Adapting and parameterising auditory icons for use in a synthetic musical instrument

In this paper we describe the adaptation and parameterization of environmental auditory event structures for use in a real-time musical synthesizer. In doing so, we have developed a new software musical instrument based on the parametric representation of ecological sound structures, and which facilitates the application of typically non-musical auditory events in a musical context. Since this approach is to be realised within a low-latency, performance oriented synthesizer, our aim is not the development of computationally expensive physical models, but rather to effectively convey complex auditory events using arrays of simple sinusoidal components, while still retaining the key perceptual features of those events. By offering a performer ecologically-derived parameter control, we aim to encourage an Everyday Listening approach to electronic music performance, while also allowing the user to combine and develop typically unrelated elements of environmental auditory events.