Features of Synthesizers
by: vgevge
Total views: 2
Word Count: 629
A synthesizer is a kind of electronic musical instrument, or electronic device capable of producing or manipulating audio tones, such as musical notes, through audio signal processing. The term originates from the Greek word Syntithetai. One of the main features of synthesizers is that they work by manipulating electrical signals, which appear as sound when they are used to drive audio amplifiers. Music synthesizers sometimes include a keyboard, which remind us of certain traditional musical instruments.
There are three major kinds of synthesizers depending on the different features of synthesizers
Analog
Digital
Software
In addition there are synthesizers that rely upon combinations of those three kinds, known as hybrid synthesizers having a different set of features of synthesizers. Analog synthesizers were the first to be created and developed. After that, came the digital synthesizers. Both analog and digital synthesizers use the same kinds of synthesis methods. These methods are used especially for frequency modulation and phase modulation. Some of the methods are stated below
Subtractive synthesis
Additive synthesis
Frequency modulation synthesis
Phase distortion synthesis
Sample based synthesis
Sub harmonic synthesis
Granular synthesis
Wavetable synthesis
Early features of synthesizers include using the technology derived from electronic analog computers, laboratory test equipment, and early electronic musical instruments.
Brief features of Analog synthesizers
An analog synthesizer is a synthesizer that uses analog circuits and analog computer techniques to generate sound electronically. A very common point among the features of synthesizers of this kind is circuit component; it is the operational amplifier which is a kind of integrated circuit in most of the analog synthesizers. An analog synthesizer could be used both as a sound generating and sound processing system. A very specialized form of analog synthesizer was the analog vocoder, based on equipment developed for speech synthesis. Synthesizer modules found in early analog synthesizers included:
VCO or voltage controlled oscillators
VCF or voltage controlled filters
VCA or voltage controlled amplifiers
Envelope Generators
LFO or low frequency oscillators
Ring Modulators
Sequencers
Some facts about Digital synthesizers
As technology advanced into the digital domain, the new digital technology started coming up in their new designs. Analog synthesizers were mostly replaced by digital synthesizers and samplers over the early mid 1980s. Gradually the voltage controlled analog synthesizers circuits were replaced by microprocessor controlled digital circuits.
The digital synthesizers have advanced features of synthesizers. They have a completely different and advanced sound clarity, since their internal sounds are stored in memory as arrays of numbers. The first breed of digital synthesizers had a much more slick and clean design where the user could program the instrument using a menu driven operating system. One of the first real time polyphonic digital music synthesizers was the Coupland Digital Music Synthesizer.
Basic modules of synthesizers
Three most important modules shaping the features of synthesizers are
The Oscillators
A simple oscillator can create one or two basic waveforms. They are saw tooth wave and a square wave. These waveforms are very simple and completely artificial.
The Filters
A filter is an electronic circuit, which works by smoothing out the edges of the original waveform. Synthesizers use filters to vary the basic waveforms to some extent.
The Amplifiers
The amplifiers can raise, or lower the height of the waveform, thereby raising or lowering the volume of the sound. To control the volume of a sound in the synthesizer, the signal is passed through an amplifier circuit.
Conclusion
Synthesizers were developed in the early twentieth century. It has advanced remarkably in time and has attained a distinguishable position in the music industry. It has now become an indispensable part of every music concert.
About the Author
Victor Epand is an expert consultant for guitars, drums, and synthesizers. You can find the best marketplace for guitars, drums, and synthesizers at these 3 sites: http://www.sellusedguitars.com,http://www.selluseddrums.com, and http://www.sellusedsynthesizers.com
View PDF |
Print View
Rating:
Not yet rated
Comments
No comments posted.
Add Comment
You do not have permission to comment. If you
log in, you may be able to comment.
Next Article -
A Complete Guide To Analog SynthesizersPrevious Article -
Snare Drum: A Vital Component of Drum Set
More Related Articles In This Category
1:
Jazz It Up in Majorca
2:
Bob Marley Posters, Music, Art, Humanity And Soul
3:
News From The World Of Music Downloads
4:
Ukulele Chords: Learn To Play Chord Changes
5:
Hip Hop Beats Can Help An Artist Stand Out - Get Rap beats Instrumentals Like The Major Labels Do
6:
Everything You Should Know About USB Turntables
7:
Bob Marley Posters To Music To Artistry
8:
The 14th Century Instrument The Sackbut
9:
How To Make The Most Of Your Budget For DJ Equipment
10:
The Sliding Jazzy Music of the Trombone
11:
The Ancient Brass Instrument The Cornett
12:
The Slithering Shape of the Instrument The Serpent
13:
The Unsual French Instrument The Saxhorn
14:
The Differences Between a Tuba and Sousaphone
15:
The Foundation Of A Band, The Acoustic Bass Guitar
16:
Improve Your Health Through Relaxation Music
17:
3 Tips to Consider for Hiring Piano Movers
18:
Music On Your Wedding Day
19:
Can You Feel the Beat of the Drum
20:
The Magic Of The Rolling Stones
21:
The Fantastic Music World of Stevie Wonder
22:
Drums - Do You Know Everything About It?
23:
The Wonders of Woodwind Instruments
24:
The High Pitched Beauty of the Flute
25:
The Bluesy Sounds of the Bass Saxophone
For WebMasters
Link This Article - HTML Code -
Link This Article - BBcode -
Copy This HTML Code To Put This Article In Your Web Site.
Article URL : Features of Synthesizers
Article Category : Music
Article Author : vgevge