#04 The Filter – pt 1

When we speak of ‘analogue synthesis’ we usually mean analogue subtractive synthesis. There are, though, many other non-analogue forms of subtractive synthesis – the typical sampler fits that description. You see, the ‘subtractive’ bit has nothing to do with how a synth makes its sound, but how that sound is manipulated once generated.

In the case of subtractive synthesisers, an oscillator generates a waveform by analogue or digital means. That waveform likely consists of the fundamental frequency, plus harmonic and inharmonic frequencies. Said waveform is then spat through a filter, which