As a drummer I use a lot of "timed" electronics with my playing. I use delays, arpeggiators, drum machines and the like. These effects carry timing information. For example, a delay may pulse a quarter-note triplet while an arpeggiator plays quarter-notes. Different devices/effects are connected via midi and kept in perfect time ("synched") together thanks to Midi Time Code which is driven by a tempo (beats per minute). These devices are turned "on" and "off" in many ways; for example drum machine is started by a number of switches placed around the kits (kick, hats, snare). These electronic "timed" elements (arpeggio, delay, backing) all produce a time pulse yet rely on my input to activate and deactivate. When I play drums, is an interaction between the electronic "perfect" time of the "machines" and my human time. I recently discovered that Morse Code relies on that exact concept, rhythmically.
This video discusses how early teletype machines were mechanical and produced an automatically repeating tone. There was a two-key system. When one key is activated it repeats dits at the correct temp while the other key produces dashes, also at the correct tempo. So the timing is controlled (can be high rate) like a mechanical metronome. However the activation of the keys themselves is based on the individual activating them. Spaces exist everywhere between letters, words, and sentences and the teletype-operator has control over those spaces; the operator and the machine work together to form a time base. That is exactly how the time-base in my studio works. I respond to timing cues that I initiate. Drum machines turn on and off rapidly, hitting of pads creates delays, etc.
I am located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The city is known for two disasters. First, many who perished in the Titanic are buried in Halifax. Second, the city was levelled in a naval accident when two ships collided in the harbour. It is known as the Halifax explosion in January which resulted in Canada's first government-funded housing project (homes still remain in the wonderful Hydrostone area). Why is it relevant? Because in the video I incorrectly ascribe the wrong date to the sinking of the Titanic because I got it mixed up with the Halifax Explosion. The Titanic sank in 1912 and was the first vessel to use the newly standardized SOS signal. The Halifax explosion took place five years later in 1917.
...---... ...---... SOS SOS. Titanic was the first vessel to use this "new" emergency code.
7 сен 2024
