Automatic Wind-Chimes

Final Project

DUE: Last Class meeting before Final Examination Period

as printed in the Schedule of Classes

Overview:

We have all heard the pleasing sound of wind-chimes emerging out of the auditory distance. Due to the finite pitch sets used, and the random interplay of sound and silence, these instruments create a highly pleasing ambience and impart feelings of calm and reverie.

Using MAX you are to create a realistic simulation of wind-chimes heard as played by the winds of your imagination. For this project you are to use the following objects (among others):

seq

random

metro

The wind-chimes that you simulate may be of a metallic or wooden timbre. Care must be taken in the choice of sound(s) to be used by the application. Furthermore, you must use the T1 as the sound source.

The Project:

Using the seq object, create a MAX application that uses 10 independent stored sequences (this means that there are 10 seq objects). Through the application of randomness to a triggering strategy, these independent seq objects will be triggered for playback following these conditions.

1. seq data may play simultaneously, although...

2. no more than two seq objects will play simultaneously

3. silences of between 3 and 37 seconds will exist between each seq playback

4. the choice of which seq object to play will be entirely random, but the application will play through all 10 sequences before repeating any

5. the GUI of the application will include a control for global loudness of the sound produced (velocity - probably controlled by a slider or knob), start/stop and an array of LED objects indicating which sequence is playing as well as a single LED which will flash each time a note is output for playback

The Sequences:

Try to emulate the sound activity of wind chimes in the independent sequences. Each sequence must be unique. Length should be between 3 and 21 sound events, placed in time at your discretion. Decays of sounds may overlap attacks but no sound may start simultaneously in the independent sequences. The overall duration of the independent sequences should in each case be no longer than 10 seconds. You may Performer to create the sequences if desired.

What to turn in:

As with all the projects this quarter, you are to turn in a copy of a working MAX application along with a typewritten synopsis of the operation of the application and how you programmed it. As always teamwork is encouraged, but independent work is required for a grade.

Reminders:

The final exam period will be used for presentation of your three electroacoustic music compositions which are an aspect of your course grade for the quarter. We will also review this project during the our lass class meeting before the final examination.

Course work required:

Tutorials completed

Three MAX applications turned in on diskette (WORKING!) together with a typewritten synopsis for each

Three electroacoustic compositions on cassette tape or DAT for in-class presentation

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