Digital Synthesis of Self-Modifying Waveforms by Means of Linear Automata
Jacques Chareyron · Computer Music Journal · 1990
Linear Automata Synthesis (LASy) is a new sound synthesis technique that uses cellular automata as models for the evolution of the synthesized sound. The technique has two positive characteristics: simplicity of the computational algorithm (realtime synthesis is possible using a common microprocessor); and the wealth of musical results that can be achieved. The LASy technique allows the creation of a large range of timbres, from simple tones (e.g., the Karplus-Strong plucked string algorithm may be simulated by some automata) to very complex ones. Due to the computational properties of the algorithm, the generation of a large family of sounds presents a unique character not found in classical synthesis techniques. This article gives some guidelines for practical implementation and musical applications of the LASy algorithm. The drawbacks of the LASy technique are examined too, along with some methods to avoid them. Elements for the analysis of the synthesis algorithm are given in Appendix 1.