Lecture
This lecture covers the Karplus-Strong algorithm, a method for simulating the sound of metallic strings. The instructor begins by discussing the nature of sound synthesis, particularly how random noise can be transformed into musical tones. The process involves generating random samples and creating a random pulse that mimics the vibration of a string. The instructor explains how the algorithm works by taking a signal, delaying it slightly, and averaging it with a delayed version of itself. This feedback loop continues until the sound diminishes. The lecture includes practical coding examples in Scala, demonstrating how to implement the algorithm and adjust parameters to achieve the desired sound quality. The instructor emphasizes the importance of maintaining sound levels to prevent distortion. By the end of the lecture, students gain a clear understanding of how to apply the Karplus-Strong algorithm to create rich, metallic sounds reminiscent of old game consoles and synthesizers.