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EnglandMusic TechnologyQuick questions
Sequencing and synthesis
Quick questions on Additive, FM and wavetable synthesis: other ways to build sound - Edexcel A-Level Music Technology
4short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What are contrasting the methods?Show answer
The methods differ in how they create harmonic content. Subtractive removes harmonics from a rich source; additive adds harmonics from nothing; FM generates harmonics by modulation; wavetable changes the source waveform over time. Sample-based synthesis (covered separately) uses recorded sounds as the source. Knowing the typical sound of each lets you identify a synthesis method by ear.
What is q1?Show answer
How does additive synthesis build a sound? [2 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
In FM synthesis, what do the carrier and modulator do? [2 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
What timbres is FM synthesis known for? [1 mark]
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