DatabuMp is a graphic sonification software created within Pure Data. This tool attempts to overcome two challenges confronted when sonifying data. 1) Data sampled at regular intervals can end up sounding like a barrage of quarter or eighth notes if directly sonified. This can be exacerbated when using layers of regularly sampled data that is mapped to pitches for various instruments in an ensemble. DatabuMp employs a variable window-size averaging feature that allows data to be expressed in longer and shorter durations. This window-size can be continually adjusted. 2) Converting massive amounts of data into notes for instruments can be cumbersome, especially when wanting to hear the data as it is sonified. DatabuMp employs sequencer-like automation lanes which facilitate the automation of: a) the speed of the data-playback and b) the window-size averaging feature. Simply by drawing automation or using a record-enabled slider, the previously-mentioned parameters can be automated in real-time and heard with audio playback. Once the composition is ready to be notated, they can record MIDI from DatabuMp into notation software for further notation/composing. Additionally, DatabuMp offers a “post-processing” feature that allows additional datasets to be sonified though audio processing of recorded instruments. For example, once the composer has sonified the data, exported it to notation, recorded instrumentalists performing the work, they are able to import the recorded audio file back into DatabuMp and perform audio processing that is driven by data. Currently, when operating in “post-processing” mode, the software uses a signal chain consisting of spectral delay and frequency shaping engines, the parameters of which are driven by these additional datasets. Additional algorithms can be implemented in future iterations.
