virtdelays




hardware:   Apple MacBook M4 Air, Eurorack modular system/hardware, tuned goblets, assorted percussion
software:   Apple Logic Pro X RTcmix, max/msp ([rtcmix~])

I was pleased to get the Logic-Max/MSP real-time audio connection happening; it opens up a lot of possibilities (more music! more explorations! Yeah!). I have to be a little circumspect with the long-delay setup, though. It's so easy to get it going and then generate (literally sometimes) hours of ambient, slowly-evolving music. It's kind of like the paulstretch technique -- and the problem is that there is a 'samey-ness' to the results if you're not careful. Not that this is necessarily bad, but it seems too easy. Plus I like to seek out new musical vistas. Keeps me going.

I used a Max/MSP-rtcmix~ sequencer patch for the sequences in virtdelay1. It was a little easier for me to program the sequences I wanted. For virtdelay2, I played the 'tuned goblets'into the long delay-line using the Logic-Max/MSP connection. I had been seeking a way to use the goblets. I don't like to not-use stuff, especially when the stuff was a nice gift.

The conga-like drum sound in virtdelay2 was actually generated by an empty Listerine(!) bottle. While rinsing it out for the recycling, I noticed that if you 'whomped' your hand on the top it would make a nice, deep conga-like sound. That's what I used (no delay on it).

Why are they called 'virtdelays'? Because the delay was "virtual", using software. I didn't have a delay-line module to use nor did I set up a delay-system with tape recorders or any similar hardware.

Piece website:

Brad Garton
July, 2026