Signals, Systems and Sound Synthesis

The subject of this book is the synthesis and treatment of sound by computer. Using illustrations, animations, sound examples and sample programs, it introduces the most important techniques of sound and score synthesis and explains the technical and mathematical principles necessary for understanding them. After reviewing fundamentals of acoustics, the author describes system and signal theory and introduces the programs and programming languages used in the book. The traditionally important synthesis techniques are described in detail, as are various nonlinear synthesis techniques and synthesis by physical modeling. The concluding chapters of the book deal with the projection of sound in space and with the use of algorithmic and stochastic procedures in computer music. The appendix contains a survey of basic mathematical principles, various tables for reference and a detailed index. The included CD contains the entire text of the book, as well as additional chapters and explanations, sound examples, animations illustrating dynamic processes and many sample computer programs.