Studying at York
Stand-alone Audio Systems and Interactivity - MUS00190H
- Department: Music
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: H
- Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
Module summary
This practical, project focussed programme aims to enable students to develop self-contained digital audio systems that can be realised as VST plugins, for Web Audio integration or through physical-computing as tangible musical instruments with sensor driven interactivity.
Related modules
This advanced level module builds on Stage 1 MASR foundations in the use of Digital Audio Workstations and MIDI communication, and the Stage 2 module Digital Signal Techniques. If you haven't studied the Digital Signal Techniques module you should have equivalent demonstrable experience in digital audio systems and programming techniques.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2024-25 |
Module aims
Specific aims are:
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To demonstrate high level system design aims and strategies for performance, through prototyping with the virtual modular environment VCV Rack.
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To introduce the Arduino microcontroller development platform and enable the design and development of custom MIDI controllers.
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To illustrate the use of 3D design software and 3D printing technologies to facilitate the production of enclosures to support integrated performance systems.
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To introduce coding environments such as RNBO to enable the export of code for targets such as VST3 or AudioUnit Plugins, Website integration, or leverage physical-computing platforms such as Raspberry Pi for the realisation of interactive digital audio devices.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the taught part of the project you should be able to:
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Understand technologies and techniques related to both the academic study of new musical interfaces, creative coding practice and the commercial arena including relevant software and hardware.
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Be able to use different protocols to allow different software and hardware to communicate.
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Know a wide variety of existing work in the field.
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Be able to create your own musical interfaces.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 30 |
| Essay/coursework | 70 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
Creative Project (70%):
This can be in the form of a composition, or performance demonstrating the operation of the devised and developed musical system. The production will be delivered as a high quality audio visual artefact (c.5 minutes, to be agreed with the module tutor), along with project assets for review, including code and physical interfaces.
Written Commentary (30%):
The accompanying (c. 1500) written commentary should detail the development process with consideration to the technical and aesthetic goals of the project, while also situating the work within a wider artistic context.
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 30 |
| Essay/coursework | 70 |
Module feedback
You will receive written feedback in line with standard University turnaround times.
Indicative reading
Boulanger Richard Charles and Victor Lazzarini. (2011) The Audio Programming Book . Cambridge Mass: MIT Press.
Cipriani, Alessandro, Maurizio Giri, and Richard Dudas. (2010) Electronic Music and Sound Design: Theory and Practice with Max/MSP.
Dudas, Richard. (1999) ‘Composing Interactive Music: Techniques and Ideas Using Max’. Music Library Association.
Farnell, Andy, and ebrary, Inc. (2010) Designing Sound / Andy Farnell. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press.
Manzo, V. J. (2016) Max/MSP/Jitter for Music: a Practical Guide to Developing Interactive Music Systems for Education and More. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press.
Roads, Curtis. (1996) The Computer Music Tutorial. Cambridge, MA: MIT.
Wakefield, Graham, and Taylor, Gregory. (2022) Generating Sound & Organizing Time: Thinking with Gen~ / Book 1. Cycling '74