Music Technology and the Project Studio

Book excerpt: Music Technology and the Project Studio: Synthesis and Sampling provides clear explanations of synthesis and sampling techniques and how to use them effectively and creatively. Starting with analog-style synthesis as a basic model, this textbook explores in detail how messages from a MIDI controller or sequencer are used to control elements of a synthesizer to create rich, dynamic sound. Since samplers and sample players are also common in today’s software, the book explores the details of sampling and the control of sampled instruments with MIDI messages. This book is not limited to any specific software and is general enough to apply to many different software instruments. Overviews of sound and digital audio provide students with a set of common concepts used throughout the text, and "Technically Speaking" sidebars offer detailed explanations of advanced technical concepts, preparing students for future studies in sound synthesis. Music Technology and the Project Studio: Synthesis and Sampling is an ideal follow-up to the author’s An Introduction to Music Technology, although each book can be used independently. The Companion Website includes: Audio examples demonstrating synthesis and sampling techniques Interactive software that allows the reader to experiment with various synthesis techniques Guides relating the material in the book to various software synthesizers and samplers Links to relevant resources, examples, and software