19:51
Sequencer
Holidays are in effect, so like most of the blogsphere Generator.x is quieter than usual. To compensate, here is a non-denominational, animal-related bonus project:
Intelligent MIDI Sequencing with Hamster Control was created by Cornell University student Levy Lorenzo for his Master of Engineering (Electrical). It uses 6 hamsters as an input device to an “intelligent” MIDI sequencer, presumably mapping parameters to sensors triggered by the hamsters moving around in a cage-like box.
From Lorenzo’s abstract:
The resulting music sounds generic, but not very hamster-like. On first listen, it is reminiscent of Brian Eno’s experiements with the algorithmic composition tool Koan from SSEYO. For a more complete description of the process, Lorenzo has provided a full report in PDF on the project page.
“I like the idea of this, but the practical problems with a bunch of hamsters in narrow plastic tracks mean this is a one-off deal, and not exactly something you’d put in your living room.
What about the same thing, with fish? The ever-popular Betta Splendens would seem to me to be a perfect choice. And, they’re pretty to watch. Of course, I demand 10% of the profits.”