I had the privilege of creating the sound for the Amalgam in Radio Tave (Meow Wolf, Houston).
The music in the Amalgam is created by a 22-minute generative composition spread over 42 speakers. For this space I manipulated spatial algorithms to create new ways of moving sound objects in space.
A novel technique I created for this space I am calling Vector Panning (not to be confused with Vector-Based Amplitude Panning). Vector Panning imagines a single vector through the space in which the speakers map on to. This creates a line along which sounds can move and naturally pan throughout the rest of the speakers. This can be for any orientation of a vector can point; vertical, horizontal, or a combination of both. The technique creates an obvious and trackable spatial movement. When applied to the horizontal axis a large sound can convincingly rock back and forth throughout the 42 speakers in the space.
The composition itself is made up entirely of spatial gestures. Every sound in the space has an intentional movement and location. Sounds move along the perimeter, move up through the Amalgam, and shift from one side of the room to other. A haunting generative melody reveals itself in the upper heights of the space and travels down as it grows in intensity.
The sounds themselves are comprised of raw synthesis; each one being generated live. Saw waves, additive synths, granular ocean waves, ladder filters, and 808 kick drums.
The YouTube video linked shows the Max/MSP patch generating and moving sounds in real time.