Josh Reiss

MIXPLORATION: rethinking the audio mixer interface

A typical audio mixer interface consists of faders and knobs that control the amplitude level as well as processing (e.g. equalization, compression and reverberation) parameters of individual tracks. This interface, while widely used and effective for optimizing a mix, may not be the best interface to facilitate exploration of different mixing options. In this work, we rethink the mixer interface, describing an alternative interface for exploring the space of possible mixes of four audio tracks. In a user study with 24 participants, we compared the effectiveness of this interface to the traditional paradigm for exploring alternative mixes. In the study, users responded that the proposed alternative interface facilitated exploration and that they considered the process of rating mixes to be beneficial.

Enabling access to sound archives through integration, enrichment and retrieval

Many digital sound archives still suffer from tremendous problems concerning access. Materials are often in different formats, with related media in separate collections, and with non-standard, specialist, incomplete or even erroneous metadata. Thus, the end user is unable to discover the full value of the archived material. EASAIER addresses these issues with the development of an innovative remote access system which extends beyond standard content management and retrieval systems. The EASAIER system has been designed with sound archives, libraries, museums, broadcast archives, and music schools in mind. However, the tools may be used by anyone interested in accessing archived material; amateur or professional, regardless of the material involved. Furthermore, it enriches the access experience enabling the user to experiment with the materials in exciting new ways. The system features; enhanced cross media retrieval functionality, multi-media synchronisation, audio and video processing, analysis and visualisation tools, all combined within in a single user configurable interface.

BOUNDEDNESS AND APERIODICITY OF COMMERCIAL SIGMA DELTA MODULATORS

Abstract Sigma delta modulation is a popular form of A/D and D/A conversion. This nonlinear device exhibits a high degree of complex nonlinear behaviour, including chaotic dynamics. One of the main unsolved problems in the theory of sigma delta modulation concerns the ability to analytically derive conditions for the boundedness of solutions of a high order sigma delta modulator (SDM). In this work, we describe how a sigma delta modulator may be rephrased within the context of systems theory. We present several theoretical results concerning bounded solutions of general high order SDMs, including necessary and sufficient conditions for the lack of a finite escape time, necessary conditions for bounded solutions based on the nature of the output sequences, and topological properties of the solutions, which are a precursor to the study of chaotic solutions of SDMs.

Flip phenomena and co-existing attractors in an incremental actuator

The stepper motor converts electrical pulses into mechanical movements. The shaft of the motor rotates in discrete increments when command pulses are applied in the proper sequence. The dynamic behavior of this motor is of great importance, since instabilities lead to velocity fluctuations that are unacceptable in many applications. It is a major limitation to development of a high performance open-loop step motor system. This work represents a careful analysis of observed phenomena when this motor is operated within the chaotic regime. We report on several phenomena that have been observed in the experimental system. These phenomena, which include the alternating of the dynamics between two experimentally observable variables and the existence of co-existing attractors, greatly influence the types of control schemes that can or should be applied.

Enriched access to digital audiovisual content

This paper presents access engine to digital audio and related content developed under IST FP6 project EASAIER. The main driving force for the project was the lack of qualitative solutions for access to digital sound archives. An innovative remote access system which extends beyond standard content management and retrieval systems, addresses a range of issues identified, such as inconsistent formats of archived materials with related media often in separate collections and related metadata given in non-standard specialist format, incomplete or even erroneous. The system focuses on sound archives, libraries, museums, broadcast archives, and music schools, but the tools may be used by anyone interested in accessing archived material; amateur or professional, regardless of the material involved. The system functionalities; enhanced cross media retrieval, multi-media synchronisation, audio and video processing, analysis and visualisation tools, enable the user to experiment with the materials in exciting new ways.

Intelligent Infrastructure for Accessing Sound and Related Multimedia Objects

In recent years, digital sound material becomes more and more available. However, there is still lack of qualitative solutions for access to digital sound archives. Not only that there is no consistency in formats of archived materials with related media often in separate collections, but related metadata are given in non-standard specialist format, incomplete or even erroneous. Hence, the full value of the archived material is hidden from the end user. EASAIER addresses these issues with the development of an innovative remote access system which extends beyond standard content management and retrieval systems. The EASAIER system focuses on sound archives, libraries, museums, broadcast archives, and music schools. However, the tools may be used by anyone interested in accessing archived material; amateur or professional, regardless of the material involved. Furthermore, it enriches the access experience enabling the user to experiment with the materials in exciting new ways. The system features; enhanced cross media retrieval functionality, multi-media synchronization, audio and video processing, analysis and visualization tools, all combined within in a single user configurable interface.