EM is all about sounds, electronically generated sounds. So how do we generate this infinity of different sounds you could hear in multiple genres of music from pop to HardTek? Answer: Synthesizers.
Synthesizers generate sound through various analogue and digital techniques. Early synthesizers were analog hardware based but many modern synthesizers use a combination of DSP software and hardware or else are purely software-based (see softsynth). Digital synthesizers often emulate classic analog designs. Sound is controllable by the operator by means of circuits or virtual stages which may include:
Electronic oscillators - create raw sounds with a timbre that depends upon the waveform generated. Voltage controlled oscillators and digital oscillators may be used. Additive synthesis models sounds directly from pure sine waves, somewhat in the manner of an organ, while Frequency modulation and Phase distortion synthesis use one oscillator to modulate another. Subtractive synthesis depends upon filtering a harmonically-rich oscillator waveform. Sample-based and Granular synthesis use one or more digitally-recorded sounds in place of an oscillator.
ADSR envelopes - provide envelope modulation to "shape" the produced note in the time domain. These are used in most forms of synthesis.
Filters - "shape" the sound generated by the oscillators in the frequency domain, often under the control of an envelope or LFO. These are essential to subtractive synthesis.
LFO - an oscillator of adjustable frequency that can be used to modulate the sound rhythmically, for example to create tremolo or vibrato or to control a filter's operating frequency. LFOs are used in most form of synthesis.
Other sound processing effects such as ring modulators may be encountered.
We will get back in further posts to everyone of these parameters of sound generation. But for the moment, check out the video above where the inventor of the Moog synthesizer, that gave us so many familiar sounds, explains the history of his invention. Any self-respecting EMusician or EM fan or any contemp. music afficiando, should know a little at least about the legendary Moog. And the big plus in this video, is the Theremin, this amazing russian invention from the 1920's where you can play music by moving your hands around two antennas. Check the video until the end and you will see an amazing talent playing the Theremin.
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