Refining Sound: A Practical Guide to Synthesis and Synthesizers

Refining Sound is an approachable introduction to the secrets of synthesis. The companion website is chock full of tutorials, making this well organized book a handy reference for either self-study or in a course. ― Mary Simoni, Ph.D., Professor Emerita, University of Michigan, Dean, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

In Refining Sound, Brian Shepard provides a deeply valuable and sorely needed resource for the musician seeking to understand sound design. In clear language, he thoroughly explains and illustrates concepts that could be tedious and overwhelming for most readers, and does so from the perspective of the musician rather than the mathematician or physicist. I’m sure we will use this book as the primary text in our synthesis classes for years to come. ― Scott L. Phillips, PhD, Co-director of Music Technology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham

Brian K. Shepard’s book on synthesizers and synthesis is one of those rare volumes which is comprehensive in its explanations of the history of synthesizers and electronic music in general that makes for a jolly good read. For enthusiasts and professionals alike, this book is the best I’ve read in years. Thoroughly recommended. ― J. Peter Robinson, Composer