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What about a genetic algorithm to find sounds? I can program those!

+1 vote
I'm programming complex genetic algorithms as a means to control synthesizers. The more parameters a synthesizer has, the more complicated the programming of sounds becomes. I'd suggest MOK to build an interactive genetic algorithm to control Waverazor. You can listen to the advantages for sound design at my demonstration page soundcloud.com/ewolverine . I'd be honored to provide you the knowledge for how to build it. Cheers Elden
asked Sep 26, 2018 in Waverazor by elden (140 points)

1 Answer

+1 vote
Hi Elden,

Thanks so much!  We're honored that you would share this with us!  :)

I love your enthusiasm and vision for how genetic algorithms could work with Waverazor, but unfortunately we need to proceed with caution, if at all.  I'm not saying that you would do this, but sharing ideas could open MOK up to being sued if there is some dispute over the origin of the ideas.  Disputes could even be coming from a third party not related to either of us if they take issue with our work.

Just so you know, we have been thinking about genetic algorithms already, mostly inspired by SonicCharge's Synplant and Patternarium designs, but I have also heard of Ewolverine and think you have done some impressive work.  I don't talk specifically about future plans in public, but I can say that we may someday release something in this area of interest.  It would be hard to track the origins of ideas without some legal structure for documenting each of our company's IP prior to sharing, and that probably involves some lawyers.

At my previous company,  Avid / M-Audio, we had a legal department that could provide this sort of structure, and even then, there was a fairly strict policy of not interacting with offers of IP unless it was already protected by a patent.  That way, the legality of ownership was not in question.  At MOK we are a bit looser, since we understand the spirit of collaboration in the synth community, but at the same time we don't want to risk losing our business, even if the chance of that happening is very small.

All that to say, working with us could end up being a slow and costly process (unless you have a patent), and we don't really have the resources to pursue that sort of thing right at this moment.  At the same time, the door isn't closed and we may end up working on this together in the future if favorable conditions exist.  Another route to consider might be for you to not wait for us and just develop your own Waverazor related genetic algorithm product.  We would be happy to provide you with Waverazor support and some co-marketing of such a thing.

Again, I'm so inspired by your spirit of innovation, enthusiasm, openness and generosity!  It pains me that we can't just get started making cool, fun music tools together immediately, but unfortunately others have ruined it for us...  Still, I think your heart is in the right place and I hope we keep in touch (and remain optimistic) about future opportunities.

Warmest regards,

Taiho
answered Sep 27, 2018 by taiho (9,320 points)
First of all, thanks for your kind words. As far as I know, GAs can't be patented - only the applications that make use of one. I think, that I could programme a universal vst wrapper with GA capabilities, so nevermind.
I'll inform you when I'm done.

Thanks
Ellen
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