Synthesizer breakdown

What is a synthesizer?

A synthesizer is an electronic instrument that generates and manipulates sounds by creating waveforms. It typically uses oscillators to produce these waveforms, which can be shaped and modulated to create a vast range of sounds. Synthesizers have become a staple in modern music production, offering endless possibilities for sound design.

They date back to the early 20th century, but they gained significant popularity in the 1960s and 1970s. Early models like the Moog synthesizer revolutionised the music industry by providing new sonic capabilities that were previously unattainable.

Artists like Wendy Carlos and bands like Kraftwerk showcased the immense potential of synthesizers, leading to them being used in various genres, from electronic music to rock and pop. Its influences and uses are still apparent to this day with many bands, producers, and DJs incorporating synths in nearly every facet of their music creation process.

Over the decades, synthesizers have evolved from bulky, complex machines to versatile and user-friendly instruments. Modern synthesizers can emulate traditional instruments and create entirely new sounds, making them invaluable tools for musicians and producers. Either in hardware or software form, synthesizers offer a unique way to explore and express sound.

Why use a synthesizer?

Synthesizers are incredibly versatile instruments. If you like exploring different genres, whether that’s electronic, pop, rock, hip-hop, or anything in between, a synthesizer would be a staple in every setup. It allows you to create an array of sounds, from imitating traditional instruments to generating completely unique tones, giving you huge scope to create whatever sound you want, both live and in the studio.

From adding atmospheric pads to a track and crafting punchy basslines to creating intricate lead melodies, you can add pretty much anything to your track with a synthesizer. Their adaptability and extensive sound design options make synthesizers a must-have for any modern musician looking to push the boundaries of their creativity.

Types of synthesis

Subtractive synthesis

Subtractive synthesis is a foundational technique in sound design where complex waveforms are shaped by removing frequencies. The process begins with oscillators generating harmonically rich waveforms like sawtooth or square waves.

These waveforms are then processed through filters that subtract specific frequencies to shape the sound.

Common filters used in subtractive synthesis include low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass filters. By adjusting parameters like filter cutoff and resonance, you can create a wide range of sounds, from smooth and mellow to bright and edgy.

This method allows for intuitive sound shaping, making it popular for creating everything from classic analog tones to modern electronic textures, thanks to its warm, rich sound.

Additive synthesis

Additive synthesis is a technique where complex sounds are constructed by layering simpler waveforms, typically sine waves, each representing a harmonic component of the final sound. By adjusting the frequency and amplitude of these individual sine waves, a wide variety of tones and textures can be created.

This method provides precise control over the harmonic content, allowing for the creation of intricate and evolving sounds. It is especially effective for generating rich, complex timbres and replicating acoustic instruments’ natural resonance and overtones. Additive synthesis is known for its ability to produce clean, clear sounds and is widely used in various genres of music.

The flexibility and depth of additive synthesis make it a powerful tool for sound designers who want to explore new sonic landscapes and push the boundaries of traditional synthesis methods.

FM synthesis

Wavetable synthesis

Granular synthesis

Granular synthesis is a cutting-edge sound design technique that breaks down audio samples into tiny fragments called grains, typically ranging from a few milliseconds to a second. These grains are then manipulated, rearranged, and layered to create new textures and timbres.

By adjusting parameters such as grain size, density, and playback speed, granular synthesis can produce a wide range of effects, from subtle ambient textures to complex, evolving soundscapes. This method is highly flexible and can transform ordinary sounds into entirely new sonic experiences. It is especially useful for creating atmospheric pads, drones, and otherworldly effects.

Granular synthesis allows musicians and sound designers to experiment with the microstructure of sound, providing a unique approach to sound manipulation that you can’t achieve with traditional synthesis methods.

Vector synthesis

Vector synthesis is a unique method of sound generation that involves blending multiple audio signals to create dynamic, evolving sounds. This technique uses a vector joystick or an XY pad to interpolate between different waveforms or sound sources in real-time, allowing for smooth transitions and complex timbral changes.

Each point in the vector space represents a different waveform or sound, and by moving through this space, you can morph between sounds seamlessly. This creates rich, expressive textures that evolve over time, making vector synthesis particularly useful for creating atmospheric pads, intricate leads, and evolving soundscapes.

The flexibility of vector synthesis allows for a high degree of control and creativity. It combines the strengths of multiple synthesis methods, offering a powerful tool for modern music production and sound design.

Types of music synthesizers

Analog synths

Analog synths use analogue circuits and signals to generate sound, offering a warm and rich tone that’s often described as more ‘organic’ than their digital counterparts. These synthesizers rely on voltage-controlled oscillators, filters, and amplifiers to shape their sound.

Popular models like the Moog Subsequent 37 and the Korg Minilogue have become best-sellers due to their exceptional sound quality and versatility. Popular in the 1970s and 1980s, they’re known for their character and depth. And despite advancements in digital technology, they’re still popular today. The Arturia Polybrute 12 is another synth favourite, with a 12-voice analog structure that allows for complex layering of sequences and chords.

