Abstract

This chapter elaborates on the key concepts surrounding granular synthesis. It explains that granular synthesis is a category of synthesis with a theoretical foundation developed by composer Iannis Xenakis in the 1950s. Two simple projects that utilize sample-based granular concepts are a wavetable synthesizer with granular processing and a project that utilizes a USB connection for granular processing of a digital audio signal. The chapter notes that pitch shifting is one of the core attributes of granular synthesis’. It notes that granular processing provides unique opportunities for building custom instruments and sound-processing devices. Thus, granular synthesis provides many opportunities for sound design and composition.