Additive Synthesis Additive synthesis is the process of creating complex sounds by adding various sound components. Historically, it refers to the process of adding sine tones in various amounts to create richer timbres. These elements are superimposed on one another to create the synthesizer voices. This method can be found in Roland's synthesizer's, some Yamaha synthesizers, the EMU Proteus and the Korg M-1. Since it can combine digital samples with other sound components, it is particularly good for simulating acoustic instruments.
Every synthesizer has a method by which it can be modified or customized.
Exactly what can be altered and how one alters it is dependent upon the synthesizer. In almost all cases, the envelope of the sound can be altered, and features like vibrato can be added. In most, the components that are being used to generate the sound can be altered. The changes are passed between the computer and synthesizer as system exclusive MIDI data. It is usually much easier to edit a synthesizer on a host computer since it has better graphics capabilities and a larger screen.