Sound diffusion systems for the live performance of electroacoustic music : an inclusive approach led by technological and aesthetical consideration of the electroacoustic idiom and an evaluation of existing systems.

This thesis documents research in the field of sound diffusion for the live
performance of electroacoustic music. Broad and inclusive ways of
conceptual ising electroacoustic music are presented, with the intention of
promoting the design of improved sound diffusion systems in the future.
Having defined 'electroacoustic music' in terms of the technologies
involved and the unique ways in which these creative frameworks are
appropriated by practitioners (Chapter 1), a binary interpretation of the
electroacoustic idiom, whereby musical philosophies can be regarded as
either top-down or bottom-up, is given (Chapter 2). Discussion of the
process of sound diffusion itself reveals two distinct performance praxes,
which can also be characterised as top-down and bottom-up (Chapter 3).
These differing ideologies, in addition to the technical demands of the
electroacoustic idiom and the logistical demands of sound diffusion itself,
must be accommodated by the sound diffusion system if live performances
are to achieve the desired musical communication. It is argued that this is
not presently the case.
A system of criteria for the evaluation of sound diffusion systems is
presented (Chapter 4). Two original concepts - the coherent audio source
set (CASS) and coherent loudspeaker set (CLS) - are also presented; these
are intended to be practically and theoretically useful in the field of sound
diffusion. Several existing diffusion systems are evaluated in terms of these
criteria (also Chapter 4). A description and evaluation of the M2 Sound
Diffusion System, which was co-developed by the author as part of this
research, is also given (Chapter 5).
The final chapter describes ways in which superior future systems can be
devised. These range from specific practical suggestions to general
methodological recommendations. Overall, the intention is to provide an
interpretation of the electroacoustic idiom that can be used as a heuristic
tool 111 the design of new sound diffusion systems.