Since their dawn, synthesizers have always been fascinating chunks of tech, whether you're fiddling with one in your back bedroom, on stage, or in the recording studio, these much-loved machines are able to tweak a near-unlimited range of sounds into shape from seemingly nothing. And, while synthesizers can get pretty complex, even if you don't know all that much, there's nothing better than carving out your own bespoke synth sound.
Know Your Synthesizer
A synthesizer can be used to create sounds from scratch and then edit them, which basically sits in the name, since synthesize means to bring elements together artificially to make something new. Most synthesizers are focussed on what you might call synthetic sounds - so, sounds that don't actually mimic the sound of any real musical instruments. But there are also plenty of synthesizers that can be used to manipulate acoustic sounds. For the more serious sound-designers, working with 'primitive' oscillators and filters to mould a synthesizer sound into something like a real acoustic sound can be a nice challenge.
The History: Sound & Music
During the seventies and eighties, synthesizers were almost single-handedly responsible for starting entirely fresh genres of music. At the time, synthesizers, including drum machines were only able to produce those typical electronic sounds, which came nowhere near the sound of any acoustic instruments. For a lot of people, this sound is the hallmark of eighties music. Since then, more than enough synth models have been developed that are capable of making realistic emulations of acoustic sounds and instruments. However, that classic synth sound hasn't gone away and is now used in almost every music genre going.
Synthesizer Modules
The 19 inch, rack mountable synthesizer module first came out in the eighties and enjoyed an explosion during the nineties. These modules are complete synthesizers, just without the keyboard. This way, you can link up and control a hefty array of different synthesizers with one keyboard - and since you weren't paying for a keyboard every time you added a synthesizer to your collection, you not only saved space but you saved money. These days there aren't so many 19 inch synths around, mainly because the classic 'wall of synth modules' that used to decorate the walls of production studios is largely taken care of by computer software. What you are seeing more often are desktop synthesizer modules, or really big synthesizers with a big rack-style format. The idea here is that you don't always have to set up vertical racks, but can set them up horizontally in a studio desk. This way, you could even build a custom modular synth out of Eurorack modules.
The Analogue Synthesizer: The Connoisseur's Instrument
Any analogue synthesizer uses oscillators to shape sound, so there aren't any samples or software-based formulas involved. The technique might be a bit more expensive and more limited when compared to digital synthesizers, but there are plenty of users who still swear by it (in pretty much the same way that a lot of guitarists still swear by their valve-driven amplifier even though it's far more expensive, limited, and not to mention heavier than a digital amplifier modeller). As such, there are still ongoing analogue vs. digital internet discussions. Of course, in the eighties, everything had to be analogue, and while we now live in the age of digital music, there are more and more reissues or even freshly designed analogue synthesizers being dropped every day.
The Ideal Beginner's Synthesizer
There are synthesizers that come decked out with hundreds of parameters but there are also models that have just twenty, making them a little more accessible for the beginner synth-tweaker. So, if you want to step into the synth universe, it's wise to pick out a model with a clear and defined layout, and one that's more compact. While it won't be the most extensive model out there, it'll definitely give you more than enough to start with.
Frequently Asked Questions About Synthesizers
What's the difference between a keyboard and a synthesizer?
Most
keyboards
come pre-loaded with ready-made sounds of well-known instruments and maybe some kind of automatic accompaniments.
Synthesizers
, on the other hand, only have sounds that can be edited and manipulated to create an entirely new sound. The number and kind of sounds you get with your synth depends on the kind of model. For more info, see our blog
What's the Difference Between a Keyboard and a Synthesizer?
.
How do synthesizers work?
Every sound has a unique timbre, colour, pitch, volume, length and acoustic placement. With a synthesizer, you're able to tweak and manipulate some if not all of these elements to create something new. The technique the synthesizer uses to do this will vary depending on the model.
What's makes a good synthesizer?
This will depend on what you want from your synthesizer. So, if you're in a band, you'll want a portable model that you can quickly set up and that's easy to use. If you're a sound-designer, you'll want something much more extensive with a lot of control elements that you can spend a lot of time sinking your teeth into.
How much do synthesizers cost?
Below the £500 mark, there are actually a lot of more entry-level synthesizers to choose from. From around £2,000 up, you're getting into the really professional gear. And anywhere above £4,000, you're looking at some very exclusive models.
Which synthesizer should I get?
If it's your first synthesizer, then it makes sense to go for a really versatile digital model with a lot of sounds and a really accessible set of controls.
