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+FILEMIXAUTO - Sugar Activity/Linux version - Notes
+Art Hunkins
+abhunkin@uncg.edu
+www.arthunkins.com
+
+
+Working with User Soundfiles/Objects
+
+FILEMIXAUTO is a self-playing, automatic version of the FileMix
+activity. FileMixAuto can handle 1-4 mono or stereo soundfiles. The
+files can be of any sample rate and a variety of uncompressed
+formats including WAV and AIFF; also Ogg/Vorbis, but not MP3. The
+Ogg/Vorbis format is only possible when the Sugar version is later
+than 0.84; this excludes the original XO-1 and SoaS
+(Sugar-on-a-Stick) Strawberry.
+
+*However*, the ogg vorbis format (which is written by later versions
+of the Record activity) *can* be used by SoaS (Strawberry) 0.84 if
+libsndfile is updated. This can be done while connected to the
+internet by issuing the following commands in the Terminal:
+  su <Enter>
+  yum update libsndfile <Enter>
+Neither the XO-1.5, nor XO-1 upgraded to Sugar 0.84 require this mod.
+
+Students are encouraged to create their own soundfiles, especially
+to make their own nature soundscapes. (This is the primary intent
+behind FileMixAuto. The four short "nature" files included here
+are abbreviated versions of those from the author's DUSK AT ST.
+FRANCIS SPRINGS [www.arthunkins.com].) Soundscapes can to set to play
+from 30 seconds up to 24 hours, and can be shut off whenever desired.
+They can be used as background for movement, pantomime, dramatic
+productions, meditation/relaxation, or just to create a mood.
+
+The natural vehicle for soundfile creation is the Record activity.
+This activity is fairly simple and straightforward; the only problem
+is that many versions of it do not work with various incarnations of
+Sugar. The following versions of Record seem to work well or fairly
+well: v86 with the XO-1.5 and the XO-1 upgraded to Sugar 0.84; and
+v64 with Sugar-on-a-Stick Strawberry (0.84). The XO-1.5 works *best*
+with v78 (strangely named the "Grabar" activity). No current Record
+versions work correctly with Sugar 0.86 and higher (as of 12/2010).
+Please note that Record prior to v74 (except for v61-64) produce ogg
+*speex* files; these files are *not* compatible with FileMixAuto.
+
+Soundfiles must be moved into the folder where this file resides,
+and be renamed soundin.1 through soundin.4. Alternatively, and more
+practically, however, user sound-files may be loaded from the Journal
+(Sugar 0.84 and later). In this case, only wav and ogg/vorbis formats
+are allowed.
+
+More advanced users may wish to record their soundfiles on some other
+system, and import their wav or ogg vorbis files into the Journal via
+a USB drive. (Display drive contents in Journal view, and drag your
+file onto the Journal icon.)
+
+Otherwise, advanced users can also run the fine Audacity application
+to record and edit. (Happily, none of the limitations of the Record
+activity apply here.) In the Terminal, connected to the web, enter:
+  su <Enter>
+  yum import audacity <Enter>
+  ...
+  audacity <Enter>
+(you are now running Audacity from the Terminal).
+
+When you are finished recording and editing (including auditioning the
+file in loop mode), "Export" the file in wav or ogg vorbis format,
+saving it to a USB drive with appropriate filename. Exit audacity. In
+the Journal, display the contents of your USB drive, and drag your
+newly-recorded file onto the Journal icon. It is now ready for
+FileMixAuto.
+ 
+
+The (Random) Controls
+
+A number of controls, all of which are set prior to performance, allow
+for independent random variation of the (up to) 4 soundfiles. Files of
+slightly varied duration (the default soundfiles are excellent
+examples), that begin at different random points within the file,
+create an ever-changing texture. If the loops are carefully and
+continuously made, and striking events avoided, the resultant
+soundscapes should be both seamless and modestly interesting.
+
+1) Number of files: self-explanatory (soundin.1 is file #1). If you
+don't need all 4, reduce the number, as it is less work for the
+computer. This is not crucial, however, as the volumes of unwanted
+files can be reduced to zero. If you do not select one of your own
+files, the corresponding default file will play.
+
+2) Maximum Volume, files 1-4: here is where you set basic mix levels.
+The files never get relatively louder than this.
+
+3) Random Rate: the common random speed at which random changes occur.
+A rate of zero is no change in speed at all. The fastest rate is two
+changes per second. All changes are gradual and "rounded"; as a result,
+the periodic "points" of change are not noticeable. What is heard is a
+kind of "average random rate" of change.
+
+4) Random Volume Change: changes of volume for the four soundfiles are
+independent. Particularly important: the AMOUNT of change (up to 100%)
+is DOWNWARD from (or below) maximum volume for each file.
+
+5) Random Pitch Change: random pitch variation up to 10% above AND
+BELOW the original pitch.
+
+6) Random Filter Peak (Resonance): variation in the center frequency
+strength of the filter. A higher peak concentrates the sound around the
+central filter frequency. Zero represents minimum filtering and a sound
+closest to the original.
+
+7) Random Filter Frequency: variation AROUND the center point of the
+filter (both up and down). Works in conjunction with #8.
+
+8) Filter (center point) Shift: this is NOT a random variation. The
+center point of the filter is moved up or down by a fixed amount. Works
+in conjunction with #7.
+
+9) Fade In/Out Duration: duration of initial fadein and final fadeout.
+These durations are included in Total Duration (below). Positive
+numbers are SECONDS, negative numbers are MINUTES. Range: 0 seconds to
+10 minutes.
+
+1) Total Duration: self-explanatory. All files begin and end at the
+same time (though they start at different locations within; see below).
+Though the performance will conclude at the time specified, it can
+always be halted sooner by hitting STOP (in which case, of course,
+there is no final fade). When a performance concludes naturally, the
+START button immediately reappears.
+
+Note: Every file begins from a different random position each time a
+performance is started.
+
+Additional observation: Although the controllers display only integer
+values, the buttons may be clicked and decimal - or other alternate
+numbers - inserted. (This may be particularly appropriate for Total
+Duration.) Upon hitting START, the display returns to the closest
+integer, but the chosen value will remain until changed.
+
+
+No Sound - Sample Rate Issues
+
+On a few systems, e.g. the Intel Classmate PC, the specified sr
+(sample rate) of 44100 may not produce audio. Substitute a rate of
+48000 (or, if necessary, 32000) toward the beginning of the
+FileMixAuto.csd file, using a text editor.
+
+
+Audio Glitching/Breakup
+
+If you get audio glitching, open Sugar's Control Panel, and turn off
+Extreme power management (under Power) or Wireless radio (under
+Network). Stereo headphones (an inexpensive set will work fine) or
+external amplifier/speaker system are highly recommended.
+
+
+Resizing the Font
+
+The font display of this activity can be resized in csndsugui.py,
+using any text editor. Further instructions are found toward the
+beginning of csndsugui.py. (Simply change the value of the "resize"
+variable (= 0), plus or minus.)