SSMN โ Spatialization Symbolic Music Notation: Font & Glyph Description
The project SSMN โ Spatialization Symbolic Music Notation explores needs and attitudes of composers desiring to exploit motion in space within their creative process. Based on a study of all aspects related to sound spatialization (SSMN Spatial Taxonomy), it proposes a corresponding library of interactive graphical elements (SSMN Graphic Symbols). These graphic symbols represent various types of trajectories and placement of audio (acoustic, speaker projected), performers, objects (microphone, loud speakers). The symbols are placed in a music score editor (MuseScoreSSMN), a musical sequencer or other adapted software (film, mapping, games) in order to denote spatialization and motion patterns defined by the user. A rendering engine (SSMN Rendering Engine) allows audio and visual control while monitoring the results. Thus SSMN aims at facilitating the task of realizing compositional ideas linked to spatialization using symbolic notation to bridge the gap between imagination and technical realization.
In accordance with the SSMN Spatial Taxonomy requirements, a basic set of symbols was researched and designed with the primary criteria requiring clarity, legibility and rapid recognition. Equally, the choice between symbolic or descriptive designs becomes particularly relevant. Thus, the SSMN Symbol Set synthesizes both approaches. Depending on the requirements of a musical composition, spatialization information can be very complex; configurations consisting of simultaneous trajectories with varied types and durations require transmitting elaborate I/O data that must be readily understood and communicated to all in the chain from creator to performer to sound engineer. Communication between the target users is simplified with SSMN: the symbols could be common to various types of outputs (score, cue sheet, sound design, video editors) and the associated rendering parameters can be freely edited in available and future tools. They can also be used in remastering situations, preparation of audio tracks for video games, 3D cinema, surround radio broadcasting, theater productions, choreography and installations.
Current Version
Download: Version 01 โ Font & Glyph Description