Results
The prospect of adaptive guitar distortion is
one that is a lot more practical than it seems on first glance. All
the algorithms used in Matlab could be expanded into a real time
interface, perhaps in a programmable DSP, that would allow each
guitarist to set his or her own parameters. Although the specific
proof of concept that was built by us was implemented for a heavy
metal play style, this could easily be changed to accommodate any
style of music.
Future Work
Given more time to work on this project, it
would be implemented in a real time operating environment, and
perhaps moved off a computer into a programmable DSP for practical
stage application. Further work that could be done to improve the
system would have been to do amplitude detection to distort not
only on speed and style of play, but also how loudly the guitarist
is playing. This would give the guitarist even more control over
what kind of distortion is being used. Finally, more effects could
potentially be added to this interface such as wah-wah or tremolo
with provisions for guitarists to enable or disable effects as they
see necessary.