7 Types of Sound Synthesis (Main Ones)

Here you’ll find the 7 main types of synthesis (sound or music). These are the most widely used methods today, especially in the music industry.

Table of Contents

Additive Synthesis

Additive synthesis creates sound by combining simple sound waves generated by multiple oscillators. These waves are typically sine waves, which are the most basic.

Put simply, any existing sound can be broken down into a sum of sine waves with different frequencies and amplitudes.
This synthesis method starts from those simple waveforms as the foundation.

In other words, additive synthesis creates complex sounds by layering multiple simple ones.

Subtractive Synthesis

Subtractive synthesis begins with one or more complex waveforms produced by oscillators. Filters are then used to subtract (remove) specific frequencies and harmonics, and optionally enhance others. It’s the most common type of synthesis.

Typical waveforms for this synthesis type include sawtooth, square, triangle, or noise waves. These are rich in harmonics (frequencies beyond the fundamental pitch).

In short, subtractive synthesis removes frequencies from a harmonically rich waveform or combination of waveforms.

Wavetable Synthesis

Wavetable synthesis involves storing complex waveforms in a digital library or table, then using a digital oscillator to play back or scan through them.

These waveforms are digital, customizable, and don’t have to be uniform. They can be asymmetric or even hand-drawn.

Popular modern wavetable synths include Pigments (Arturia) and Serum.

A wavetable is essentially an organized set of waveforms. The digital oscillator can either play one waveform cyclically or morph through multiple ones, creating dynamic and evolving sounds.

FM Synthesis (Frequency Modulation)

FM synthesis is a form of modulation synthesis. It generates a sound’s timbre* by modulating the frequency of a carrier wave with another wave, called the modulator.

Instead of adding frequencies, this method uses one waveform to alter the frequency of another. This modulation doesn’t change the note (fundamental frequency), but it does affect the timbre by creating new harmonics.

*Timbre: Timbre defines a sound’s unique character or “color,” allowing us to distinguish between instruments playing the same note at the same volume.

In FM synthesis, one oscillator acts as the carrier (the base sound), while the other is the modulator (which isn’t heard directly). The modulator’s job is to alter the carrier’s frequency.

FM8 by Native Instruments is a great example of this type of synthesizer.

The result:

The carrier’s frequency fluctuates according to the modulator’s waveform, creating additional frequencies and new harmonics that shape the timbre.
In summary, one waveform modulates the frequency of another. You can control the degree of modulation and other parameters.

Granular Synthesis

Granular synthesis works by splitting a sound into tiny pieces called grains. These grains can then be rearranged or modified by the synthesizer to create entirely new sounds.

The grains can come from an audio file or a waveform generated by the synth itself. A grain typically lasts between 1 and 100 milliseconds.

In short, this technique breaks a sound into grains, which can be transformed in pitch, duration, texture, and more. You can achieve both realistic and highly abstract results.

Sampling Synthesis

Sampling synthesis uses real sound recordings, called samples, and plays them back. Unlike other types of synthesis, the sound isn’t generated from scratch but from existing audio.

These samples are usually short digital recordings assigned to different keys, such as individual notes. Filters, envelopes, and modulation can also be applied to shape the sound.

This includes both samplers (which allow more in-depth editing) and romplers (which offer limited editing options).

In summary, sampling synthesis plays back real recordings with some flexibility in modification, while retaining the core essence of the original sound. It’s commonly used to emulate real instruments or distinctive sounds, delivering highly realistic results.

Hybrid Synthesis

Hybrid synthesis combines two or more synthesis techniques to generate sound.

Most modern synths, especially VST synths, combine several types of synthesis. So in practice, hybrid synthesis is very common and offers great versatility to music producers.

Example of hybrid synthesis: Wavetable + Subtractive, as featured in the VST synth Pigments by Arturia.

Even so, most synthesizers are built around one main synthesis method, which defines their core sound.

Other Types

There are additional types of synthesis (less commonly found in VST synths), such as:

…and others, less widely known. Click on them to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ:

What is Sound Synthesis?

Sound synthesis is the process of generating artificial sounds using electronic devices or software. These sounds are built from waveforms, oscillators, filters, and other tools that allow you to shape the timbre, movement, and character of the sound.

What Is a Type of Synthesis?

A type of synthesis refers to the specific method used to generate and shape sound. Each synthesis type uses different techniques to sculpt how a sound behaves, resulting in distinct sonic characteristics.

Some synthesis methods offer more flexibility than others. For example, wavetable synthesis allows for heavy waveform customization, while subtractive synthesis starts with more basic waveforms, making it less diverse from the outset.

What Are the Most Common Types of Sound Synthesis?

The most common sound synthesis types covered in this article include:

Subtractive Synthesis: Starts with harmonically rich sounds and filters out frequencies.
Additive Synthesis: Builds sound by summing simple waveforms.
Wavetable Synthesis: Uses digital waveform tables to generate sound.
FM Synthesis (Frequency Modulation): Modulates one waveform’s frequency with another.
Granular Synthesis: Splits sound into grains to create new textures.

Additional methods include physical modeling, spectral synthesis, sampling, AM synthesis, and more.