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Fourier Additive Synthesizer — Build Sound From Harmonics, Hear It Live

Adjust drawbar amplitudes for individual sine-wave harmonics and hear the resulting complex waveform synthesized live through the Web Audio API — a direct, audible demonstration of Fourier's core insight that any periodic sound can be built from a sum of simple sine waves, in the same tradition as a Hammond organ's drawbar synthesis.

How to use Fourier Additive Wave Synthesizer

1. Adjust the amplitude of each harmonic drawbar.
2. Listen to the resulting synthesized tone live.
3. Try classic drawbar presets to hear how they shape timbre.
4. Watch the resulting waveform shape update.

Frequently asked questions

What is additive synthesis?

Building a complex sound by summing multiple simple sine waves (harmonics) at different amplitudes — the direct audio application of Fourier's theorem that any periodic waveform decomposes into a sum of sines.

Why does adding higher harmonics change the timbre so much?

Higher harmonics add brightness and edge to a tone — a pure sine (fundamental only) sounds soft and flute-like, while adding upper harmonics at the right amplitudes can approximate a brassy or reedy timbre.

Is this how a real Hammond organ works?

Yes — Hammond organ drawbars work on exactly this additive synthesis principle, mixing harmonic sine waves at adjustable levels, which is why the interface here follows that same drawbar convention.

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