DiMaß: A Technique for Audio Scrubbing and Skimming using Direct Manipulation

Scrubbing or skimming through an audio-only recording remains a challenge with today’s audio interfaces. We present DiMaß, a technique for direct manipulation of an audio timeline with continuous, high-fidelity audio feedback. Building upon prior work in interactive conducting systems, DiMaß uses improved algorithms to (1) estimate the input position and velocity of low sampling rate, relative input devices such as a mouse or iPod scroll wheel; (2) adjust audio play rate to precisely track user input; and (3) interactively time-stretch the audio without changing the pitch at arbitrary forwards and backwards play rates. Early feedback showed that users are willing to tolerate slightly reduced responsiveness in exchange for smoother sounding audio. We are currently exploring how DiMaß enables users to more quickly and efficiently scrub and skim through audio.