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.