synthetiser

A synthesizer, often shortened to synth, is an electronic musical instrument that generates audio signals. It creates sounds through a variety of methods, most commonly by using digital or analog circuits to produce and modify waveforms. These waveforms, such as sine, sawtooth, square, and triangle waves, form the basis of many sounds.

Synthesizers offer a wide range of sound manipulation capabilities. Parameters like pitch, amplitude, timbre, and envelope (the way a sound changes over time) can be adjusted to shape the initial waveform into a desired sound. This allows for the creation of a vast palette of sounds, from imitations of acoustic instruments to entirely new and experimental textures.

The physical interface of a synthesizer can vary greatly. Many feature a keyboard for playing notes, similar to a piano. Others are controller-based, using knobs, sliders, buttons, or touchscreens to interact with the sound-generating engine. Some synthesizers are monophonic, meaning they can only play one note at a time, while polyphonic synthesizers can play multiple notes simultaneously, allowing for chords.

Synthesizers have played a significant role in the development of popular music genres like electronic dance music, pop, rock, and film scores. They have evolved from early, complex machines to powerful software-based instruments accessible on computers and mobile devices.