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Posts Tagged ‘Sound Design’

“Book ov Convolucions” (DVD)

March 25th, 2009 1 comment
Book ov Convolucions (DVD)

Book ov Convolucions (DVD)

con·vo·lu·tion (k?n’v?-l??’sh?n)
n.

  1. A form or part that is folded or coiled.
  2. One of the convex folds of the surface of the brain.

In mathematics and, in particular, functional analysis, convolution is a mathematical operation on two functions f and g, producing a third function that is typically viewed as a modified version of one of the original functions. Convolution is similar to cross-correlation. It has applications that include statistics, computer vision, image and signal processing, electrical engineering, and differential equations.

In linear acoustics, an echo is the convolution of the original sound with a function representing the various objects that are reflecting it.

In artificial reverberation (digital signal processing, pro audio), convolution is used to map the impulse response of a real room on a digital audio signal. Common ways of generating this impulse include bursting a balloon and firing a starting pistol, though more accurate results can be achieved by recording playback of a sine sweep, which is then ‘deconvolved’.

These short films together form a ‘book of convolutions’, documents and processes that seek to uncover the secrets of familiar spaces. Many of the sounds in this piece are made from site-specific recordings which have been convolved with the captured reverberations of these spaces, ambience convolved with itself, everyday sounds take on the shape of a handrail, a creaking door, other voices. I am standing in a room, similar to the one you are in now..

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Recording a convolution reverb

March 19th, 2009 No comments
Capturing a spaces reverb using convolution

Capturing a space's reverb using convolution

In audio signal processing, convolution reverb is a process for digitally simulating the reverberation of a physical or virtual space. It is based on the mathematical convolution operation, and uses a pre-recorded audio sample of the impulse response of the space being modelled. To apply the reverberation effect, the impulse-response recording is first stored in a digital signal-processing system. This is then convolved with the incoming audio signal to be processed.

The primary goal of a convolution reverb is to sample real spaces, in order to simulate the acoustics of the sampled space.

Using a small Genelec monitor I played a sine sweep (12 sec, 30 sec, 60 sec) in the 6-storey stairwell that is used as a fire escape at London College of Communication. The tall enclosed nature of this space combined with hard concrete surfaces and lots of stairs create a unique and spacious reverb. 2 Fostex digital recorders were used, one to play back the sine sweep and one to record in both mono and stereo.

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Electromagnetic Journey..

December 11th, 2008 No comments
Electromagnetnic Microphone

Electromagnetnic Microphone

This is a journey.. into sound… Electromagnetic sound!

These mics are sold as ‘telephone pick-up coil’ for about £5 in Maplin. It’s a small pick-up coil in black plastic moulding with rubber suction pad to attach to a telephone, designed to pick up conversations for recording. Kind of like old-school spy equipment..

Anything electronic or electrical will generate a magnetic field, and this baby will pick up that signal..


..and it goes a little something like this:

  1. Library card reader
  2. Lift
  3. G4 Mac
  4. iMac
  5. Mobile phone
  6. Photocopier
  7. PC Laptop
  8. TV
  9. Payphone

Go get Adobe Flash Player!

‘Fixed Wheel’ (Etta Ermini Dance Theatre)

April 23rd, 2008 No comments
Etta Ermini Dance Theatre ~ Fixed Wheel

Etta Ermini Dance Theatre ~ Fixed Wheel

I was commissioned to compose music and create sound design for a piece of physical dance theatre by Etta Ermini.

After initial discussions about the concept I made the decision to use only sounds recorded from bicycle parts. The chainwheel, forks, frames, wheels, brake levers and spokes became percussion, bells, gongs and were struck or bowed to create a library of samples and loops for placing into Sony Acid. You can listen to the individual cues here

Fixed Wheel is a 30 minute Physical Theatre piece for two male performers and a bicycle. It depicts the joys and pitfalls of the life and love of a geeky bike freak and his alter ego. The movement material is explosive and, at times, quirky. Dialogues are witty and acerbic. The acrobatic use of the prop, a bright blue BMX bicycle, heightens the tense atmosphere. This playful look at loss and longing aims to connect to the personal experiences of the audience. Be safe, wear a helmet!

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