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# Synthesizer

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A device that creates sounds by direct manipulation of electrical currents which are then used to cause vibrations in the diaphragms of loudspeakers, headphones, etc. This synthesized sound is contrasted with recording of natural sound, where the mechanical energy of a sound wave is transformed into a signal which will then be converted back to mechanical energy on playback.

In the 1950s, RCA produced experimental devices to synthesize both voice and music. The Mark II Music Synthesizer (1958) was capable of producing music once it had been completely programmed; that is, the system had to be completely re-set for each new piece.

In the mid-1960s, synthesizers were developed which could be played in real time but were confined to studios because of their size. A variety of signal processors were connected to a common controller.

Miniaturization of the components made it possible, in the 1970s, for synthesizers to become self-contained and movable. They began to be used in live performances.

There two major kinds of synthesizers, analog? and digital.

There are also many different kinds of synthesizer methods, both applicable to both analog and digital synthesizers, but commonly most easily achieved with the digital dito:

- Subtractive synthesis
- Additive synthesis
- Granular synthesis
- Frequeny modulation
- Physical modelling

The first playable music synthesizer was created by [Robert Moog]?. It took hours to set up the machine for a new sound. Among the first music performed on this synthesizer are the record "The well-tempered synthesizer" and "Switched-on Bach" by [Walter Carlos]? (Wendy Carlos since a sex change operation).

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Last edited August 14, 2001 4:55 pm (diff)
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