10MM109

Harmonics, overtones and pitch are fundamental terms in synthesis, but what exactly do they mean? Grant Bridgeman explores a partially daunting subject...

The evolution of the software synthesiser has resulted in many of us now having access to more sound-design tools than we could ever have dreamed of ten years ago. But the terminology associated with them often causes confusion, preventing us from getting the most out of these devices. To help overcome this hurdle – especially when you consider how increasingly diverse synthesizers and processors are becoming – a basic appreciation of how acoustic instruments operate is vital.

This feature first appeared in Music Tech Magazine issue 53
Filed under General Features, Ten Minute Masters

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