Exploring PreenFM2 with Max for Live PreenFM2 Patch Degrader

The above is a composition by John Keston featuring PreenFM2 being manipulated by a custom patch he created with Max for Live. According to John, the patch "allows me to degrade, morph, and/or scramble sets of parameters on the synth. This is similar to a device I designed for the Yamaha TX81Z. This process creates an algorithmic approach to the sound design." You can read all about it on his site AudioCookbook.org here. The following is a screenshot of the patch and the description for the track above.  You can click the image for a larger version.

Note John is heading to ISSTA 2018 for an upcoming performance utilizing his custom patch and PreenFM2. See his site for more info.

"MODULATOR is a series of pieces composed using a sequence of stochastic, deliberate, and arbitrary processes. A hybrid of algorithmic and improvised methodologies were devised to evolve textures beyond aesthetic considerations allowing peculiar, harsh, and even grotesque sounds to emerge. These processes were applied to a particular hardware-based, FM synthesizer called the PreenFM2. The instrument uses carrier and modulator waveforms organized through a series of algorithms to create a nearly infinite array of complex synthetic sounds.

The series was composed using custom software developed in Max for Live that morphs parameter values on on the synth. The values, applied to a pool of possible parameters, are interpolated over time to new values using a multi-threaded technique that allows many parameters to be changed simultaneously.

Because of chance factors in the algorithms the textures and rhythmic content will be significantly different each time the piece is performed. However, some identifying characteristics are maintained, such as how the performer “plays” the algorithm, and the peculiarities of the FM synthesizer."