Resources
A list of stuff we’ll be using throughout the course.
Be sure to install + test these before you arrive in class.
For all software below, be sure sure to choose the version that matches your computer’s operating system (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.).
REAPER
REAPER is a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), which we will be using to sequence and edit our audio throughout the semester.
Install Reaper from this link.
Extra Packages for REAPER
To make REAPER more useful, we may occasionally install extra software libraries for use with Reaper.
At the moment, there are no libraries to install, but we may include a list of them below throughout the semester:
SpatGRIS
SpatGRIS is an audio spatialization tool that we will use to make our final pieces for the semester.
Informational page about SpatGRIS
BlackHole or JACK
To route multi-channel audio signals from our DAW (Reaper) into SpatGRIS, we need another program.
If you are a macOS user, download and install
If you are a Windows user, download and install
Windows users: watch this instructional video for using SpatGRIS with JACK:
SPEAR
SPEAR is an application for audio analysis/resynthesis. We use SPEAR to “dissect” a sound into its component frequencies and to represent that sound on an interactive spectrographical editor.
IRIN
IRIN is a granular synthesis sequencer. It’s kind of like Reaper (and you can actually connect it to Reaper), but it helps you organize extremely small samples (i.e., microsounds) into gestures and larger sequences. Use this to work on your micromontage assignments.
MaxMSP
CRITICAL: Do not download and install MaxMSP until the last month of classes!
Download + install the current build from: MaxMSP
Most recent releases should support our work in class, however.
At the time of this publication, all software for the class was tested up to Max version 8.5.2 (c9ba072623d) (x64 mac rosetta) on macOS version 12.3 (Build 21E230) x86_64 Rosetta.
Max Packages + Libraries
To make MaxMSP more useful, we may occasionally install extra software libraries for use with MaxMSP.
At the moment, there are no libraries to install, but we may include a list of them below throughout the semester:
Using the Max Package Manager
Some packages can be instantly installed through the Max Package Manager, bypassing the need to manually unzip and move any folders into specific locations.
To begin, in MaxMSP go to File > Show Package Manager.
In the Package Manager window that pops up, type the name of a package, e.g., miraweb, in the search bar at the upper-right, and then click the MiraWeb package at the bottom to install:
On the next page, click the blue Install button:
When finished, you should see a blue Launch button and a “Successfully installed Miraweb” message:
From here, you can simply close the Package Manager window.
Repeat these step to quickly install additional packages.
VCV Rack
VCV Rack is a free, open-source virtual modular synthesizer that emulates Eurorack hardware on your computer. It provides a vast library of free and premium modules for sound generation, processing, and control, which you can patch together with virtual cables.
Other Synth Plugins
Dexed
Dexed is a multi platform, multi format plugin synth that is closely modeled on the Yamaha DX7. Dexed is also a midi cartridge librarian/manager for the DX7.
Surge XT
Surge XT is a virtual instrument plugin that, among its many talents, supports microtonal tuning (i.e., “microtuning”) using a somewhat recent extension of MIDI known as MTS-ESP (see below…).
MTS-ESP Mini
MIDI MTS-ESP (MIDI Tuning Standard – Expanded Scale Protocol) is an extension of the MIDI protocol that lets software share realtime tuning data, making it possible to use microtonal scales across multiple synths and DAWs. The mini version (MTS-ESP Mini) is a lightweight plugin you can load in a DAW project to apply custom tunings to your instruments.
Additional + Optional Resources
File Transfer Services
For sending large files (project folders, sound, video, etc.)
WeTransfer.com SwissTransfer.com
Audio Analysis Tools
Free Sample Libraries
FreeSound.org NASA Audio Collection Natural Sounds Gallery Instrumental Samples
Mobile Apps
Sound Level Meters
There seem to be plenty of options these days, but here’s one I’ve used for awhile:
Decibel X:dB Sound Level Meter
iOS App Store Google Play Store
Field Recording On Your Phone
You can request a Home Recording Kit from the DMS Loaner Pool, but it is even more convenient to record high-quality audio on your phone. 2 apps are listed below.
The challenge with mobile recording apps that don’t require a microphone is this: they use your phone’s built-in microphone, which is usually a very ambient omni-directional microphone. It is therefore crucial that you carefully point your phone towards the sound source you want to record in order to minimize indirect and ambient sound when field recording.
Apogee MetaRecorder (iPhone app) Dolby On (Android app)
Other phone apps are also available. Whichever app you choose, be sure to set the app’s preferences to record at our studio’s standard sampling rate (48kHz) and bit rate (24 bit). Unfortunately, Dolby On may only allow you to record in 16-bit, but you might find another app that can do better. Dolby On also has a lots of great audio editing features.
Apogee MetaRecorder Quickstart Video Guide
Dolby On – Full Walkthrough Tutorial
YouTube Acousmatic Music Playlist
Tutorials
MaxMSP
Max Cookbook MaxMSP User Forum Max 8 Documentation Peter Elsea Tutorials Max Objects Database