Many musicians prefer analog synths for their unique sound qualities and hands-on control.

How to use a synthesizer

ADSR envelope

ADSR envelopes in synthesizers are essential for shaping the dynamics of a sound. ADSR stands for Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release, which describe the different stages of a sound’s evolution over time.

• Attack controls how quickly the sound reaches its peak after a key is pressed
• Decay determines the time it takes for the sound to drop to the sustain level
• Sustain is the level at which the sound remains as long as the key is held
• Release sets the time it takes for the sound to fade to silence after the key is released

When you adjust these parameters, you can create a sound that mimics the natural attack and decay of acoustic instruments – or you can design entirely new textures.

LFO

LFOs, or Low-Frequency Oscillators, are crucial for modulating various parameters like pitch, volume, and filter cutoff, creating dynamic effects. These oscillators operate at frequencies below 20 Hz, producing slow, repeating waveforms. When an LFO modulates pitch, it results in vibrato; when it modulates volume, it produces tremolo; and when it modulates filter cutoff, it creates rhythmic sweeps.

Adjusting the LFO’s rate (speed) and depth (intensity) allows precise control over these effects, enabling subtle variations or dramatic changes. This modulation introduces movement and complexity, making sounds more expressive and engaging. LFOs are essential for crafting evolving textures and intricate soundscapes, adding life to electronic music.

They provide sound designers with a powerful tool to create sophisticated, dynamic sonic landscapes, enhancing the overall musical experience.

Filter

Filters shape sound by altering its frequency content. They work by allowing certain frequencies to pass through while attenuating others. There are several types of filters, each serving a different purpose:

• Low-pass filters (LPF) allow frequencies below a certain cutoff point to pass through while reducing higher frequencies. This creates a smoother, warmer sound by removing harsh, high-end frequencies.
• High-pass filters (HPF) do the opposite, allowing frequencies above a certain point to pass while cutting lower frequencies, which can create a thinner, brighter sound.
• Band-pass filters (BPF) allow a specific range of frequencies to pass through while attenuating those outside this range. This is useful for isolating and emphasising particular frequency bands.
• Notch filters, or band-reject filters, remove a narrow band of frequencies, often used to eliminate unwanted resonances or noise.

By adjusting the cutoff frequency and resonance of these filters, you can create a wide range of sounds, from subtle tonal shifts to dramatic, sweeping effects.

Modulation

Modulation in synthesizers refers to the process of varying a sound parameter over time to add interest and complexity. This can be achieved using various modulation sources, such as LFOs (Low-Frequency Oscillators), envelopes, or other control signals. By modulating parameters like pitch, filter cutoff, or amplitude, you can create dynamic changes in the sound.

For example, using an LFO to modulate pitch can create vibrato effects, while modulating amplitude results in tremolo. Envelopes, such as ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) envelopes, can modulate the filter cutoff, creating sweeping effects that evolve over time.

Modulation brings a sense of movement and liveliness to sounds, making them more expressive and engaging. It allows for intricate sound design, enabling you to craft unique sonic textures and evolving timbres.

Mixer

In synthesizers, the mixer section is where multiple audio signals are combined and balanced before being sent to the next stage of processing. This section typically allows you to blend different oscillator outputs, noise sources, and external inputs. By adjusting the levels of each signal, you can create a rich, layered sound.

The mixer also enables panning, which distributes the audio signal across the stereo field, adding spatial dimension to the sound. Additionally, some mixers include features like phase inversion and mixing of modulation sources, offering even more sound design possibilities.

The flexibility of the mixer section is crucial for crafting complex and dynamic sounds. It allows you to experiment with different combinations of signals, adjusting their relative volumes to achieve the desired texture and balance.

FAQs

What is the difference between a keyboard and a synthesizer?

A keyboard is a general term for any musical instrument with keys, like a piano or digital keyboard, whereas a synthesizer specifically generates and manipulates sound electronically. While all synthesizers have keyboards, not all keyboards are synthesizers, as synthesizers are designed for sound design and modulation.

Is a synthesizer like a piano?

A synthesizer is not like a piano, although both have keyboards. A piano produces sound acoustically through strings and hammers, while a synthesizer generates sound electronically. Synthesizers offer a wide range of sounds and effects, making them more versatile for various music styles.

What kind of sound does a synthesizer make?

A synthesizer can make a wide variety of sounds, from imitating traditional instruments to creating entirely new and unique tones. It can generate everything from deep basses and bright leads to complex, evolving soundscapes thanks to its ability to manipulate waveforms and apply various effects.

Final thoughts

Whatever style of music you create, synthesizers can open up a world of creative possibilities for musicians. From classic analog warmth to cutting-edge digital versatility, synthesizers cater to all styles and preferences.

With the knowledge of how filters, LFOs, and ADSR envelopes work, you can shape and modulate your sounds precisely, and we hope our article has made these fascinating pieces of studio and live gear that little bit less daunting! Want to get stuck in? Check out our guide to the best synthesizers on the market right now.