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Sound Synthesis Basics
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Oscillator
An electronic component or software that generates periodic, oscillating electronic signals, typically sine, square, triangle, or sawtooth waveforms.
Filter
A device or software that removes certain frequencies from a sound signal, typically characterized by its cutoff frequency, resonance, and filter type (low-pass, high-pass, etc.).
ADSR Envelope
Stands for Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release; a four-stage envelope that controls how a sound's amplitude changes over time.
LFO
Stands for Low-Frequency Oscillator; an oscillator that operates at a frequency below the threshold of human hearing to modulate parameters such as pitch, amplitude, or filters.
FM Synthesis
Stands for Frequency Modulation Synthesis; a form of sound synthesis where the frequency of one waveform (the 'carrier') is altered by the frequency of another waveform (the 'modulator').
Subtractive Synthesis
A method of sound synthesis where harmonically rich waveforms are shaped by cutting frequencies out using filters.
Additive Synthesis
A sound synthesis technique that involves adding together sine waves of different frequencies, amplitudes, and phases to create complex tones.
Wavetable Synthesis
A synthesis method that uses a series of waveforms, or 'wavetables', which can be scanned through or modulated to create dynamic timbral changes.
Granular Synthesis
A form of synthesis that involves playing back small snippets of sound, called 'grains', at different speeds, pitches, and densities to create complex sounds.
Modulation
In sound synthesis, modulation is the process of using one parameter to alter another, thus changing the sound over time.
Sample and Hold
A type of circuit or algorithm that samples a voltage or signal and holds onto it for a set period, often used to create random voltages in a modular synthesis context.
Ring Modulation
A method where two signals are multiplied together, resulting in sum and difference frequencies of the original signals, creating metallic or bell-like tones.
Pulse Width Modulation
A technique used to alter the timbre of a pulse wave by changing the width of its duty cycle, affecting the harmonic content.
Noise Generator
An electronic component or software that produces noise, which is a random signal without a clear pitch, used for creating percussive sounds or sound effects.
VCA
Stands for Voltage Controlled Amplifier; a component in synthesizers that controls the volume of a signal based on an applied control voltage.
Synthesis Patch
A term used to describe the setting or configuration of a synthesizer which defines how its modules are connected and how they interact to create a sound.
MIDI
Stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface; a technical protocol that allows electronic musical instruments and computers to communicate and synchronize with each other.
Harmonics
Individual components of the sound that are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency, contributing to the timbre of a musical note.
Overtones
Frequencies higher than the fundamental frequency of a sound, occurring naturally in musical tones and contributing to the instrument's timbre.
Timbre
The quality or color of a sound that makes it distinguishable from other sounds, even if they are the same pitch and loudness.
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