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About Synthesizers


What is a synthesizer?


A synthesizer is an instrument that generates sound electronically. As opposed to an acoustic instrument such as a piano, which uses vibrating strings to create sound waves in the air, a synthesizer generates electronic signals requiring an amplifier or loudspeaker to be heard. There is a wide range of synthesizers, both in form and in the types of sounds they produce. They can be used to mimic the sound of acoustic instruments, or they can generate sounds, textures, and effects that cannot be produced with traditional instruments. While there are many different types of synthesizers, they all have some things in common: oscillators generate the audio signal in which you can shape the sound using filters, effects, and other synthesis methods.


How did synthesizers become so popular?


Thanks in large part to synth pioneer Dr. Robert Moog, synthesizers became popular in music in the late '60s and early '70s. Many songs are instantly recognizable by their synthesizer sounds, such as The Who's "Baba O'Riley," Pink Floyd's "On the Run," and Rush's "Tom Sawyer," just to name a few. Around this time, adventurous composers began experimenting with synths for sound design, too, such as Wendy Carlos's score for A Clockwork Orange.


Synthesizers became a mainstay in popular music with the '80s synth-pop phenomena, as musicians such as Kraftwerk and Thomas Dolby experimented more and more with electronic instruments. Since then, electronic music has branched into numerous sub-genres, such as techno, house, trance, drum' n' bass, acid, hardstyle, and countless others, with each sub-genre being defined in large part by the types of synthesizer sounds used (as well as by other characteristics such as tempo, arrangement, and so on). Outside of electronic music, synthesizers remain an indispensable tool for producers in a variety of musical styles, including pop, hip-hop, and R&B.


What types of synthesizers are there?


Analog Synthesizers


Sound is produced using voltage-controllable oscillators, filters, and amplifiers. An analog synth's particular sound is made up of its unique circuitry and use of low-level electronic components. As a result, the sonic characteristics of analog synthesizers are often said to have warmth or an overall fullness to the sound.


Digital Synthesizers


Computer-generated oscillators create the sound of a digital synthesizer using precise code programming. Digital synths gave rise to many popular sound design techniques of the '80s and today "such as FM synthesis, wavetable synthesis, ring modulation, and more. The only limits of digital synthesizers are their sample rate and the computer's processing power.


Hybrid Synthesizers


The sound of a hybrid synth is made up of digital and analog synthesizer components, respectively. The nature of a hybrid approach allows you to have the best of both worlds, whether that's digital oscillators with analog filters or any other variation that can create a truly unique sound in a league of its own.


Modular Synthesizers


When talking about modular synthesizers, it isn't how the sound is produced that defines the synth but rather the form factor. Personally selected components make modular synths a rack with only what you want — no more and no less. The modules are then connected with patch cables, which send your audio signal through each component however you route them. Many modular synthesizers follow the Eurorack standard for maximum compatibility and interconnectivity.


Semi-modular Synthesizers


While similar to modular synths for their open-ended signal flow, the components of semi-modular synthesizers are fixed in place. This provides many benefits of modular synths, such as experimental audio routing, without needing a full assortment of modules and a dedicated enclosure, making semi-modular synths a cost-effective choice for budding synthesizer enthusiasts.


How to shop for a synthesizer at Sweetwater


Are you ready to purchase your first or next synthesizer? Sweetwater makes it easy. If you don't know where to begin, reach out to one of our highly knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700. They'll work with you to choose the best synthesizer that meets your needs.

If you prefer to shop completely online, Sweetwater's website can help you narrow down your synthesizer choices based on your desired specs, such as digital, analog, hybrid, or semi-modular. The filters on this page allow you to sort all the synthesizers we carry by price, brand, number of keys, MIDI I/O, and much more. Start selecting your preferred specs and explore your options!

Why shop Synthesizers at Sweetwater.com?


With a massive selection of Synthesizers, free shipping, a free 2-year warranty, 24/7 access to award-winning support - and more - Sweetwater gives you more than any other retailer! If you have any questions about Synthesizers, make sure to give your personal Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.

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