Synthesizers are must-have musical instruments for those who make electronic music. The synthesizer has a lot to offer and, for that reason, the instrument has become very popular. It’s not just popular within electronic music genres; the instrument is used today across virtually all genres.
On this page I will tell you about the instrument. I will provide explanations, tips, tricks, and last but not least I have found the market’s best synthesizers that I want to share with you. Let’s get started!
Top 5 Best Synthesizers
I have selected synthesizers from different manufacturers. Each of these products are among some of the world’s best synthesizers and, in addition, their price is incredibly low. I highly recommend them all:
Best synthesizer for beginners
Best cheap synthesizer
Best mono synthesizer
Best analog synthesizer
Best bass synthesizer
Best polyphonic synthesizer
Best modular synthesizer
Best 61 key synthesizer
Best 73 key synthesizer
Synthesizer construction and parts
First, I would like to say a little bit about the instrument. What is a synthesizer really and how is it built up?
The synthesizer is an electronic musical instrument which, instead of playing acoustic sounds, plays sounds by sending electronic signals. These signals then enter your mixer or into the place where you record. A synthesizer makes sounds in such a way that you can recreate them. In other words, a synthesizer allows you to create a boundless number of electronic sounds. Sounds lthat you, using traditional instruments, would never have the opportunity to make. For example, you can use a synthesizer to record and restore instrumental sounds. You can also make sweeps **???** with the sounds you have recorded.
There are three ways to create synthesized sounds: additive synthesis, subtractive synthesis, and FM synthesis. In all three parts there are some species, but this text is primarily based on additive synthesis. I’ve done so because this type of synthesis is most prevalent at present.
Moving on to the actual construction of the instrument, you must imagine the synthesizer as an instrument that contains a number of different modules. You can therefore say that the synthesizer contains many other small “bi-instruments” in itself. And each of these modules has x number of buttons. These modules/bi-instruments are fused into a synthesizer. When you have to learn how to use the synthesizer you should definitely start with one module at a time.
Overall, it can be said that the synthesizer consists of a number of modules that can be very unique and have their very own functions. The synthesizer can, using the modules, create ‘natural’ sounding tones but, most importantly, the synthesizer’s modules make it possible to create unnatural and exaggerated sounds. Thist is exactly what characterizes the instrument.
If we look a little closer at what components a synthesizer consists of, the vast majority of synthesizers can be operated via a keyboard. Technically speaking, a synthesizer keyboard must contain the following before you consider it to be a “real” synthesizer:
- Voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA)
- Voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO)
- Envelope Generator (ADSR)
- Voltage-controlled filter (VCF)
Different types of synthesizers
We distinguish between 3 types of synthesizers: mono synthesizers, modular synthesizers and polyphonic synthesizers. Let’s go a little more in depth with these.
The mono synthesizer is characterized, as its name suggests, by being monophonic. That means that, at most, you can work with one note at a time. In addition, you can’t connect additional modules to the synthesizer. This also means that manufacturers of mono synthesizers equip their instruments with the most common and most used modules. The disadvantage in this type of synth is that there are limitations with regard to number of modules. The advantage, in turn, is that a mono synth is incredibly user-friendly. It also makes it perfect for live performances.
Modular synthesizer: One of the characteristics of this is that it is composed of a number of loose modules. Unlike the mono synthesizer, you have the option of connecting various modules to this synthesizer. External modules are connected using jack cables. However, you can only work with 1 tone at a time. The advantage of this type for you, as a musician, is that there are unlimited possibilities because of the many modules you can connect to your synthesizer. One of the drawbacks on the other hand, such a synth is not cheap and, in addition, it is not user-friendly and difficult to use for live performances.
The polyphonic synthesizer is characterized, amongst other things, by the fact that you can work with several tones at a time. Additionally, this type is built around some monophonic synthesizers; all of which are assembled within the instrument itself. So here you have the opportunity to control several monophonic synthesizers at once. This makes the instrument easier to use. The polyphonic Synthesizer is in rapid development and it is with good reason. Benefits include the possibility of working with multiple tones at a time. Another clear advantage is that it is all assembled on a panel. Last but not least, it is also worth mentioning that these synthesizers have a wealth of features which creates value when performing live. I would recommend buying a polyphonic synthesizer to anyone and everyone – it only has benefits!
Synthesizer buying guide
When choosing a synthesizer, I think there are a number of issues that you should consider. Let’s take a closer look at them:
Features
It is crucial that you have control over what features your upcoming synthesizer is equipped with. In my opinion there are 2 must-have functions:
- MIDI implementation
- Memory
Obviously, the more features you need, the more money you’ll have to spend.
Price
If we look at the prices, then it is not a secret that they vary a lot. – And it is among other things the number of functions that go in and affect the price. But the price also depends on the type of synthesizer involved and which brand the instrument is off. Prices range from around 100 dollars up to 3000 dollars. This also means that you should decide for yourself how much money you want to spend on a synthesizer. If you just want to try the instrument, you should start on the cheaper end of the scale, but if the synthesizer is your passion, then the price is not necessarily decisive for your choice.
Brands
I have had to do with this industry for almost 15 years and so I have a lot of experience, including which brands “move” and which ones should not exist at all. Below I will get closer to the brands that I can recommend at any time.
Roland: Roland, a brand most musicians know, was established back in 1972. The Japanese company has since dominated the music industry and has always been the banner of the synthesizer and electronic music. The year after the establishment of the company, they released their first synthesizer – the SH-1000. Today, Roland sells some of the world’s best synthesizers. Their instruments are of really good quality and are sold at acceptable prices.
Korg: Korg is also a Japanese brand, which, started back in 1963. What is special about Korg is that they made the first Japanese synthesizer, named the ‘Doncamatic’. Together with Roland, Korg has helped develop the instrument and both parties are currently developing the world’s best synthesizers. Korg’s synthesizers are always of great quality, have many functions and give you unprecedented opportunities for creating music. In addition, the prices are very low compared to what you get for the money.
Synthesizer history
In order to understand the history and origin of the synthesizer, we first need to look at the general history of electronic musical instruments.
First we go back to 1897, when we were first introduced to the synthesizer… if you can call it that. It was close to an electronic musical instrument what the inventor Thaddeus Cahills had developed. The monster weighed 200 tons and the instrument could only play background music. Apparently, people at the time were not ready for this instrument. It was only in 1920 that we received a new offer for an electronic instrument, this time developed by Leon Theremin. The instrument was called the “Theremin” and it was the start of a proliferation and further development of electronic musical instruments.
The first musician to make music exclusively using a synthesizer was Karlheinz Stockhausen. Karlheinz, along with other pioneers, in collaboration with Kraftwerk, helped to determine how electronic music sounds today – although it has of course been refined a great deal since the beginning.
Only in 1963 did we see the world’s first commercial synthesizer, and in 1964 the legendary “moog” was launched. “Moog” was undoubtedly the synthesizer’s musical breakthrough, and since then it has been going strong.
The digital synthesizers peaked in the 1980s and then the market’s producers began to implement the synthesizer in a myriad of electronic instruments. Today, for example, you will find many keyboards that contain elements that are originally from the synthesizer.
Instructions/Help
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