Documentation for Uncanny in 9.1

Over this past summer break, a new control system was installed in the 5.1 surround system in the ACTLab, including a panel with balanced TRS input connectors. My Focusrite interface has balanced TRS outputs, but my new Gefen spdif-to-analog converter outputs with unbalanced RCA connectors. To accomodate, I had to build an interface to convert RCA to TRS 1/4" jacks. I cannibalized the TRS-TRS patch box I built last May for the Soundscapes final, installed a printed circuit board I laid-out several years ago for another purpose, added the RCA connectors, and now have an active converter for 3 RCA-to-TRS pairs in each direction with far more capacity than I needed for this project.

After I setup and had made a test run in the ACTLab on Friday evening before the Sunday show-and-tell, I heard a train whistle in East Austin. I have wanted to capture the horn sounds of a freight train. McNeil, Texas, is the best place to go for that, a crossing of 2 major freight rail lines.

It was after dark as I waited at the crossing for my computer to completely load Logic Pro when I saw train headlights. I missed the horn but recorded some uncanny clikity-clacks which would go well with the Drumming performance I was planning to use. Such is the hazard of field recording where one has to be on the spot and ready to capture the event.

I restructured my presentation, this new music was too good not to pass on to an enthusiastic audience.

Thanks to the following music groups for the use of their performances in this project:
The UT Brass Quintet, recorded in Recital Studio, Butler School of Music, The University of Texas at Austin, on November 6, 2008.
The UT Percussion Group, Dr. Thomas Burritt, Director, recorded in Bates Recital Hall, Butler School of Music, The University of Texas at Austin, November 5, 2008; Steve Reich: Drumming (1971).