Sunday, December 29, 2024

Noise

"Noise music is a genre of music that is characterised by the expressive use of noise. This type of music tends to challenge the distinction that is made in conventional musical practices between musical and non-musical sound. Noise music includes a wide range of musical styles and sound-based creative practices that feature noise as a primary aspect." - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia






>>> The art of noise - Sound is ubiquitous, unstoppable, immersive, the agency through which spoken language is understood and music is absorbed. Sound works quietly with other senses to scan an environment, to define orientation within a place, to register the feeling that we describe as atmosphere. Without sound, the world can be an indecipherable, remote and dangerous place, yet sound is the sense that we take for granted – the sense that comes to the forefront of our attention when a restaurant is too loud, when a neighbour’s television penetrates the walls, when a car alarm shatters the peace of a Sunday morning.






>>> The beginner's guide to: noise (MusicRadar) - Unlike most genres, the name ‘noise’ alone probably conjures a good mental image of what we’re talking about. The name has retrospectively been applied to more than half a century’s worth of experimental music which was known by different names at the time, but the common threads are exactly what you’re probably thinking: distortion, non-musical sounds, atonality and dissonance.






>>> A Beginner’s Guide to Noise Music - If you agree with David Novak, the author of "Japanoise: Music at the Edge of Circulation", then you probably believe that writing a history of noise music is inherently impossible. According to Novak, noise comes from the circulation of cultural ideas and artifacts, emerging from the accumulated meaningless debris that accompanies all forms of communication. Vinyl pops and scratches, for example, become noisy if what you want to hear is the recordings on that record. Noise music, therefore, comes from artists purposefully activating that noise. And since that noise comes from an infinite number of contexts, it’s impossible to map the history of noise music, or even to document the entire contemporary noise scene. Both, by definition, are constantly and unendingly regenerating.

>>> Distortion & Destruction: A Deep Dive Into Japanese Noise Music - Noise music is an aptly named genre that consists of loud, distorted, compressed and often unrhythmic percussion, stabs, and static created with unorthodox vocals, random objects, and electronic instruments or software. "Noise" is much more than purely a genre, however, with a vast subculture that exists in Japan and around the world known for its deeply rooted anarchist image, rebellious attitude toward societal normality, and a brand of political progressivism influenced by psychedelic usage and the modern punk scene.









>>> Review: NoInputMixer for iOS and macOS Opens New Frontiers in Synthesis (TabMuse) - No input mixing is a boutique synthesis technique used by sound designers usually armed with only a mixer and some cables. It offers an exploratory approach focused on the creative control of noise and feedback. If interested in new frontiers of sonic exploration, this is a sound design area worthy of your notice.



>>> Why Noise Music is the Only Genre that Sounds Better Online - Most musicians struggled to adapt to the technological constraints of online musical performance, and some whole genres fell to the wayside— the impossibility of large ensembles meant that most performance styles were hideously impractical, if not impossible. Orchestras, choirs, and bands haphazardly cobbled together stripped-back reimaginations of their work, compatible with the stifling environment of high-latency, low-quality Zoom conference calls. But meanwhile, there was another style of musical performance that better managed the move to cyberspace, due in part to its curious relationship with digital technology itself. That genre is noise music.

>>> Semiotics in Noise Music (Prof. Anneleen Masschelein) [PDF] - Noise music is a musical genre that features a fusion of traditional instruments and electronic sounds, recordings and machines. It is sometimes described as soundscape, for rhythm and structure are of minor importance. In this paper, I will discuss noise music as a problematic sign in a semiotic approach, given the ambiguity of the concepts of "noise" and "music". As noise music is usually less known to the public, following introduction should provide a general overview. Firstly, I will point out how the differences between "noise" and "music" are perceived by scholars. Secondly, I will give a short historical introduction on noise music and its current state as a music genre. Thirdly, I will discuss the importance of indeterminacy in performance for the long-standing success of noise music.

