Customer Reviews

Electronic Music: Systems, Techniques, and Controls

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Allan Strange's book is perhaps the definitive text on modular synthesis methods, written from a standpoint that's musically understandable, as opposed to requiring a part-background in electronic engineering to understand. Not that Strange doesn't go into the engineering concepts; he most certainly does, but everything here is treated in such a balanced, even manner that allows those interested in the musical concepts to have their desire for information satiated, and those looking for engineering concepts will find the book equally well-ordered. Useful both as a textbook and a reference document, the book also contains numerous illustrations and diagrams of modules by Moog, ARP, Buchla et al. I consider this to be an invaluable work for those exploring modular or most any other analog synthesis methods, and I also consider it nigh-criminal that such an important work should be allowed to go out of print. Someone should pick this back up and reissue it!

From the basics to the most advanced techniques for sound synthesis, this is the definitive text. I do not have the faintest notion as to why this book is out of print.

Every bit of information in its 150 or so pages is as current for the understanding and programming of todays virtual and hardware synths as it was to the modular synths of the 70's when this book was written. It is an incredibly easy read considering the depth of the information presented.

As an example, in reading this book, I now understand how and why I can use a ring modulator as an audio gate. Ever wonder why you can reproduce a 20 kHz sine wave with only two samples if sampling at 40kHz as per the Nyquist criterion. The straightforward explanation of the concepts of electronic signals will help you in the understanding. I feel comfortable with additive synthesis, subtractive synthesis, what FM is, what AM is and how these techniques are applicable in generating and sculpting electronic sounds.

Although originally this book sold for around $8.00 it is def. worth $100+.

Find a copy of this book -if you love creating electronic music. With any freeware synth (there are so many available on line -Crystal 2, Synth1, SynC are favorites) you will never be bored. Never use presets again. Create and understand the design of sound!

This book can be ordered from McGraw-Hill's Higher Education eBookstore in PDF format for $15.23. I downloaded my pdf copy from them in about 15 mins. Just register, pay and download.
If I'm right, this textbook is still being used to this day in academia hence it's availability through their site only. You may also get binded copies for you and your students for a good price if you happen to be a teacher.
I hope Mcgraw-hill considers reprinting this book.

I have not been entirely surprised to see a renascence of analog synth in popular music. This book is particularly useful for anyone looking to understand the various aspects of sound synthesis and loaded with diagrams (my favorites are the patch diagrams). I haven't found too many other books that describe how the sounds are constructed rather than how to play the instrument. I do not let this book leave my house.

This book can be ordered from McGraw-Hill's Higher Education eBookstore in PDF format for $15. I downloaded my pdf copy from them in minutes. Just register, pay and download.
If I'm right, this textbook is still being used to this day in academia hence it's availability through their site only. You may also get binded copies for you and your students for a good price if you happen to be a teacher.
I hope Mcgraw-hill considers reprinting this book.

Both versions good. Second better (and harder to find/more expensive)
Packed full of info and interesting patches. If you are into synthesis, grab a copy if you can.

Allen Strange was my music teacher at DeAnza College in Cupertino. The class was using this book that he wrote. The class was a blast because it was an exploration of synthesizing sounds. You could do not wrong in his class. He was a free wheeling dude with an incredible sense of humor and irony. I still remember him fondly as he used to describe his peaceful evenings in his hot tub with a glass of wine and listening to white or pink noise to relax. God bless you Allen and thanks for the education.