Additive Synthesis (Fundamentals of Sound Synthesis) | Simon Hutchinson

In additive synthesis we combine simple waveforms at different frequencies, amplitudes, and phases to create complex waveforms. Actually, any sound can be created in this way--all sound can be broken down into component frequencies, individual sine waves, and then reconstructed. The problem is the number of sine waves required to create complex sounds can be significant, perhaps thousands of oscillators might be required. Instruments such as the Hammond Organ, though, have found efficient and effective ways to use additive synthesis for interesting and beautiful timbres. Jez Swanson, "An Interactive Introduction to Fourier Transforms: http://www.jezzamon.com/fourier/ Xenakis, "Mycenae Alpha" (1978): https://youtu.be/yztoaNakKok 0:00 Adding Sound 0:18 Constructive and Destructive Interference 0:49 Definition 1:05 Sine Waves and Fourier Analysis 2:22 Labeling Frequency Components of a Sound 3:10 Reaktor Demonstration - Frequency vs. Pitch 4:54 Demonstrating Spectral Analysis 6:22 So What? More sound synthesis: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7w4cOVVxL6HWGokiABmiZnssYQjo_UFd The best book on synthesis is still Curtis Roads Computer Music Tutorial (amazon affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3FZArJG Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/SimonHutc/?sub_confirmation=1 Official Website - http://simonhutchinson.com/ bandcamp (lots of free music!): https://simonhutchinson.bandcamp.com/follow_me Sign up for my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hVs7bT Buy my old gear on Reverb (affiliate link): https://reverb.grsm.io/simon Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/simonhutchinson My voice-over gear (affiliate links) Aston Microphones Origin (amazon): https://amzn.to/40wQ7Og dbx 286s Channel Strip (amazon): https://amzn.to/3QxZDvN * I provide affiliate links for some products that I use and enjoy. If you end up buying something through these external links, I may earn a small commission (while the price for you remains the same). #SoundSynthesis #SoundDesign #ExperimentalMusic #additivesynthesis