Master’s Thesis · Interactive Audio · Spatial Sound · Max/MSP
Master’s Thesis · 2026 · In Development
An interactive spatial-audio installation combining immersive field recordings, responsive musical layers, generative events, and participant-controlled sound transformation.
Research Question
The project explores an interaction model in which environmental recordings and musical materials continuously coexist. Instead of triggering isolated sound effects, participant input gradually changes the balance, spatial behavior, and sonic character of an evolving audiovisual environment.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
This project is being developed as my Master’s thesis in Music Technology at NYU. The system combines immersive environmental recordings with an interactive musical layer and a generative event/sequencer layer inside a multichannel Max/MSP environment.
The current prototype is being tested in a 7.1.4 loudspeaker environment. The final thesis installation is intended for a larger immersive loudspeaker space at the NYU Steinhardt Sony Audio Institute.
Participant interaction is designed to influence the sound gradually rather than functioning as a simple on/off trigger. The goal is to preserve a coherent musical environment while allowing the audience to affect its density, timbre, spatial balance, and musical activity.
System Architecture
The system is organized as a set of modular audio, interaction, and visual layers centered around Max/MSP. Participant input influences the field-recording environment, musical layer, and generative event system, while TouchOSC provides manual control and TouchDesigner supports the visual environment.
Current prototype and thesis-development components are distinguished in the diagram.
Interaction Logic
01 — Observe
Continuous immersive environment
02 — Interact
Gesture changes selected musical and spatial parameters
03 — Evolve
The environment transforms gradually while maintaining continuity
Interaction acts as influence over a shared environment rather than as direct one-to-one control.
Current Prototype
Currently Implemented / Under Active Testing
Multichannel Audio
IMPLEMENTED / TESTED
The multichannel system has been implemented and tested in a 7.1.4 loudspeaker environment.
Immersive Field Recordings
IMPLEMENTED / TESTED
Four full-length EigenScape field recordings are integrated into the continuous immersive playback system.
System Transport
IMPLEMENTED / TESTED
Dedicated playback transport controls synchronize the field-recording environment and musical system.
Continuous Playback
IMPLEMENTED / TESTED
Ten-minute field recordings loop continuously without interrupting the overall installation.
Musical Layer
IMPLEMENTED / TESTED
A persistent musical layer remains audible at idle and responds continuously to interactive parameter changes.
Event / Sequencer System
IMPLEMENTED / TESTED
The generative event system produces controllable musical sequences with gradual attack and release behavior.
Sound Check
IMPLEMENTED / TESTED
A dedicated system-level Sound Check function verifies playback and routing before the installation begins.
PROTOTYPE DEMONSTRATION
A demonstration of the current thesis prototype, showing the interaction between immersive field recordings, responsive musical layers, generative events, TouchOSC control, and the audiovisual system.
Headphones recommended · Stereo documentation of a multichannel installation
Sound Structure
Immersive field recordings
Persistent tonal / musical layer
Generative sequencer activity
The installation uses three layers with different temporal roles. Field recordings provide environmental continuity, the musical layer establishes tonal cohesion, and generative events introduce temporary changes in activity. Interaction reshapes the relationship between these layers rather than simply switching sounds on and off.
Development Process
Current development documentation from the ongoing Master’s thesis, including system design, multichannel testing, composition, spatial-audio integration, and interaction development.
01
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Current Max/MSP System
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Current Max/MSP system integrating immersive playback, musical layers, interaction control, generative events, and system-level transport.
02
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7.1.4 Lab Testing
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Multichannel prototype testing in a 7.1.4 loudspeaker environment before deployment to the final installation space.
03
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Immersive Field Recording Integration
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Integration of full-length EigenScape spatial field recordings into the continuous immersive playback system.
04
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Generative Event / Sequencer
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Development of the generative event system with adjustable tonal, rhythmic, and temporal behavior.
05
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TouchOSC Control Interface
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TouchOSC interface for system testing, parameter adjustment, and performance-level control.
06
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TouchDesigner Audiovisual Development
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Audiovisual development connecting interaction and system data to the projected visual environment.
Role
Independent thesis project
Concept Development
System Design
Interactive Audio
Composition
Spatial Audio
Max/MSP Development
Sound Design
Testing & Iteration
Tools
Max/MSP
TouchDesigner
TouchOSC
Pro Tools
Logic Pro
Immersive Multichannel Playback
Next Stage
Thesis in progress · Fall 2026
Martain Ma
© 2026