Sound synthesis techniques are really important for the future of electronic music. They help people create music using digital tools. There are three main sound synthesis techniques: subtractive synthesis, additive synthesis, and frequency modulation (FM) synthesis. Each one has its own benefits that can inspire creativity in music-making.

1. Subtractive Synthesis

• What It Is: This technique starts with rich waveforms, like sawtooth or square waves, and then cuts out certain frequencies to change the sound.
• How Common It Is: Subtractive synthesis is used in about 60% of synthesizers for electronic music. You can find it in both virtual instruments and real hardware synthesizers.
• Who Uses It: Artists like Daft Punk and Deadmau5 use this method because it’s easy to understand. It’s great for beginners exploring sound design.

2. Additive Synthesis

• What It Is: Additive synthesis creates sounds by combining multiple simple sound waves, called sine waves, at different frequencies and volumes.
• How Common It Is: It's not as widely used as subtractive synthesis, but it’s becoming more popular. About 20% of electronic musicians use it in their music.
• Who Uses It: This method helps artists create rich and complex sounds. For example, the software Serum is great for additive synthesis and is used in styles like ambient and experimental music.

3. FM Synthesis

• What It Is: FM synthesis works by mixing one sound wave with another to create detailed and lively sounds.
• How Common It Is: Around 15% of electronic music uses FM synthesis, often with software like Native Instruments' FM8.
• Who Uses It: FM synthesis is known for its unique metallic sounds, similar to bells. It was popular in hits from the 1980s, and it's coming back in modern music, showing that it can inspire new ideas.

Conclusion

As technology keeps improving, these sound synthesis techniques will keep changing, allowing for more creativity and a wide variety of sounds. With more people using digital audio workstations (DAWs)—expected to grow by 10% each year—these methods will likely shape the future of electronic music. This will lead to new genres and compositions that push the limits of what music can be.