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EnglandMusic Technology

Sequencing and synthesis

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do additive, FM and wavetable synthesis build sounds differently from subtractive synthesis?

Other synthesis methods: additive synthesis (building from sine waves), FM synthesis (carrier and modulator), wavetable synthesis, the characteristic sounds of each, and how they contrast with subtractive synthesis.
A focused answer to the Edexcel 9MT0 synthesis content, covering additive synthesis from sine waves, FM synthesis with carrier and modulator, wavetable synthesis, their characteristic sounds, and the contrast with subtractive synthesis.
12 min answer →

What is MIDI, how does it differ from audio, and how is a convincing sequenced part programmed?

MIDI and sequencing: MIDI as performance data not audio, note, velocity and controller messages, real-time and step input, quantisation and groove, programming drums and instruments with velocity and timing for a realistic result.
A focused answer to the Edexcel 9MT0 MIDI content, covering MIDI as performance data versus audio, note, velocity and controller messages, real-time and step input, quantisation and groove, and programming realistic parts.
12 min answer →

What is sampling, and how are recorded sounds manipulated and played as instruments?

Sampling and sample-based synthesis: capturing and triggering samples, the sampler and key mapping, looping, time-stretching and pitch-shifting, slicing and reordering, warping to tempo, and creative sample manipulation.
A focused answer to the Edexcel 9MT0 sampling content, covering capturing and triggering samples, the sampler and key mapping, looping, time-stretching, pitch-shifting, slicing and reordering, and creative manipulation.
12 min answer →

How does a subtractive synthesiser create and shape a sound from an oscillator, filter, amplifier and envelope?

Subtractive synthesis: oscillators and waveforms, the voltage-controlled signal path (VCO, VCF, VCA), the filter and resonance, the ADSR envelope, the LFO and modulation, and how these combine to design a synth sound.
A focused answer to the Edexcel 9MT0 subtractive synthesis content, covering oscillators and waveforms, the VCO, VCF and VCA signal path, the filter and resonance, the ADSR envelope, the LFO and sound design.
13 min answer →