Synthesis and Sound Design Flashcards
7 cards from real Music & Audio Advice practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Synthesis and Sound Design flashcards as text
In subtractive synthesis, what does a low-pass filter primarily do to a sound?
Answer: Removes frequencies above the cutoff
A low-pass filter attenuates frequencies above its cutoff point, letting lower frequencies pass.
Which waveform contains only odd harmonics and has a hollow, clarinet-like tone?
Answer: Square
A square wave is built from odd harmonics only, giving it a hollow, reedy character.
What does the 'A' in an ADSR envelope control?
Answer: Attack time
Attack sets how quickly the envelope rises from zero to its peak level.
An LFO routed to pitch at a slow rate produces what classic effect?
Answer: Vibrato
A low-frequency oscillator modulating pitch creates the periodic wavering called vibrato.
In FM synthesis, raising the modulator's amplitude (index) generally does what?
Answer: Adds more sidebands and brightness
Increasing the modulation index generates more sidebands, making the timbre brighter and richer.
What is the purpose of filter resonance (Q)?
Answer: Emphasizing frequencies near the cutoff
Resonance boosts a narrow band of frequencies around the cutoff, creating a peak or whistle.
Detuning two oscillators slightly against each other produces what?
Answer: A thicker, beating chorus-like sound
Slight detuning causes phase beating between oscillators, fattening the sound.