Good Places to Find Information on Synthesis

[Bokonon]

I thought I'd start a general syntheisis information sources thread - this might look like a book list from a university module (what I wrote) - because it is with a few extra notes.

Top of the list for any information about synthesis is:
Reid, G. (1999 – 2004) Synth Secrets. Sound on Sound, Monthly between May 1999 and July 2004, Various pages. http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/allsynthsecrets.htm

Syhth secrets is probably the most effective resource regarding synthesis - it is by no means exhaustive, but it is pretty comprehensive and free - it looks at things in very generic terms - and whilst I'd never presonally advocate using a synth to sound like another instrument to replace it - the concepts and techniques discussed are a brilliant way to get where you want to be in terms of synthesis.


These two are the two best books out there for a broad range of abilities:
Dodge, C. Jerse, T. (1997) Computer Music (2nd Ed), Wadsworth.
Russ, M. (2004) Sound Synthesis and Sampling (2nd Ed), Focal Press.
I quite like both of them and they are fine for beginners, intermediate users and more advanced users alike, there are lots of bits of information and good tips and tricks.

These three are slightly more esoteric:
Collins, M. (2003) A Professional Guide to Audio Plug-ins and Virtual Instruments, Focal Press
Pejrolo J. (2005) Creative Sequencing Techniques for Music Production, Focal Press
Manning, P. (2004) Electronic and Computer Music, Oxford University Press.
But none the less are pretty good books, although they do tend to move off in much more specific directions, which might not be useful for the more casual user.

These three are quite daunting:
Miranda, E. (2002) Computer Sound Design (2nd Ed), Focal Press.
Roads C. (1996) The Computer Music Tutorial, MIT Press.
Roads C. (2004) Microsound, MIT Press.
Though the Roads 'tutorial' sounds easy - its pretty hardcore - that said it is *the* book for those wishing to push themselves hard in terms of advanced synthesis.

[Daevid]

Wow, thanks i think i'll check out the first few ones listed

[conor_brown]

I can also recommend: Programming Synthesizers by Peter Gorges - Wizoo Books.

This book comes with its own free soft synth VST for PC or Mac.

Check out the Wizoo books website for more info.