Research and Work Facilities

(Photo credit: Gianluca Grazioli)

The MMR is a large scale research facility with variable acoustics for the scientific study of live performance, movement of recorded sound in space, and distributed performance. This unique infrastructure enables the development of technologies at the core of these areas of study, as well as on cognition and perception in musical performance.

Large-scale multi-channel sound systems are used for musical and perceptual research and large ensemble performance analysis. The space may also be used as a world-class recording studio.

The acoustical treatment of the MMR, designed by Kirkegaard, includes custom sound diffusing panels mounted on the walls over tuned bass absorbers. The 70-loudspeaker active enhancement system (Meyer Constellation) can be used to extend the room reverberation or create other types of virtual reflections. The side walls have sound-reflecting shelves that not only provide supportive reflections to musicians, but also aid in projecting sound to an audience. In order to accommodate the researchers’ needs, the room response can be adjusted using the curtains and banners. Irrespective of the banner and curtain position, the physical setup of the room can be adapted using the side wall “buttresses” and walkable tension wire grid. In addition, gobos for recording sessions or recital screens for performances have been accommodated for with rolling towers.

Taken together, this acoustical treatment and research equipment makes the MMR an ideal room for research on public and participatory presentations, immersive environments, audio recording technologies, and tele-presence, which includes sound in space (virtual acoustics and spatialization) and multi-sensory integration in distributed and immersive environments.

With a capacity of up to 135 spectators (depending on the room configuration), the MMR has an infrastructure which can greatly contribute to the advancement on sound spatialization and the perceptual impact of acoustics on listeners.

View a 3D Model of the MMR.

For rental information of the MMR, please contact mmr-rental[AT]cirmmt.org.

The PeRL contains a technical grid that allows for complex experiments. It is equipped with a High Order Ambisonic setup: a dome of 37 Genelec 8030 and 4 subwoofers. This space can also double as a control room for live experiments/performances that occur in the MMR.

The standard equipment in this room can be complimented by other equipment from the loan pool for specific experiment needs.

• Lab 1: Spatial Audio Laboratory This hemi-anechoic room is treated with RPG absorptive panels. The room’s main applications for use include spatial acoustic rendering and acoustic measurements.

• Lab 2: Critical Listening Laboratory This is an ITU-R BS.775-1 standard room with stereo and 7.1 surround. The room’s main applications for use include critical listening, evaluation and audio stimuli preparation.

• Lab 3: Performance and Recording Laboratory The adjustable acoustics allow for absorption or diffusion on one wall. The room’s main applications for use include recording of individual performers and small motion capture setups.

• Lab 4: Audiovisual Editing Laboratory (Maurice Pollack Foundation). This multimedia lab is dedicated to video editing, live video control and AR/VR experiments.

• Lab 5: Immersive Presence Laboratory This lab has adjustable acoustics along with a speaker mounting grid. The main applications for use include audio, video, vibration capture and restitution, motion capture.

• Lab 6: Perceptual Testing Laboratory The Perceptual Testing workstation is for headphones and 5.1 surround. Applications for use include music and sound perception experiments, audio editing.

The Centre’s research equipment is divided into two categories: default laboratory equipment and loan pool equipment. The first is part of the default configuration of each of the seven centrally-located laboratories and control stations on the 8th floor & -2 floor of the Elizabeth Wirth Music Building whereas the latter comprises equipment available for temporary loan to members for research, concert or demonstration use. The loan pool equipment includes:

• Audio equipment: measurement and recording microphones, audio preamps/converters, multi-channel processors, portable audio recorders, workstations and measurement software, multitrack analog/digital mixing consoles, wireless microphones, headphones and preamplifiers, active loudspeakers, power amplifiers

• Video equipment: HD cameras, HD videocameras, video editing equipment, portable editing stations, high speed thermal cameras

• Motion capture: 26 high-resolution / high-speed motion capture cameras, motion capture analysis software

• Biometrics: Portable bio-feedback stations (ECG, GSR, EMG) wireless eye-tracking, electromyography, and electroencephalography

• Measurement equipment: 
  • Acoustic measurement: head and torso simulator, sound pressure field analyzer
  • Electrical measurement: real-time, dual-domain audio analyzers
  • Physical measurement: force plates, gait analysis, accelerometers

• Rapid Prototyping: 3d printers (FDM), laser cutter (80W)

• Musical instruments: keyboards, digital pianos, MIDI controllers

All existing equipment at CIRMMT is listed and fully described on the booking site(login required).

CIRMMT has 720 m² of space on the eighth floor of McGill University's Schulich School of Music's Elizabeth Wirth Music Building with offices and laboratories. The offices house the Centre's administration, technical services, and student lab. The remaining office space is taken by rooms A825 and A823. These are private workspace reserved for visiting scholars that can also be allotted on a rotating, time-limited basis to researchers using the common lab spaces for specific collaborative projects. 

The hallway, kitchen and reception area are considered open workspace and can be used by any of the members and their guests at any time.

Technical Staff

CIRMMT’s technical staff comprises the Systems/Technical Manager (Julien Boissinot), the Electronics Coordinator (Yves Méthot), and the Production Manager (Sylvain Pohu). It is their responsibility to offer assistance with the design and setup of experiments; aid in the construction of specialized electronic equipment; provide maintenance of software, equipment, and labs; and manage labs and equipment bookings. For general queries, please contact the technical staff at cirmmt.tech[AT]mcgill.ca