Preserving Russek's "Summermood" Using Reality Check and a DeltaLab DL-4 Approximation

Abstract: As a contribution towards ongoing efforts to maintain electroacoustic compositions for live performance, we present a collection of Pure Data patches to preserve and perform Antonio Russek's piece "Summermood" for bass flute and live electronics. The piece, originally written for the DeltaLab DL-4 delay rack unit, contains score markings specific to the DL-4. Here, we approximate the sound and unique functionality of the DL-4 in Pure Data, then refine our implementation to better match the unit on which the piece was performed by comparing settings from the score to two official recordings of the piece. The DL-4 emulation is integrated into a patch for live performance based on the Null Piece, and regression tested using the Reality Check framework for Pure Data. Using this library of patches, Summermood can be brought back into live rotation without the use of the now discontinued DL-4. The patches will be continuously tested to ensure that the piece is playable across computer environments and as the Pure Data programming language is updated.