Outline:

The seminar focuses on principles and algorithms of digital sound synthesis. The theoretical part covers in-depth details on the implementation with examples in Python, as well as the use of relevant approaches in music history and commercial devices.

In the practical part, students will build their own instruments using the Faust programming language. Faust can be used to export audio plug-ins, standalone applications, smartphone and web apps, etc. on Linux, MacOS and Windows systems. The basics of the major synthesis approaches are taught with tutorial examples. 

Mailing list:
Due to the current situation, the class will be held online. All relevant information will be distributed via a mailing list. Please subscribe to participate:

https://lists.tu-berlin.de/mailman/listinfo/ak-synth2020

Zoom:
We will have weekly classes during the times listed below, using the ZOOM services of TU Berlin. Subscribers of the mailing list will be invited to the ZOOM meeting and receive a password through the mailing list:

ZOOM Link

Students can achieve 3 or 6 ECTS:

• 3 ECTS:
  • presentation + demonstration at end of semester
  • 2 page documentation

  
  

• 6 ECTS:
  • presentation at end of semester
    
  • public presentation + demo in October 2020
  • 4 page documentation
  • source code

TU Students:
Please additionally enroll using the ISIS sytem.

22.04.2020:
Introduction I

• Class Outline
• History and Taxonomy of Sound Synthesis
• Introduction to Faust

29.04.2020:
Introduction II

• The Faust compiler
• Faustworks
• Faust Targets

06.05.2020:
Subtractive Synthesis

• History
• Oscillators
• Filters
• Envelopes
• Analog Modeling

13.05.2020
Modulation

• AM & RingMod
• FM

20.05.2020:
Sampling & Processed Recording

• Classic Sampling
• Granular Synthesis
• Concatenative Synthesis

27.05.2020:
Non-Linear & Distortion

• Waveshaping
• Wavefolding

03.06.2020:
Additive & Spectral

• Fourier Series
• Additive Synthesis
• Spectral Modeling

10.06.2020
Physical Modeling

• Karplus Strong
• Karplus Strong Extended
• Waveguides
• 2D Meshgrid

17.06.2020
Projects

24.06.2020
Projects

01.07.2020
Projects

08.07.2020
Presentations

15.07.2020
Presentations

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• Report on the Seminar (LAC 2017)