VOLBot 2.0

Back to fundamentals…. Compositional practice involves constructing and organizing multiple layers of sonic material as its first step. During production, Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) are utilized to present this material on separate tracks, featuring either synthesized sounds in real time or recorded material in the form of sound files or live audio input.

The simultaneous overlapping of sonic material is achieved through various balancing strategies and mixing techniques. The volume control for each track in a DAW is provided with sliders resembling those found on a mixing console, along with scoring capabilities through volume automation data specific to each track on the timeline.

No practical solutions or engine currently exist to creatively adjust the balance of DAW tracks collectively with a unified gesture in real time. The VOLBot emerges as a tool to bridge this gap.

VOLBot iOS, designated as the server, alongside multiple VOLBot iOS client instances residing on separate DAW audio tracks within typical AUv3 plugin slots, communicate remotely with each other. Through this distributed audio plugin architecture, users gain the ability to collectively manipulate an entire array of DAW tracks in real time using parameter controls on the VOLBot iOS, communicating with VOLBot clients across other tracks.

VOLBot also functions as a sophisticated CV generator, allowing users to quantize its output based on numerous available tune scales for Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO) modulation.

Due to a stochastic function generating numbers through random iterations, although each VOLBot client instance operates within the same distribution range as the server, it will exhibit varying intensity modulations produced by the VOLBot server.

Whether exploring stochastic complex control waveforms or engaging in simple interactions, the control data acting as an intensity modulator is shared among all existing VOLBots. This feature unlocks a diverse range of creative possibilities for production endeavors. The algorithmically generated variation enriches the creative process, eliminating manual experimentation efforts and presenting unforeseen possibilities.

Please note: To experience the distributed audio plugin structure, you must download the free VOLBotClient app.

For further information, access the manual here.

Relevant videos can be found on the sonicLAB YouTube channel.