fello 1.0
interactive improvisation system
for acoustic instrument and computer
Project members :
Andreas Otto (cello)
otto@pingipung.de
Florian Grote (Pd programming)
pdguy@computer-musik.de
Description
This software is the result of a collaboration between Andreas Otto (cello) and Florian Grote (Pd programming). Most of the work so far has been done at STEIM, Amsterdam. The idea was to build an interactive software that would be closer to an instrument in itself than an effects processor. However, the goal was not total control for the player, but rather to invent a system with both player and software as active participants. This establishes the need for active listening on both sides.
Although the programming was done using the cello and its sound as input and interface, the program works fine with any other monophonic input. Rather chaotic, yet potentially interesting results can be achieved using polyphonic or noisy material.
All you need is a microphone input, sound output, and some type of MIDI floorboard or 3 footswitches.
The player has to provide the program with some kind of input signal, which can be sampled and used to resynthesize a spectrum on the base frequency of the input signal. This technique creates complex spectra, since all partials of the input sample are represented on each partial of the resynthesized spectrum. Additionally, a loop sampler and time-variant delay lines can enrich the output of the system. If you want to play along with an arrangement in your sequencer, there are options to synchronize the tempo of delays and modulations to it and link the spectra of the resynthesis engine to the harmonic structure of your arrangement.
The software was programmed for a 4-channel loudspeaker setup using ambisonics for surround panning, however the panning-object can be set to drive as many speakers as you have discrete outputs installed on your machine. In case you only want stereo output, there is an option for bypassing the ambisonics-panners.
To get started, download the archive fello_1_0.zip and unpack it somewhere into your Pd program folder. Start Pd and set it up for as many outputs you want. Also select your MIDI-device. Then, from within Pd, open the file "01_fello[...].pd" ([...] stands for your operating system) in the folder you just unpacked. There is a file "documentation.txt" in this folder as well, containing necessary information to get the patch to work.
For support and inspiration in the process of working on this project, we would like to thank STEIM Institute and Jan St. Werner.
System requirements:
Mac OS:
Pd (min. 0.37.0) installed on your system (externals included)
PowerMac G4 1 GHz, 512 MB RAM
Multichannel audio hardware, MIDI floorboard or 3 footswitches
Windows:
Pd (min. 0.37.0) installed on your system (externals included)
Intel P4 2 GHz or Pentium M 1,6 GHz or AMD Athlon 2000+, 512 MB RAM
Multichannel audio hardware, MIDI floorboard or 3 footswitches
Linux:
Pd (min. 0.37.0) installed on your system (needs maxlib)
Intel P4 2 GHz or Pentium M 1,6 GHz or AMD Athlon 2000+, 512 MB RAM
Multichannel audio hardware, MIDI floorboard or 3 footswitches
Download
This software is free and open source, but comes with absolutely no warranty. We will not accept liability for possible damage to your speakers, ears, or mind!
Download fello_1_0.zip
Download a demo mp3 of a studio session with cello and fello
Project links
Download Pd at http://pure-data.sourceforge.net
STEIM Institute, Amsterdam
Pingipung Records
www.computer-musik.de
