Unit 35 - Subtractive Synthesis Write Up Guide

Here is a checklist of content for your Subtractive Synthesis write up

1 - Explain the different elements that make up a subtractive synth - e.g VCO (Oscillators), VCF (Filter) including an explanation of how these elements combine to create a sound. For each element explain the common controls and settings you will find, and try and explain how it works and what it does. You will then need to explain how the signal flows through the synth, and how all the elements combine to create a patch/sound

2 - Explain the harmonic content of the 5 different waveforms - sine, triangle, square, sawtooth, including some information on how the different harmonic content changes the timbre of the sound.

3 - Include some audio examples of each waveform - just a short audio sample of each to demonstrate how they sound - this will back up your written section.

4 - Compare a real acoustic instrument with a subtractive synth, and try and show which part of the instrument relates to one of the synth components.

5 - Add in some software and hardware examples of subtractive synths, highlighting any differences you can see on them

Here are some useful links to help you with your research

http://www.vintagesynth.com

http://computermusicresource.com/Definitions/subtractive.synthesis.html

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/may99/articles/synthsec.htm