>>> What is Noise Music? A Psychometric Approach - Can noise music fans tell us about benignly masochistic art and how sound becomes music? Noise music often includes "non-musical" sounds (electronic static/ feedback/screaming), while both exaggerating features of musicality (excessive monotony/surprise) and/or stripping them away (melody/harmony). Noise enthusiasts (N=395) preferences and attitudes about sound and music were recorded. We tested a five factor model using diagonally weighted least squares. Results suggest a good fit of data to the hypothesized model (CFI=0.967; RMSEA=0.043).


Friday, December 27, 2024

Exploring the Concept of an Experimental Generator

Exploring the Concept of an Experimental Generator Based on Simplex Noise for Granular Synthesis.

This is the first test of the idea of an experimental generator based on simplex noise, which is then used in a granular synthesis algorithm. This design allows for the creation of a vast array of diverse waveforms rich in harmonics with a rich low-frequency spectrum. The generator is controlled by just a few simple parameters. Despite its somewhat chaotic and atonal nature, it is highly suitable for generating industrial sound structures, ominous, foreboding noise and backgrounds.

In this demo, sound from an experimental generator is processed by SoundSaw and Stellarvox apps to create a deep, dark, slightly creepy background. When the generator parameters are altered, the waveform undergoes significant changes, resulting in a highly diverse original sound. However, SaundSaw transforms it into a very dense texture, oversaturated with distortions and harmonics, which in Stellarvox is diffused into an inverted space with minimal presence of the original sound.






Simplex noise, developed by Ken Perlin in 2001, is an improvement over his earlier Perlin noise algorithm. While Perlin noise is widely used in computer graphics for generating natural-looking textures, simplex noise offers several advantages, including lower computational complexity and reduced visual artifacts. Simplex noise is particularly useful in higher-dimensional spaces, making it a versatile tool for various applications.

In sound design and synthesis, simplex noise can be a powerful tool for creating unique textures and timbres. Its ability to generate smooth, continuous noise makes it ideal for producing evolving soundscapes and dynamic audio effects. By modulating sound parameters with simplex noise, sound designers can introduce subtle variations and complexity, resulting in more organic and interesting sounds.

Additionally, simplex noise can be used to create stochastic melodies and rhythms, adding an element of unpredictability to musical compositions. Its mathematical properties allow for seamless looping and interpolation, making it a valuable resource for experimental music and sound art. Overall, simplex noise's versatility and efficiency make it an exciting tool for innovative sound design and synthesis.

>>> What Does Perlin Noise Sound Like?

>>> Perlin Noise Audio



Stellarvox (iOS/Mac/AUv3) is a hybrid reverb with an artificial space designer, combining it with algorithmic reflections tail processing, is ideal to creating immersive ambience of deep spaces, lush atmospheric textures or stunning whispering backgrounds in your ambient, electronic, experimental and sound design projects.

>>> More about Stellarvox

SoundSaw (iOS/Mac/AUv3) is a complex sound processing app with easy-to-use controls designed to distort the sound of musical instruments or voice, and give the sound the aesthetics and atmosphere of noise, lo-fi, chiptune and experimental music scene.

>>> More about SoundSaw

Monday, December 16, 2024

Stellarvox (iOS/Mac) updated to version 1.2

Hybrid reverb with an artificial space designer, combining it with algorithmic reflections tail processing, is ideal to creating immersive ambience of deep spaces, lush atmospheric textures or stunning whispering backgrounds in your ambient, electronic, experimental and sound design projects.

What's new:

  • New app icon (concept and design by Guido Flichman).
  • User interface improvements.
  • Output limiter (for standalone only) can be disabled in the settings.
  • Input/output indicators of clipping/limiter (standalone) or 0 dB exceeded (audio unit).
  • Added several new presets.
  • The description has been updated.
  • Some minor bugs were fixed.

>>> More about Stellarvox







Monday, November 25, 2024

Black Friday Sale! All apps.

Follow the link "More about this app" to learn more about the app, download the PDF description (also built-in the app) and watch the video demos and tutorials.

