Public learning track
Subtractive Synthesis and Oscillator Fundamentals
11th Grade · Arts · UK A-Level
6 lessons
Goal
Master the signal path of subtractive synthesis, harmonic wave generation, and multi-oscillator detuning techniques.
Featured Diagrams
Signal Flow in Subtractive Synthesis: VCO, VCF, and VCA
6 lessons
0 of 6 done
- 1Signal Flow in Subtractive Synthesis: VCO, VCF, and VCAUp nextStart
- 2Harmonic Spectra of Core Waveforms: Sine, Sawtooth, Square, and TrianglePremiumNot started yet
- 3Pulse-Width Modulation and Variable Duty CyclesNot started yet
- 4Sub-Oscillators and White versus Pink Noise GeneratorsNot started yet
- 5Oscillator Detuning, Interval Stacking, and Unison ChorusingNot started yet
- 6Hard Sync and Oscillator Frequency LockingNot started yet
Standards Covered
- MUSTECH-13.1General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (UK A-Level) · Music-technology · Year 13 (A2 Level) · Grade 11how synthesis is used to create different sounds by using oscillators, filters, envelopes and LFOs
- MUSTECH-13.2General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (UK A-Level) · Music-technology · Year 13 (A2 Level) · Grade 11how timbre is affected by a wider variety of parameters e.g. cut-off frequency, resonance, attack, decay, sustain, release, graphs, and mapping of envelopes to filter cut-off frequency
Curriculum Framework
11th Grade · Arts · UK A-Level
1
6 lessons
Subtractive Synthesis and Oscillator Fundamentals
Master the signal path of subtractive synthesis, harmonic wave generation, and multi-oscillator detuning techniques.
2
6 lessons
Filter Topologies, Resonance, and Spectral Sculpting
Analyse how filter types, cutoff points, resonance peaks, and filter slopes subtract frequencies to alter timbre.
3
5 lessons
ADSR Envelope Generators and Amplitude Contouring
Shape the dynamics and temporal volume profiles of synthesised sounds across attack, decay, sustain, and release stages.
4
6 lessons
LFO Modulation and Cyclic Parameter Control
Utilise low-frequency oscillators to introduce periodic modulation to pitch, volume, pulse width, and filter cutoff.
5
6 lessons
Envelope-to-Filter Mapping and Dynamic Timbral Shaping
Master the interaction between dedicated filter envelopes, cutoff frequency, and resonance to evolve harmonic spectra dynamically.
6
6 lessons
Advanced Synthesis Sound Design and Aural Analysis
Synthesise classic musical patches from scratch and aurally deconstruct synthesis parameters in exam listening papers.