Sound Design Audio Synthesis Techniques

Question 1

What type of synthesis builds complex sounds by adding together multiple sine waves at different frequencies and amplitudes?

Accepted Answer

Additive synthesis

Answer

Additive synthesis creates complex timbres by summing individual sine wave partials, each with its own frequency, amplitude, and phase.

Question 2

In subtractive synthesis, what component is used to remove frequencies from a harmonically rich waveform?

Accepted Answer

Filter

Answer

A filter (typically a low-pass, high-pass, or band-pass filter) is used in subtractive synthesis to carve away unwanted frequencies from a source waveform.

Question 3

What does FM stand for in FM synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Frequency Modulation

Answer

FM synthesis stands for Frequency Modulation synthesis, where one oscillator (the modulator) modulates the frequency of another (the carrier) to create complex harmonic spectra.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Square wave

Answer

A square wave contains only odd harmonics (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.), giving it a hollow, reedy timbre similar to a clarinet.

Question 5

In granular synthesis, a sound is broken into tiny fragments called what?

Accepted Answer

Grains

Answer

Granular synthesis divides audio into tiny time segments called grains (typically 1–100 ms), which are then rearranged, pitch-shifted, and overlapped to create textures.

Sound Design Practice Test

Sound Design Practice Test

Sound Design Audio Synthesis Techniques