Multi-modal mixing : gestural control for musical mixing systems

Abstract

The hi-end tools available to today's sound designers give them almost limitless control over audio processing. Devices such as Yamaha's new digital mixers and Digidesign's Pro-Tools computerized editing workstations allow users in a small studio to accomplish tasks which would have required racks full of gear only seven years ago in a professional studio. However, the evolution of the interfaces used with these systems have not kept pace with the improvements in functionality. With all of their complexity, the new digital mixing consoles still look like the old analog mixers, with the addition of an LCD screen. This thesis will introduce a new type of concept called Multi-Modal Mixing that aims to enhance current systems and point to a new standard of audio control.