VCCM Research

 

Current Projects and Research Groups:


S.O.S. (Spatio-Operational Spectral Synthesis)
S.O.S. Synthesis is an approach to digital audio effects using recombinant spatialization for signal processing. This technique relies on recent theories of auditory perception. The perceptual spatial phenomenon of objecthood is studied as an expressive musical tool.


GAIA (Graphical Audio Interface Application)
GAIA (Graphical Audio Interface Application) is an interface for controlling the RTcmix synthesis and effects processing environment. Despite several applications that exploit RTcmix's TCP communication protocol there are no no standard GUI control mechanisms providing a high degree of flexibility. This is the primary motivation behind the development of GAIA. An emphasis has been placed on creating an environment that is easy to learn but still proveds the ability to create complex configurations. As the name implies, GAIA's goal is to provide a positive environment for the creation of virtually unlimited new compositional interfaces.


RTcmix is a synthesis and effects processing language derived from the Cmix software package originally designed by Paul Lansky at Princeton University. It provides dozens of algorithms for manipulating audio. Scripts (known as scorefiles) can be written in the native "Minc" language or Perl. Control can also be performed via TCP socket connection for real time performance. Many interfaces using various GUI toolkits as well as MIDI have been designed.


PAWN consists of a laptop running Linux with full duplex audio input and output abilities. It's primary function is to facilitate performance by eliminating the need for rack mounted synthesis equipment and effects processors. It is capable of reading / writing MIDI data through MIDIator (tm) serial MIDI interface. Hence it also works well within the traditional electroacoustic and studio models. The range of systems under which Linux can run makes PAWN an affordable solution. It can be configured on a high end state of the art machine, as well as one several generations old ... at reduced cost. Being an open system, cost is limited only by hardware configuration.


SPAWN is a self contained rack-mounted system consisting of a multiprocessor Linux workstation equipped with RME digital audio io cards piped into DA and AD converters . As many as 24 channel audio output is currently possible. For performance situations that require intensive computing power beyond the ability of single processor stations, SPAWN provides an effective portable solution. PAWN and SPAWN can be used in conjunction by means of 100mbt ethernet connection.

 
The Metasaxophone Project explores applications of the extended saxophone. The project simultaneously pursues research in computer music, composition, and performance practice. The Metasaxophone is an augmented tenor saxophone, retrofitted with an onboard computer microprocessor and an array of sensors that convert performance data into MIDI control messages. The instrument has additionally been outfitted with a unique microphone system that allows for detailed control of the amplified sound. While maintaining full acoustic functionality it is also a versatile MIDI controller and an electric instrument. A primary motivation behind the Metasaxophone is to put signal processing under direct expressive control of the performer. Through the combination of gestural and audio performance control, that employ both discrete and continuous multilayered mapping strategies, the Metasaxophone can be adapted for a wide range of musical purposes.


MICE (Music for Interactive Computers Ensemble):
Network Music Applications
MICE (Music for Interactive Computers Ensemble) is a student organized human-computer ensemble conducting research into network music applications. The ensemble was formed by Burtner as part of his MUSI435/735, Interactive Computer Music class at UVa. The group debuted at the Charlottesville Fringe Festival, performing at IX.


The Digital Audio Tool Kit (DATK) is a set of libraries and applications built to facilitate the manipulation of digital audio data on Linux platforms. The DATK Editor (datkedit) is the first such tool built with the DATK libraries, and is capable of these basic functions:


Recent Juried Conference and Journal Articles:

• "The Exbow Metasax," Matthew Burtner and Stefania Serafin, Journal of New Music Research (JNMR). Swets & Zeitlinger, Lisse, The Netherlands, 2002.

• "Spatio-Operational Spectral (S.O.S.) Synthesis," David Topper and Matthew Burtner. Digital Audio Effects (DAFX) Conference Proceedings. Hamburg, Germany, 2002, (submitted).

• "The Metasaxophone: Concept, Implementation, and Mapping Strategies for a New Computer Music Instrument," Matthew Burtner, Journal of Organized Sound, Volume 7 No 2, York, England, 2002 (accepted for publication).

• "VCCM Studio Report," Matthew Burtner, Judith Shatin, and David Topper, International Computer Music Conference (ICMC )Proceedings, Gottenburg, Sweden, 2002.

• "GAIA: Graphical Audio Interface Application," David Topper International Computer Music Conference (ICMC )Proceedings, Gottenburg, Sweden, 2002.

• "Design of an Extended Saxophone Computer Music Controller" (2002). Matthew Burtner. International Computer Music Conference (ICMC) Proceedings, Gottenburg , Sweden, 2002.

• "Real Time Spatial Processing and Transformations of a Singing Bowl," Matthew Burtner, Stefania Serafin and David Topper, Digital Audio Effects (DAFX) Conference Proceedings, Hamburg, Germany, 2002, (submitted).

• "Noisegate 67," Matthew Burtner, New Interfaces for Musical Expression (NIME) Conference Proceedings. Dublin, Ireland, 2002.

• "Expressive Controllers for String Physical Models" (2001). Matthew Burtner, Sile Modrian, Charles Nichols and Stefania Serafin. Digital Audio Effects (DAFX) Conference Proceedings, Limerick, Ireland, 2001.

• "Real Time Extended Physical Models for the Composer and Performer" (2001). Matthew Burtner and Stefania Serafin. International Computer Music Conference (ICMC )Proceedings, Havana, Cuba, 2001.

• "Instrument Controller Substitution Using Physical Models," Matthew Burtner and Stefania Serafin. International Society for Musical Acoustics (ISMA) Conference Proceedings. Perugia, Italy, 2001.

• "Extended Techniques for a Virtual Instrument," Matthew Burtner and Stefania Serafin. Digital Audio Effects (DAFX) Conference Proceedings. Verona, Italy, 2000.

• "Portable and Semi Portable Audio Workstations (PAWN and SPAWN)," David Topper International Computer Music Conference (ICMC )Proceedings, Berlin, Gernamy, 2000.

• "MultiChannel Audio with RTcmix," John Gibson and David Topper, Journal SEAMUS. Vol. XV, Number 1, Spring/Summer 2000.

• "RTcmix for Linux," David Topper, Linux Journal. #78, October 2000.