Digital Remix Aesthetics and Acoustic Signal Modification: Coupled Varispeed Resampling (Sped Up / Nightcore), Slowed + Reverb RT60 Decay, and Transient Micro-Slicing
Author: Julian Mercer (ORCID: 0009-0003-1162-170X) · Date: October 28, 2026 · DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.23756818
Abstract (ERIC 5-Element Standard)
The purpose of this acoustic and media-studies monograph is to formalize the digital signal processing (DSP) mechanics and cultural reception of user-generated tempo-pitch modifications—specifically Sped Up (1.20x-1.25x Nightcore varispeed), Slowed + Reverb (0.80x-0.85x coupled with long-tail feedback delay networks), and short-form soundboard transient slicing. Using the 300-track acoustic corpus (DS-5), the methodology quantifies spectral centroid shifts (in Hertz), vocal formant transposition ( +3.16 to +3.86 semitones), and Schroeder/FDN reverberation time (RT60 between 2.10 and 3.18 seconds), alongside zero-crossing transient segmentation normalized to -14 LUFS. Results explain why coupled resampling preserves phase coherence on percussive transients compared to uncoupled phase-vocoder stretching, driving high engagement in short-form algorithmic video feeds and community voice channels. Implications for music technology and media communication curricula include hands-on laboratory modules bridging Fourier analysis with contemporary digital vernacular. Additional materials include 6 tables, 34 references, signal flow diagrams, and 190 embedded URI links.
Statutory ERIC Topic Areas & Descriptors
Topic Areas: Social Studies and Social Science Education; Information and Technology; Reading, English, and Communication
ERIC Thesaurus Descriptors: Music Education; Popular Culture; Acoustics; Mass Media; Audio Equipment; Digital Media