Music Synthesis using Sinusoid Generator, ADSR Envelope Generator and Composer Code

Tony Mathew, Bimal M Abraham, Robin Scaria

Abstract: The ability to synthesize waveforms through digital methods is a popular technique. This method can be found in many applications such as data communications devices (modems), software radios, and DTMF (Touch Tone) generators. One of its most familiar consumer oriented applications is in music synthesis. In this application, the musician often has control over many instruments and sound effects all from a single synthesizer. Waveform synthesis can be taught early in a typical Digital Signal Processing (DSP) course to illustrate some of the applications of sampling and reconstruction theory. In addition hands-on practice with waveform synthesis can be made very interesting in the context of computer music. Two tools used are a tone (sinusoid) generator and an ADSR envelope generator used to shape the amplitude of the tone, i.e. amplitude modulation. The amplitude of the tone can ?fit? inside a curve often called the Attack-Decay-Sustain-Release (ADSR) envelope. These two tools form the basis of the project where we can experiment with computer-based music and musical synthesis using MATLAB?s built-in sound capabilities and the PC?s sound card.

Keywords: music synthesis, dsp, matlab, ADSR