CNMAT

• CNMAT Conceptual Overview

  • Overview

    • CNMAT (Center for New Music and Audio Technologies) is a multidisciplinary research center at Uni/California/Berkeley focused on the intersection of music, technology, and performance.

  • Context

    • As a pioneering institution, CNMAT addresses the evolving needs of composers, performers, and technologists by developing innovative tools and frameworks that enable new forms of musical expression and real-time interaction.

  • Key Principles

    • Interdisciplinary integration – combining music, computer science, engineering, and acoustics.
    • Real-time performance – emphasizing low-latency, expressive musical control.
    • Open tools and standards – building reusable, extensible systems for the global community.

  • Mechanism

    • CNMAT develops software and hardware that bridge the gap between artistic intention and technological execution. Key systems include:
      • CNMAT externals for Max/MSP – a suite of audio and data processing objects emphasizing time-tagged messaging and OSC (Open Sound Control).
      • OSC (Open Sound Control) – co-developed at CNMAT, this protocol enables high-resolution, symbolic control of musical parameters across networks.
      • o.dot tools – an approach to structured time-based media manipulation using Max/MSP.
      • Max JavaScript extensions – CNMAT enhances Max with scripting capabilities via JS for interactive systems.

  • Examples

    • javascript

      // CNMAT JavaScript example in Max
      var osc = require("osc");
      var udpPort = new osc.UDPPort({
          localAddress: "127.0.0.1",
          localPort: 57121
      });
      udpPort.open();

    • max

      // Max patch using CNMAT's [o.route] for OSC message routing
      [udpreceive 57121]
      |
      [o.route /synth/frequency /synth/amplitude]

  • Misconceptions

    • CNMAT is only for academic research → CNMAT tools are widely used by practicing musicians and performers globally.
    • OSC is just another MIDI replacement → OSC is much more flexible, supporting symbolic addressing, bundling, and high-resolution parameters.