Audio Processes

17 Subtractive Synthesis

17.1	Basic Concepts
17.2	Common Subtractive Methods
17.2.1	Source Selection
17.2.2	Filtering Methods
17.3	Vocal Synthesis
17.3.1	Introduction
17.3.2	Voiced Source Sound Generation
17.3.3	Formant Filtering
17.4	High Resonance Methods
17.5	Developing Processes and Learning More

17.1 Basic Concepts

There is often a simple relationship between filter parameters and aural effect, which makes filtering a key technique in both modification and synthesis. Basic filters such as lowpass, highpass, and bandpass will significantly attenuate partials outside their passbands, resulting in a reshaped spectral envelope (as described in Chapter 6). When filtering is the principal tonal modification technique in a synthesizer, it is called subtractive ...