Project blog

In creating this installation, I decided to develop a controller that manipulates MIDI signals to extend the functionality of the analogue sequencer. This would allow the visitors to play the scales and melodies of the synthesiser easily and also it’s allow me to design an experiential installation.

Here is the list of equipment I used for this exhibition:

• Doepfer Dark Energy (analogue synthesiser)

• Doepfer Dark Time (analogue sequencer)

• MaxMSP (programming language)

• Mira Controller (APP for iPad)

• Ableton LIVE 10 (music software)

• iPad / Macbook Pro

Main tasks:

1. Save the melody signal generated by the analogue sequencer as a loop; recording three patterns which can be selected and played back or stopped. It could extend the functionality of old analogue equipment with technology and ideas.

2. Create a circuit of "Key Shift" and "Scale" that can change the pitch of MIDI signals easily.

3. Use iPad as an interface through Mira Controller to make it easy for visitors to perform these operations.

Objective:

• In order to create a situation where the theme 'dialogue' is likely to occur, I will incorporate interactive elements in my work that allow the visitors to participate.This is the first step towards creating an environment in which 'sounds that express the psychological state of people' could be heard.
• Analogue equipment is crossed with technology to update traditional ways of performing. Based on this, I look at how equipment will be used in the future.

Development process

i. Using 'object' of Maxmsp brings any idea one step closer to realisation

Maxmsp is a powerful tool for developing music and sound applications by combining programming elements called 'objects'. For example, when processing arpeggio signals,  'route' object is important as it controls the path of the signal. This object can be used to process sequences of specific notes or scales and generate unique performance patterns.

ii. Ideas with Key Shift and Scale changes

Key Shift refers to the process of changing the key of music, and Scale refers to switching between musical scales. Implementing these functions in MaxMSP makes it possible to change the key of music in real-time and play different scales during a performance. This allows for a wider range of musical expression and experimentation with new musical ideas.

iii. External interface with MIRA

MIRA is an app developed to make MaxMSP more intuitive. It allows you to control MaxMSP parameters in real-time through the touchscreen of iPad. Programming is also simplified, with only numerical settings using objects such as 'mira.frame' or 'mira.motion'. I used it as a controler for visitors to change the pitch and play melodies like gaming.

Summary

Still I’ve started to study MaxMSP recently, but I could learn the basics in a short time and use it on the unique way, by refering the sample patches for each object on the official website and the interface helps me making it easy to programme with the simple design. Some concrete idea enables me to use the tools effectively if I have a vision which I’d like to make it happen like this project.

This experience has further refined my ideas for using programming. For example, I could implement these ideas by using MaxMSP: 

- an emotional feedback synthesiser that converts physiological data like heartbeat and breathing into music

- improvisation with the voices of the crowd, where multiple viewers participate simultaneously and improvise to create music 

- an Interactive sequencers by voice

These could be works that emphasise the importance of mental health, the power of community and the value of co-creation. 

There are also biofeedback installations that use the bioelectric potential of plants to rethink the relationship between humans and nature. This provides an opportunity to think about a sustainable future and emphasises the importance of ecology and living in harmony with nature.

This programming study was a very valuable opportunity to refine the future installation work to me.