78.420 Sound Synthesis I
Course Information and Standards

Class meeting time/place: MWF 10AM, DR209
Instructors: Stuart Smith and Phil Reese
Office: Smith: Durgin 422
Reese:
Office Hours: Smith: By appointment
Reese:
Telephone: Smith: (978) 934-3616
Reese:
E-mail: Smith: stu@cs.uml.edu
Reese:

Course Description

This course explores the art of sound synthesis as well as its historical, aesthetic, and technological innovations. Both the theory and techniques of additive, subtractive, granular, and modulation synthesis are presented along with sampling, digital signal processing, MIDI sequencing, and both acoustic and formant modeling. Utilizing these various techniques students will create synthesized versions of traditional instruments as well as sound effects and distinct new timbres. Students will also create original works of music incorporating these sounds and techniques.

Required Texts/Materials

blank CD-R media
flash drive or Zip disk
Syndz series software synthesizers (supplied by instructor)

Assignments

There will be several graded studio projects during the semester. Each student must complete all assignments and turn them in on a flash drive, zip disk, or CD, as indicated by the instructor. Each assignment must be submitted on the due date announced in class by the instructor. Late assignments will not be accepted.

Due to the high availability and mobility of current computer audio technology, some students may wish to do parts of their labwork outside of school facilities. This is permissible as long as the work meets the following criteria: Assignments must be submitted in the requested delivery format and be instantly readable on University Macintosh equipment. Any problems with the transfer or reading of files or media will constitute an incomplete project and given a failing grade.

Double check all compatibility before handing in assignments.

Exams

There will be a midterm and a final exam. The material covered will be from lecture notes as well as readings and be cumulative. A missed exam will count as a zero.

Grade distribution

Class Assignments	60%
Midterm	20%
Final	20%

Use of SRT Facilities

Course assignments will be done primarily in the computer lab on the fourth floor of Durgin. During the semester Durgin is open from 7AM to 11PM, seven days a week (except holidays).

Studio facilities may be made available on a sign-up basis during the semester. Access to the 2nd floor studios must be arranged with a student supervisor or the student with studio time immediately before you. Supervisors' contact information is posted on the board across from room 212B. Manuals for much of the commercial equipment and software are in the studio. Do not remove any manual or book from any studio.

If you have a technical problem in an SRT facility, contact Bill Carman or one of the student supervisors, ASAP. Notify the instructor as well.

NB: The course requirements, outline, and syllabus are subject to change as deemed necessary by the professor. Students will be notified of any changes in advance.

Last updated 22 January 2007

stu@cs.uml.edu

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