Subtractive Synthesis

Subtractive synthesis involves generating a basic waveformA waveform is a visual representation of a sound wave's shape and changes in intensity over time. (sine, triangle, sawtooth, square, pulse, etc.) and then applying a filterA filter is an audio processing tool that removes or enhances specific frequencies from a sound. to shape the frequencies of the given waveform. This process allows for sculpting the sound into a desired timbreTimbre is the characteristic quality of a sound that distinguishes it from other sounds of the same pitch and volume.. The main types of filters used in this form of sound design are low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass filters:

• Low-Pass: Only allows frequencies below a determined value to pass through, effectively removing higher frequencies and creating a smoother sound.
• High-Pass: Only allows frequencies above a determined value to pass through, removing lower frequencies and creating a thinner, more cutting sound.
• Band-Pass: Only allows frequencies within a specific range to pass through, filtering out frequencies both below and above this range, and creating a focused, resonant sound.

The beauty of subtractive synthesis lies in its simplicity and versatility. By starting with a harmonically richHarmonically rich sounds contain multiple frequencies that are whole number multiples of a fundamental frequency. waveform and using filters to remove unwanted frequencies, sound designers can create a wide array of tones, from deep, rumbling basses to bright, shimmering leads. It's a foundational technique in sound design, widely used in everything from classic analog synthesizers to modern digital synths.