Assignment 5: Mesmer

Concept

My intent for this assignment was to create a collection of presets that would allow for performance adjustments. Each of the presets start out with little to no light allowing for a transition from one preset to the next. The presets go from organic to rigid geometric shapes. The presets are as follows; Fire and Ice, Sunflower, Oculus, Kaleidoscope, and Geo-Beats.

Method

I wanted to use midi as the primary tool for this project since I hadn’t really played with it before. I started out by collecting content that was either free or royalty-free. As I worked I came up with my five presets. Each of the presets would flow into the next. As pictured below I used the Novation Launch Control XL. This was an amazing tool to work with and I can think of so much more I would want to do with it in the future. I primarily set the RGB values for each part of my presets (Center, Outer, and Background). I also applied a slider and knob for the lines opacity and speed of the animations. Since I couldn't figure out how to put the lines on audio controlled I applied it to midi so I could adjust int manually.

Side Notes

After completing this assignment I decided to look into different midi controllers that would best work for projections. I found that the Novation Launchcontrol XL was the best fit for the range of controls and price point of $150. The sliders by far are my favorite feature and it was difficult to find another controller that that had eight or that wasn’t in a higher price bracket. 

Troubleshooting Audio input for Modul8

If you decide to use audio with modul8 there are two knobs at the bottom right of modul8. turn both of the in and out knobs to the left. In the Mac system settings make sure your input(be it mic or audio input) is set up correctly. If it isn't working in Modul8 just save and restart the program. Also make sure to export your midi setup for Modul8. Madmapper will save your settings but Modul8 won't. The easiest thing to do is export and import your midi each time you open the program.