My name is Ben Thompson, and I work on audio things.
DSP & Audio Software
I like developing audio processing algorithms in MATLAB and packaging them in plugins using C++ and JUCE. I created obscureSignals to release playBackEQ, a plugin for applying playback equalization to records. Recently, I have also been working on projects that leverage machine learning using Python for audio restoration and preservation tasks.
Research
I am currently in my fifth year as a PhD student in the Computer & Electrical Engineering department at the University of Rochester. My research has revolved around acoustics and signal processing, and most recently has coalesced around audio restoration and preservation, including things like blind system identification, de-noising, and differentiable digital signal processing. My publications cover acoustics, DSP, and education.
Audio Hardware
I have always enjoyed building and fixing recording equipment and synthesizers. I've built equalizers, microphones, spring reverbs, etc. In 2022, I created a set of labs for an audio and music engineering course that revolved around building an amplifier and effects unit that I designed. More recently, I have been doing some embedded hardware design that includes an analog front end and ADC for a vibration sensor.
Audio capture board with analog front end, codec, and µSD for logging.
Teaching
From 2013 to 2021, I developed and ran the Music Production & Audio Engineering Pathway at Northeast Early College. The program was four years long, and students were able to earn college credit for four of the eight courses. The curriculum I developed is used by other similar programs in the district. In 2016, I developed the Denver Youth Music Awards - a contest and event for young musicians in Denver that provides an opportunity for young people to showcase their talents, network with other musicians, and learn from professionals in the industry.
Recording & Production
In 2006, I opened Alphabet Recording Studio, a not-for-profit recording studio in Fort Collins, Colorado. Since that time, I have been honing my skills as a recording and mixing engineer. After all these years, I still think making records is as mysterious and exciting as ever, and I light up at the prospect of going into the recording studio.
I recorded, produced, and mixed this one. From an engineering perspective, I am happy with the vocal treatment, and as far as the production goes, I like how the Moog bass coexists with the 808s.
I made this with the idea that it could be part of a film score. I am always drawn to emotional melodies, including melodies from traditional Scottish and Appalachian folk songs, which probably had some influence here.
I recorded and mixed this over ten years ago, but it remains one of the recordings I am most proud of. The drums were recorded with a very lean complement of microphones, and we leveraged the room mic and the acoustics of the space to create the vast, washed-out sound we were after.
This is a good example of my more sample-based production. The main sample is from a song called "What's Your Name" by the Moments.