Tag: filter

Categories
Synthesizer Features

Subtractive Synthesizer

A subtractive synthesizer is a type of synthesizer that uses filters to subtract harmonics from a waveform to create a desired sound. It begins with a complicated sound, like a sawtooth, square, or noise waveform, and then employs filters to eliminate particular frequencies or harmonics. Because the harmonics are being subtracted from the original waveform, this process is known as “subtraction.”

The low-pass filter is the most typical type used in subtractive synthesis. It attenuates or blocks out higher frequencies while allowing low frequencies to pass through. This kind of synthesis also employs high-pass, band-pass, and band-stop filters. Envelopes also gradually alter the sound’s amplitude and other properties.

One of the most popular synthesis methods in electronic music is subtractive synthesis, which also serves as the foundation for many iconic analog synthesizers like the Moog Minimoog and Roland SH-101.

One of the most flexible sound design techniques is a straightforward and intuitive synthesis method that enables the user to shape and sculpt the sound in various ways.

To produce a desired sound, subtractive synthesis uses filters to remove harmonics from a waveform. It begins with a complicated waveform, like a sawtooth, square, or noise waveform, and then employs filters to eliminate particular frequencies or harmonics. The low-pass filter is the most popular filter used in subtractive synthesis. It is one of the most widely used synthesis techniques in electronic music, is easy to understand, and serves as the foundation for many iconic analog synthesizers.

Examples

Categories
Synthesizer Features

Modulation

In a synthesizer, modulation refers to using one signal to control or change another signal. To do this, a signal called the modulator can be routed to control a signal called the carrier’s parameter. An LFO or an envelope generator, which generates a control signal that can be used to modulate different sound parameters, serves as the modulator in most cases.

In synthesizers, the following modulation types are most frequently used:

  • Amplitude modulation: This involves using an LFO or envelope generator to modulate a sound’s amplitude (i.e., the loudness). This can create effects like tremolo (a modulation of the amplitude at a low frequency) or envelope-controlled volume changes.
  • Frequency modulation (FM): This involves using one oscillator (the modulator) to modulate the frequency of another oscillator (the carrier). This creates complex, harmonically rich timbres and can create a wide range of sounds, from bell-like tones to metallic and percussive sounds.
  • Phase modulation (PM): This is similar to FM, but instead of modulating the frequency of the carrier, it modulates its phase. The result is a more subtle, detuned effect that can create chorus, flanger, and phaser effects.
  • Pulse width modulation (PWM): This involves modulating the width of the pulse waveform of an oscillator. This creates a variation in the harmonic content of the sound and can be used to create a wide range of timbres.
  • Filter modulation: This involves modulating the cutoff frequency of a filter to create effects like filter sweep and envelope-controlled filtering.

These are only a few applications for modulation in the shaping and sculpting of synthesizer sounds. Modulation is a primary factor that makes synthesizers such potent and versatile instruments, and the possibilities are essentially endless.

Categories
Synthesizer Features

ADSR Envelopes

An envelope in a synthesizer is a control signal that modifies a sound’s amplitude and other properties over time. Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release are its four main parameters (often abbreviated as ADSR).

  1. Attack: controls the time it takes for the sound to reach its maximum amplitude after a note is played.
  2. Decay: controls the time it takes for the sound to decrease from its maximum amplitude to the sustain level.
  3. Sustain: controls the level of the sound while the note is held.
  4. Release: controls the time it takes for the sound to decrease from the sustain level to silence after the note is released.

Subtractive synthesis relies heavily on envelopes, frequently used in sample-based, FM, and physical modeling synthesis techniques.

An envelope in a synthesizer is a control signal that gradually alters a sound’s amplitude and other properties. Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release are its four primary parameters. By shaping the amplitude and other parameters like the filter cutoff frequency, pitch, and others, these parameters can control how the sound changes over time. To produce dynamic and expressive sounds, they can also be modulated by other synthesizer elements, such as LFOs and velocity. They are an essential component of subtractive synthesis and are frequently applied to other synthesis techniques.

Categories
Synthesizer Features

Filters

In a synthesizer, a filter is a device or circuit that alters the frequency content of a sound signal. The user can sculpt and shape the sound by removing or decreasing particular frequencies or harmonics. A synthesizer can employ a variety of filter types, each of which has unique qualities and tones.

  1. Low-pass filter: allows low frequencies to pass through while attenuating or cutting off higher frequencies. It produces a warm and mellow sound, and is often used to create a sense of depth and richness in the sound.
  2. High-pass filter: allows high frequencies to pass through while attenuating or cutting off lower frequencies. It produces a sharp and bright sound, and is often used to create a sense of clarity and definition in the sound.
  3. Band-pass filter: allows a specific range of frequencies to pass through while attenuating or cutting off frequencies outside of that range. It produces a resonant and nasal sound, and is often used to create a sense of focus and emphasis in the sound.
  4. Band-stop filter: also known as a notch filter, it reduces or eliminate a specific range of frequencies, it’s often used to remove unwanted resonances or to create a hollow and thin sound.
  5. State Variable filter: it’s a type of filter that provides different types of filtering (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-stop) in the same module.

In a nutshell, a filter in a synthesizer is a component or circuit that modifies a sound signal’s frequency content. It enables the user to sculpt and shape the sound by removing or reducing particular frequencies or harmonics. A synthesizer can employ a variety of filter types, each of which has unique qualities and tones. Band-pass, Band-stop, Low-pass, High-pass, and State a kind of filter that can be applied to a synthesizer is a variable filter. Additionally, they can be modulated by other synthesizer components to produce dynamic and changing sounds.