ENGINEERING & DEVELOPMENT
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Break Boss was developed as a Master's Thesis project that employs a neural network for quickly and systematically sorting through immense libraries of music. This is done for the purpose of automatically identifying and extracting suitable portions of songs that fit the classification of breakbeats, so as to more effortlessly create hip-hop music. In doing so, a modified Convolutional Neural Network, dubbed the Perceptron Audio Classifier (PAC), was created for iterative break classification based on training performed on specifically analyzed spectral frequency patterns in breaks and non-breaks. These patterns yield relational data that could potentially codify some of hip-hop’s patterns and sequences the same way we codify patterns in contemporary music theory. These identified patterns are then used as the basis for a peripheral utilization tool, dubbed the Break Identification Genius (BIG), to identify the most suitable sections of given sample sources to be used as breaks. Essentially, this project achieved the creation of a neural network that performs with an accuracy of approximately 98.9% for break classification and a peripheral tool for utilizing the results of this network to facilitate automatic break finding. The program was entirely written using Python.
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AUDIO PLUGINS, DSP, & AMP SIMULATION
I have designed and developed audio plugins for digital audio workstations that run AAU and VST. This required extensive knowledge of digital signal processing and amp simulation. The most notable plugins include:
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an automatic audio panning plug-in that can sync to tempo
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an audio filter plug-in that features a 4-way band splitter function, individual band distortion, and a sample & hold filter envelope follower with multiple variables for flexible functionality
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a two part delay plugin that features a 4-tap delay on the left side and a modulated delay on the right for flanger, chorus and vibrato effects
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a dynamic compressor designed to help with your mixing and mastering need, featuring four individual bands with adjustable split frequencies, where each band has its own compressor and saturator built right in.
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a Class AB Optical Compressor & Limiter with six sub modules including an Input Preamp (1), a Gain Reduction Amp (2), a Precision Positive Peak Detector (3), Tank Cap and Ballistics governing Attack and Release time for the Peak Detector (4), a simulated Vactrol Amp (5) and an Output Amp (6).
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MIS
SOLAR CELL FABRICATION
I briefly worked on advanced microfabrication where we created 1" x 1" MIS Solar Cells in a class 100 cleanroom. This process taught me advanced manufacturing techniques along with in depth electrical principles that are applicable in audio. Many of the manufacturing techniques we utilized can be found in common tube amp and other audio tech. Additionally I was faced with considerations of material design and chemical processes that affect low level fabrication.
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ADVANCED ACOUSTICS
I have also done extensive research in audio acoustics and physical wave propagation. Some of the most notable projects are listed below where links to more information can be found:
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Loud Speaker Array Design - A look into directional loud speaker array design and mapping
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Measurement of Room Reverberation Time - Using The ISO 3382 Standard
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Point Source Wave Propagation & Doppler Effect - A look at pressure diagrams for point source wave propagation and doppler effect
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Building & Room Acoustic Design - A look into acoustic design and material exploration for sound attenuation under a variety of circumstances in several given spaces
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Sweeping Loudspeaker & Microphone Arrays - A look into the acoustic radiation patterns of various loudspeaker arrays under a number of given circumstances
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