Technology with a patent application filed at INPI by Inova Unicamp allows you to create modern and unique sounds
A study developed by Tiago Fernandes Tavares and Gustavo Nishihara, researchers at Interdisciplinary Center for Sound Communication (NICS) da Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering (FEEC) from Unicamp, presented a method to control the effect Gate in audio implemented by a computer program. The technology allows you to alternate the output volume of one or more audio channels, automatically manipulating the timbre and developing new sounds, which change over time.
The effect Gate is a technique that allows you to mute an audio track when certain conditions are met. It is generally used to control noise in recordings or to create changes in acoustic dynamics. However, the method developed at Unicamp, and with a patent application filed by Inova Unicamp in National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), allows control of the effect Gate produce modern and creative sounds, avoiding uniformity.
The great difference of the invention is that it allows the user himself, such as a music producer, to manipulate the rules that lead to the application of the effect. Gate, making it applicable to different forms of timbre transformation, as explained by professor Tiago Fernandes Tavares. “The advantage of our process is that you create less programmed varieties and sounds. This may help your design sound to become more interesting over time, as it has greater variations”.
CHow does the new method work?
The method acts on audio tracks in two steps, both configurable by the user. In the first, a statistical model defines time intervals in which the track will or will not be silenced, preserving typical durations of these intervals. In the second stage, a gain ramp prevents the transitions between silent and non-silent intervals from being too abrupt. This way, it is possible to achieve smooth audio inputs and outputs based on the density of sounds over time. “The objective is to create sounds using generative models. It is a process that helps to create exclusive sounds, which seeks new sounds and variations of what you are producing”, explains Tavares.
Despite being a method that requires prior knowledge about its parameters, it can be a support tool for the musical composition process. In this way, it is possible to obtain a favorable environment for new technology within the field of electronic music, which is increasingly on the rise in Brazil and around the world.
New dynamics for electronic music
A survey by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) revealed that electronic music/dance It is the third most popular musical style in the world, with more than 1 billion global listeners, behind only pop and rock.
The method developed by Unicamp researchers allows the creation of new sound compositions, promoting greater variation in musical productions in an environment in which the search for new sounds is part of the production process in sound treatment, as highlighted by the professor. “When you have everyone producing electronic music, you have a new problem. How can I make sure my music isn't the same as someone else's? From this scenario, the musician can differentiate himself using timbre and textures”, concludes Tavares.
Learn more about sound technology
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For more information about this and other technologies from the State University of Campinas, visit the Unicamp Patent and Software Portfolio.
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The full Innovation Agency Annual Report is available to download and consultation.
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also download the Magazine Inventors Award and read reports about technologies licensed from Unicamp for the market.
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Companies interested in licensing can contact Inova in the area Connection with Companies.
Original article published on the Inova Unicamp Innovation Agency website.
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