Lazzarini, Victor and Timoney, Joseph and Lysaght, Thomas (2008) The Generation of Natural-Synthetic Spectra by Means of Adaptive Frequency Modulation. Computer Music Journal, 32 (2). pp. 9-22. ISSN 0148-9267

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Abstract

Frequency-modulation (FM) synthesis is widely known as a computationally efficient method for synthesizing musically interesting timbres. However, it has suffered from neglect owing to the difficulty in creating natural-sounding spectra and mapping gestural input to synthesis parameters. Recently, a revival has occurred with the advent of adaptive audio-processing methods, and this work proposes a technique called adaptive FM synthesis. This article derives two novel ways by which an arbitrary input signal can be used to modulate a carrier. We show how phase modulation (PM) can be achieved first by using delay lines and then by heterodyning. By applying these techniques to real-world signals, it is possible to generate transitions between natural-sounding and synthesizerlike sounds. Examples are provided of the spectral consequences of adaptive FM synthesis using inputs of various acoustic instruments and a voice. An assessment of the timbral quality of synthesized sounds demonstrates its effectiveness.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Generation; Natural-Synthetic Spectra; Adaptive Frequency Modulation;
Academic Unit:	Faculty of Science and Engineering > Computer Science
Item ID:	8185
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1162/comj.2008.32.2.9
Depositing User:	Joseph Timoney
Date Deposited:	28 Apr 2017 14:42
Journal or Publication Title:	Computer Music Journal
Publisher:	Massachusetts Institute of Technology Press (MIT Press)
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://www.mitpressjournals.org
Use Licence:	This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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