TouchOSC Support

Have been working on a way to get mobile touch control integration into the prototype, but a challenge exists in the external OSC support for Max, which after a couple of hours digging around online, only apparently works in 32-bit (due to compatibility issues with external patches).

OSC 
http://hexler.net/software/touchosc

OSC Max
http://cnmat.berkeley.edu/patch/4059

Tutorial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9bccwcYQpM

Granular Synthesis

Working from the tutorial;
http://www.cs.au.dk/~dsound/DigitalAudio.dir/Papers/IntroToGranSynth.pdf

Additional features utilised within this prototype is the preset object and the encapsulating function. 
Preset; "preset can store and recall the parameters of any specified user interface objects at the click of a mouse."
Encapsulate allows a selection to be encapsulated in a sub-patch tidying up the workspace. These features will be of great use within the prototype.

More on Encapsulation;
http://www.cycling74.com/docs/max5/tutorials/max-tut/basicchapter14.html

3rd Supervisor Meeting

Progress Report

• Continued familiarisation with Max MSP using the objects Buffer~ and Groove~ to create a time stretching feature for samples, current optimum playback speed - 0.25% of the original sample.
• Revisited the human sound source, influenced by a sound effects tutorial which uses time stretching on short coughs.
• Submitted showcase proposal.
• Haven't mastered Plot~ to generate time-based graphs against attributes like F0.
• Integrated overlapping spectrum analysis in the Gizmo~ (1.0) and Groove~ (2.0) prototypes.
• Sourced a Max MSP Granular tutorial to incorporate these synthesis features in future builds; http://www.cs.au.dk/~dsound/DigitalAudio.dir/Papers/IntroToGranSynth.pdf

Agreed Action Points

• Start including the use of Record~ working with Buffer~ in future builds, working towards the prospective real-time driven elements of the prototype.
• Build and test Granular sound synthesis components.
• Revisit Plot~ to generate temporal analysis graphs. 
• Investigate the inclusion of customizable master effects that can be automated.
• Time stretching that can be editted during playback with the possible use of a fader.

*Found a really useful Max/MSP tutorial source aimed at beginners that discusses a variety of topics such as basic audio techniques, sequencing and synthesis. Also handy to get another resource to help increase object knowledge, and application.

http://www.paulschuette.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/DEMYSTIFYING-MAXMSP.pdf

Roaring

A biologically based roaring framework as provided by Weissengruber;

"We suggest that roaring (the low pitch vocalization seen in

prototypical form in lions and red deer) has two distinct

physiological and acoustic components:

1 a low fundamental frequency, made possible by long or

heavy vocal folds, which lead to the low pitch of the roar;

2 lowered formant frequencies, made possible by an

elongated vocal tract, which provide the impressive

baritone timbre of roars."

This highlights possible principles to inform the design to getting an 'accurate' roar sound.

Weissengruber, G. E. et al. 2002. Hyoid apparatus and pharynx in the lion (Panthera leo), jaguar (Panthera onca), tiger (Panthera tigris), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) and domestic cat (Felis silvestris f. catus). Journal of Anatomy. 201(3): pp.195-209. 

From Cough To Roar;

An interesting and amazingly short process that uses a short cough for the input sound and then time stretches it.

The result is very impressive. 

This just shows you have to experiment, and not go for the obvious "RRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAWR!"

Will try and experiment with this in future prototypes. 

This use of pitch shifting may address altering the Source section within using the Source-Filter framework within this design. It also addresses the first condition outlined by Weissengruber's roaring framework, to produce a sound that features low fundamental frequency.
The next stage would be to do the filtering steps, looking at formants to suffice the Filter side of the theory.

In terms of utilising time stretching in MSP;

http://www.devinkerr.com/2008/10/30/free_elastic-independent-pitchspeed-control-in-max/

Another paper prototype detailing the analytical process;

1st Supervisor Session

The 1st Supervisor Session went well addressing the viability of the proposed research and it's potential applications. The real-time feature whilst potentially challenging, would be a worthwhile practical pursuit as it is really useful tool and is engaging to practitioners.
The choice to use Max MSP as the core prototyping and design tool was supported given its range of uses and applications, along with its support in the forms of practical documentation, tutorials, patchs, etc.

Useful practical elements were advised and discussed for the prototypes development. Such as potentially using a procedural/ granular element to introduce variety and dynamic to the output stage. 

Useful tutorial documentation concerning Granular Synthesis:
http://cycling74.com/wiki/index.php?title=MSP_Polyphony_Tutorial_3:_Granular_Synthesis

Fast Fourier Transform Tutorial

Max MSP tutorial using fft~

Available http://www.cycling74.com/docs/max5/tutorials/msp-tut/mspchapter26.html

Have done a paper prototype detailing a take on the Source-Filter theory;