Date
5-2017
Document Type
Capstone Project (Campus-Only Access)
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Department
Music & Performing Arts
First Advisor
Lanier Sammons
Abstract
This paper considers methods of synthesizing musical and non-musical sounds electronically. It examines several methods: subtractive synthesis, the method used in Moog’s pioneering synthesizers; FM synthesis, developed at Stanford by John Chowning; wavetable synthesis, developed in Germany by Wolfgang Palm; granular synthesis, conceived by Iannis Xenakis and implemented digitally by Barry Truax; and physical-modeling synthesis, first implemented by Lejaren Hiller and Pierre Ruiz. The history, strengths, and weaknesses of each method will be examined. The author also considers the Max programming language and describes using it to create a pulse-width modulation synthesis patch. Among the sources to be used will be papers by the creators of the techniques and articles from audio-engineering publications.
Recommended Citation
Hilker, Christopher E., "Sound Synthesis: Methods and Techniques" (2017). Capstone Projects and Master's Theses. 102.
https://digitalcommons.csumb.edu/caps_thes_all/102
