Synthesizer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐น
synthesizer
[หsษชnฮธษหzaษชษr ]
Definition
music production
A synthesizer is an electronic instrument that generates audio signals using various methods such as subtractive synthesis, additive synthesis, and FM synthesis. It can create a wide range of sounds and is commonly used in modern music production to shape and manipulate audio. Synthesizers can be both hardware devices and software applications.
Synonyms
sound generator, sound module, synth.
Examples of usage
- The band used a synthesizer to create unique soundscapes.
- He programmed the synthesizer to play a rich chord progression.
- Many electronic musicians rely on synthesizers for their compositions.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History of Music
- The first electronic synthesizer was created in the 1960s, paving the way for new musical genres like electronic and synth-pop.
- Famous musicians like Wendy Carlos used synthesizers to create unique soundtracks, such as the iconic 'Switched-On Bach'.
Types and Technologies
- There are many types of synthesizers, including analog, digital, and modular, each providing different ways to create sounds.
- Modular synthesizers allow users to physically connect different components for unique sound creation, making it a favorite among experimental musicians.
Cultural Impact
- Synthesizers played a crucial role in the 1980s music revolution, influencing genres like pop, rock, and hip-hop.
- Today, synthesizers are found not only in music production but also in film scores, video games, and even art installations.
Science of Sound
- Synthesizers work by generating electronic signals that are processed to create sound waves, allowing for endless auditory possibilities.
- Understanding waveformsโlike sine, square, and sawtoothโhelps musicians design a wide variety of sounds from scratch.
Origin of 'synthesizer'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Greek 'synthesis', meaning 'putting together', emphasizing how sounds are combined.
- The term began to gain popularity in the music world during the 1960s when electronic music started to emerge.
The word 'synthesizer' originated in the 1950s and was derived from the term 'synthesize', which refers to the combination of simple elements into more complex forms. The first electronic synthesizers were developed in the United States and Europe as a part of the early explorations in electronic music. Owing to advancements in technology, synthesizers evolved from large, complex systems to more compact and user-friendly devices throughout the 1970s and 1980s, contributing to the emergence of genres like synth-pop and electronic dance music. Today, synthesizers are an integral part of the music production landscape, used across various genres by musicians and sound designers.