Additive Synthesis is a sound creation technique that builds complex timbres from the sum of simple waves.

Think of it as mixing primary colors to create any other color.

In Additive Synthesis, the "colors" are sine waves — pure tones with a single frequency. The process works by adding several of these sine waves, each with its own frequency (pitch) and amplitude (volume). The main wave is called the fundamental frequency (the note you hear), and the added waves are the harmonics or partials, which define the timbre of the sound. By combining dozens or hundreds of these simple waves at different volumes, it is possible to create any sound, no matter how complex. It is the opposite of Subtractive Synthesis (more common), which starts with a complex wave and uses filters to remove frequencies. Additive Synthesis starts with silence and adds frequencies. Classic Example The most famous example of additive synthesis is the Hammond organ. Each of its drawbars controls the volume of a specific harmonic. By adjusting the drawbars, the musician is effectively performing real-time additive synthesis to sculpt the organ's timbre.