Synthesis Theory I

Course Outline

• Analog Synthesis
• Digital Audio Recording
• Sampling Theory
• CSound basics
• Subtractive Synthesis
• Additive Synthesis
• Midterm exam
• Modulation Synthesis
  • Amplitude Modulation
  • Frequency Modulation
  • Waveshaping
• Final Exam

Assignments

• Assignment 1: September 8, 2009:
  • Read this and this.
  • Create and diagram at least one patch on the Moog. Bring your diagram to class so we can try to recreate it. Record a demo of your patch into the computer.
  • Send an email to the instructor requesting placement on the CCM list.
• Assignment 2: September 24, 2009:
  • Read:
    • Roads: 87-114;
    • Boulanger: pp 1-25.
  • Create a 30-60 second etude in CSound using fixed-waveform additive synthesis. Experiment with GEN10 and passing pitches and amplitudes from the score.
• Assignment 3 October 1, 2009:
  • Read:
    • Boulanger: pp 230-237.
    • Roads: pp 184-197, 397-419.
    • (optional) Moore: pp 111-149.
  • Create a 60-second etude in CSound using subtractive synthesis. Make at least four instruments, using four different filters. Limit your sound sources to noise (RAND) and/or a pulse train (BUZZ), plus waveforms created with GEN10.
• Assignment 4 October 22, 2009:
  • Read:
    • Boulanger: pp 223-230.
    • Moore: pp 207-227. (optional)
  • Create a 30-60 second etude in CSound using dynamic-waveform additive synthesis. Use sounds which contain both harmonic and inharmonic spectra.
• Assignment 5 November 10, 2009:
  • Read:
    • Roads: pp 215-224
    • Boulanger: pp 237-242.
  • Create a 60-second etude in CSound using amplitude modulation.