Synthesis Modules

Oscillator
Also known as VCOs (Voltage Control Oscillator) are a basic component of all synth sounds. They
output repeating waveforms that can be modified with three main tools:
➔ Frequency: the speed at which a waveform runs its complete pattern’s cycle. It is measured
in Hertz (Hz) and can be perceived as either low or high pitch
➔ Amplitude: how loud the sound is leaving the oscillator. It is measured in decibels (dB)
➔ Waveshape: What a waveform sounds like. During the course we discussed 6 shapes: sine,
sawtooth, square, triangle, noise and width.

Most synths will have at least two oscillators. You can stack them together to create unique
sounds.
Filter
The sound produced by an oscillator has a fundamental frequency and a harmonic series. Together,
these elements create the unique sonic characteristics of sound, called timbre. Timbre includes the
tonal characteristics or qualities that make one sound different from another.
From the oscillator, sound goes to a filter or VCF (Voltage Controlled Filter), where its harmonic
qualities are shaped. There are generally four settings: low-pass, high-pass, bandpass and notch

• Low-pass filter: Low pass filter (24 dB low pass filter) is the most important type of filter.
They allow all frequencies below it to pass through. They restrain a sound’s frequency
content. They create warm and dark sounds.
• High-pass filter: They set a cutoff point which allows all frequencies above it to pass
through. They’re mostly used to remove unwanted low frequency content and emphasize
highs. They create bright and crispy sounds.
• Bandpass filters: they select a group of frequencies allowed to pass through and reject the
rest. They are mostly used to emulate formant frequencies of the voice. Best used for nasal
sounds.
• Notch filters: they stop a group of frequencies from passing through. They are used to
remove specific unwanted frequencies but can have creative potential as well
Filters have an extra control, called resonance, that boosts frequencies around a cutoff point and
produces a ringing sound. Too much resonance can produce a sharp and irritating tone.
Amplifier & Envelope
From the filter section, the sound travels to an amplifier or VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier),
which determines its volume. Attached to every amplifier is an envelope, which controls how the
volume of the amplifier changes over time. There are four stages that set the path for a synth sound
after a key is pressed

• Attack time: how long it takes for a synth sound to reach maximum volume after hitting the
key. Set it low if you want a sound to play at full blast when you press the key or high to
slow the onset of a sound reaching its maximum volume
• Decay time: how long a sound stays at its maximum level. Low decay will end a sound
abruptly, a high decay will make it last longer.
• Sustain level: the volume level that your decay falls to (in dB)
• Release time: how long it takes for the sustain level to reach complete silence after a key is
no longer being pressed down. Low release will end a sound shortly after you let go of the
key, high release will let the sound fizzle out
LFO
Also called Low Frequency Oscillator. They aren’t directly heard. Their impact on another
parameter in the synth causes the audible result. This can create audio effects such as vibrato,
tremolo and phasing.