Synthesis and sound design · updated 2026-08-16

ADDITIVE SYNTHESIS

Building a sound by stacking sine waves at chosen frequencies and levels — the inverse of subtractive, and the basis of spectral resynthesis.

Analogue synthesizer panel with patch cables, knobs and sliders in close focus

SOURCES AND CITATIONS

Free, primary references for additive synthesis — standards bodies, manufacturers, government offices and university course material.

RELATED TERMS IN SYNTHESIS AND SOUND DESIGN

Back to the full music glossary or read our latest articles.