September 24 – Synthesizers: Exploring the Interplay of Sound and Technology

2024 Bulletin - September, Regular Meeting, Special Event

We are excited to invite you to “The Evolution of Audio Synthesis,” a dynamic event exploring the rich history and future trends in sound synthesis. The event kicks off with a deep dive into the evolution of audio synthesis, covering everything from the emergence of synthesis in the 1960s to the rise of modular synthesizers. Topics include various synthesis techniques, such as subtractive, additive, and FM synthesis, and how they’ve shaped today’s audio technology. With insights into modular synthesis and its applications in contemporary music creation, this presentation will provide a comprehensive look at the tools and techniques that have driven innovation in sound design and performance.

Following that, the focus will shift to the electronics behind audio circuits, offering a technical breakdown of components like oscillators, filters, and amplifiers, and how voltage-controlled systems power sound synthesis. A live demonstration will showcase the ADSR envelope’s role in shaping sound. Next, an exploration of VCAs, DACs and ADCs and how they can be combined together in embedded systems to make polyphonic programmable analogue synthesizers. To close, a roundtable discussion will cover future trends in synth technology, including the resurgence of analog instruments, the rise of DIY electronic instrument creation, and the potential role of AI in sound design and mixing. Join us for an exciting journey into the past, present, and future of audio synthesis!

September 24th – 2024

Time: 7:00pm – 9:30pm

Where: University of Toronto
Edward Johnson Building
Boyd Neal room

About the Event

7:00 – Presentation

8:00 – Snack Break

9:30 – Building Closes

PRESENTERS:

Steve Castellano

Steve Castellano is a musician, writer and modular synth enthusiast. He studied electronic music and composition at York University under Phil Werren and James Tenney, and currently performs and records under the name elettronica sperimentale. He also facilitates the A. Strange Book Club, a study group dedicated to exploring the influential Allen Strange text Electronic Music: Systems, Controls and Techniques, the 2nd edition of which recently enjoyed a reprint through the efforts of Dr. Jason Nolan of the Responsive Ecologies Lab and Toronto Metropolitan University. You can find him online at elettronicasperimentale.com.

Tristan Miller

catherinenorthelectronics.com

Tristan Miller began studying electronics in his youth and has been focused on various areas of audio systems – power, electronics, controls, automation, acoustics, and synthesisers.

Providing international service for the Recording, Live, Broadcast, and Aerospace industries;
Spare time is spent on designing and building modular synth components.

Jeff Lee

SYSTEM80 INC.

Jeff Lee runs Toronto-based manufacturer System80, which has a special interest in bringing classic Japanese analogue designs to the Eurorack modular synth format. System80 is known for its multimode filter module, JOVE, as well as its Eurorack clone of the TR-808 drum machine. Jeff is an Industry Research Partner at TMU’s Responsive Ecologies Lab.

system80.net