Are you tired of the plain and passive AfterDark modules that never change with your working environments? Do you like to shout at your computer sometime in one of your hard
working day? If you do, try SAD!
SAD is a set of modules that respond to the sound (or noise) surrounding your computer.
If your Mac has audio input device (i.e. microphone+jack), try these modules. Since your
microphone is idle all the time, why not make some fun with it!
SAD 1.0 is a shareware. If you like these modules, please send US $8 to
Ping-Wen Ong
P.O. Box 303
Middletown, NJ 07748-0303
USA
If you have any question or comments, please send e-mail to
Internet: ong@doc.nyu.edu
ComputerServe: 71664, 157
AOL: SAD303
Two of the modules in SAD 1.0 are coded in demo-mode. You can only run them for about
5 minutes. If you like them, please send US $12 (covering shipping) instead of $8 to
receive the full function modules. You'll get another bonus module (maybe more) too.
If you are not in the United States, please send $11 + shipping charge to your country. If you prefer to receive it electronically, please send e-mail to above addresses.
In SAD 1.0, there are two subsets with prefix SAD and SADM respectively. These two
subsets contain the same 9 modules:
SAD bar SADM bar
SAD firefly SADM firefly
SAD graph SADM graph
SAD lattice SADM lattice
SAD radio SADM radio
SAD rhythm SADM rhythm
SAD shape SADM shape
SAD totem SADM totem
SAD twist SADM twist
The difference between SAD and SADM modules are: multiple SADM modules can be run
under MultiModule mode simultaneously, while SAD modules can not be run with other
SAD module under MultiModule mode. If you only want to run one sound-aware module,
use the SAD one instead of SADM one, since it is faster. You can still run SAD module
with other AfterDark module under MultiModule mode.
Following are descriptions for each module. Modules with a mark (*) means a demo-module.
1) SAD(M) bar(*):
The spectrum analyzer display on your Mac screen. This is great if you like to listen
music with your Mac running in "background". You can adjust the sensitivity to the
audio source, the number of the bands displayed, the size of the analyzer display with
floating option and the color scheme from rainbow to Christmas to Abyss.
2) SAD(M) firefly(*):
Fireflies are perfect for screen saver, they are small and they are cute! Try to shout
at them and watch them panic! You can adjust the sensitivity to the audio source, the
number of firefly, the size of each firefly and the color of the firefly.
3) SAD(M) graph:
Different face of the same spectrum analyzer display. This time is the graph instead
of bars. You can adjust the sensitivity to the audio source, the sampling size to see
greater or fewer detail of sound spectrum, the size of the displayed graph with floating
options and different configuration options from simple graph to graph with history.
4) SAD(M) lattice:
Display the sound level history in an array of squares. If you make the squares small, it
is a good tool to keep track of the noise level of your working environment. You'll know
how noisy or how quiet your office is for a period of time. You can even use it to find
out whether other people making noise in your office while you are not in :-). You can
adjust the sensitivity to the audio source, the size of the square, the displayed area
with floating options and various color schemes.
5) SAD(M) radio:
Display the sound level history in a radiating square or circle. It can be used as SAD
lattice module. You can adjust the sensitivity to the audio source, number of the pilot
waves, the displayed area with floating options and various color schemes.
6) SAD(M) rhythm
Rhythmic pattern great for dynamic music! You can adjust the sensitivity to the
audio source, interval for refreshing the screen, the displayed area with floating options
and various color schemes.
7) SAD(M) shape
Various shapes displayed with color reflecting the sound input level. You can adjust
the sensitivity to the audio source, number of shapes displayed, various color schemes
and different configuration including lines, ovals, rectangles marching on the screen
boundary, around a circle or free floating.
8) SAD(M) totem
Changing totem according to the sound input level. You can adjust the sensitivity to
the audio source, number of totem, displayed area with floating options and various
color schemes.
9) SAD(M) twist
Changing twist according to the sound input level. You can adjust the sensitivity to
the audio source, number of totem, displayed area with floating options and various
color schemes.
SAD 1.0 has been tested on Quadra 660AV and Mac IIci with MacRecorder. It should work
under all 'normal' configured Mac with sound input. If your Mac has no sound input, you
can still run these modules. These module will simulate sound input for you to see
how they work! Although these modules have been tested for a long time on these machines
without any problem, but I can't guarantee they will not break your sound input device. Use
them under your own judgement. I am not responsible for your equipments. For my
understanding, the sound input device is just another electronic device which is always
robust enough for long time usage. I think it will last longer than the computer itself.
