Unit-generators considered harmful (for microsound synthesis): A novel programming model for microsound synthesis in LCSynth

In this paper, we describe a novel programming model for microsound synthesis techniques in LCSynth, a strongly-timed sound synthesis language, with concrete examples in granular synthesis and waveset synthesis. Instead of encapsulating microsound synthesis techniques inside unit-generators, LCSynth provides objects and manipulations for microsound synthesis. We discuss the benefits of such a language design for creative explorations in the domain of microsounds and why the traditional unit-generator concept may not be very appropriate for this domain. Such a discussion is beneficial to the further development of new sound synthesis frameworks and computer music languages.