Interdisciplinary research on music, media and sound
The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Music Media and Technology (CIRMMT) is a multi-disciplinary research group that seeks to develop innovative approaches to the scientific study of music media and technology, to promote the application of newer technologies in science and in the creative arts, and to provide an advanced research training environment. Its research focus spans a wide range of topics from the creation of music in the composer's or performer's mind, the performance of music, its recording and/or transmission, and the reception of music by the listener. The Centre has six central laboratories, plus a new and unique music multimedia room and a performance research lab, all designed with specific acoustic characteristics in order to maximize the variety of functionalities of the available research spaces. Researchers at CIRMMT are involved in the analysis, modelling, and synthesis of sounds, modelling of the acoustic properties of musical instruments and rooms, and creating tools and instruments for musical performance. They also develop techniques for information retrieval and multimedia analysis, including immersive systems — the ability to create sound, images and touch in virtual reality — and virtual acoustics. Finally, CIRMMT researches perception and cognition of sounds and music and the application of these research areas to music-performance practice.
Information and telecommunication technologies,acoustics modelling, electronic instrumentation-sensor actuators and haptics, cognition and perception, digital audio-signal processing, information retrieval, digital libraries, motion capture, biometric measurements, sound spatialization, soundscape, expanded musical practice, immersive systems, prototyping, 3D printing, modelling, simulation and hearing-care prevention.
- Arts and cultural industries
- Education
- Information and communication technologies and media
- Manufacturing and processing
- Professional and technical services (including legal services, architecture, engineering)
Specialized labs and equipment
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Specialized lab |
Equipment |
Function |
|---|---|---|
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Lab 1: Spatial Audio Lab |
Hemi-anechoic room, specialized audio equipment (e.g. microphone and speaker arrays) |
Used for measurements, room acoustics, diffusion, instrument directivity, transducers spatialization and room perception in listeners |
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Lab 2: Critical Listening Lab |
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) standard room with high-quality multi-channel and stereo audio |
Used for critical listening, evaluation and technical ear-training research |
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Lab 3: Performance and Recording Lab |
Qualisys 8-camera active/passive motion-capture system
|
Motion-capture measurements of performer movements, virtual reality applications and recording of individual performers |
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Lab 4: Audiovisual Editing Lab (Maurice Pollack Foundation) |
HD video-editing equipment |
Preparation of test materials, demo preparation, content for archiving and viewing/listening space |
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Lab 5: Immersive Presence Lab |
Multi-speaker audio |
Used for multi-modal display and presentation |
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Lab 5: Immersive Presence Lab |
Qualisys 16-camera motion-capture system |
Used for multi-modal display and presentation |
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Lab 6: Perceptual Testing Lab |
Perceptual testing stations (2), including computers screens and headphones |
Capabilities for experimentation on music and sound perception |
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Lab 6: Perceptual Testing Lab |
5.1 surround speaker system |
Capabilities for experimentation on music and sound perception |
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HexaGRIS studio, based at the Université de Montréal |
Composition and research studio equipped with a 16 + 2 speaker system setup in the shape of a dome, plus several control surfaces and related audio equipment |
Experimentation with 3D/immersive audio |
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CIRMMT |
Bertec force plate |
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CIRMMT |
Eye trackers |
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CIRMMT |
Video cameras |
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CIRMMT |
3D printers |
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CIRMMT |
Laser cutter |
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CIRMMT |
Electronics workshop |
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Music Multimedia Room (MMR) |
Movable banners on the walls and unique panelling system to allow for variable acoustics |
Unique research lab for scientific, artistic and perceptive studies on musical performance, with or without technologies, audience, instruments and space. |
|
Music Multimedia Room (MMR) |
Ceiling Grid Suspension System |
Grid near the ceiling from which equipment (e.g. MoCap, EEG, etc.) can be suspended. Unique research lab for scientific and artistic study of musical performance on aspects of the performers, audience, instruments and space. |
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Music Multimedia Room (MMR) |
Active acoustic enhancement system, including microphones and 64+ high quality speakers |
Unique research lab for scientific and artistic study of musical performance on aspects of the performers, audience, instruments and space. |
|
Performance Research Laboratory (PeRL) |
Tools for rapid prototyping |
Research on impact of technology on music performance practice by capturing performer actions. |
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Performance Research Laboratory (PeRL) |
Advanced capture system |
Research on impact of technology on music performance practice by capturing performer actions. |
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Performance Research Laboratory (PeRL) |
Wireless bio-signal electromyography (EMG) system and weight distribution system |
Research on impact of technology on music performance practice by capturing performer actions. |
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Performance Research Laboratory (PeRL) |
High-speed and thermal cameras |
Research on impact of technology on music performance practice by capturing performer actions. |
|
Performance Research Laboratory (PeRL) |
Multichannel immersive speaker system |
Research on impact of technology on music performance practice by capturing performer actions. |
Private and public sector research partners
- Applied Acoustics Systems
- Arche Innovation
- AudioKinetic
- Bang & Olufsen
- Big Four Quartet
- Bombardier
- Cimetrix
- Fliprl
- Godin Guitars
- Infusion Systems
- Intakt Records
- InterDigital
- Janro Imaging Laboratory
- Kilo Beat
- MPB Communications Inc.
- Orange
- Philips
- Pleiades
- Qualisys
- Sennheiser
- SolarEar
- Sonic Emotion
- Weiss Engineering
- Yamaha