Summary
This episode is sponsored by Berlin-based pro-audio company HOLOPLOT, which features the multi-award-winning X1 Matrix Array. X1 is software-driven, combining 3D Audio-Beamforming and Wave Field Synthesis to achieve authentic sound localisation and complete control over sound in both the vertical and horizontal axes. HOLOPLOT is pivoting the revolution in sound control, enabling the positioning of virtual loudspeakers within a space, allowing for a completely new way of designing and experiencing immersive audio on a large scale. To find more, visit https://holoplot.com.
In this episode of the Immersive Audio Podcast, Monica Bolles is joined by the musician and Senior Sound Technologist at Meow Wolf – Les Stuck from New Mexico, US.
Les began working in spatial audio while working for the Ensemble Modern and the Frankfurt Ballet in Frankfurt, Germany. He designed the touring six-channel sound system for Frank Zappa’s Yellow Shark Tour, which included a 6-channel ring microphone. He then worked at IRCAM in Paris, where he built several spatializers in Max/FTS – a 6-channel version for Pierre Boulez’s …explosante-fixe… premiere, an unusual 8-channel version specifically adapted to classical opera houses for Philippe Manoury’s opera 60e Parallèle, and a signal-controlled panner that allowed extremely fast movement. He designed a 7-channel sound system at Mills College that featured an overhead speaker and built a variety of spatializers for students and guest composers. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of John Chowning’s seminal work on the digital simulation of sound spatialization, Les realized a version of his algorithm for release with Max/MSP in 2021, including panned reverb and the Doppler effect, all controlled at signal rate. Currently Les works at Meow Wolf, where he designs interactive sound installations and acoustical treatments. He has developed several spatial plugins for Ableton Live, which typically include a binaural output to preview the results in headphones before going on-site. He led a collaboration with Spatial, Inc for Meow Wolf’s installation at South by Southwest, and did extensive testing of Holoplot speakers for a future Meow Wolf project.
Les talks about his extensive career, working with spatial audio since the 1980s, including projects with Frank Zappa, IRCAM, Cycling74, and we dive into the topic of interactive spatial audio for physical installations.
Listen to Podcast
Show Notes
Les Stuck Website – https://www.lesstuck.com/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesstuckartandtechnology/
Meow Wolf Website – https://meowwolf.com/
QSYS – https://www.qsys.com/products-solutions/q-sys/software/q-sys-designer-software/
Audio for extended realities: A case study informed exposition – https://shorturl.at/gjxD3
Sound Experience Survey: Fulldome and Planetariums – https://www.ips-planetarium.org/news/632118/IPS-Sound-Survey.htm
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Credits
This episode was produced by Oliver Kadel and Emma Rees and included music by Rhythm Scott.