Convolutional Empiricism

Basic Idea:

Okay, so convolution of random files with others is generally cool. But how can we get a better handle on how to use it compositionally? This project asks you to:

• Assemble a set of sound files of similar length, but very different sonic character (say 10 files, each of 10 second length or so).
• Convolve each with all others
• Listen to all of the 9+8+7+6+5+4+3+2= 44 or so files, jot down your qualitative impressions about what happened. What of each or either file survived? Did they enhance the other? Did one "win" and the other "lose"? etc.
• Postulate a set of "general perceptual theories" of convolution. What kinds of sounds do what when convolved with each other?
• Test your theory with three additional (but really different from your original) files. Did your theories hold?

Whatever you do or conclude, you must write it up like a mini independent work project.

• What you did
• Why you did it
• How you did it
• Results
• References

Make a web page with the report, the modified code, some example score files, some example sound files (for input and output), and

A 66.6 second "musical statement" made using only convolution and your new theories.

Put your materials in the usual place by class time on March 11th.