Subject: Mac sequencing and synthesis software From: "BRUNO H. Repp" <repp(at)lenny.haskins.yale.edu> Date: Tue, 16 Jul 1996 12:23:51 -0400I would like to thank all colleagues who responded to my inquiry about flexible software for the Macintosh with both audio sequencing and synthesis capabilities. I have not had time yet to follow up on any of these tips, but here is a summary. Dennis McFadden recommended LabVIEW, "a graphical programming language of very high sophistication and infinity flexibility", which exists in both Windows and Mac versions and is sold by National Instruments, 6504 Bridge Point Parkway, Austin, TX 78730-5039. This sounds like the real thing, but it may be expensive. Kevin Baker mentioned that MITSYN, a flexible synthesis program developed at MIT, is available for the Mac now. No information about how to obtain it. "Once over the steep learning curve it is fairly easy and versatile to use." Several people mentioned Synthesiser, a program developed at the University of Sussex and available free from http://epunic.biols.susx.ac.uk//synthesizer/. I knew about this one and had retrieved an earlier version that, however, failed to run properly on my machine. Perhaps there won't be any problems with the latest version. The program seems to be easy to use; I don't remember how flexible it is as a sequencer. Kevin Baker mentioned that he uses the program together with Hypercard or Supercard. There is also a version for the PowerMac called PowerSynthesiser. Several people mentioned PsyScope, which is available free from http: //poppy.psy.cmu.edu. This is a flexible program for running psychological experiments, but it does not have any synthesis capabilities, as far as I know. Dan Levitin mentions that "the user interface and the manual are abominable." Jim Bashford mentions Superlab by Cedrus Corporation (superlab(at)cedrus.com). It seems to be similar to PsyScope, "... and it is supposed to become much smarter,... Last time I called Cedrus, however, the improved version of the program remained a vaporous apparition". Susan Volman sent a very detailed reply concerning sequencing software used in birdsong physiology research, developed at Ohio State University. It does not run on a PowerMac. "It uses a GW I/O board and can digitize sounds to make stimulus files, synthesize and edit some sounds, or import AIFF files from other programs". It does not randomize. It seems to be available free; contact svolman(at)magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu. A few people mentioned systems running on a PC or on Unix or Next, but that was not what I had asked for. Many thanks again for all the information. Now all I need is the time to investigate these options. --Bruno Repp