"Amber States"

"Amber States" [mp3 removed]

Three .wav files were independently run through the Reaktor GrainStates effect plugin...

(update: where considerable time was spent setting parameters to find the best "clouds" of sounds from each file then creating sequences where these clouds could be "played" in a set order)*

...then layered together with some minor tweaks and additions such as reverb. Academic electronic music meets modern jazz - it's almost a parody of "free" style composition. (The ending, where it sounds like an orchestra tuning, is a GrainStates-ized Lazerbass solo, for the record.)

previous musings on GrainStates

piece made with GrainStates without reading the manual

*update: parenthetical added because "run through the Reaktor GrainStates effect plugin" makes the process sound much more passive than it was. the machine does a lot of the work but the ear has to decide what's worth capturing

don't worry your pretty little head about protocol, let us steer you

Just noticed the concern trolls at Mozilla took the "http" out of the new Firefox address bar.
Here is how to put it back: http://www.ghacks.net/2011/09/28/firefox-add-http-back-to-address-bar/
At least they haven't gone full Google yet and removed the address bar altogether.
Lambs to the slaughter, people.

See also: domain helper

"Pining for Sparky"

"Pining for Sparky" [mp3 removed]

Using the drum machine as a mixing board, with insert cables going out from the various drum channels to a computer "virtual effects rack" and coming back in, then fading various of the "effected" percussion sounds in and out. (Somewhat as shown in this diagram but less elements.) The uptempo break in the middle was added later.