Audio setup

2 audio inputs :

• Solo Flute

• Solo Oboe

10 audio outputs from max patches :

• Real Time FX

• Fake RT samples in dac 1&2

• Sequences Samples in dac 3&4

• samplor~ based sampler for Keyboard 1

• samplor~ based sampler for Keyboard 2

Loudspeakers setup

The electronic part is sent to a crossed stereo (L R Ls Rs) setup for Real Time effects & sounds, and a stereo + monitors system for the (virtual) “synthesizers” part.

Midi setup

The following midi devices are required :

• 2 pedals with different ctl number for flute and oboe

• 2 keyboards (88 notes + sustain pedal,  with pgm change buttons) for playing the synthesizers parts.

Software installation

You need Max 7 

Ircam forumnet account is required for supervp.play external ( http://forumnet.ircam.fr/fr/product/supervp-pour-max/ )

Add the following folders to your Max file preferences path:

• Congruences_max/

• Congruences_samplor/

System calibration and tests

• Play the sounds 

• Test the RT (with the provided simulation files) 

• Test the synths

• Test the pedals

Initialization routine

• Open the following patches :

  • Congruences_2015-16Manifeste.maxpat

  • Congruences_samplor/CongruencesClavier1DXSamplor-v7.maxpat
  • Congruences_samplor/CongruencesClavier2SYSamplor-v7.maxpat

• Check all midi IOs (in app, patch and samplor patches)

• Check DSP status (SR = 48khz, 256/128)

• Init

• Load sounds (check max window)

• choose your section !

Patch & system overview

The electronic part of Congruences consists in live real time effects on solo flute and oboe, sequences (former synth sequence, now soundfiles), and 2 keyboards playing samples (formerly DX7II & SY99/TX802).

Some fake RT soundfiles have been added for some events and should be mixed with the real time treatments.

Congruences uses score following based on the detonate max object. Flute pitches are followed along with pedal switches and keyboard 2. Some events (like the first for example) may be triggered manually … Score following can be engaged and disengaged with the ‘x’ key.

Most of the treatments are done with complex routing and feedbacks. Effects type of A, B, 1 & 2 are variable along the piece ; have a look in effects section in DSP subpatcher. Effects routing can be monitored within the rtctl subpatcher. Global levels can be adjusted but routing can not be modified. 

All events (RT, sequences, pgmchanges, follower gates) are given in the score subpatch (qlists), except Fake RT sounds that are triggered from the sfload&ctl section : some of them are triggered along with events, other are played by pitches from the keyboard 2.

Performance notes

The ensemble should be amplified and reverberated.

Sequences outputs must be well mixed with the synth. 

RT outputs may be reverberated, according to the hall. They already include lots of reverbs !

The flute is the main trigger for the treatments, and is the main source too. A balance must be found between flute + treatments and oboe + ensemble. Flute & oboe are the soloists, but must not be too much amplified. For example, in section VII (oboe cadenza), the oboe may be cut off the PA to mix with electronics. Transpositions should be heard clearly as written in the score, with good presence.

Extra long reverbs are used on direct sound of flute as well as on transpositions, and should be really present in the mix as they are used as a duration modifier more than an acoustical enhancement. Treatments of the ensemble and percussions don’t need to be loud and can maybe be omitted. Important cues have been doubled with soundfiles. Direct treatments are used for the mix, but should be mixed at a low level in order to clarify the global image.

Using fake RT soundfiles is strongly advised. It should not replace the live RT, but be mixed with it.