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Audio Synthesis Basics

Close-up of audio synthesizer knobs
Published: 5/15/2023
AudioSynthesisMusicTutorial
An introduction to the fundamentals of audio synthesis, exploring waveforms, filters, and modulation techniques.

Getting Started with Audio Synthesis

Audio synthesis is the process of electronically generating sound. Unlike sampling, which uses recorded audio, synthesis creates sounds from scratch using mathematical algorithms.

Basic Waveforms

The foundation of synthesis begins with basic waveforms:

  • Sine Wave: The purest tone with no harmonics
  • Square Wave: Rich in odd harmonics, creating a hollow sound
  • Sawtooth Wave: Contains both odd and even harmonics, creating a bright sound
  • Triangle Wave: Similar to a sine wave but with more harmonics

Understanding Filters

Filters shape the harmonic content of sounds:

  • Low-pass Filter: Allows frequencies below a cutoff point to pass through
  • High-pass Filter: Allows frequencies above a cutoff point to pass through
  • Band-pass Filter: Allows a band of frequencies to pass through
  • Notch Filter: Rejects a band of frequencies

Modulation Techniques

Modulation adds movement and interest to sounds:

  1. Amplitude Modulation (AM): Changes the volume over time
  2. Frequency Modulation (FM): Changes the frequency over time
  3. Ring Modulation: Multiplies two signals together
  4. Pulse Width Modulation: Changes the duty cycle of a square wave

Practical Applications

Creating a simple bass sound:

  1. Start with a sawtooth wave
  2. Apply a low-pass filter with moderate resonance
  3. Use an envelope to control the filter cutoff
  4. Add a short amplitude envelope for a tight bass sound

Audio synthesis is both a technical skill and an art form. Understanding these basics opens up endless possibilities for sound design and music creation.