Pure Data

"Pure Data (aka Pd) is an open source visual programming language. Pd enables musicians, visual artists, performers, researchers, and developers to create software graphically, without writing lines of code. Pd is used to process and generate sound, video, 2D/3D graphics, and interface sensors, input devices, and MIDI."

You can download and install Pd on your computer just go Miller Puckett's website where you will always find the latest (and greatest) version. Main Pd website is a good portal for help and additional resources including additional libraries and patches posted by users. At the bottom of this page you can download patches I introduced in class as a starting point.

Pure Data manuals and tutorials:

  • J. Kriedler - online tutorial and you can also check his book Loadbang from the library

  • This video tutorial is the first in a series showing how to work with this tool.

  • The Floss Manual for Pd starts with how to install and goes on to explain basic synthesis ideas with Pd.

  • You can discover more links, examples, and ideas here.

First steps using pure data:

In class we looked at some simple patches (access them via MusicShare in the computer room or download from dropbox folder).

By next week you should make sure you know how to:

  1. start Pd.

  2. Get to hear the wonderful testtone in Pd.

  3. Set sound input/output using the audio/MIDI settings.

  4. Open playsample2.pd

  5. Load 2 soundfiles (remember that these need to be aiff or wav not mp3 files) into playsample and operate the controls available (play speed, on/off, start-end points).

  6. Use the delay loop (infidel~).

We looked at processing sound live (mic-processing.pd patch). You should be able to open and operate the patch to use delay, pitch-shifting, and ring modulation. We started talking about editing the patches how you connect and disconnect elements and mapping midi controllers.

Next week we will introduce granular synthesis (download Particle Chamber)

Mobile Music Platform is a way to use Pd on your mobile. You create your patch and interface and then load those into your mobile with the app. Below are two examples I build for it simpleSample.zip and synth1.zip if you installed the mobile app on your device (iOS or Android) download the zip files and open it with the app and you should be ready to go.