Simulation of Networked Ensemble Performance with Varying Time Delays: Characterization of Ensemble Accuracy
Michael Gurevish, Chris Chafe, Grace A. Leslie, Sean Tyan · University of Michigan Library Repository · 2004
The conditions of networked ensemble performance were simulated in an experiment.Pairs of musicians were placed apart in isolated rooms and given a simple rhythm to clap together.A microphone was placed as close as possible to each performer's hands.Each monitored the other's sound via headphones, and a delay was introduced between the source and listener.Starting tempo, given by a recorded count-in, and delay time were varied across trials.Recordings of the trials were analyzed with a precise event detection algorithm to locate clap onsets, from which the tempo was inferred.The rate of deceleration increased with longer delays, while shorter delays ( 11.5 ms) produced a modest, but significant acceleration.The goal is to identify the region of delay time that is most conducive to maintaining a steady tempo.This will help to determine the necessary delay conditions to support networked musical performance (which may be over long distances or in adjoining rooms).Humans performed significantly better than a simple model of a memoryless instantaneous reaction.