Audiosynthese

Audiosynthese, or audio synthesis, is the process of generating sound electronically through synthesis algorithms and signal processing, rather than through traditional acoustic resonance. It covers hardware and software systems that produce, modify, and sculpt audio signals, providing control over timbre, pitch, envelope, and spatial characteristics. Audiosynthese underpins most electronic musical instruments, sound-design tools, and many research platforms.

The main synthesis paradigms include subtractive synthesis, additive synthesis, frequency modulation (FM) synthesis, wavetable synthesis, granular synthesis, physical modeling synthesis, and spectral synthesis. Subtractive synthesis starts with rich harmonic content and sculpts timbre with filters. Additive synthesis constructs complex tones by combining many partials. FM synthesis generates complex spectra via frequency-modulated carriers and modulators. Wavetable synthesis uses a table of timbres that are scanned or interpolated over time. Granular synthesis manipulates tiny grains of sound to create textures. Physical modeling synthesis simulates the acoustic properties of instruments or materials. Spectral synthesis builds timbre from spectral components, often modifying them in the spectral domain.

A typical architecture includes a sound source, signal processing with envelopes and modulation, filtering, and effects, all controlled by performance data such as MIDI, CV/gate, or automation. Modern tools range from analog or digital hardware synthesizers to software synths and digital audio workstations.

Historically, audiosynthese emerged in the mid-20th century with electronic instruments and evolved with digital computation, becoming a central element of contemporary music production and sound design.