dorkbot-atl

people doing strange things with electricity (in Atlanta)

Thursday, Oct 12, 2006

7 p.m. at the Georgia Tech Music Department (Couch Building 207)


Directions are here.


Aaron Lanterman

 This Fall, a special topics Electrical and Computer Engineering class called "Theory and Design of Music Synthesizers" is being offered for the second time at Georgia Tech. Electrical Engineering programs, across the country, have become too theoretical. This class was born out of the desire for a class that emphasizes putting theory in practice, also a desire for a class that cut across multiple disciplines. Synthesizers are an ideal subject matter for both goals. The first half of the class examines music synthesis via analog circuitry, such as the "ladder" voltage controlled filter patented by Robert Moog; the second half considers music synthesis via digital signal processing, including modeling the imperfections of real circuits for "virtual analog" implementations. The homework assignments emphasize analyzing the schematics of real synthesizers, not idealized "textbook" problems. The final project consists of designing and constructing - in solder - part of a modular synthesizer.
As part of this talk, a SynthTech MOTM modular synthesizer built by last semester's class, as well as designs created by that class, will be demonstrated. The equipment that was constructed last semester, and that will be designed and constructed by this semester's class, will eventually reside in the Georgia Tech Music Department for use by music students.

Travis Thatcher, John Goetzinger, and David Jimison


Sequencer 404

Sequencer404 is a collaborative, networked music system that has evolved from a touch-tone voice connection based system to a fully networked java system.  The goals of Sequencer404 are to provide a simple, novel, and fun interface that enables users geographically far from each other to collaborate in musical creation, and to enable users to create content anywhere they please, with the minimum of equipment. 
Travis Thatcher is currently persuing a Masters in Music Technology at Georgia Tech.  His research interests include human computer interaction for live performance and interactive sonification, with a concentration on mobile applications for networked collaboration and on controller design. Thatcher has performed as an electronic composer and musician for the last six years and as a saxophonist for the last eleven years. He he received a BS in Computer Science from Georgia Tech in Spring 2005 and has worked extensively in industry, and is currently an adjunct instructor at the Art Institute of Atlanta.
John Goetzinger is a programmer and digital artist from Atlanta, Ga.  Currently he is concentrating on projects focusing on using cellular telephones as controllers for other devices or programs.  John received his M.S in Information Design and Technology from Georgia Institute of Technology and currently works in Atlanta as a web programmer.
David Jimison is a PhD candidate in the Digital Media program at Georgia Institute of Technology, where he leads a research team in Mobile Technology. His research interests are in the effects of mobile technology upon the critique of everyday life.



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