Music Engineering, 2nd Edition

7

Pet Sounds – Electronic synthesis

Introduction

The theory of electronic oscillators was covered in Chapter 5. There we met several practical examples of LC-based oscillators and Wein-bridge types for the generation of sine-waves, astable multivibrators for the generation of square waves as well as ramp generators for the generation of sawtooth waveforms. We noted that each waveform had a different harmonic structure and, consequently, a different timbre when reproduced over loudspeakers. These circuits form the basis of analogue sound generation and synthesis. In many ways, Chapter 5 pre-empted some of the material which might have waited until here. For what is an electric organ if it is not a synthesised pipe organ? Later in the chapter, ...