Modulation means changing the property of sound over the course of time. Modulation adds motion, dimension, and depth to sounds. Modulating a sound requires a source signal that controls another signal. The source signal is known as a modulator, whereas the controlled signal is known as a carrier. Modulators don’t create sounds, but they do…
Read more
Oscillators are circuits that produce a continuous, repeated, and alternating waveform without using any input. Oscillators are a simple way of creating a specific frequency of a signal and they work by converting unidirectional current flow from a DC source into an alternating waveform. Oscillators are amplifier circuits which are provided with positive or regenerative…
Read more
A waveform is a graphical representation of the shape and form of a signal moving. The shape of a waveform determines what the signal sounds like, aka its timbre. The sound produced by a waveform depends on its shape, and waveform shapes can be random and complex. Synths and modern keyboards are capable of creating sounds…
Read more
An arpeggiator, also known as arp, is a simple audio sequencing tool that involves a basic real-time sequencer. This tool is available on some hardware synths and software instruments. Arpeggiators allow the user to automatically go through a sequence of notes that are based on the player’s input. Arps are capable of taking chords as…
Read more
Subtractive synthesis, also known as analog synthesis, was developed around 1960, at the same time as the analog synthesizers were created. Many analog synthesizers use the analog technique to produce sounds. Subtractive synthesis involves three main components: oscillator, filter, and amplifier. The oscillator creates a sound that is processed by a filter and sent to an…
Read more
Granular synthesis is a type of audio synthesis that is capable of breaking a sound into small particles. After that, the particles are reorganized in order to create a new sound. Granular synthesis is a sound manipulation technique which involves sound grouping, pitch control, as well as speed control. A little bit of history. Around…
Read more
Wavetable synthesis is a technique that is used to produce natural sounds. When the sound comes from an actual musical instrument, a single note is separated into a sequence of wavetables. Analog oscillators offered four basic oscillator waveforms until a new form of audio synthesis appeared. Around 1970, Waldorf Music Company launched the PPG wave…
Read more
Additive synthesis is one of the oldest and most researched types of audio synthesis. This technique was first used with church organs to accurately control the register-stops as well as the keyboard. The operation was quite simple. By pressing the keyboard’s keys and pulling several register-stops in different positions, the air was released into the…
Read more
Physical modelling synthesis refers to sound synthesis methods in which the waveform of the sound to be produced is calculated using a mathematical model. This approach also uses a set of equations and algorithms to mimic the physical source of a sound. Physical modelling synthesis uses partial differential equations, as well as the laws of acoustics to describe the physical structure of a musical instrument. This…
Read more
Linear Arithmetic Synthesis, also known as LA, is a type of audio synthesis that is backed up by the theory that the attack transient of a sound is essential for human perception. Linear arithmetic synthesis uses a combination of simple digital oscillators as well as sampled attack transients. The oscillators involve pulse and saw-tooth waveforms…
Read more
Check out their Music Production Certificate and their FREE Music Production 101 course.
