Audio Buffer London
Audio Buffer London is our monthly meet-up for audio developers and creative technologists—bridging the gap between academic theory and the gritty reality of releasing professional audio products.
Led by Sinan Bokesoy (sonicLAB / sonicPlanet) and hosted by MTUK, Audio Buffer is aimed at anyone developing software-based music tools, be they music tech students, or those working as composers, sound designers, and other creative technologists.
In a world of online isolation, we provide a physical environment to network, and stress-test ideas.
"The System as an Instrument" 🎛️🌐: Systemic Interaction & Controllerism
All music producers create their own ecosystem with multiple apps in their environment; even a DAW itself is an ecosystem hosting many apps. Session #04 of Audio Buffer London will look into such systemic interactions built with custom code, and explore generative processes for event sequencing and spatial performance.
For this session, we will host a round table setup. We will begin with presentations from two incredible guests, followed by an in-depth, open discussion to truly unpack the subject together.
Our Guest Presenters:
We are thrilled to be joined by Nick Rothwell (Project Cassiel), a composer, software architect, and Senior Lecturer at the Creative Computing Institute, UAL. Nick will take us on a journey through 30 years of controllerism—from MIDI processing on a Mac SE/30 with the UK's first copy of Max, to modern live coding and DAW metasurfaces. Emphasizing generative processes for event sequencing, Nick will demonstrate systemic interactions rather than a single app, with a special focus on Khyal Geometries: a Clojure-based live coding environment and matrix mixer for sequencing and performing.
Following Nick, we welcome Benji Fox, London-based artist, engineer, and Head of Audio Visual at the Royal Academy of Arts. Benji will present polybuild—a cybernetic spatial synthesiser built from custom code, synthesis hardware, and a scalable loudspeaker array. By treating each speaker as a discrete synthesised voice, polybuild collapses the distinction between sound and space. He will demonstrate how his rule-based compositional engine enables the real-time improvisation of complex harmonic and spatial movement.
Round Table Discussion:
After the presentations, we will open the floor for a dedicated round table session. This is an opportunity to value and explore the subject collectively. We will tackle questions about the skills, and workflows required to build and innovate within generative music ecosystems, and custom controller design. Bring your questions, your experiences, and your insights!