Computers and music

COM-418 / 6 credits

Teacher:

Language: English

Remark: Pas donné en 2024-25

Summary

In this class we will explore some of the fundamental ways in which the pervasiveness of digital devices has completely revolutionized the world of music in the last 40 years, both from the point of view of production and recording, and from the point of view of listening and distribution.

Content

  • review of digital signal processing: discrete-time signals, spectral analysis, digital filters
  • audio measurement standards; A/D and D/A converters; oversampling; sigma-delta
  • audio compression; the MP3 standard
  • digital synthesizers: oscillators, FM synthesis, samplers
  • fundamentals of time-frequency analysis; pitch shifting; time stretching; vocoder
  • music production; equalization, compression, reverb
  • notions of balancing and mastering; the MIDI and VST standards
  • nonlinear system modeling
  • deep learning in audio processing

Keywords

DSP, computer music, digital audio

Learning Prerequisites

Recommended courses

Signals and systems, Python, C++

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

  • Describe the fundamental techniques in digital audio recording and production
  • Be able to avoid unwanted artifacts in sound recording and compression
  • Recognize the typical acoustic footprint of classic synthesizers and audio effects
  • Write working signal processing code to synthesize sounds and process audio
  • Write code that interfaces to existing equipment via industry-standard protocols

Transversal skills

  • Access and evaluate appropriate sources of information.
  • Summarize an article or a technical report.
  • Write a scientific or technical report.
  • Demonstrate a capacity for creativity.

Teaching methods

lectures

Expected student activities

  • Attending lectures
  • Writing code samples
  • Solving exercises
  • Read technical papers

Assessment methods

Mini-projects and/or final exam

Supervision

Office hours Yes
Assistants Yes
Forum Yes

Resources

Moodle Link

In the programs

  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Oral (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Computers and music
  • Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Oral (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Computers and music
  • Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Oral (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Computers and music
  • Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Oral (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Computers and music
  • Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Oral (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Computers and music
  • Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Oral (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Computers and music
  • Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Oral (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Computers and music
  • Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Oral (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Computers and music
  • Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Oral (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Computers and music
  • Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional

Reference week

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