An experimental platform for presenting multi-channel audio material
MAP was designed by Lawrence Harvey and implemented by Pete Brundle as a solution for presenting mixed audio examples for PhD submission.
The player was developed to solve the problem of how to present different types of audio examples for a PhD examination. The audio ranged from collections of short sound objects to eight channel compositions and simulations of a sound installation.
What was also needed was a flexible visual component for each audio example that could be easily linked to the text in the PhD. The idea was an examiner could read the printed copy provided and easily find audio examples using the platform. The platform provided a way of different visual representations to be linked to the different examples.
In a presentation (lecture, tutorial, workshop, conference), stereo or multi-channel files may be required with unique visual materials accompany each audio example. To avoid swapping applications and risk issues on audio output while presenting, the principle was to have a single platform that can hold a mixture of examples and formats.
MAP provided:
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Playback of mixed audio examples of 1-16 channels
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A cursor that followed playback, with time readout
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A method to use any visual with the audio examples
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Easy jumping between examples, especially useful for comparing short sound examples
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Muting and unmuting of individual channels
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A menu for holding a bank of examples
