Music & Audio Advice Synthesis and Sound Design 2

Question 1

In subtractive synthesis, what does a low-pass filter primarily do to a sound?

Accepted Answer

Removes frequencies above the cutoff

Answer

A low-pass filter attenuates frequencies above its cutoff point, letting lower frequencies pass.

Question 2

Which waveform contains only odd harmonics and has a hollow, clarinet-like tone?

Accepted Answer

Square

Answer

A square wave is built from odd harmonics only, giving it a hollow, reedy character.

Question 3

What does the 'A' in an ADSR envelope control?

Accepted Answer

Attack time

Answer

Attack sets how quickly the envelope rises from zero to its peak level.

Question 4

An LFO routed to pitch at a slow rate produces what classic effect?

Accepted Answer

Vibrato

Answer

A low-frequency oscillator modulating pitch creates the periodic wavering called vibrato.

Question 5

In FM synthesis, raising the modulator's amplitude (index) generally does what?

Accepted Answer

Adds more sidebands and brightness

Answer

Increasing the modulation index generates more sidebands, making the timbre brighter and richer.

Music & Audio Advice Practice Test