~ CDP Release 6 is now Available ~

CDP:  The Composers' Desktop Project

Based in the UK, CDP is an international network of composers and programmers guided by a vision of amazing sonic possibilities and how they can be woven into the fabric of music. We have been working together since 1986. About CDP and its approach.

CDP:  The Software

CDP provides a software-only music system for Mac OSX and PC for transforming and assembling sonic objects , musical passages, and whole compositions. It is suitable for any musical application that requires original and imaginative sound design. Its vast range of processing functions and extensive documentation provide an essential toolbox for innovative sound designers, electroacoustic composers and educators.

Standard Delivery of the CDP system software is now via YouSendIt, which sends a link from which to download your CDP Software & Documentation. This is done as soon as possible. The option to receive the CDP Package on CD-ROM remains available for £9.00. Otherwise, there is no postage charge. The Tutorial Workshops continue to be sent on CD-ROM by post.

This software package is designed specifically to transform existing sound samples for musical purposes, mostly via off-line processing (non-real time). It is complementary to real-time processing and audio sequencers. Three GUIs are currently available for the system: SoundLoom (MAC and PC), Soundshaper Lite (PC only), and Soundshaper Pro (PC only). These GUIs are 'front-ends', meaning that they access and use the underlying CDP sound transformation and editing programs. Soundshaper Lite and Sound Loom come with the CDP software, but Soundshaper Pro does not. Therefore, please note that the CDP software must be ordered as well as Soundshaper Pro. Soundshaper Lite is the updated replacement for Soundshaper Standard Edition. It is compatible with Release 5, but has only very limited functionality for Release 6, and does not handle the new multi-channel programs. Soundshaper Pro is fully compatible with Release 6 and needs to be ordered as an option on the OPTIONS page.

A number of technical details (see System Requirements) will help to orient the prospective user. Note that the CDP software will run under Windows 7, 32-bit or 64-bit 'Home' and 'Premium' editions.

NEW: Release 6

Find out more about the new software in Release 6, which is now shipping (online download is not yet in place). The main part of Release 6 is a major set of programs for composing with multi-channel soundfile diffusion. There has also been a comprehensive set of bug-fixes and manual updates. Ordering is via the SOFTWARE page.

A number of Updates to Release 6.0.0 have now been completed. These are numbered 6.0.1, and if you have had a CD with this version number, you will already have these updates. Otherwise, use your CDP updates access code to collect these updates.

Upgrading to Release 6 from any previous version of CDP is offered at the advantageous price of only £19.00, less the usual 10% education discount, and plus P & P until download is set up. If a PC user, you may wish to move up to Soundshaper Pro as well. In order to upgrade, you will need to enter the user access code that you have been given for CDP updates generally. If this is not to hand or your code fails, please contact Archer: archerhgm(at)talktalk.net. Ordering is via the UPGRADES page.

Student Special Discount

Students studying at educational institutions that have a CDP Site Licence are entitled to the Special Student Discount that makes the base price only £42.00 (plus P & P until download is available). The software comes with Soundshaper Lite, so, again, Soundshaper Pro remains an option and can be ordered on the OPTIONS page. To ensure that you qualify for this special discount, please check our list of institutions that have a CDP Site Licence. Otherwise, the normal 10% education discount will apply. Please email archerhgm(at)talktalk.net for a Special Student Discount voucher code, including if possible proof of student status, such as an image of your student ID card. Ordering is via the SOFTWARE tab. Payment options are available, if necessary – please contact CDP.

Site Licences

Educational institutions that would like to run multiple workstations running the CDP software, whether separate workstations or networked, should order their software with an appropriate Site Licence. Please note that Soundshaper is also (separately) licensed on this basis. There is more information about licensing.

CDP Desk Reference

The PDF files for the CDP Desk Reference are included in Release 6, ready to be printed out should you wish to do so. (Institutions may print as many as they wish). For your convenience, we are also making printed and wire-bound copies available again on the software ordering page.

Delivery on CD-ROM

You have the option to have the CDP software delivered by snail mail on CD-ROM. The cost is an additional £10 + P & P.

Additional Information

• CDP FEATURED COMPOSER: Gustav Ciamaga
  
• Interview with Trevor Wishart, key creative programmer for CDP. He has recently been awarded the Giga-Herz grand prize, and is here interviewed by ZKM Radio.


• The OPTIONS tab is where you can order Soundshaper Pro, GrainMill (when on its own, as it is included with CDP Systems), and the algorithmic and real-time MIDI instrument language Tabula Vigilans.
• Visit the LINKS tab for information about software complementary to CDP: Csound, ProcessPack, etc. We are particularly pleased to announce the Release of ProcessPack, created over the past year by Richard Orton and Archer Endrich, working as 'Wellspring Music'. The overall aim of this Project is to provide high-level composition design tools.


• Please note that CDP's main contact email address is: archerhgm(at)talktalk.net.
  
  

(The image on the right is the CD cover.)

Last updated: 23 February 2011