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3MT - Three Minute Thesis

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Modular Synthesizers have been experimented with for musical purposes since their inception. In recent years, there has been an interest in utilizing the versatility, flexibility, and self-generative nature of modular synthesizers to innovate in music in a way that other synthesizers and modern musical tools cannot. There is much space for improved mixing and recording techniques to maximize the sonic quality and commercial viability of modular synthesizer music, compared to the way that modular synthesizer based music is typically recorded. This paper explores the necessity for, and implementation of an improved commercial model for multitrack recording and mixing modular synthesizers, including a proposed studio design specifically for such use. To inform the design of a studio and proposed recording methodology that would meet the needs and pique the interest of modular artists, the history of modular synthesizers, philosophy of indeterminist music, current viewpoints and attitudes from modular artists, and the value of analog recording equipment and workflows were researched. This research revolutionizes the way that modular synthesizer music is produced, and creates an entirely new system of recording that would allow modular synthesizer music to be commercially viable. Future research would involve the implementation of recording and production techniques detailed in the thesis in a studio equipped with analog recording equipment, and eventually the construction of the studio design detailed in the thesis with improvements on the design and process made after that.

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Undergraduate

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Apr 18th, 2:30 PM

The Future of Sound: A New Methodology for the Production of Modular Synthesizer Music

3MT - Three Minute Thesis

Modular Synthesizers have been experimented with for musical purposes since their inception. In recent years, there has been an interest in utilizing the versatility, flexibility, and self-generative nature of modular synthesizers to innovate in music in a way that other synthesizers and modern musical tools cannot. There is much space for improved mixing and recording techniques to maximize the sonic quality and commercial viability of modular synthesizer music, compared to the way that modular synthesizer based music is typically recorded. This paper explores the necessity for, and implementation of an improved commercial model for multitrack recording and mixing modular synthesizers, including a proposed studio design specifically for such use. To inform the design of a studio and proposed recording methodology that would meet the needs and pique the interest of modular artists, the history of modular synthesizers, philosophy of indeterminist music, current viewpoints and attitudes from modular artists, and the value of analog recording equipment and workflows were researched. This research revolutionizes the way that modular synthesizer music is produced, and creates an entirely new system of recording that would allow modular synthesizer music to be commercially viable. Future research would involve the implementation of recording and production techniques detailed in the thesis in a studio equipped with analog recording equipment, and eventually the construction of the studio design detailed in the thesis with improvements on the design and process made after that.

 

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