digital signal processing – Synthesizer Online

Additive Synthesizer

An additive synthesizer is a type of synthesizer that creates sound by combining multiple sine waves of different frequencies, amplitudes, and phases. The process of combining these sine waves is called additive synthesis.

An additive synthesizer typically has a large number of oscillators, each of which generates a sine wave at a specific frequency. The user can control the amplitude and phase of each oscillator, as well as the overall harmonic content of the sound by adjusting the balance of the different sine waves. By adjusting the parameters of the individual oscillators, the user can create a wide range of sounds and timbres.

One of the main advantages of additive synthesis is that it allows for a high degree of control over the harmonic content of the sound. Because the sound is created by combining individual sine waves, the user can precisely control the balance of different harmonics in the sound. This allows for the creation of very rich and complex timbres.

Additive synthesis was initially developed in the 1960s and 1970s, and it was one of the earliest forms of synthesis. Today, additive synthesis is still used in some synthesizers, and it can also be found in software synthesizers and in digital signal processing (DSP) applications.

Additive synthesis is known for its ability to create very complex and rich sounds, it is often used in experimental, electronic, and ambient music. However, it can be used in other genres as well.

Examples

Roland D-50
Yamaha DX7
Korg Wavestation

A digital synthesizer is a type of synthesizer that uses digital technology to generate sound. Unlike analog synthesizers, which use analog circuits and components, digital synthesizers use digital signal processing (DSP) and computer algorithms to create sound.

Digital synthesizers have several advantages over analog synthesizers, such as the ability to store and recall large numbers of presets, higher precision and stability in sound generation and control, and the ability to add more complex and sophisticated features such as multi-timbrality, built-in effects and sequencing. They also tend to be more lightweight, portable and less expensive than analog synthesizers.

A digital synthesizer can have several types of synthesis methods, such as, subtractive, additive, FM, AM, sample-based, physical modeling, and more. They also can have different types of interfaces, from simple preset selection, to complex programming interfaces with a lot of parameters to tweak and modulate.

Some popular digital synthesizers include the Yamaha DX7, the Roland D-50, and the Korg M1.

In summary, a Digital Synthesizer is a type of synthesizer that uses digital technology to generate sound, they have advantages such as the ability to store and recall large numbers of presets, higher precision and stability in sound generation and control, and the ability to add more complex and sophisticated features. They also tend to be more lightweight, portable and less expensive than analog synthesizers, and can have several types of synthesis methods and interfaces.