The augmented drum kit: an intuitive approach to live electronic percussion performance

This paper aims to outline some aspects of ongoing research towards the development of a computer mediated electronic augmentation of a traditional four piece jazz drum kit. The highly customised instrument
consists of a traditional drum kit mounted with triggers, contact microphones, speakers, and bespoke software. The acoustic kit becomes part of the control interface of the electronics with the use of various machine listening techniques, and mapping strategies. Firstly, I will present an introduction to the history of the drum-kit as a constantly evolving instrument, supported by examples, and I will also discuss its relationship with the computer. Secondly, I will expound the aims of the research and the technical details of the setup, along with some of the modes of interaction methods for sound transformations through examples. Finally, I will evaluate the success of the system and its use so far, along with possible future directions.