A Feedback-Based Browser Instrument!

This “browser instrument” takes inspiration from a couple of places. First, the synthesis method being used in each of five voices is heavily related to Tom Mudd’s Gutter Synthesis algorithm. It uses a different chaotic map and type of resonator than Mudd’s original Gutter Synth, which to my ears sound somewhat “barrel-y,” inspiring this instrument’s name.

Second, the types of interaction between each voice and the interface for controlling them seen above are more inspired by my experience with no-input mixing boards and matrix mixing. Both of these approaches to performance, though especially the former, present the user with a feedback-focused interface and a limited set of highly-related controls.

In the case of a stand-alone matrix mixer, the only controls available are for routing external inputs to other places, which inspired me to create an instrument where the only controls available were for feedback paths between a group of uncontrollable sound-generators. Can this still be an expressive instrument? I think so, but you should try it out for yourself to make sure!

Tools

WebChucK

Link:

https://ccrma.stanford.edu/~jomitch/220a/fp/

Requires:

Just your browser, try it out at the link above!