Author: Keith Kothman

Audio delay is a simple process that allows for a variety of audio effects. In the most basic implementation, incoming audio is copied. The copy is delayed by some some specified time and its amplitude is scaled before mixing it back into the original signal. Short delay times – generally less than 20 ms –…

Equalization and Filtering The difference between filtering and equalization (EQ) is generally one of amount and purpose. Since EQ is a form of filtering, I’m going to explain filters first. Filters A general definition for a filter is anything that changes the gain of frequencies in a sound. This definition is so general it is useless, since…

The last in a series of convolution how-to posts, this post covers using convolution in Digital Performer, using ProVerb. Like the Convolution Reverb in Audition, ProVerb is a convolution-based reverb effect that allows you to load your own impulse files. You can also adjust dry/wet mix, input and output gain, reverb width, and impulse length…

I’ve covered convolution in SoundHack in a previous post. You can also use Adobe Audition for convolution, since it has a convolution-based reverb process. Effects in Audition can be previewed non-destructively from within each effects dialog window, but once you apply the effect the process is destructive (the file is changed – once you save…

Convolution can be used musically for cross-filtering of sounds and for simulating reverb. The process is the same, no matter your musical intention. Different musical effects can be obtained by using impulse files of various lengths and amplitude shapes. Convolution in SoundHack SoundHack implements convolution as a file process, the same as its other processing…

I have several posts already up about spectral processing. Here are the most relevant to our Intro to Sonic Arts class: The Fourier Transform Phase Vocoding Convolution  

For now, I’m mostly going to link to previous posts about Cecilia. You can download Cecilia4 for Mac and Windows from Google Code. There is a version 5 of the software but it does not include the Filter Warper, which is central to a lot of granular processing. Cecilia basics Using the filter warper in…

I have covered this topic in detail using digital performer 7 and earlier versions. Digital Performer 8 moves some commands around and has slightly different dialog windows. Bouncing to disk is how you arrive at a single stereo audio file of your entire multi-track project. Bouncing to disk processes all of your soundbites and the non-destructive…

I have two introductory posts to Digital Performer, complete with screen shots, that should help you setup a DP project and get started with some basic audio editing for the Negative Space project. Digital Performer Intro, part 1 Digital Performer Intro, part 2

Review outline for Tuesday’s quiz In-Class Portion: Listening List 2 Analog recording process (from sound production to recording; from playback to arriving at listener) Transduction, and the ability to state the type of energy being transduced at each point in the recording process Generational loss Digital recording process (from sound production to digital recording and…