Synthesizers are electronic instruments that are capable of producing a wide range of sounds, notes and effects. The sounds can either mimic very closely a real acoustic instrument or create an entirely new timbre. Because of this, synthesizers and electric keyboards are invaluable to bands who like to produce unique and interesting sounds. They are ideal for musicians who have a creative streak and like to experiment with different frequencies notes. They are also great for musicians who want a full band sound but want to play solo. In this way they can create and record all the instruments for their song to play along to on their own. Here is a brief history and background of modern synthesizers.
The very first synthesizer was built back in 1876 by Elisha Gray. However, the early prototypes were very different to what you get today and took many years to make it to the mainstream. It wasn't until 1964 that the first commercial synthesizer was introduced by Robert Moog. The development of synthesizers continued in the 1970s where the public saw the production of small, compact synthesizers that were portable and could synchronize with other electric instruments. During this time, forward-thinking bands were already experimenting with synthesizers to great success. Bands like the Monkees, Rolling Stones, The Doors, The Beatles and more had already started to play around with them and feature them on their albums starting in the 1960s.
While early synthesizers were analog, today they generate sounds through digital techniques. There are many different types of synthesis available as well, which can be a bit confusing if you are not familiar with the instrument. For example, the simplest form of synthesis is the sample-based synthesis. This involves taking a digital recording of an acoustic instrument and manipulating it as you play it back. Then there are more sophisticated forms of synthesis such as physical modelling which involves using a set of algorithms and equations to simulate real instruments.
Another integral part of any synthesizer is the ADSR envelope. This stands for Attack Decay Sustain Release. The ASDR takes into account the change in sound over time that musical instruments produce. For example, the attack and decay will have a significant effect on sonic character of the instrument. The ASDR envelope can be implemented into the synthesizer in a variety of ways such as by a discrete circuit or module or else implemented into the software. Synthesizers also use a variety of different control interfaces. While the most common and popular control is by fingerboards (keyboards), there are other controllers as well such as wind controllers, guitar-style interface, drum pads and music sequencer.
The very first synthesizer was built back in 1876 by Elisha Gray. However, the early prototypes were very different to what you get today and took many years to make it to the mainstream. It wasn't until 1964 that the first commercial synthesizer was introduced by Robert Moog. The development of synthesizers continued in the 1970s where the public saw the production of small, compact synthesizers that were portable and could synchronize with other electric instruments. During this time, forward-thinking bands were already experimenting with synthesizers to great success. Bands like the Monkees, Rolling Stones, The Doors, The Beatles and more had already started to play around with them and feature them on their albums starting in the 1960s.
While early synthesizers were analog, today they generate sounds through digital techniques. There are many different types of synthesis available as well, which can be a bit confusing if you are not familiar with the instrument. For example, the simplest form of synthesis is the sample-based synthesis. This involves taking a digital recording of an acoustic instrument and manipulating it as you play it back. Then there are more sophisticated forms of synthesis such as physical modelling which involves using a set of algorithms and equations to simulate real instruments.
Another integral part of any synthesizer is the ADSR envelope. This stands for Attack Decay Sustain Release. The ASDR takes into account the change in sound over time that musical instruments produce. For example, the attack and decay will have a significant effect on sonic character of the instrument. The ASDR envelope can be implemented into the synthesizer in a variety of ways such as by a discrete circuit or module or else implemented into the software. Synthesizers also use a variety of different control interfaces. While the most common and popular control is by fingerboards (keyboards), there are other controllers as well such as wind controllers, guitar-style interface, drum pads and music sequencer.
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