Category: Synthesizer Types

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Synthesizer Types

Software Synthesizer

A software synthesizer is a type of synthesizer that runs on a computer, as opposed to a hardware synthesizer which is a physical, electronic device. Virtual synthesizers, digital synthesizers, and softsynths are other names for software synthesizers. They could be standalone applications or plugins for a digital audio workstation (DAW) program. They can function on many operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and portable devices.

A software synthesizer typically produces sound using mathematical algorithms and can be programmed to mimic the sounds of classic analog synthesizers or to produce brand-new, original sounds. Oscillators, filters, envelopes, and modulation are just a few sound-shaping tools and features typically present in them. In addition to offering a large selection of presets, many software synthesizers also allow users to design and save their sounds.

Software synthesizers have many advantages over hardware synthesizers, including lower cost, ease of updating and adding new features, and the capacity to run multiple instances of the same synthesizer simultaneously. Additionally, they can produce intricate and changing sounds that are impossible with conventional hardware synthesizers.

Examples

  • Xfer Serum
  • Native Instruments Massive
  • Ableton Live’s Operator
  • Logic Pro’s ES2
  • Reason Studios Synth Rack
  • Arturia’s Synth Lineup
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Synthesizer Types

Granular Synthesizers

A granular synthesizer is a type of synthesizer that creates new sounds by combining small sound “grains,” as the name suggests. These audio grains typically range from a few milliseconds to a few hundred milliseconds. To produce new sounds, the synthesizer combines and modifies these grains in various ways.

Granular synthesis is a technique for producing sounds that can be used to make a variety of sounds, from the sounds of traditional instruments to more experimental and abstract sounds. This synthesis technique is renowned for its capacity to produce intricate and dynamic textures and its innovative sound manipulation.

Sounds that are impossible or challenging to create with other synthesis techniques can be produced using granular synthesis. This can include tones with a lot of harmonic content, timbral variety, or a sense of motion over time.

Granular synthesis is one of the sound generation techniques used by many software synthesizers and some hardware synthesizers.

Examples

  • Ableton Live’s Grain: A software granular synthesizer that is integrated into Ableton Live’s rack.
  • Native Instruments Reaktor’s Grain: A software granular synthesizer that is integrated into Native Instruments Reaktor.
  • Mutable Instrument’s Grids: A Eurorack hardware granular synthesizer
  • Make Noise’s Clouds: A Eurorack hardware granular synthesizer
  • Qu-Bit Electronix’s Grain: A Eurorack hardware granular synthesizer
  • Tasty Chips GR-1: A hardware granular synth (pictured)
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Synthesizer Types

Wavetable Synthesizers

A wavetable synthesizer is a type of synthesizer that creates sound using a table of previously recorded audio waveforms. The single-cycle waveforms that make up the wavetable are the fundamental building blocks for producing sounds. The synthesizer creates sound by replaying these waveforms at various pitches and utilizing various sound-shaping tools, including filters, envelopes, and modulation.

Various sounds, from conventional analog-like sounds to more complex and evolving sounds, can be produced using the wavetable synthesis technique. This synthesis technique is renowned for its capacity to create complex, rich timbres and seamless transitions between various sounds.

Wavetable synthesis is one of the sound generation techniques used by many contemporary digital synthesizers, including software synthesizers and some hardware synthesizers.

Examples

  • Xfer Serum: A popular software wavetable synthesizer that is widely used in electronic music production. It features a wide range of wavetables and sound-shaping tools, and has a user-friendly interface.
  • Native Instruments Massive: Another popular software wavetable synthesizer that is known for its powerful sound-shaping capabilities and wide range of presets.
  • Waldorf Quantum: A hardware wavetable synthesizer that features a large number of wavetables and sound-shaping tools, and is known for its high-quality sound.
  • Access Virus TI: A hardware wavetable synthesizer that is popular among electronic music producers and is known for its versatile sound and powerful sound-shaping capabilities. (pictured)
  • PPG Wave 2.V: A classic hardware wavetable synthesizer from the 80s, known for it’s unique sound and versatility.
  • DSI Prophet Rev2: A hardware wavetable synthesizer with a large number of wavetables and sound-shaping tools and it’s known for its warm and rich sound.
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Synthesizer Types

Sample-based Synthesizers

A sample-based synthesizer is a type of synthesizer that uses pre-recorded audio samples as the basis for creating new sounds. These samples are loaded into the synthesizer after being recorded from real instruments, found sounds, or other sources.

The samples are then played back and can be altered in various ways while typically controlled by a keyboard or other controller. For instance, the sample’s pitch can be changed to play different notes, the playback speed can be altered to change the tempo, and the sound can be given various effects like reverb and delay.

A very flexible and potent method, sample-based synthesis enables users to use real-world sounds and modify them however they see fit. It is frequently used in music production, particularly in styles like orchestral or ethnic music that calls for realistic instrument sounds.

It is significant to remember that sample-based synthesis is also a subcategory of ROMpler (Read-Only Memory player), a class of synthesizer that plays back previously recorded samples stored in ROM.

Examples

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Synthesizer Types

Hybrid Synthesizers

A hybrid synthesizer is a type of synthesizer that combines two or more different synthesis techniques. As a result, sound design has more flexibility and access to a wider variety of sounds.

