Re: [microsound] Chuck

[David Powers <cyborgk@xxxxxxxxx>]

On 9/27/06, Xdugef <info@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> I am not saying that the process is more important than the end result
> but that doesn't mean that experimentation is invalid.
>
> I could have for example purchased or maybe even gotten for free a VST
> plugin that more or less does what I wrote in Perl.
....
> Obviously artists do not need to make every tool they use but
> personally I like to evaluate a process myself. In my working life I
> have found it far more usefull to try things myself if possible rather
> than to just take someone's word for it.
>
> Adrian

Ultimately, these are decisions that YOU as an artist have to make.
Only you can decide what your artistic goals are, and if your methods
are adequate to the goals.

Right now, I'm working on a setup where I have Pure Data running
custom generative stuff, that reacts based on what I play on the
keyboard. Ironically, PD is pumping MIDI data into Ableton, which is
acting as a host for VST's. It works great, and using Ableton as a
host lets me set up the instruments, pan them, and add a little
reverb, in about ten minutes. This lets me spend all my time
developing the PD side which is doing everything interesting.

My point is, that PD would allow me to not use proprietary software
like Ableton, and to create everything within PD. However, I've come
to realize that I HATE doing hardcore dsp in PD; though I'm fine doing
some fairly simple types of glitches, granular synthesis, and basic
traditional additive, subtractive and FM stuff. But I have no desire
to program my own reverbs, filters,  compressors, and tube simulators.
Using VST's is fine with me! (I can actually use VST's in PD on winXP,
by the way). Others, however, enjoy doing it all in PD, and if it
works for them, I think that's great.

My own philosophy is to use DIY where things don't exist, but to use
whatever tools are available, such as VST's and commercial hosts, to
focus my development time on the aspects of the project that really
matter. By plugging PD into Ableton, I get something that is far more
powerful than what Ableton could do on its own. I'm not using any
loops, or even tempos in Ableton, just using it as a host and
glorified mixing board. When I get a spare $100, I will actually be
switching to Plogue Bidule or Audiomulch as my host; Ableton is just
what I have that does the job well, and simply.

Anyway, if you enjoy the challenge of Perl, and you like the results,
I say go for it. But I'd also say, don't be afraid to switch
processes, if writing in Perl ever starts to hinder you from reaching
your artistic goals...

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