Real-Time Granular Synthesis with a Digital Signal Processor
Barry Truax · Computer Music Journal · 1988
Following earlier models by Gabor (1947) and Xenakis (1971), Curtis Roads (1978, 1985) has proposed granular synthesis as a unique method of achieving complex sounds by the generation of high densities of small grains on the order of magnitude of 10-20 msec duration. He has also used the technique in his composition prototype (1975) and as a component of several other tape pieces. The complexity of calculation involved has in the past necessitated a non-real-time approach involving a general-purpose computer music system. As a result, few composers have worked with the technique or heard the range of sounds it produces. Current digital signal processing (DSP) hardware offers the potential for real-time implementation of this technique by dividing the responsibility for calculation between the DSP and various levels of