Randomly scattered ‘spikes’ of partials will create dissonant chime sounds. If your synth has a partials editor, start by experimenting with how different arrangements sound. The USP of additive synthesis is that it can do a whole variety of things, but it specialises in dissonant drones, bell sounds and airy pads. Logic’s Alchemy, Ableton Operator and Xfer Serum all have additive engines onboard, so you may well have an additive synthesiser in your arsenal without even realising it! When to use it What’s more, lots of common software synths have easily-overlooked additive capabilities. Arturia’s Pigments has recently gained a powerful additive engine for its third version, too. In terms of dedicated additive instruments, Native Instruments’ Razor – designed by Berlin producer Errorsmith – is a longtime favourite.