>>> Check out the apps features demo on YouTube




LoopMangler - Multi-effect glitch sequencer >> App Store

LoopMangler (iOS/Mac/AUv3) is an innovative multi-effect glitch sequencer designed to manipulate rhythmic samples, external input, or output from other applications. This powerful tool operates based on the effect sequence patterns, allowing you to transform ordinary loops into unusual glitchy and noisy textures. >>> More about this app

Stellarvox - Ambient reverb space designer >> App Store

Stellarvox (iOS/Mac/AUv3) is a hybrid reverb with an artificial space designer, combining it with algorithmic reflections tail processing, is ideal to creating immersive ambience of deep spaces, lush atmospheric textures or stunning whispering backgrounds in your ambient, electronic, experimental and sound design projects. >>> More about this app

NoInputMixer - Feedback-based instrument >> App Store

NoInputMixer (iOS/Mac/AUv3) is an experimental feedback-based musical instrument that models an analog mixing console, designed to create a wide range of amazing, otherworldly electronic sounds by feeding the mixer's output back to its input. >>> More about this app

GlitchScaper - Rhythm & Glitch machine >> App Store

GlitchScaper (iOS/Mac/AUv3) is a rhythm machine with six sound generators, each controlled by a two-layer cycle sequencer, designed to easily create glitchy patterns and scapes. >>> More about this app

VintageRack - Easy vintage vibe effects >> App Store

VintageRack (iOS/Mac/AUv3) is a minimalistic and convenient multi-effect application that contains modules realistically simulating notable retro gear from the early digital age with their natural lo-fi and warm aesthetics. >>> More about this app

SpaceFields - Space ambient machine >> App Store

SpaceFields (iOS/Mac/AUv3) is a mangler effect for creating slowly changing rhythmic sound structures in a deep reverb space from any external signal. Great for experimenting and designing ambient and noise backgrounds with rhythmic elements. >>> More about this app

AltiSpace 2 - Advanced convolution reverb >> App Store

AltiSpace (iOS/Mac/AUv3) is a convolution reverb app with advanced controls that provides realistic sounding natural acoustic space or vintage reverb devices for any track or mix. >>> More about this app

SoundSaw - The art of sound destruction >> App Store

SoundSaw (iOS/Mac/AUv3) is a complex sound processing app with easy-to-use controls designed to distort the sound of musical instruments or voice, and give the sound the aesthetics and atmosphere of noise, lo-fi, chiptune and experimental music scene. >>> More about this app

BeatCutter - Rhythm slicing & recombining >> App Store

BeatCutter (iOS/Mac/AUv3) is an experimental multi-channel app for slicing and recombining sound based on rhythm. In the center of the app is a matrix of sample cells with smoothly reconfigurable recording, playback and control busses. >>> More about this app

ClassicFX - Reworked classic audio effects >> App Store

A complete sound effects processor and a mono to stereo converter with equalizer, effects and reverb, based on specially designed high-quality processing algorithms and suitable for any kind of audio sources. >>> More about this app

SynthScaper - Soundscapes synthesizer >> App Store

Synthesizer specially designed for creating and experiments with ambient soundscapes in wide range from noises to melodic instruments and everything in between. >>> More about this app

SynthScaper LE - Multitimbral atmospheric synth >> App Store

The special lightweight version of SynthScaper LE lets you easily create and modify your own multi-timbral pads and atmospheric soundscapes. >>> More about this app

FieldScaper - Field recorder & scapes constructor >> App Store

Advanced field recorder combined with a sound warp engine and a collection of ready to use dynamic presets for iPad and iPhone. >>> More about this app

SoundScaper - An experimental sound mini lab >> App Store

SoundScaper is an experimental sound mini lab for creating unusual soundscapes, atmospheric textures, drones, glitches and noises based on circuit bending principles. >>> More about this app

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Another way of experimental sound

Do you think cheap toy keyboards are only good for modding? But some of them (if not most) have very interesting features that open up new ways to get experimental sound (which will probably become even more exciting after modding).

In this video, you will see how toy keyboards can be used to detect radio and micro waves, and even ship radar simply holding them up to the sky.




Want to turn a recorded sample into deep space ambient? Try SpaceFields app!

SpaceFields (iOS, Mac, Audio unit) is a mangler effect for creating slowly changing rhythmic sound structures in a deep reverb space from any external signal. Great for experimenting and designing ambient and noise backgrounds with rhythmic elements.

