Additive synthesis in Sonic Pi layers multiple synth voices at different pitches and amplitudes to create new timbres

Playing multiple synths simultaneously at the same or harmonically related pitches creates additive synthesis. Detuning — offsetting one voice by a fraction of a semitone — introduces beating and thickness from constructive/destructive interference. Using different waveforms (:sine, :square, :tri) at different octaves and low amplitudes adds harmonic richness. Amplitude-shaping each layer independently creates complex timbres. The technique directly mirrors pipe-organ registration with stops.

Examples

synth :sine, note: :d3 synth :square, note: :d3 synth :tri, note: :d4, amp: 0.4

Assessment

Design a bell timbre using additive synthesis: short transient with :tri, long ring with :sine at various octave offsets. Explain the role of each layer.