Additive synthesis

Additive synthesis is a form of audio synthesis where the timbre of a tone or signal (generated by an audio synthesizer) is changed by adding waveforms (such as, but not necessarily harmonics) to the fundamental waveform, resulting in a more complex signal and a different-sounding tone. Additive synthesis usually begins with a simple signal of a distinct shape and frequency and adds waveforms from electronic oscillators by means of electronic mixers. Additive synthesis is in many ways synonymous with analog synthesis in electronic music.