On the Hunt for New Timbres

Multiplicative Synthesis

Abstract

This paper explores a multiplicative approach to sound synthesis in which multiple sinus waveforms are multiplied rather than added or used primarily for modulation. A three-operator structure is proposed in which the operator frequencies are derived from the fundamental frequency and a controllable frequency ratio. The frequency relationships are chosen so that multiplication produces spectral components that include the desired fundamental, while changes in the ratio alter the resulting harmonic structure. This provides a simple means of generating timbres through frequency mixing, ranging from harmonic to more dissonant and metallic spectra. To increase spectral complexity and expressive control, phase modulation is applied to one operator, introducing additional frequency components, while independent fundamental and sub-octave oscillators reinforce pitch perception. The resulting synthesizer combines multiplicative synthesis with phase modulation, waveform folding, envelope, and low-frequency modulation, providing a flexible framework for exploring an under-utilized synthesis principle.