Programming Sound - Project #4

 

Granular Synthesis

 

 

In this project, you will build on the basic patches we have worked on in class by combining multiple streams of granular sounds, using one or more sample and waveform sources. In class we will discuss this progect, and show some ideas to try. The main idea is to build complexity through multiplicity.

Use at least 8 streams of grains, out of sync with each other. The source may be one file, or many. You will need to use Nathan Wolek's granular synthesis toolkit, and you will need to make use of his train.shift~ object to generate 8 or more pulse trains out of phase with each other, in order to drive the 8+ stream of grains.

Your principle challenge will be one of control:

Parameters such as the grain length, starting time in the sample being used, frequency of the sound within each grain, panning of each grain, etc. should be controlled, as may the pulse speed of the streams. You should have your patch specify two or more of these parameters using the random methods we have discussed in class. Parameters then for your interface will be the high and low ranges of the ramdom selection possibilities for each parameter you are controlling.

Designing the proper interface which allow you to specify random ranges of possibilities, the upper and lower limits, the types of randomness used, etc., and designing an interface which simplfies the complexity of the synthesis parameters required will be important.

Using send/recive patches, and encapsulating various parts of your program into separate patches is very important, in order to manage the inevitable complexity of the patch. Using pre-existing libraries is also important - both the granular synthesis toolkit, and possibly the litter library for random objects may also be useful.

 

Important: All controls in the patch must be labeled. Your name must appear on the patch. Include a preset with at least 5 pre-programmed settings for 5 sounds which are TOTALLY DIFFERENT.

 

As usual, zip your file (along with sample files,etc. - keep your samples filesunder .5 MB total - you don't need a long sample file to get good results!) and email it to me, with your name in the title of the .zip file. Make sure and send the sample file along with your patch!