synthesizers
Sound-generating music machines
Synthesizers are electronic instruments that generate and manipulate sound, producing tones through oscillators, filters, and other components rather than acoustic vibration.
They range from keyboard instruments to modular systems with patch cables.
The singular synthesizer often shortens to synth: She plays synth in a new wave band.
Synthesizer also applies to anything that synthesizes—combines elements into a unified whole.
Cyclic signal generator
- filterPorous separation device
- envelopeFolded paper enclosure
- LFOSub-audio frequency cycler
- waveformGraphed oscillation pattern
modulation · resonance · cutoff · patch · subtractive · additive · FM · wavetable
Array of input keys
- keysLock-operating instruments
- weighted keysKeys that push back
- pitch bendContinuous note frequency alteration
- knobsGraspable protrusions for turning
Analog synthesizer brand
Prolonged sound reflection
- delayEnforced waiting period
- chorusSingers performing together
- flangerAudio modulation effect
- phaserFictional beam weapon
distortion · overdrive · vocoder · formant · EQ · compression
Simultaneous independent melodic lines
- monophonicHaving one voice
- portamentoSeamless pitch transition
- glissandoRapid pitch sweep
- arpeggiatorCycles chord tones automatically
sequencer · transpose · split · layer · unison · legato · staccato
oscillator
Cyclic signal generator
waveform · modulation · resonance · cutoff · patch · subtractive · additive · FM · wavetable · granular
keyboard
Array of input keys
- keysLock-operating instruments
- weighted keysKeys that push back
- pitch bendContinuous note frequency alteration
Moog
Analog synthesizer brand
reverb
Prolonged sound reflection
phaser · distortion · overdrive · vocoder · formant · EQ · compression
polyphony
Simultaneous independent melodic lines
- monophonicHaving one voice
- portamentoSeamless pitch transition
- glissandoRapid pitch sweep
arpeggiator · sequencer · transpose · split · layer · unison · legato · staccato
timbre
Sound's distinctive character
pad · drone · sweep · pluck · brass · strings · warm · bright · fat · gritty
- 80s-90s cultureMTV, VHS, cassette tapes, CDs, Walkman
- instrumentsguitar, guitars, piano, pianos, drum
- music gearguitar, amplifiers, piano, amps, keyboard
- audio productionDAW, mixing, mixing board, audio mixer, Foley
- music productioncomposing, autotune, producing, arranging, songwriting
- audio technologydigital audio, audio engineering, sound design, audio mixing, signal processing
synthesizersacoustic instruments
Non-electric sound producers
acoustic guitars · violins · cellos · upright bass · woodwinds
synthesizersfolk instruments
Culturally rooted acoustic devices
traditional instruments · fiddles · banjos · mandolins · accordions
synthesizerssamplers
Assortments for tasting or testing
tape recorders · phonographs · playback devices · record players
- voice synthesizerDevice generating artificial speech
- speech synthesizerDevice producing artificial voice
- analog synthesizerWaveform generator with oscillators
synthesize, synthesizer, synthesized, synthesizes, photosynthesize, photosynthesized