Promotional Information

The 'final frontier' of computer music is undoubtedly microsound -- the quantum level of acoustics -- and Curtis Roads boldly leads us into this new domain, which will become increasingly important in the twenty-first century. In providing the history, theory, and compositional practice of the micro scale of sound design, Roads clearly lays out the roadmap to this exciting and challenging area of digital research. The book is destined to become the standard reference in the field for years to come. -- Barry Traux, Professor, Simon Fraser University The best survey to date of real-time machine techniques for musical composition, performance, and improvisation. -- Miller Puckette, Professor, Department of Music, University of California San Diego Microsound offers an enticing series of slice 'n' dice audio recipes from one of the pioneering researchers into the amazingly rich world of granular synthesis. I can't wait to try these at home. -- David Zicarelli, founder and president, Cycling '74 Roads has assembled a thorough survey of software and techniques for granular synthesis, and provides a useful discussion of related musical practices and aesthetic implications that arise. -- Miller Puckette, Professor, Department of Music, University of California San Diego

About the Author

Curtis Roads is Associate Professor of Media Arts and Technology, with a joint appointment in the Department of Music, at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is the author of The Computer Music Tutorial (MIT Press, 1996).

Reviews

"Treats the subject of granular sound fully and deeply, and stands as the best single text on the subject ever written.... Microsound is packed with insight and stimulating ideas." - Douglas Geers, Electronic Musician