>>> More about SpaceFields




Monday, November 18, 2024

NoInputMixer (iOS/Mac) updated to version 1.3

NoInputMixer is an experimental feedback-based musical instrument that models an analog mixing console, designed to create a wide range of amazing, otherworldly electronic sounds by feeding the mixer's output back to its input.

What's new:

  • New app icon (concept and design by Guido Flichman).
  • Added new drone/noise presets (Thanks to Robert Dowell!).
  • Switching presets with MIDI controller.
  • Selecting channels with MIDI controller in single-channel mode.
  • Switching between Single/Multi and Mixer/Efx screen modes with MIDI controller.
  • Lock channel parameters when muting (this mode can be disabled in the settings).
  • Some user interface improvements.
  • The description has been updated.
  • Several minor bugs have been fixed.




In this demo: LoopMangler (iOS/Mac) - A Creative Multi-Effect Glitch Sequencer

>>> Get LoopMangler app on App Store

LoopMangler is an innovative multi-effect glitch sequencer designed to manipulate rhythmic samples, external input, or output from other applications. This powerful tool operates based on the effect sequence patterns, allowing you to transform ordinary loops into unusual glitchy and noisy textures.

>>> More about LoopMangler



NoInputMixer consists of a seven-channel mixer and an effects rack with eight slots. Each effect slot can be configured as an insert effect for a mixer channel or used with two send/return buses. Effects has an option for hi-res or lo-fi sound processing. Each mixer channel has its own algorithmic generator of different types of noise, which can be added to the feedback signal or used separately. The input selector switches between multiple points in the signal path to make different types of feedback loops or can be switched to an external input for any channel to use it as an effect processor.

>>> More about NoInputMixer

Click on image to enlarge




Friday, November 8, 2024

New apps icons

In the upcoming updates, the apps will have completely new icons. Minimalistic design in a single style best conveys the essence of these apps.

The idea and design of the icons is by Guido Flichman, graphic designer and multimedia artist. More works and contacts at: https://www.guidoflichman.com




>>> Check out the apps features demo on YouTube



Follow the link "More about this app" to learn more about the app, download the PDF description (also built-in the app) and watch the video demos and tutorials.

LoopMangler - Multi-Effect Glitch Sequencer >> App Store

LoopMangler (iOS, Mac, Audio unit) is an innovative multi-effect glitch sequencer designed to manipulate rhythmic samples, external input, or output from other applications. This powerful tool operates based on the effect sequence patterns, allowing you to transform ordinary loops into unusual glitchy and noisy textures. >>> More about this app

Stellarvox - Ambient reverb space designer >> App Store

Stellarvox (iOS, Mac, Audio unit) is a hybrid reverb with an artificial space designer, combining it with algorithmic reflections tail processing, is ideal to creating immersive ambience of deep spaces, lush atmospheric textures or stunning whispering backgrounds in your ambient, electronic, experimental and sound design projects. >>> More about this app

NoInputMixer - Feedback-based instrument >> App Store

NoInputMixer (iOS, Mac, Audio unit) is an experimental feedback-based musical instrument that models an analog mixing console, designed to create a wide range of amazing, otherworldly electronic sounds by feeding the mixer's output back to its input. >>> More about this app

GlitchScaper - Rhythm & Glitch machine >> App Store

GlitchScaper (iOS, Mac, Audio unit) is a rhythm machine with six sound generators, each controlled by a two-layer cycle sequencer, designed to easily create glitchy patterns and scapes. >>> More about this app

VintageRack - Easy LoFi Vintage Vibe Effects >> App Store

VintageRack (iOS, Mac, Audio unit) is a minimalistic and convenient multi-effect application that contains modules realistically modeling notable retro gear from the early digital era with their inherent aesthetics and atmosphere. >>> More about this app

SpaceFields - Space Ambient Machine >> App Store

SpaceFields (iOS, Mac, Audio unit) is a mangler effect for creating slowly changing rhythmic sound structures in a deep reverb space from any external signal. Great for experimenting and designing ambient and noise backgrounds with rhythmic elements. >>> More about this app

