Patchwork: Multi-User Network Control of a Massive Modular Synthesizer

Brian Mayton, Gershon Dublon, Nicholas Joliat, and Joseph A. Paradiso

Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression

Abstract:

We present Patchwerk, a networked synthesizer module with tightly coupled web browser and tangible interfaces. Patchwerk connects to a pre-existing modular synthesizer using the emerging cross-platform HTML5 WebSocket standard to enable low-latency, high-bandwidth, concurrent control of analog signals by multiple users. Online users control physical outputs on a custom-designed cabinet that reflects their activity through a combination of motorized knobs and LEDs, and streams the resultant audio. In a typical installation, a composer creates a complex physical patch on the modular synth that exposes a set of analog and digital parameters (knobs, buttons, toggles, and triggers) to the web-enabled cabinet. Both physically present and online audiences can control those parameters, simultane-ously seeing and hearing the results of each other's actions. By enabling collaborative interaction with a massive analog synthesizer, Patchwerk brings a broad audience closer to a rare and historically important instrument. Patchwerk is available online at http://synth.media.mit.edu.

Citation:

Brian Mayton, Gershon Dublon, Nicholas Joliat, and Joseph A. Paradiso. 2012. Patchwork: Multi-User Network Control of a Massive Modular Synthesizer. Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.1178345

BibTeX Entry:

  @inproceedings{Mayton2012,
 abstract = {We present Patchwerk, a networked synthesizer module with tightly coupled web browser and tangible interfaces. Patchwerk connects to a pre-existing modular synthesizer using the emerging cross-platform HTML5 WebSocket standard to enable low-latency, high-bandwidth, concurrent control of analog signals by multiple users. Online users control physical outputs on a custom-designed cabinet that reflects their activity through a combination of motorized knobs and LEDs, and streams the resultant audio. In a typical installation, a composer creates a complex physical patch on the modular synth that exposes a set of analog and digital parameters (knobs, buttons, toggles, and triggers) to the web-enabled cabinet. Both physically present and online audiences can control those parameters, simultane-ously seeing and hearing the results of each other's actions. By enabling collaborative interaction with a massive analog synthesizer, Patchwerk brings a broad audience closer to a rare and historically important instrument. Patchwerk is available online at http://synth.media.mit.edu.},
 address = {Ann Arbor, Michigan},
 author = {Brian Mayton and Gershon Dublon and Nicholas Joliat and Joseph A. Paradiso},
 booktitle = {Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression},
 doi = {10.5281/zenodo.1178345},
 issn = {2220-4806},
 keywords = {Modular synthesizer, HTML5, tangible interface, collaborative musical instrument},
 publisher = {University of Michigan},
 title = {Patchwork: Multi-User Network Control of a Massive Modular Synthesizer},
 url = {http://www.nime.org/proceedings/2012/nime2012_293.pdf},
 year = {2012}
}