BCMI-soundscape-01

Shamanic Soundscape Generator

The SuperCollider program in this repository was used with the OpenBCI-SuperCollider Interface, together as a Brain-Computer Music Interface (the BCMI-2) to test auditory entrainment with neurofeedback.

The project titled, BCMI-2 aimed to help participants create and maintain an altered state of mind, more specifically the shamanic state of mind.

//TODO test with EEG
//TODO refine this README.md
//TODO record 4 channel audio with 4speaker-test.scd for reference when mixing
//TODO fine tune how ~phaseCalcFuncVal is used for sound spatialisation
//TODO alternative to '4 ndefs.scd' files
//TODO timer that can move between levels
//TODO add timer to timer[0] that counts whole session
//TODO universal sound indicating level numbers/forest depths - instead of English
//TODO group ndefs and find mixing solution

workflow for two types of use

personal NF session

(was used in neurofeedback sessions)

• adjust code between 2-4 channel, and + live input performance

1. 30 min prior

• make space on hdd
• switch wifi/dropbox/screensaver off
• prep iPhone (airplane mode, silent, wifi-BLU off, auto lock: never, lock iPhone camera screen)

2. session

• participant to fill top of questionnaire while putting EEG cap on

• start up Screenflow (don't start recording)

• all audio to 48k in Audio Midi

• start screen-recording [configure] iphone + internal mic, computer audio, screen

• with 'openbci_gui_timeseries.scd' reduce impedance, close this file

• in 'openbci_gui_fftplot_with_neurofeedback-2ch.scd', reduce 50hz noise

• in 'main.scd':

  • enter the forest and start recording raw EEG and audio file;
  • check that extra is saved in text file if desired
  • manually adjust threshold for NFT
  • start moving inwards

  (more details in 'main.scd' file)

NF presentation + performance

(was used in public presentations e.g. https://youtu.be/lFVzwZtmecc)

• adjust code between 2-4 channel, and + live input performance

1. 2-4h prior:

• setup gear (time consuming)
• test 4 speakers with sinwaves (performance code is 1243 instead of 1234)
• screensaver off
• bluetooth,dropbox off (wifi on for presentation)
• system pref: ultralight as audio in/out
• audio sampling rate: 48k (set all in/out)
• motu app: 1in + out (with sm57 setting)
• out fresh batteries in OpenBCI and test connection
• adjust all volume (mix) - with someone
• test video recording and calculate light needed
• download youtube video (m test)

2. 30min prior:

• put on wet cap and test impedance
• adjust lights in the room
• turn on recording on camera + phone + h1 zoom

3. presentation (20 min)

• questions with orientation page
• focus is one soundscape: shamanic journeying
• explain one test with m (youtube video downloaded)
• what is different between the tests and this performance?
• there is not much gaming element to this performance - why?
• 15 vs. 30 minutes
• how to listen? digital shamans (drums annd chakapa), live drumming, other sounds
• how much would you like me to explain about the mapping before the performance, maybe after is better
• listen to the static/monotone elements the digital shaman (drumming from the speakers)
• eyes open/closed
• no intent - no journey :)
• drawing after

4. performance (15 min long)

• turn wifi off;

  1. screenrecord (screen and internal mic only)
  2. with timeseries, check impedance again (adjust EEG if needed)
  3. read EEG (with fft plot + nf with coherance)
  • adjust supercollider audio to -3.1
  3. Q/A and drawing
  • limitless options for mapping eeg to sound - but it needs to be meaningful and in-line with training e.g. even timer variables that could be used for more game like rewards, musical changes
  4. plotting with audio