for The Mp3 Experiment taking place on Wednesday, May 10 at Cornell University. Please take the time to read all of the instructions on this page.

A huge thank you to our partners at Cornell:
International Students Union
ALANA
Office of Student and Campus Life
Cornell Hillel
IFC
Without your support, this would not be possible!

Details:

Date: May 10 at 6:45 PM
Location: Arts Quad
Time: Arrive by 6:30 to prepare as the event will begin at exactly 6:45 PM.
Wear: Dress normally so you can blend in. No costumes.
Bring: A bag (purse, backpack, messenger bag, shopping bag, etc.) that has the following items inside:
– A flashlight (preferably not a smart phone, but an actual flash light)
– Something that lights up bright (A colorful LED item for example. No laser pointers.)
– A handwritten note for a random Senior (only underclassmen need to bring this)
– One blank 8.5″x11″ sheet of paper
– A pen or maker
Pick Up: Before the event starts, pick up a glow stick at either of the two statues (Ezra Cornell or AD White). Hide it in your bag.

Full instructions below:

Instructions:

Download:

There are three ways to download the audio file: Improv Everywhere App (iOS), Direct download (to your computer hard drive, Android phone, etc.), and podcast link.

Please note: No matter what option you use, you should download the file in advance over a fast Wi-Fi connection. Do not wait until you are at the event to attempt to download.

– Improv Everywhere iOS App [Best method for iPhone]

If you have an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad, you can use our app to download the audio file directly to your device. Click on the Mp3 Experiment Cornell University event, and then click “Join Us” to download the file. After the file downloads, you will see a countdown timer. The app, if open, will play the track automatically at the right time when the timer reaches zero.

– Direct Download

Click above link to download to your Android phone or computer

If you are using this method you will have to manually press play at 6:45:00. Make sure your phone clock or your watch is synced to atomic time. Reminder: Don’t listen to the file in advance. Spoilers!

– Podcast

The app is also available as a podcast for your podcast app of choice. Be sure to download “Mp3 Experiment Cornell University.” Please note that if your podcast app includes a “smart speed” or “1.5x speed” option, be sure to disable it or you will get out of sync. If you are using this method you will have to manually press play at 6:45:00. Make sure your phone clock or your watch is synced to atomic time. Reminder: Don’t listen to the file in advance. Spoilers!

Location:

Before the experiment blend in with the area naturally as if nothing is up, and stand or sit anywhere in and around the Arts Quad. Here’s a link to a Google Map.

When 6:45:00 Approaches

If you are using our iOS app, make sure you have the app open and the track will play automatically at 6:45:00. Don’t forget to download the track in advance over Wi-Fi.

If you are using another playback method, you’ll have to press play manually at 6:45:00. Make sure your phone clock or your watch is synced to atomic time so you know exactly when to press play. Group with others if you don’t know the right time.

After the audio starts, put your phone on airplane mode so calls do not interrupt you. Do not use other apps on your phone during the experiment as they could interrupt playback. Turn off the screen and put your phone away and have fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

Say what now?

If you’ve never heard of The Mp3 Experiment, check out this page.

What if I get to the event late?

Start listening at the start time, and you’ll get there when you get there. Be careful crossing streets, etc.

What if I don’t press play at exactly the right time?

If you can tell you are significantly off, ask to look at a neighbor’s device and try to sync back up to the correct time. You’ll have more fun if you’re more in sync. Those using the iOS app should automatically be in sync with atomic time.

Do I have to RSVP?

Nope! But you can join the Facebook Event and invite friends if you like! [Facebook Event Link]

How old do you have to be?

The Mp3 Experiment is appropriate for people of all ages. If you are under 18, you should have your parent’s permission to participate. Young children should participate with their parents, obviously. Use common sense if you are participating with a young child and stay with them at all times.