Sound diffusion systems for the live performance of electroacoustic music : an inclusive approach led by technological and aesthetical consideration of the electroacoustic idiom and an evaluation of existing systems.

摘要

This thesis documents research in the field of sound diffusion for the liveudperformance of electroacoustic music. Broad and inclusive ways ofudconceptual ising electroacoustic music are presented, with the intention ofudpromoting the design of improved sound diffusion systems in the future.udHaving defined 'electroacoustic music' in terms of the technologiesudinvolved and the unique ways in which these creative frameworks areudappropriated by practitioners (Chapter 1), a binary interpretation of theudelectroacoustic idiom, whereby musical philosophies can be regarded asudeither top-down or bottom-up, is given (Chapter 2). Discussion of theudprocess of sound diffusion itself reveals two distinct performance praxes,udwhich can also be characterised as top-down and bottom-up (Chapter 3).udThese differing ideologies, in addition to the technical demands of theudelectroacoustic idiom and the logistical demands of sound diffusion itself,udmust be accommodated by the sound diffusion system if live performancesudare to achieve the desired musical communication. It is argued that this isudnot presently the case.udA system of criteria for the evaluation of sound diffusion systems isudpresented (Chapter 4). Two original concepts - the coherent audio sourceudset (CASS) and coherent loudspeaker set (CLS) - are also presented; theseudare intended to be practically and theoretically useful in the field of sounduddiffusion. Several existing diffusion systems are evaluated in terms of theseudcriteria (also Chapter 4). A description and evaluation of the M2 SoundudDiffusion System, which was co-developed by the author as part of thisudresearch, is also given (Chapter 5).udThe final chapter describes ways in which superior future systems can beuddevised. These range from specific practical suggestions to generaludmethodological recommendations. Overall, the intention is to provide anudinterpretation of the electroacoustic idiom that can be used as a heuristicudtool 111 the design of new sound diffusion systems.