Synthesis Made Simple: Part 1 - Overview

Remember yesterday how I mentioned that once you understood the basics of synthesis, you’d be able to figure out how to make sounds on just about any synth? Well, it’s true. Sure, some synths have less accessible layouts or interfaces, but probably 90% of the synths out there share some variation on the same basic structure.

Most synthesizers utilize an architecture based on what is called subtractive synthesis. At its most simple level, a sound made via subtractive synthesis generally consists of a sound source (the OSCILLATOR) that has its tonal content altered by subtracting frequencies (via a FILTER) and whose amplitude (volume level) is altered via a simple, automated volume control (called an ENVELOPE). Simple, right? Well, that’s the basic building block for sounds on most of the synths out there. Even a digital sampler, a ROMpler, or a wavetable synth generally uses these same conventions. Some methods of synthesis such as FM and Additive stray a bit in how they make sounds, but those are a bit more advanced, so I’m not going to get into those. Walk before you run, grasshopper.

Now obviously most synths are more complex than just this basic structure, but if you understand these basic building blocks as well as the concept of MODULATION (which simply means to change something, but more on that later), you will know most of what you need to make your own sounds. Tomorrow: OSCILLATORS!