Making A Room Hear, Speak, And Remember Options

[bgrant]

Folks,

I have no experience with computer music, but I have an idea for a sound installation I want to make in my home. I want to give ears, voice, memory and mind to a room. I need a computer/software set-up to do the following:

1. Record sounds from multiple mics. Must be able to record straight and on a variable length of time on a variable interval schedule (e.g. on an average of every ten minutes, an average of five minutes of sound is recorded).

2. Monitor room sounds and search the recorded sounds for matches that meet certain parameters (probably rough matches based on frequency/time)

3. Play the matches as recorded or as manipulated by preset algorithms (e.g. that alter the recorded sound to fit a mood).

4. Continue to record room sounds even as recorded sounds are played back.

By changing certain parameters, I can use the set up in various ways: e.g., I can "play" with the room; create and modify feedback,

That's roughly it. I would appreciate any advice on how to do this. I would like to do this as cheaply and as simply as possible, but I am prepared to spend $, over time, and to spend lots of time learning how to program (I know nothing).

Yours,

Barry