Linear arithmetic synthesis: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 12:28, 10 April 2018

Revision as of 00:56, 15 June 2020

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LA synthesis combines traditional [[subtractive synthesis]] with [[Pulse-code modulation|PCM]]-based samples.

The term "linear arithmetic" refers to synthesis that isputs allsounds digitaltogether (linear)in anda timeline. Typically a summingPCM (arithmetic)transient ofbegins soundsa note, which is then continued with a subtractive synthesis prolongation. Roland did not use the term ''additive'', as [[additive synthesis]] already refers to a different synthesis method.

This technology first appeared in 1987, in the [[Roland D-50]] synthesizer. At the time, re-synthesizing samplers were very expensive, so Roland set out to produce a machine that would be easy to program, sound realistic, and still sound like a synthesizer. Also, Yamaha had previously gained world market lead with their [[Yamaha DX7|DX7]] [[frequency modulation synthesis|FM synth]], which excelled at metallic, percussive sounds—something that Roland's synths using subtractive synthesis were less good at.