DIY Workshop
Build Your Own Atari Punk Console!
presented by InterAccess
Sunday 11am - 3pm
Make your own DIY sound synthesizer at the Toronto Sound Festival! Learn about the 555 chip, practice your soldering and circuit building skills, and make some old school sounds with the Atari Punk Console.
The APC is a simple noisemaker circuit that is famous for its simplicity, elegance, and endless permutations. All the necessary components and tools will be provided to you to build this legendary gizmo. You will be guided through the build and we will help you understand how electronic circuits work.
Our Atari Punk Console kit is designed by Rob Cruickshank. It is a high-quality kit, and easy to assemble. If you are new to electronics, it’s a great way to get your feet wet, and make some noise!
Talks
An Introduction to Audio for Interactive VR and 360 Videos
Learn about the techniques, mixing, integration and considerations in creating sound for interactive VR and 360 videos with Ubisoft Sound Designer Anne-Marie Ront.
Saturday, 11:30am-12:30pm
Synthesis 101
Novices and veterans alike will enjoy this whirlwind tour of synthesis methods and techniques with Steve "Doc" Castellano, featuring a sampling of the hardware and software that makes it all happen. Get inspired, ask some questions, and learn some fascinating bits of history along the way.
Saturday, 1pm-2pm
Building Copper Sound
Copper Sound studio in Guelph, Ontario provides clients a unique recording environment that has been built into the comfortable setting of a home. David Stein is going to share his technical and conceptual journey building Copper Sound from the ground up.
Saturday, 2pm-3pm
Surrounded by Analog - The 5.1 Remix of "The Interstellar Suite"
In a live interview with Paul Stillwell, composer Amin Bhatia opens the vault of raw multi-tracks to his analog synth classic “The Interstellar Suite,” showing his unique orchestral approach to analog and fm synthesis. Amin will also play some tracks in 5.1 surround from the recent 25th anniversary version, now charting at quadraphonicquad.com as one of the top ten surround albums of all time.
Saturday, 3pm-4pm
Ambisonics for Multi-Channel Sound Installations
Sherry Ostapovitch is a sound artist and professor/coordinator for the Sound Design program at George Brown College. She will talk about recording and composing for ambisonics in the context of her most recent work, In a Queer Time and Space. She discusses motivations in creating the work, making recordings in a still functioning cement factory, and composing for an ambisonic speaker arrangement.
Sunday, 1pm-2pm
An Introduction to Video Game Sound Design
In this talk, Cameron Britton will present an overview of video game sound design. He will cover music, voice, Foley, SFX, ambience, and interactive audio, and take you through an example of bringing a sound into the game from creation to implementation.
Sunday, 2pm-3pm
Composition and Improvisation Using Generative Patching
This workshop with Dustin Good will explore techniques and concepts for composing and improvising on modular systems. The focus will be on the use of interconnected control signals - some random, some not - and the inspiring outcomes that can result from careful application of signals that share influence over one another.
Sunday, 3pm-4pm
Community Events
Synthesizer Petting Zoo
The Synthesizer Petting Zoo is a community space for sharing and discussing hardware synthesizers be they modular, semi-modular, digital, analogue, with keyboards or without.
Headphones are required in this quieter retreat away from the main exhibit hall. The room is supervised and only people with All Access or Talks Only passes will be permitted entry.
Over the years there have been some incredible synths in this area from massive eurorack modulars, to MOTM 5U modular to classics like the Yamaha CS-40 and Korg MS-20 (last year there two of these beasties! An original from 1979 and the re-issued Mini).
Saturday 11am - 4pm
Gear Swap
Got gear you wish you didn't? Bring it to the Toronto Sound Festival with you... Make someone a deal or trade.
The two happiest days in a synthesist's life are when they buy a synth, and when they sell one! We recommend the Synthesizer Petting Zoo as a good place to conduct your dastardly deals!
Saturday 11am - 4pm
Acid Jam
You asked for it, so here it is! Back by popular demand is our community Acid Jam event - just bring your own XOX, XOa or other acid box, a patch or midi/cv cable, and join in on the synchronized fun!
Of course, we also need drums, so don't forget those classic XOX drum units! Not to be missed by any music enthusiast, this jam session is likely to become a staple event for years to come.
Sunday 11am - 12pm
Drone:Klub
Drone:Klub is a community drone event - a series of drone-based improv sessions in private and public spaces - performing for ourselves or for audiences. Electronic and acoustic musicians are welcome. Listeners are also welcome.
If you're droning, bring some long wires to reach the house mixer. Bringing headphones (to hear your part of the ensemble drone more clearly) & a tuner (if you're analog) would be a plus.
Loadin / Setup / Hangout - 2pm to 2:30pm
The Drone begins Sunday at about 2:30pm and ends at about 4:00pm