[naltroc]

unpopular hot take:

subtractive synthesis isn't synthesis. It's a transformation.

[nyrikki]

First time I have ever heard someone say my Minimoog, OB8, Prophet and modular synths weren't synthesis.

ADSR is subtractive even if you ignore the filter.

The (ideal) square wave contains the odd-integer harmonic frequencies, where the (ideal) sawtooth has all harmonic frequencies.

I think starting in the digital world may make this less clear?

You are subtracting overtones from a non-sinusoidal set, the sound synthesis in subtractive synths is the more like choosing digits to construct a representable number.

Additive synths are actually far more restricted...remember that the set of computable numbers is not quite as small as the cantor set, but is getting there.

[weatherlight]

Hold up, I'm going to send a email to every synth company that sells synths with filters and explain to them that they aren't selling synthesizers but transformers. I'm positive that it will be received well!

[racl101]

They are certainly more than meets the eye.

[fredoliveira]

I mean, there's a fair amount of hype about transformers right now.

[SeanLuke]

So I presume your complaint is that by synthesis you mean taking two things, smashing them together, and producing a new thing. In which case, sure, subtractive synthesis isn't synthesis unless:

- Two oscillators undergoing detune, sync, ring or amplitude modulation, or fm prior to getting fed into the filter?

- An LFO combined with an oscillator?

- An envelope (controlling the filter or amplifier) combined with an oscillator?

Perhaps these things might be considered combinations? I agree this is weak. You can blame the RCA Mark I and II for calling subtractive synthesizers "synthesizers".

[shwaj]

By their definition, an amplitude envelope would probably also be a transformation.

[timc3]

Yes, but all synthesis types are transformation unless you are just replaying/outputting a waveform in one way or another without manipulation so that is really an all encompassing way of describing all synthesis methods.

Subtractive synthesis has a particular meaning in common use whether it’s right or wrong.

[skyyler]

Well, "transformer" is already a kind of device. Do you have a suggested name to replace "synthesiser"?

[kristianbrigman]

Somewhat true … maybe it’s really a hybrid, subtractive usually includes generating the initial sound to subtract from though (the oscillator) and even basic subtractive synths often have capability there (different waveforms, octaves, PWM, etc)

[Arelius]

A filter perhaps isn't synthesis, but the whole system, including oscillators would be, which seems to be what the term refers to.

[bmitc]

Pretty much everything in audio processing is a filter, whether it's called a filter or not, but that's overly reductive. Synthesis is just creating audio from parts.

[shwaj]

Delays aren’t filters.

[hecanjog]

You're getting downvoted for some reason but this is a perfectly fine way to think about subtractive synthesis. (From a compositional perspective anyhow.)