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Synthesizer: Difference between revisions
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When synthesizers first entered the underground music scene in the early 1960s, constructing them was difficult. Knowledge of engineering specific to making sound waves was scarce and components were not ideal for making music. Furthermore, people didn't have references - they didn't know what they wanted to build. In the 21st century, however, synthesizer design is commonplace and many sources of information from people to websites share the basic as well as the secrets. It's even possible to construct playable synthesizer instruments in your own home with less than $100 in parts.
== Synthesis techniques ==<!-- replace external links
In electronic music synthesizers, the main techniques to create and shape sound are:
=== Hardware ===
* [[Subtractive synthesis]] starts with a rich sound wave and subtracts frequencies using filters (e.g.,
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Additive_synthesis Additive synthesis] builds complex sounds by adding together simpler waveforms, typically sine waves (e.g., the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hammond_organ Hammond organ] or the software synth [https://github.com/eclab/flow Flow]).
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frequency_modulation_synthesis FM synthesis] is the modulation of one waveform by another to create complex harmonic content (e.g., the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_DX7 Yamaha DX7] or the DIY [[Futur3soundz XFM2]]).
* [[Wavetable synthesis]] uses tables of pre-recorded waveforms and allows smooth transitions between them (e.g., the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PPG_Wave PPG Wave] or the DIY [https://www.elby-designs.com/webtek/monowave/monowave.htm Elby MonoWave(X)]).
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phase_distortion_synthesis Phase distortion synthesis] is similar to FM synthesis but uses different phase modulation techniques (e.g., the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casio_CZ_synthesizers Casio CZ] series).
=== Software ===
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sample-based_synthesis Sample-based synthesis] uses recorded samples of real instruments or sounds, which can be manipulated (e.g., the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granular_synthesis Granular synthesis] splits sound into small grains and manipulates them to create new textures (e.g.,
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_modelling_synthesis Physical modelling synthesis] simulates the physical properties of musical instruments using mathematical models (e.g., the Yamaha VL1).
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analog_modeling_synthesizer Analog modeling synthesis] emulates the sound and behavior of vintage analog synthesizers using digital algorithms (e.g., the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nord_Lead Clavia Nord Lead] or the DIY [[TubeOhm Jeannie]]).
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linear_arithmetic_synthesis Linear arithmetic synthesis] combines sampled attack transients with synthesized sustain portions to create complex sounds (e.g., the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roland_D-50 Roland D-50]).
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_waveguide_synthesis Vector synthesis] blends multiple sound sources dynamically using a joystick or vector mixer to create evolving timbres (e.g., the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korg_Wavestation Korg Wavestation]).
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_waveguide_synthesis Digital waveguide synthesis] uses mathematical models to simulate the propagation of waves through a medium (e.g., [[Mutable Instruments Elements]] and [[Mutable Instruments Rings]]).
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