AltiSpace - Advanced Convolution Reverb >> App Store

AltiSpace (iOS, Mac, Audio unit) is a convolution reverb app with advanced controls that provides realistic sounding natural acoustic space or vintage reverb devices for any track or mix. >>> More about this app

BeatCutter - Rhythm slicing & recombining >> App Store

BeatCutter (iOS, Mac, Audio unit) is an experimental multi-channel app for slicing and recombining sound based on rhythm. In the center of the app is a matrix of sample cells with smoothly reconfigurable recording, playback and control busses. >>> More about this app

Saturday, November 2, 2024

BeatCutter updated to version 1.9.2

This update fixes some issues with iOS 18 / MacOS and also adds a few small improvements.



Brief demo of how to use BeatCutter with an external processing app (SpaceFields in this demo) on the second channel in audio unit host app AUM.




BeatCutter - Rhythm slicing & recombining >> App Store

BeatCutter (iOS/Mac) is an experimental multi-channel app for slicing and recombining sound based on rhythm. In the center of the app is a matrix of sample cells with smoothly reconfigurable recording, playback and control busses. This app is best for those who would like to experiment with long sound files or live instruments, creating chaotic constructions and patterns from sliced rhythm-driven samples.

>>> More about BeatCutter (demo, reviews and guides)

>>> BeatCutter - A series of step-by-step tutorials







Friday, October 25, 2024

LoopMangler (iOS/Mac) updated to version 1.2

LoopMangler is an innovative multi-effect glitch sequencer designed to manipulate rhythmic samples, external input, or output from other applications. This powerful tool operates based on the effect sequence patterns, allowing you to transform ordinary loops into unusual glitchy and noisy textures.

The new level of control with the latest update featuring Live pads mode. This mode allows you to assign presets and loops to on-screen pads, enabling seamless transitions during live performances or studio sessions. You can also map these pads to a MIDI controller for added convenience. Additionally, dedicated pads for muting effect bars and randomly changing effect envelopes provide the tools to dynamically alter sound patterns in real-time, offering a sophisticated approach to sound design and live performance.

This update also introduces the ability to undo Paste, Clear, Move, and Make operations, enhancing your workflow efficiency, and you can now select effects when generating patterns, providing more creative control. The description has also been updated and several minor bugs have been fixed.

>>> More about LoopMangler






In this demo: NoInputMixer (iOS/Mac) - The best for the experimental noise and drone sound!

>>> Get NoInputMixer app on App Store

NoInputMixer is an experimental feedback-based musical instrument that models an analog mixing console, designed to create a wide range of amazing, otherworldly electronic sounds by feeding the mixer's output back to its input.

>>> More about NoInputMixer




Wednesday, October 2, 2024

LoopMangler (iOS/Mac) updated to version 1.1

LoopMangler is an innovative multi-effect glitch sequencer designed to manipulate rhythmic samples, external input, or output from other applications. This powerful tool operates based on the effect sequence patterns, allowing you to transform ordinary loops into unusual glitchy and noisy textures.

This updates brings a new feature to set the dry/wet level of the effects and output level on each step of the pattern. Now you can not only apply effects to loops, but also mix the output of effects with the original audio, which significantly expands the possibilities of transforming and filling loops with new sounds created from them, and which will harmoniously fit into the overall rhythmic structure.

>>> More about LoopMangler






What's new:

  • Added an envelope to sets the dry/wet level of the effects on each step of the pattern.
  • Added an envelope to sets the output level on each step of the pattern.
  • Additional modes of the pattern bars generation that exclude some effects.
  • For the delay effect added modes to attenuate output.
  • Fixed an issue with input EQ options.
  • Fixed an issue with the slow effect on a large number of steps.
  • Fixed a problem with sound in Ableton on MacOS.
  • Fixed a validation issue in Logic Pro on MacOS.
  • A few more minor bugs have been fixed.
  • The description has been updated.



Want to quickly create glitchy and noisy rhythmic patterns? GlitchScaper is just made for that!

>>> Get GlitchScaper app on App Store

GlitchScaper is a rhythm machine with six sound generators, each controlled by a two-layer cycle sequencer, designed to easily create glitchy patterns and scapes.

>>> More about GlitchScaper