Synthesis & Waveforms Flashcards
What are the most common types of waveforms?
- Saw
- Sine
- Triangle
- Square
- Noise
What is additive synthesis?
Builds complex sound from sine (pure) waveforms. Adds certain frequencies.
What is FM synthesis?
Uses one sine wave to distort the other in order to produce harmonics.
What is granular synthesis?
Uses snippets (grains) of a source sample that are looped in order to create tones and timbres.
What is subtractive synthesis?
Removing certain frequencies to shape sound.
What effects did synthesis have to music?
- Developed / created new genres.
- Was used to mimic real instruments.
- Opened up a doorway to creativity that wasn’t available before.
When was synthesis first introduced?
1960s
What did synthesis look like in the 1960s?
Analogue and modular (big machines with many modules), started with subtractive synthesis.
Difference between Moog and Buchla?
Moog (east coast) - synths produced more ‘conventional’ music.
Buchla (west coast) - synths were less popular as they were more counterculture.
What is a waveform?
A graphical representation of a wave’s displacement, and how it changes over time.
What are the 5 main filters?
- Low-pass (LPF).
- High-pass (HPF).
- Band-pass (BPF).
- Notch.
- Comb.
What do LFOs control for the following effects:
- Tremolo
- Wah
- Vibrato
- Tremolo = volume.
- Wah = filter cutoff.
- Vibrato = pitch.
What are the parameters for an envelope?
Attack
Decay
Sustain
Release
