Sunday, May 2nd, 2004
LAC 2004 @ ZKM Kubus


:::::: David Topper ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::: 01 - GAIA - Graphical Audio Interface Application :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

GAIA (Graphical Audio Interface Application) is an open source interface for controlling
the RTcmix synthesis and effects processing engine running in a Linux environment.
Until recently, most RTcmix research has been limited to using text-based scorefiles.
The primary motivation behind GAIA is to build upon this paradigm by providing a graphical
front end. An emphasis has been placed on creating an environment that is easy to learn,
robust and open source to allow for third party contribution. GAIA breaks new ground in
that it supports both graphical and text based programming in the same application.
Objects (or nodes within the program's graph-like control structure) can themselves be
small scripts, written in Perl. These scripts can operate on data within the application
as well as trigger RTcmix events in real time. GAIA unites two powerful open source
projects, RTcmix and Perl, and provides a powerful high level GUI for working with both.
Control mechanisms include the GAIA environment itself, MIDI, serial port data, TCP/UDP
socket data, and real time video processing via the Video 4 Linux (v4l) API. Through these
mechanisms, GAIA creates a flexible and powerful environment for controlling any number of
synthesis and effects processing parameters, bringing various techniques to a new level of
realization.



:::::: Matthew Burtner and David Topper ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::: 02 - Recombinant Spatialization for Ecoacoustic Immersive Environment :::::::::::::::::::::

This talk gives an overview of SC3's architecture and its current status on Linux.
It also provides an outlook on a possible integrated editing, control and visualization
framework for performance and composition. An approach to digital audio synthesis is
implemented using recombinant spatialization for signal processing. This technique, which
we call Spatio-Operational Spectral Synthesis (SOS), relies on recent theories of auditory
perception, especially research in auditory perception by Kubovy and Bregman. Here, the
perceptual spatial phenomenon of objecthood is explored as an expressive musical tool.
In musical applications of these theories, we observe the emergence of a "persistence
of audition" exposing interesting opportunities for compositional development. In essence,
SOS, breaks an audio signal into salient components then recombines and spatializes them
in a multichannel environment. The presentation will detail some of our recent work using
SOS in an 8 channel environment.

Following an introduction to the technique and several examples demonstrating potential
applications, this paper concentrates on some applications of the technique in ecoacoustic
compositions by Matthew Burtner, Anugi Unipkaaq, Sikniq Unipkaaq and Siku Unipaaq. These
works draw on environmental systems as models for multichannel processing.



:::::: Dave Phillips :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::: 03 - Still Nailing Jelly: An Update on Linux Audio Documentation Projects :::::::::::::::::

A look at documentation progress in AGNULA, The Book Of Linux Music & Sound ed.2,
Planet CCRMA, Csound, and other projects. Articles about Linux audio software have appeared
in the Linux Journal, Sound On Sound, Electronic Musician, Keyboards, and the Computer
Music Journal. I'll discuss the increase of hard-copy and on-line documentation and I'll
assess some projects currently in need of documentation.



:::::: Ivica Ico Bukvic ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::: 04 - Hurdles and Benefits of Introducing Linux as a Viable Digital Audio Workstation in :::
::::::::::: the Academic Environment :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

It is Ivica's intention to present the given topic using slides with a detailed breakdown of
the known issues in a form of a lecture that will ultimately encourage discussion among
the audience members in order to generate possible suggestions as to how to surmount some
of the hurdles, as well as emphasize its obvious advantages. He will present his first-hand
findings while lobbying for Linux adoption at two reputable Colleges in US and the
surprising responses he has run across, namely College-Conservatory of Music at the University
of Cincinnati and the Oberlin College. Finally, he will also point out interesting changes
in focus that were a direct result of the unrealistic expectations he established among
the faculty who expressed interest in adopting the Linux platform. Finally, he will generate
a detailed overview explaining why this course of action is an extremely important catalyst
for the adoption of Linux as a viable DAW.



:::::: Various Speakers ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::: 05 - LAC 2004 @ ZKM Kubus: Panel Discussion: Linux Audio, Present and Future ::::::::::::::

This Discussion is about technical and non-technical thoughts from the different speakers
about where linux will be in 2 years.