For instance, a hybrid synthesizer might combine additive and subtractive synthesis, which uses multiple sine waves to produce complex sounds and filters to shape the sound. The ability to shape sounds with filters and create complex sounds using multiple sine waves can give the user the best of both worlds.

Another illustration is the fusion of sample-based and FM synthesis, which allows the user to combine the sample-based synthesis’s realism with the FM synthesis’s rich harmonic content.

Hybrid synthesizers may employ more than two synthesis techniques depending on the particular synthesizer.

A hybrid synthesizer combines the advantages of various synthesis methods to produce a more adaptable instrument with a broader range of sound possibilities.

Examples

Omnisphere 2 by Spectrasonics, Kontakt by Native Instruments, and Massive X by Native Instruments are a few examples of hybrid synthesizers.

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Synthesizer Types

Additive Synthesizer

An additive synthesizer is a type of synthesizer that creates sound by combining multiple sine waves of different frequencies, amplitudes, and phases. The process of combining these sine waves is called additive synthesis.

An additive synthesizer typically has a large number of oscillators, each of which generates a sine wave at a specific frequency. The user can control the amplitude and phase of each oscillator, as well as the overall harmonic content of the sound by adjusting the balance of the different sine waves. By adjusting the parameters of the individual oscillators, the user can create a wide range of sounds and timbres.

One of the main advantages of additive synthesis is that it allows for a high degree of control over the harmonic content of the sound. Because the sound is created by combining individual sine waves, the user can precisely control the balance of different harmonics in the sound. This allows for the creation of very rich and complex timbres.

Additive synthesis was initially developed in the 1960s and 1970s, and it was one of the earliest forms of synthesis. Today, additive synthesis is still used in some synthesizers, and it can also be found in software synthesizers and in digital signal processing (DSP) applications.

Additive synthesis is known for its ability to create very complex and rich sounds, it is often used in experimental, electronic, and ambient music. However, it can be used in other genres as well.

Examples

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Synthesizer Types

Modular Synthesizers

A modular synthesizer is a type of synthesizer in which the various functional modules, such as oscillators, filters, and envelopes, are separate units that are connected using patch cables. As a result, the user can create distinctive sounds and signal processing chains by patching the modules together in various ways, allowing for a high degree of flexibility and customization.

Experimental musicians and sound designers frequently use modular synthesizers because they offer a wide variety of sound possibilities and the capacity to produce complex and evolving sounds. They also provide extensive sound control because users can change each module’s parameters.

There are several different types of modular synthesizers, including Eurorack, 5U, Buchla, and others. Each has its own electrical standards, physical dimensions, and shape. Companies like Moog, Buchla, Eurorack, and Doepfer commonly make modular synthesizers.

Modular synthesizers can be very expensive due to the system’s design and require a significant time and financial commitment to exploring their potential fully.

In conclusion, a modular synthesizer is composed of independent functional modules, like oscillators, filters, and envelopes, that are connected to one another using patch cables. Experimental musicians and sound designers frequently use this as it allows for a high degree of flexibility, customization, and sound experimentation. They can be expensive, come in various formats, and demand a sizeable time and financial commitment.

Examples

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Synthesizer Types

Digital Synthesizers

A digital synthesizer is a type of synthesizer that uses digital technology to generate sound. Unlike analog synthesizers, which use analog circuits and components, digital synthesizers use digital signal processing (DSP) and computer algorithms to create sound.

Digital synthesizers have several advantages over analog synthesizers, such as the ability to store and recall large numbers of presets, higher precision and stability in sound generation and control, and the ability to add more complex and sophisticated features such as multi-timbrality, built-in effects and sequencing. They also tend to be more lightweight, portable and less expensive than analog synthesizers.

A digital synthesizer can have several types of synthesis methods, such as, subtractive, additive, FM, AM, sample-based, physical modeling, and more. They also can have different types of interfaces, from simple preset selection, to complex programming interfaces with a lot of parameters to tweak and modulate.

Some popular digital synthesizers include the Yamaha DX7, the Roland D-50, and the Korg M1.

In summary, a Digital Synthesizer is a type of synthesizer that uses digital technology to generate sound, they have advantages such as the ability to store and recall large numbers of presets, higher precision and stability in sound generation and control, and the ability to add more complex and sophisticated features. They also tend to be more lightweight, portable and less expensive than analog synthesizers, and can have several types of synthesis methods and interfaces.

Examples

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Synthesizer Types

Analog Synthesizers

An analog synthesizer is a type of synthesizer that produces sound using analog circuits and parts. Unlike digital synthesizers, which produce sound using digital technology, analog synthesizers produce sound using analog circuits and components like oscillators, filters, and amplifiers.

Due to the inherent variations and flaws in the analog components, analog synthesizers are renowned for their warm and rich sound and their capacity to produce unpredictable and one-of-a-kind sounds. Additionally, they frequently have many physical controls like sliders, knobs, and others that can be used to modulate and shape the sound, allowing for a lot of expression and creativity.

Since the 1970s, analog synthesizers have been extensively used in electronic and popular music. The Moog Minimoog, Roland TB-303, and ARP 2600 are some of the most well-known and well-liked analog synthesizers.

However, analog synthesizers also have some drawbacks, such as drifting more easily and needing more upkeep than digital synthesizers. Additionally, they cost more to make and buy, and humidity and temperature might impact how they sound.

Examples