This week, our group had a rehearsal to test the audio-visual installation. Because the music store does not have 8 speakers, we made a decision to change the setting from 8 speakers to 4 speakers, building up a surround sound environment. The equipment list was as follows:
– 1 Temprecture&Humidity sensor
– 2 Light Sensors
– 2 Ultrasonic Sensors
– 1 Portable Projection Screen
– 1 HD NEC V302H Projector
– 1 Fireface Audio Interface
– 4 Genelec 8030/8040
– 1 MIDI Controller
– 2 Patch Boards
– 2 Adaptors
Our project will happen in Atrium, and the lights need to be turned off, providing a dark environment for immersion. The sensors will be put on a table at the front. Instructions on interacting with the sensors will be put next to the sensors.
This rehearsal was valuable to us. Because through this testing, we discovered some new problems that we need to fix. For example,
1. The transition between sound effects was not smooth. If participants interacted with the sensor while the sound effect had not finished, the sound effect would directly jump to another one. There was no crossfade, and the previous sound effects did not play to the end.
2. The portable projection screen was too small, so we might consider using a bigger screen or a whiteboard to replace it.
3. We also noticed that if we had four buttons on the MIDI keyboard for participants to enter the four levels, our project would have a non-linear storyline. To make our story linear, we must create one main button for the level control.
4. We also had a problem: the two back speakers did not output sound effects and chords. They only output ambient tracks.
5. The sound effects for the calm level were not output from the speakers for some reason. Only chords happened at this level.
6. The interaction with the ultrasonic sensor is not smooth.
7. The panner has not been used yet. Do we still need the panner?
8. The filter and the master level controller have not been created in Max yet.
We will arrange rehearsals this Thursday, Friday, and next week. Before that, we must fix these issues and ensure a smooth and successful installation process.
