Research Introduction |
Many aspects of the
audio world remain open for wide ranging investigation. New horizons
of interest to academic and private sector researchers include
computer-control of live-sound and concert systems, audio for
virtual reality (VR), audio for advanced home entertainment and
home theatre systems, digital audio for teleconferencing and
multimedia, networked audio systems, interactive digital audio
music systems, and development of a variety of special applications
including corrective acoustical engineering and spectacular effects
including digital control of sonic spatialization.
The spatial aspects of sonic experience have always been significant,
but they have resisted precise and effective control. Computer
applications now allow persuasive modeling of changing sonic
environments and the movement of sounds within them. |
| TRAnSiT Spatialization defined |
For the purposes of
the TRAnSiT Project, "spatialization" involves effective,
computer- controlled distribution and movement of sound sources
within an interactive performance or entertainment environment.
Unlike headphone-based "3D" or binaural sound, the
TRAnSiT approach to sonic spatialization enables the address
of an audience with a multi-speaker sound reinforcement
system through which is projected persuasive patterns of placement
and movement. All listeners share a common perception of vividly
manipulated sonic imagery. |
| Research Areas |
The TRAnSiT Project
is a long-term, ongoing project to assess and design useful technologies
for spatialized music and audio systems. TRAnSiT will address
four major research areas:
spatialization paradigms
real-time implementation of such paradigms
portability and reconfigurability for a variety of installations
and performance venues
industrial and commercial applications |
| Project goals |
- Survey and compare
the current state-of-the-art in sonic spatialization and imaging
systems and components, focusing in particular on those technologies
relevant to high-end, interactive, live-venue musical and audio
concert/entertainment applications.
- Prototype a compact,
portable, high quality multi-channel concert sound spatialization
system for vivid, interactive mapping of musical and audio signals
into live-sound concert and entertainment venues.
- Create a refined system
package for concert touring applications and demonstrate the
flexibility and power of the system in a series of works by UCSD
composers, the first of which is a new work by Roger Reynolds,
entitled "Watershed" for solo percussion, chamber ensemble,
and the TRAnSiT system.
- Interpret results
and findings; report them in scholarly papers, demonstrations
and concerts, focusing on practical applications of the TRAnSiT
technology to the following:
- new paradigms for
permanent and portable concert hall sound systems;
- cinematic applications;
- total immersion (VR)
entertainment environments;
- audio for video and
computer graphics;
- audio systems for
teleconferencing and other telecommunications;
- sonification of data
(using auditory "mapping" to assist visualization of
aural data).
|
| Methodology |
The TRAnSiT Project
is currently experimenting with a Silicon Graphics computer running
MAX/FTS using software written at CRCA. The computer controls
a Level Control Systems audio matrix, simultaneously performing
"score following" and digital audio processing on signals
routed from the matrix to the SGI and back into the matrix. Equipment
from Lexicon, Bryston, ATC, Mackie, AKG and other manufacturers
is being utilized. |
| Principal Investigators |
Peter Otto, Music Technology Director, Music Department
Roger Reynolds, Professor,
Music Department
Miller Pucette, Professor,
Music Department |