Synthesizers can create all sorts of bizarre noises, from realistic sounding violins and cellos to distorted out of the world sounds almost all programmed by hand. They come in many different sizes, from portable keyboards to humongous mainframes. They are in music, movies, TV shows and just about anything nowadays. Synthesizers are an amazing tool for musicians, with the steep learning curve they come with, can really benefit any one that could understand them.
What is a Synthesizer?
A Synthesizer is a “musical instrument that is capable of producing a wide range of different sounds” (Russ 4) from “simple resources” (430). There are two main types of synthesizers: analogue and digital. Analogue synths use “voltages and currents directly represent both audio signals and any control signals” (71). Digital synths are number based, they use “numbers to represent the audio and control signals” (72).
Synthesizers are usually made up of “an oscillator, a filter, envelope and an amplifier” (“Synthesizers for Dummies”). An oscillator produces the sound from a “circuit that omits a repetitive sound” (Russ 421). Waveforms are a part of the oscillator; they are the “shapes of the sound wave” (434). Sine, square, triangle, and sawtooth are the basic wave shapes. Filters change “range of frequencies and give the most character to synths” (“Synthesizers for Dummies”). Cut off and resonance are usually a part of the filter. “Cut off controls the level of filtering and resonance controls the level or return of the filter” (“Synthesizers for Dummies”). Envelop is the “change of volume or level of an audio signal” (Russ 410). It contains attack, decay, sustain, release. Attack is the “initial segment of the envelope” (404). The higher the atta...
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Conclusion
Synthesizers are a great invention in the world of art and music. Artists like Nine Inch Nails, Frank Klepacki, and even composers use synthesizers that greatly enhance their music and may even compose music that is completely done in synths. The instrument has gone through many revisions to be affordable and become more powerful. The future of synths seems to be limitless as computers become more powerful.
Works Cited
"A Brief History of the Synthesizer." Documentation.apple.com. Apple Inc., 2009. Web. 31 May 2011.
Cufaude, Edward. "Beginners Guide To Using VSTi Instruments Aka Softsynths | Rhythm Creation." Rhythm Creation | Music Production and Audio Blog. 11 Feb. 2008. Web. 01 June 2011.
Russ, Martin. Sound Synthesis and Sampling. Boston: Elsevier/Focal, 2004. Print.
"Synthesizers for Dummies." Equinoxoz.com. Web. 31 May 2011.
Steven Connor delves into the mixing and creating of sound by computerisation, as well as the habits of sound; it’s immersion, pathos and objectivity.
and sounds that this can create are put to good use to add to the
The Use of Electronic Technology in 20th and 21st Century Music In this essay, I have examined the use of electronic technology within 20th and 21st Century music. This has involved analysis of the development and continuing refinement of the computer in today’s music industry, as well as the theory of the synthesiser and the various pioneers of electronic technology, including Dr. Robert Moog and Les Paul. Also within the essay, I have discussed the increasing use of computers in the recording studio. The computer has become an indispensable tool in ensuring that both recording and playback sound quality is kept at the maximum possible level. Many positive ideas have come from the continued onslaught of computerisation.
Polyphonic is operating on a “shoestring budget” of $150,000. The company is not helped by initial discussions about HSS with potential customers, which have resulted in cold receptions, at best, about the product’s potential application to the music processes despite its multiple strengths.
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Music and the relationships of music have changed drastically in our society. The course of studies and the evaluations of the applications of the technology of music, the making and the listening of music have changed in the way we listen to music, the styles of music in our society and in the media. The importance of the technology in music today, has, over the past century been charted through the study of musical examples and through viewing how human values are reflected in this century's timely music. There are very many different types of music that are listened to. There are readings, writings, lectures and discussions on all the different types of music.
Astronomer Galileo Galilei observed that the entire universe “is written in the language of mathematics.” As an avid musician, I chose to study the topic of how math applies to music, more specifically how sound waves are transmitted. My passion for music urged me to research the sounds that are made and how they are produced.
This is a music lesson plan designed to incorporate technology into music. The idea is to let students learn about their favorite music while learning about today’s technology.
Nunzio, Alex Di. "Trevor Wishart." musicainformatica music computer resources. 1 6, 2012. http://www.musicainformatica.org/topics/trevor-wishart.php (accessed 1 3, 2014).
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