Chapter 2T - Additiv e and vector synthesis 2T

In order to see th e evolution of components over time, we can use a g raph

called a sonogram (w hich is also sometim es called a spectrogram), in wh ich
frequencies are shown on the y-axis and time is shown on t he x-axis (as dem-
onstrat ed in figure 2 .2c). The lines corresponding to fr equency components
become darker or ligh ter as thei r amplit ude changes in intensity. In th is par-
ticu lar example, ther e are on ly fou r lines, since it is a sound wit h a simple fixed
spectrum.

N
:r 1200
C

G 900
C
QJ
:::l
a
-
~ 600

300

t ime -

Fig. 2.2c A sonogram (also called a spectrogram)

Now we wil l consider a process in w hich, instead of decomposi ng a complex

sound into sine waves, we aim to do the opposite: to fashion a complex sound
out of a set of sine waves.

This tech nique, w hich should in theo ry enable us to create any waveform at all
by building up a sum of sine waves, is called ad diti ve synthesis, and is shown
in d iagrammatic form in f igure 2 .3.

Fig. 2.3 A sum of signals output by sine wave oscillators

In figure 2.4, two waves, A and B, and their sum, C, are show n in th e t ime
doma in.
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