Subtraktiivista

Subtraktiivista is a concept related to subtractive synthesis, a method of sound generation in electronic music. In subtractive synthesis, a complex waveform is produced by an oscillator and then modified by filters. These filters remove or attenuate certain frequencies from the original waveform, thus "subtracting" from its harmonic content. The resulting sound is shaped by the choice of oscillator waveform, filter type, cutoff frequency, resonance, and other parameters.

The fundamental principle involves starting with a rich harmonic sound source and then carving out the desired timbres. Common oscillator waveforms used in subtractive synthesis include sawtooth, square, pulse, and triangle waves, all of which contain a significant number of overtones. The filters, typically low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, or notch filters, are crucial in shaping the perceived brightness and character of the sound. A low-pass filter, for instance, removes frequencies above a set cutoff point, making the sound progressively darker as the cutoff is lowered.

Subtraktiivista is a cornerstone of many analog and digital synthesizers. Its intuitive nature allows for the creation of a vast range of sounds, from simple sine-like tones to complex, evolving textures. The term emphasizes the process of reduction and shaping, highlighting how complexity is built by removing elements rather than adding them directly. This approach has been instrumental in the development of electronic music genres since the mid-20th century.