Music in the Digital Age: Classes in Sound Synthesis and MIDI
While you may not be familiar with the principles of sound synthesis or the software called Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI), you probably have experienced the effects. It is a digital technology that actually opens up a new world of possibilities for creativity and imagination in music and sound as well as opportunities to use musical creativity in industries you may not think of, like video gaming.
Sound synthesis and MIDI is popular in video gaming because of the ability to channel more sounds and store it on a small amount of space. In addition to video gaming, musical artists such as Trent Reznor of the group Nine Inch Nails have experimented with the digital capabilities of sound synthesis and MIDI for added creativity in producing unique sounds for their musical compositions. In fact, many musical artists have even been contracted to compose music for the video gaming industry.
Anyone with a musical passion who wants to pursue their musical interests or be a part of the music industry would benefit from taking audio recording training for the digital age.
What is sound synthesis and MIDI?
Sound synthesis allows for electrical signals to be turned into sound using different methods. A small sample of sound synthesis approaches that may be used to manipulate electrical signals include:
- Additive synthesis – combining different ranges of harmonies and tones
- Vector synthesis – fading different sound sources
- Direct digital synthesis – using a computer to modify waveforms to create sound
- Sampling – using sounds as sound sources that can be modified
- Granual synthesis – using several samples of sound to make a new sound
In addition to sound synthesis, MIDI software increases the ability to make digital sound by permitting computers, instruments and synthesizers to communicate. It also broadens the effects of sound manipulation. Using MIDI allows for:
- Storing more digital representation of music on less space
- Altering music and tempo without changing duration or pitch
- Synchronizing music with multimedia events in production
Analog recording still plays a role in audio production. Industry standards for music and sound production include current trends in analog that are incorporated with digital technology for use in studio recording, sound reinforcement and electronic music.
With a technical background in sound synthesis and MIDI, you can broaden your opportunities to explore fields that await your creative mind and imagination.
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