Synthesisers Flashcards
What is an oscillator
Generates a sound at a pitch, and allows you to change the wave shape
Each wave has different harmonic content, so can create different timbres
Sine wave
Pure tone
Basic building block of sound
Triangle wave
Slightly harsher than sine wave
Flute-like sounds and pads
Sawtooth wave
Even and edgy sound
Strings, basses, pads and brass/dance leads
Square wave
Hollow and woody
Clarinets, oboes and bass sounds
Pulse wave
Nasal sounding
Variable pulse width/mark-space ratio
Read instruments and basses
What does a filter do
Removes frequencies from the initial signal to shape the sound
What is the cutoff
The point at which the filter begins to remove frequencies
What is resonance
Adds a characteristic narrow boost to frequencies around the cutoff
Creates a whistly sound, making the sound seem brighter and harsher
What is the amplifier
Controls the sounds volume
Control signals can be used to alter the volume over time
What is an envelope generator
Used to control the oscillator, filter and/or amplifier, depending on the synth
Attack
The time taken for the parameter to increase from 0 to the maximum level
Decay
The time taken for the parameter to decrease to the sustain level
Sustain
The level at which the parameter is held whilst the key remains pressed
Release
The time taken for the parameter to decrease to 0, once the key is released
What are the different parameters
Pitch
Filter cutoff frequency
Volume
What does an LFO do
Controls the signal used to alter a parameter over time
Similar to an envelope
Rate
Speed at which the modulation takes place; can either be synced to a note value in a DAW or given an absolute value in hertz, often between around 0.05Hz and 15Hz
Depth
How much the modulation affects the assigned element of the synthesiser; the greater the depth, the wider the range of values for the modulated parameter
Shape
Type of waveform used to modulation the signal
What are the important synths to know
Moog modular
Minimoog
Sequential circuits prophet-5
Roland Jupiter-8 (JP-8)
Roland TB-303
Yamaha DX-7
Kori M1
1920
theremin
1954
Hammond B3 organ
1965
Rhodes piano
