Pure Data (Pd) is one of the most powerful and commonly used open source softwares for music and sound creation. Spearheaded by Miller Puckette, it is completely free. About three years ago libpd was released – a library of Pd Vanilla (the basic version of Pd) that makes it possible to run Pd pretty much anywhere. Since then there have been an explosion of applications for PC, … [Read more...]
Noise, Storytelling with Sound, and Visuals on the Radio with Radiolab’s Jad Abumrad
I recently had the chance to chat with Jad Abumrad, creator and co-host of WNYC's Radiolab. Each episode of Radiolab explores ideas in science, technology, and the universe at large through a seamless blend of expert interviews, sound design, and music. Together with co-host Robert Krulwich, the show has covered topics such as sleep, colors, cities, and loops, just to name a … [Read more...]
Can’t We All Just Get Along? Arguments about acoustics and design
Guest Contribution by Steven Klein There are many reasons for conflicting viewpoints and misinformation on studio design / acoustics. This article will examine components contributing to the confusion along with some advice on how to avoid common pitfalls. Chaos (Merriam-Webster Dictionary: the inherent unpredictability in the behavior of a complex natural system.) We … [Read more...]
The Cinematic Toy Piano
Guest Contribution by Ali Lacey When someone mentions a Toy Piano, the last things you would think are 50Hz Booms, sub drops, eerie textures, bows and big percussive hits. But have you ever actually pondered the cinematic qualities a toy piano might have? After obsessing about owning a toy piano, I found a vintage 1950’s mini grand piano on Ebay for £20. I had plans to … [Read more...]
Does Bit or Sample Rate Reduction Affect Loudness Measurements?
A few nights ago, I was struck by an idea that hadn't occurred to me previously. I was prepping for a presentation on loudness metering at a game development studio that would take place the following day. It was a question... Would bit rate or sample rate reduction affect the loudness measurement of sounds metered using ITU-R BS.1770? Both are practices common to game … [Read more...]
Experiments with Digital Microphones
While AES42 compliant digital microphones are relatively new to the audio world, they're not "brand-spanking" new. There have been several on the market for a few years now, and new ones are slowly being added as well. For all the time they've been available though, I had never heard one in action…not in a controlled environment anyway (the AES show floor is hardly the place … [Read more...]
Analog Worldization
Guest contribution by Cormac Donnelly I am, at heart, a techno-nostalgiast and I’ve worked with tape machines of one kind or other for most of my career. When I sold my 2” multi-track, in 2010, I resolved almost immediately to get myself another tape machine (albeit something a little smaller than the 250kg Otari I had just parted with). A few weeks later, I found myself … [Read more...]