Analysis of DualShock 4 as a Musical Instrument

Research

My article, Analysis of DualShock 4 as a Musical Instrument, is in there. It’s also available online at:

http://keams.org/emille/emille/emille_16/emille_16.pdf#page=51

Abstract:

Sony’s DualShock 4 can be used as an affordable and readily-available musical instrument that may not require additional software to establish a connection with the computer. Despite the effortless connectivity via Bluetooth or USB, DualShock 4’s number of functioning inputs varies depending on the applications and the communication method. The author analyzed and documented DualShock 4’s mapping scheme for Max and SuperCollider in this article so that it may be served as a reference for composition and performance projects. While buttons and joysticks behave much like MIDI controllers, some distinct features of DualShock 4, such as the trackpad, built-in timer, and SIXAXIS, have unusual mapping schemes and ranges.

Below are two relevant videos to the paper:

Cobalt Vase – solo for drum machine

Compositions, Performances

Cobalt Vase is a solo piece for a drum machine. The drum machine (and other electronic instruments) is a musical instrument, and therefore one gets better at playing it with more practice. I did not want to operate Korg Volca Beats to record a drum track in a DAW. Instead, I wanted to become good enough to improvise, adapt, and perform with features unique to the instrument. I think I can “play the scales without looking at my fingers” on Volca Beat at this point. Jeff Mills’ TR-909 Workout, which demonstrated that how to use counts more than what you use, is a direct inspiration for Cobalt Vase.

Dubious Toppings – for piano and electronic ensemble

Compositions, Performances, Research, ,

A pizza-themed piece for piano and large electronic ensemble.
Performance by EMEWS (April 2019)
Joo Won Park – piano, composer
Gavin Langley – audio engineer
Sean MacKillop – video
Andy Garcia, Ebony Swain, Jacob Joslin, James Stanulet, Jessica Cory, Martin Davis, Samuel Sprague, Thane Hall, Tyler Smith, Alex MacColl-Artrip, Benjamin Schornack, Hunter Desjarlais, Gavin Langley, Josh West, Justin Carrier, Nicholas Schnorberger, Trent Nedbal, Patrick Norton, and Taylor Vaughan – laptops

Click the link below for Dubious Toppings Score and SuperCollider File

https://app.box.com/s/y9okvvzzklvg31xa676hestvjjqw9mfm

On Off Fade – Etudes for Electronic Music Ensemble No. 2

Compositions, Research, , ,

Link to Score

An electronic instrument can express a gradual or sudden change of timbre by twisting a knob or a slider. On Off Fade for an electronic ensemble is written to practice deliberately timed change in dynamics, density, and spectrum. The ensemble may consist of a percussion and three or more electronic devices. Specific models of electronic devices or previous experiences in an electronic ensemble are not required to perform this piece.


Instrumentation

Three or more electronic Instruments:

  • A machine that produces noise-like sound is preferred.
  • The performer should be able to control at least the volume and another parameter of the sound continuously. More the controllable parameters, better the instrument.
  • Examples of such devices include a radio, drum machine, no-input mixer, turntable, modular synthesizer, electronic metronome, circuit-bent toys,  and analog television.

One drumset OR drum machine:

  • A drumset consisting of a bass drum and a snare is ideal. Alternatively, one may use a drum machine that can trigger bass drum, snare, and rimshot sounds.
  • A drum machine should also be able to start and stop a preset rhythm.

Performance and Score Instruction
For an ideal balance of sound, adjust the volume of the instruments so that they do not overpower the drumset or the drum machine.
Notation for Electronics:

  • Regular notes and rests: start and stop the sound by increasing and decreasing the volume control. All notes should have a short attack and release time unless notated with crescendo or decrescendo. Respect the duration of the rests.
  • Notes with the + sign: change a parameter. For example, a synthesizer player can turn a filter knob. If there is more than one parameter control, feel free to change multiple parameters.
  • Crescendo and decrescendo: For regular notes, gradually change the volume control (a dynamic marking of n being no sound to ff being the loudest sound possible). For the + notes,  change a parameter.

Notation for Drumset or Drum machine:

  • At the absence of a conductor, the drummer cues the next section.
  • If a snare roll is not possible, trigger a preset rhythm in place of a snare roll.