The way it works is by running a signal (sound) from the oscillator to the filter EQ and then onto an amp for ADSR (Attack / Decay / Sustain / Release) control. A subtractive synthesiser consists of an Oscillator, Filter, Amp and LFO. It works, as its name suggests, by beginning with a rich sound source and removing frequencies until the desired sound is sculpted (subtracted). The subtractive synth is traditionally the most commonly used amongst producers. Plus, we’re currently offering 25% Off our selected online and LA courses until 9th November when this offer ends using the codes ONLINE25 and LA25. If you’d like to learn more about how subtractive, additive, FM and other types of synths work in more detail, why not enrol on a Point Blank course? We offer programmes which specialise in Music Production & Sound Engineering.

Check out our most recent 9 Must Have Free Plugins roundup here and be sure to follow the jumps to our previous ones.

If you’d like to get your hands on some fantastic software synths for free we regularly share our favourites. This way, rather than owning countless plugins which perform similar functions, you can stock up on and master those with unique sonic characters. Whether it’s subtractive, additive, wavetable or FM synthesis (to name a few) there are DAW plugins which are renowned for performing each type of synthesis excellently and we’re going to tell you which ones are best for the job and why they deserve a space in your armoury. There are a number of different types of synths to explore when working with hardware and software and it always helps to get an idea of how they work. As a musician, working with different types of synths can be a rewarding way to experiment with electronic music production and learn what’s what in the world of synthesis.

Additive vs subtractive synth