Clavia Nord Modular V3 Manuel d'utilisateur télécharger pdf (Page 198)

8. Synthesis basics: Subtractive synthesis NORD MODULAR V3.0

Page 190

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Subtractive synthesis is one of the oldest and most widely spread forms of synthesizing sounds. It is the

method employed in such classics as the Moog synthesizers, the Sequential Prophet-5 and 10, Arp syn-

thesizers, most Oberheim synthesizers, the Roland Jupiter models, the TB-303 etc.; the list is practically

endless. Even new digital instruments such as workstations and sample playback devices employ many of

the basic principles of subtractive synthesis.

With the Nord Modular and Micro Modular, Clavia introduces a new concept: a modern digital instru-

ment that combines a faithful reproduction of the behaviour of the old analog favourites with the con-

venience and stability of the newer designs.

The purpose of this chapter is to give you a quick introduction to the basics of subtractive synthesis. If

you’d like to know more, there are number of books written on the subject.

- -

Subtractive synthesis started its life in

modular synthesizers

, large cabinets housing separate electronic

modules, connected via patch cords. With the advancement of technology, the functionality of many of

these modules could be put onto one single circuit board. But functionality-wise, subtractive synthesizers

are still built out of the same modules (or building blocks) as they were decades ago. We will now take a

closer look at these building blocks. Let’s first talk about three basic modules that actually create and proc-

ess sound:

The Oscillator is one of the few modules in a synthesizer that actually

produces

any sound, (most of the

other modules only

shape

the sound from the oscillator.) The oscillator is a bit like the string on a string

instrument, it vibrates to create sound.

The signal from the oscillator can be sent through a Filter which shapes the

timbre

of the sound to make

it “bright”, “dull”, “thin”, etc.

The Amplifier shapes the

volume

of the sound making it “soft” or “hard”, “slow” or “short”.

In addition to these three basic modules, all synthesizers also have “modulators”, devices that can make

the volume, timbre pitch and other qualities of sound vary continuously when you play a key. It is these

modulators that basically add animation to the sound, taking it from a dull organ drone to a dynamic and

interesting timbre. The two most common modulators are Envelopes and LFOs:

An envelope generator is used to give a sound a “shape”. If you apply an envelope to the amplifier (which

controls the volume) you are able to make the sound for example slowly fade in and then fade out when

you press and hold a key.

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Clavia Nord Modular V3 Manuel d'utilisateur Page 198

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