Ethereal Ambience
The Idea
As part of the 3D Audio and Sound Design Masterclass, I created “Ethereal Ambience”, a modulation device that transforms voice and breath into real-time sound design tools. The goal is to create an organic, intuitive way to shape ambient sound, where the performer’s breath naturally controls effects.
Implementation
Ethereal Ambience is a Max for Live device (a customised device created for the Ableton Live DAW) that works with a microphone, requiring no extra hardware. It analyses vocal amplitude, pitch and breath intensity to control reverb freeze, filter brightness and ambient noise particles.
Breathiness, volume and pitch of the sung tones are tracked separately. Unlike the usage of external instruments or controllers, the performer’s own vocal expression can create evolving, hands-free modulations. This tool is made for vocalists, electronic musicians, and sound designers working in Ableton Live that are interested in exploring experimental sound design tools.