Workshop: DMX Instruments

Note: contents are still in development and subject to change.

In this hands-on in-class workshop we will investigate and perform ad hoc electrically powered instruments. The actual devices will be regular AC-powered appliances: fans, drills, vacuum cleaners, etc.

The main objective of this exercise is developing your skill at creating a musical performance using a device controlled by digital tools. This process will introduce key concepts related to real-time digital musical production.

Objectives

The overall objective of this exercise is to assemble and perform ad hoc musical instruments controlled using software and DMX dimmer packs. The goals of this exercise are that you should be able to:

  1. set up and configure a DMX controller system attached to a laptop

  2. explore rhythmic and pitched sound produced by standard appliances

  3. operate and modify a Pure Data patch to produce a DMX data stream

  4. compose or improvise a brief musical performance

Reference Guides

Please review the following reference guides as needed:

Individual Procedure

Individually:

  1. Install the Pure Data software on your personal laptop.

  2. Download the sample patch (TBD).

  3. Follow the directions in the patch to operate the event controls and modify the data flow logic.

Team Procedure

Working with a small group:

  1. Set up a DMX dimmer pack controlling an appliance:

    1. Akai MPD218 drum pad connected to a laptop.

    2. DMX USB Pro connected to a laptop.

    3. DMX cable from DMX USB Pro to a four-channel dimmer pack.

    4. Selected applicance attached to dimmer.

  2. Following the directions in the patch, map events from the drum pad to DMX output changes.

  3. Practice improvising using drum pad input.

  4. Following the directions in the patch, map rhythmic events from to DMX output changes.

  5. Explore adjusting the generator parameters to produce a musical effect.

  6. Each group should develop a short performance together.

  7. We will perform for each other in the last ten minutes of class.

  8. Clean up and put away all equipment.

Deliverables

  1. Live in-class demo of your performance.

  2. A brief report posted to the shared drive including:

    1. a video of your peformance

    2. your modified Pure Data patch