‘An evaluation of emergent technologies and practices in relation to real-time online remote record production’

Overview

• The ability to direct / record / produce artists online in real-time

• Controlled locally with a seamless interface

• Producer / artist relationship should be identical to ‘same room’ situation

Overview

• Ultimate goal is to establish whether online can ever achieve the same results as traditional approach

Overview

• Online real-time production – is it possible?

• Challenges include…..

• Technical • Control• Communications

Some initial considerations...

• The producer / artist relationship

• For optimal conditions re the creative process this process cannot allow for any aspect of the interface to introduce any distraction / disruption

Why?

• Artists

• Restrictions of locality removed• Opens up endless new opportunities• Reduces cost – travel, accommodation etc• Reduces impact on the environment• Scale becomes irrelevant

Why?

• Studios

• Restrictions of locality removed• Opens up endless new opportunities• Reduces cost / environmental impact• Opens up valuable new income stream

Why?

• Producers / engineers

• Restrictions of locality removed• Opens up endless new opportunities• Reduces cost / environmental impact

• Can engage in more work – eg pre-production

How?

• Remote control

• Producer assumes control of recording environment using dedicated software such as Team Viewer, Logmein etc

How?

• Effective practice

• Software is local to producer or artist?

• Data storage / transfer?

• Latency?

How?

• Communication

• Video

• Audio

Options

Remote Control of YDAW hosted remotely

Input recorded to PT at YOutput monitored at XAudio files sent to X for mixing later?

Producer ( X ) Artist ( Y )

Options

Remote Control of YDAW hosted locally

Input recorded to PTOutput monitored and recorded at X

Producer ( X ) Artist ( Y )

Examples….

• Digital Musician Network

• OHM Studio Beta

• Source Connect v ISDN

• Audio TX

Mono, stereo, multi-track?

• All current examples appear to favour one of the above formats

• Will increased speed/bandwidth/reliability develop to a point where true multitrack recording can be carried out without problems?

• Only simpler formats may be possible for now with hybrid scenarios?

Research process

• Review current techniques

• Establish ‘best’ template for studio model production

• Create tests to establish effective working patterns

Research process

• Major challenge will be shifting goalposts!

• A rapidly changing and developing process