PanMan - a modular tangible controller for sound spatialization

Krzysztof Cybulski; Szczepan Busko; Zachariasz Zalewski

PanMan - a modular tangible controller for sound spatialization

Abstract:

PanMan is a performance-oriented modular midi controller, conceived as a tangible interface for panning multiple sound sources in multichannel audio systems. It consists of four independent control units and a docking base - the modular design allows each of the units to be either physically attached to the base, or connected to it via extension cords, allowing up to four users to participate in an interactive sound installation experience or a collaborative performance setting. The physical controls on a single module consist of a joystick/trackball hybrid – a dome-shaped control device designed to be operated with a single finger – and a thumbwheel for additional parameter control, positioned at the edge of the module, allowing for one-handed operation of three parameters. The design facilitates operation by both right- and left-handed users, also allowing a single user to operate two controllers simultaneously, controlling up to six parameters at once.