Subtraktiivisen

Subtraktiivisen is a Finnish word that translates to "subtractive" in English. It is primarily used in the context of subtractive synthesis, a method of sound synthesis that starts with a complex waveform and removes or subtracts harmonics to shape the sound. This process typically involves filters, which can alter the frequency content of the initial waveform, leading to a wide range of sonic possibilities.

In subtractive synthesis, the source sound is often generated by oscillators producing basic waveforms like sine, square, sawtooth, or triangle waves. These waveforms contain a fundamental frequency and a series of overtones. Filters are then employed to attenuate or remove specific frequencies or bands of frequencies from this harmonic content. Common filter types include low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch filters, each affecting the sound in a distinct way. A low-pass filter, for instance, removes frequencies above a certain cutoff point, while a high-pass filter removes frequencies below it.

The term "subtraktiivisen" emphasizes the nature of this process, where the desired sound is achieved by removing elements from a richer, more complex initial sound. This stands in contrast to additive synthesis, where sounds are built up by adding together individual harmonic components. Subtractive synthesis is a fundamental technique in electronic music and is widely used in synthesizers and digital audio workstations to create diverse timbres.