Sound Clinic: Ambisonics Workshop
NOTE: THIS IN-PERSON WORKSHOP INVOLVES A 30 MINUTE SOFTWARE SETUP ZOOM - TIMING OPTIONS WILL BE GIVEN FOR THE WEEK PRIOR.
In this two session class Chloe Alexandra Thompson will go over fundamentals of working with the 24.2 channel array at Reforesters Laboratory as well as what skills are needed to quickly onboard onto and compose arrangements for various spatial audio systems. While some technical understanding is necessary, the most important skill required for spatial composition is listening.
Thompson will onboard participants to B-Format Ambisonic Diffusion, with a focus on working through composition based on the tonal quality of sounds to create a dynamic sonic architecture through movement and stillness. Custom decoders and addressing speakers individually will also be discussed.
This workshop will involve independent and group work with two sessions; one on zoom to prepare and then one in person to develop a working understanding of spatial composition.
Materials Required:
Audio composition: this could be stems or software instruments that you would like to spatialize. Should be under 10 minutes to allow for all participants to work with the system.
Digital Audio Workstation - Ableton Live, Reapers or Max (advanced).
Envelope for Live / IEM or ICST for Reaper
Headphones
USB port / Ethernet Adapter
COURSE DETAILS:
ZOOM VIRTUAL PRE-MEETING (REQUIRED) AT MUTUALLY AGREED UPON TIME
Setup and installation of plugins and software to prep for work in the space, introductions, DAW setup and theory intro. If you cannot make this portion of the workshop please contact instructor to discuss alternatives.
Student work draft spatialize in stereo / headphones to discuss in workshop.
July 12th 10am to 3pm EST: In-person at Reforesters Laboratory, 147 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
Introduction to the space and demos & lecture of various forms of spatialization. A focus of discussion will be on the tonal qualities of sound and highlighting what sounds best suit specific methods of spatialization.
Lecture and Demo portion is group oriented and participatory.
Group work session spatializing all student compositions with a focus on listening to the variations in sound and movement qualities
We will have a 30 minute lunch break and short breaks throughout the 5 hour time block - feel free to step in and out of the room as needed to take care of your body.
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Reforesters Laboratory is an experimental adaptogen cafe and sound clinic located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. We utilize music – including spatial, sub-bass-centered, and organic instrumentation – along with breathwork, meditation, art, plant care and adaptogenic, nutritional foods + beverages to cultivate kindness—both physical and spiritual. We aim to create an environment that offers peace, space, and clarity, helping people understand the connections between themselves, their communities, and the world around them. To that end, we offer affordable "pay what you can" ticket options on all events and classes.