The objective of the module is to familiarize students with the process of crafting a sound from scratch using software-based digital synthesis - a particularly useful skill for music producers, recording engineers and composers. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to design virtual synthesizers in the Tassman application, incorporate their instruments as a plug-in into Logic Pro, and use them to create compositions. In addition, we will cover audio measurements and specifications, using the software Spectra-Foo to perform measurements in class when demonstration is possible, and important concepts such as crosstalk, DC offset, slew rate, inter-modulation distortion, peak vs. RMS detect etc.

Lectures and interactive laboratory/demonstration sessions. 3 hrs per week consisting of a 1hr lecture and 2 hr lab

Key Information Set data:
33% Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity
67% Guided Independent Learning

Software: Logic Pro 8 and Tassman
USB MIDI keyboard
Binder/Folder for class notes/handouts

Martin Russ (2002) Sound Synthesis and Sampling. Focal Press
ISBN 0-240-51429-7
David Huber (2004) The MIDI Manual Focal Press. 2004
ISBN 0-240-80330-2
Geoff Martin's 'Electroacoustics' Chapter (.pdf on Blackboard)
Audio Measurement Handbook - Meltzer (.pdf on Blackboard)

Students who study this module at the University of Hartford are not allowed to study CE00614-5 Sound Synthesis and MIDI at Stafford during level 6

A COURSEWORK weighted at 100% assessing learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4.