Audio Setup

The electronic part of Cassandre requires a stereo frontal diffusion. The voice and the ensmble should be amplified.

No real time transformation.

Audio/MIDI setup diagram - General Stage, Audio and MIDI Setup

Software setup

This version of Cassandre uses 2 patchs:

• cassandre2022 to play the soundfiles (direct to disk samples), controlled by keyboard 1 (midi channel 2)
• Cassandre_Sampler to replace the original AKAI Sampler, played on keyboard 2 (midi channel 1, customizable, see below ) and change the different programs by pgmchange messages.

To load all the max patches simply open the cassandre2022.maxproj project : Both patches are automatically launched.

Max Sampling rate should be set to 44.1 kHz, Vector Size 64. Overdrive On.

The cassandre2022 folder contains all the applications, patcher source files, sound files, etc. required for the Macintosh computer to perform the piece.

The source files are provided so that you can eventually modify them, if you have your own licenced Max application.

Patches presentation

cassandre2022 , DtoD sounds, Midi channel 2

In the present version, this Max patch only implements the so-called "DtoD" (direct to disk): the playing of sound files triggered by MIDI pitches from the 88 key keyboard. The patcher feeds only two audio outputs (see **dac~ 1 2** object in the **AUDIO** sub-patcher).

After installation (see "Software setup" above) the main Max patcher is ready at once upon opening. Only the preload of the sound files must be performed manually, by clicking on the main patcher's button marked Preload Sound Files.

The Max patch receives MIDI Note On messages from the keyboard, on MIDI Channel n° 2 (two), and triggers the appropriate sound files.

The audio output level can be modified with the DtoD Global Volume potentiometer. It is set to -9 dB by default. This default value can be changed permanently.

At any time, the C7 key (MIDI pitch 108) can be played to stop a file during its playback. Certain other keys, according to the score, also intentionally stop a playing sound. Some other keys have no effect.

The [x] key of the computer keyboard can also be used to stop playback.

It is possible to simulate manually the incoming of a MIDI Note On from the keyboard, in order to test the patcher. Open the MIDI-IN sub-patcher with a double-click. You can then click in the right hand number box marked To simulate a pitch manually, and type in the desired MIDI pitch followed by return, or use the onscreen keyboard.

Cassandre_Sampler, samplers sounds, Midi channel 1

Select the appropriate midi input with the menu.

Select the audio output with the Audio Status menu.

Check program changes.

Levels tuning and enveloppe are stored and recalled on a program-by-program basis using the preset object.

You can save and load your own configuration, but note that current balance and enveloppe were adapted with the composer.

Performance notes

keyboard 1 : A2 (57) or press "W" to fade out the soundfile at the end of the last sentence of the monologue.