Generative Cymatics - Music Visualisation
Continuing with my exploration into cymatics I worked in TouchDesigner to create a network capable of generating close approximations to a Chladni plate, able to recognise and interpret frequencies of audio tracks and relay that information into a particle-driven visualisation.
Continuing with my exploration into cymatics I worked in TouchDesigner to create a network capable of generating close approximations to a Chladni plate, able to recognise and interpret frequencies of audio tracks and relay that information into a particle-driven visualisation.
Research
As I'd already conducted extensive research into cymatics in previous projects my main focus for this one was refreshing my knowledge, as well as developing appropriate techniques to be used in TouchDesigner through the use of online tutorials, discussing methods with the community base - who were extremely helpful, and experimentation.
Developing the network
Initial tests were rough and used as a method of gaining a better understanding of the process, however over time I was able to refine the network into a visual aesthetic I would be happy with.
Initial tests were rough and used as a method of gaining a better understanding of the process, however over time I was able to refine the network into a visual aesthetic I would be happy with.
When I'd achieved the desired result, I exported the TouchDesigner renders to After Effects, added some basic stylistic elements (levels adjustment, chromatic aberration over time, a border and text), and then compiled them with their relevant audio tracks in Premiere Pro as I'd overlooked exporting the visual renders with the audio embedded - however this wasn't an inconvenience as it allowed for extra control over editing the video and audio.
The End Result
Below are the results of my experimentation and exploration. I thoroughly enjoyed working through this project and seek to improve the network over time. The songs were picked by my Facebook followers and prioritised for their frequency strength, clarity of beat and general popularity.
All videos are best watched at full (4k) resolution.
All videos are best watched at full (4k) resolution.