Additive synthesis

Why subtract when you can add? Mark Cousins explores the harmonic complexities and resynthesised delights of sound in the additive universe…

Additive synthesis might not invoke the same ‘warm glow’ that subtractive synthesis can, but beneath this often complex form of sound creation lie important concepts underpinning the nature of sound. Unlike subtractive synthesis (which utilises harmonically rich waveshapes and then subtracts partials to create the finished result), additive synthesis works from the ground up, assembling tens or hundreds of sine waves to form its eventual output.

This feature first appeared in Music Tech Magazine issue 35
Filed under Ten Minute Masters

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