Details:
The software is co-authored by Professor Clarke (principal researcher, 75% contribution) with Xavier Rodet (25%, IRCAM,
Paris). Together, the source code for the two objects (written in the C programming language) comprises over 2,500 lines of
code. The development of these objects and the underlying research are described in more detail in the fully refereed
conference paper in the portfolio. The objects are distributed by IRCAM internationally as part of the IRCAM Forum.
Context:
These algorithms are developed from Clarke’s own earlier FOF and FOG unit-generators for MIT’s Csound software package
and were inspired by IRCAM’s CHANT software developed by Xavier Rodet et al. The objects were developed to work in the
different environment of Max/MSP, in particular to take advantage of its orientation towards real-time work. This involved
researching methods for optimising code for real-time use and for adapting control parameters to facilitate real-time operation
and their creative use. Although the underlying algorithms remain in many respects unchanged, their implementation in this new
environment involved significant research and recoding. The fog~ object was also significantly extended to incorporate the
potential for use with data derived from Pitch Synchronous Overlap and Add (PSOLA) analyses of the sound being processed.
This approach provides ways of time stretching and pitch shifting sounds, substantially reducing the side effects that normally
arise with granular based approaches. The design permits other data from the analysis to be used to control the
voiced/unvoiced components of the sound, as well as vibrato and transients.