Published online by Cambridge University Press: 08 June 2001
Chaosynth is a cellular automata-based granular synthesis system whosecapabilities for producing unusual complex dynamic sounds arelimitless. However, due to its newness and flexibility, potential usershave found it very hard to explore its possibilities as there is no clearreferential framework to hold on to when designing sounds. Standard softwaresynthesis systems take this framework for granted by adopting a taxonomy forsynthesis instruments that has been inherited from the acoustic musicalinstruments tradition, i.e. woodwind, brass, string, percussion, etc. Sadly,the most interesting synthesised sounds that these systems can produce aresimply referred to as effects. This scheme clearly does not meet the demandsof more innovative software synthesizers. In order to alleviate thisproblem, we propose an alternative taxonomy for Chaosynth timbres. The paperbegins with a brief introduction to the basic functioning of Chaosynth. Itthen presents our proposed taxonomy and ends with concluding comments. Anumber of examples are provided on this volume's Organised Sound CD.