Synthesis Basics

What is the purpose of a volume knob in the context of synthesis?

• To modify the sound's color

• To control the loudness of the sound

• To add effects like reverb or delay

• To change the pitch of the sound

Answer explanation

The volume knob is primarily used to control the loudness of the sound produced by a synthesizer. It adjusts the amplitude of the audio signal, making it louder or softer, rather than altering pitch, color, or adding effects.

What does an envelope control in a synthesizer?

• The type of wave produced

• The duration and dynamics of the sound

• The speed of the oscillation

• The color of the sound

Answer explanation

An envelope in a synthesizer controls the duration and dynamics of the sound by shaping how the sound evolves over time, including its attack, decay, sustain, and release phases.

Which of the following is NOT one of the four words associated with envelopes?

• Attack

• Sustain

• Threshold

• Decay

Answer explanation

The four words associated with envelopes are typically Attack, Sustain, Decay, and Release. 'Threshold' does not fit into this category, making it the correct answer as it is not one of the four terms.

What does a filter do in a synthesizer?

• It amplifies certain frequencies

• It generates new frequencies

• It removes or reduces certain frequencies

• It changes the pitch of the sound

Answer explanation

A filter in a synthesizer is used to remove or reduce certain frequencies from the sound signal, shaping the tone and timbre. This is essential for sound design, allowing for more control over the audio output.

What is subtractive synthesis?

• Generating sound by subtracting waves

• Subtracting the volume to zero

• Removing unwanted frequencies and dynamics from the sound

• Adding multiple layers of sound together

Answer explanation

Subtractive synthesis involves shaping sound by removing unwanted frequencies and dynamics, rather than generating sound by adding layers or simply reducing volume. This makes the correct choice about removing specific sound elements.

What is the role of an LFO in a synthesizer?

• To modulate parameters using a low frequency

• To control the pitch of the sound

• To produce audible sounds

• To filter out low frequencies

Answer explanation

An LFO (Low-Frequency Oscillator) modulates parameters like pitch, filter cutoff, or amplitude at low frequencies, creating effects such as vibrato or tremolo. Thus, the correct choice is to modulate parameters using a low frequency.

What kind of wave is not associated with an oscillator's sound?

• Square wave

• Triangle wave

• Continuous Wave

• Sine wave

Answer explanation

A Continuous Wave (CW) is a constant signal without oscillation, unlike square, triangle, and sine waves, which are all periodic and associated with oscillators. Therefore, CW is the correct answer.

What does the ADSR acronym stand for?

• Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release

• Amplitude, Duration, Sound, Resonance

• Attack, Duration, Sustain, Resonance

• Amplitude, Decay, Sustain, Release

Answer explanation

The correct answer is "Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release". ADSR describes the four stages of sound synthesis, defining how a sound evolves over time from its initial attack to its final release.

Which parameter is NOT typically modulated by an LFO in a synthesizer?

• Filter cutoff frequency

• Oscillator pitch

• Amplitude

• Number of voices

Answer explanation

An LFO typically modulates parameters like filter cutoff, oscillator pitch, and amplitude to create movement in sound. However, the number of voices is a static parameter that does not change with modulation.

What does PWM stand for in the context of synthesis?

• Pulse Width Modulation

• Phase Wave Modulation

• Power Wave Modulation

• Pressure Wave Modulation

Answer explanation

In synthesis, PWM stands for Pulse Width Modulation. It is a technique used to control the amount of power delivered to a device by varying the width of the pulses in a signal, making it the correct choice.