Overlapping one sound multiple times in processing

Question

I'm working on the sound part of an interactive installation that would need an event to be triggered by osc an undefined number of times, making the sound linked to it overlaps instead of being rewinded and started again.

Would it be possible to do that without needing to make an array of loadings of the same sound?

I'm actually trying to do it with processing and minim library. Do you think it would be easier to achieve it with another programming software? I've found myself in the same difficulties trying to do it with puredata. Any tip or clue would be extremely welcome.

Thanks a lot.

Answer 1

You will need multiple readers ([tabread~] resp [tabplay~] in Pd; i don't know about Processing/minim, but the same principle applies) to read the table multiple times (in parallel), where each one can be started separately.

However, you only need a single instance of your data array (e.g. [table]), as the various readers can access the same array independently.

Answer 2

Can you use Java libraries in Processing? Processing is built on Java, yes?

If you can, I have a library you can use, supporting a class I call AudioCue available via github. This is modeled on a Java Clip but with additional capabilities. It allows multiple, concurrent playback. AudioCue also has real time controls for volume, panning and playback speed, in case you want to play around with adding some more interactivity to your installation.

I would love to know if it can be used with Processing. Please follow up with me if you try this route. I'd like to see it done, and can possibly assist.

If Processing allows you to send PCM directly out for playback, then the basic algorithm is the store the audio data in an array, and create pointers or cursors (depending on your preferred terminology) that independently iterate through that array. This is the main basis of the algorithm I use for AudioCue, with the PCM being routed out via a Java SourceDataLine.