Synth: meaning, definitions and examples
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synth
[ sɪnθ ]
music production
A synth, short for synthesizer, is an electronic instrument that generates audio signals. It can mimic traditional musical instruments or create entirely new sounds through various forms of synthesis. Synths are widely used in many genres, including electronic and pop music.
Synonyms
electronic instrument, synthesizer.
Examples of usage
- The band used a synth to create rich textures in their song.
- He programmed the synth to mimic the sound of a violin.
- Many electronic music producers rely heavily on their synths for unique sound design.
Etymology
The word 'synth' is a shortened form of 'synthesizer'. The term 'synthesizer' originated in the late 1950s and became popularized in the 1970s with the rise of electronic music. Early synthesizers were large, complicated machines that required extensive knowledge of electronics and music theory to operate. They were often used in experimental music and film scoring. With advancements in technology, synthesizers became more accessible and compact, leading to their widespread use in popular music. Today, the word 'synth' not only refers to hardware synthesizers but also to software versions that replicate these functionalities, making the creation of electronic music more approachable for novices and professionals alike.