UCSB MAT 240D: Sound Synthesis Techniques

MAT 240D: Digital Audio Programming: Sound Synthesis Techniques

(Fall, 2007)

Contacts

Instructor: Stephen Travis Pope

Office: South Hall 4th floor lab

Office hours: Tuesday 1 - 3 PM

TA: Michael Winter

Time/Place

Meeting time: Tuesdays/Thursdays, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
CREATE class room (Music 2215)

Downloads

Overview

In MAT 240D, we will implement a variety of software sound synthesis techniques, ranging from traditional additive, subtractive, to non-linear synthesis. Our focus, however, will be on more contemporary techniques such as physical models and granular synthesis. We will explore the internals of several existing synthesis packages and write our own versions of selected techniques in the CSL (http://create.ucsb.edu/CSL) framework.

Prerequisites

Students are expected to know the basics of digital audio signal representation and processing, and to be proficient in C, C++, or Java (Smalltalk and/or SuperCollider also useful). Grading will be on the basis of in-class participation and programming projects.

Note: The previous courses in the MAT 240 series are not prerequisites for MAT 240D.

Course Materials

Readings will be distributed in class and via the course web site.

Topics

Wavetables and additive synthesis
Vector synthesis and extended additive techniques
OO Design of Frameworks for Audio Synthesis/Processing
FM and wave-shaping synthesis
Subtractive and filter-based synthesis techniques
Basic physical models: waveguides and simulations
Modal synthesis and related techniques
Granular synthesis and control
Sample processing and sample-based synthesis
Chaos and novel techniques
Other synthesis methods
Integrating Applications