10.4 Electronic and synthesized instruments

Sound synthesis is the electronic creation of audio signals using oscillators to generate basic waveforms. It's the backbone of electronic music production, employing synthesizers, sequencers, and Digital Audio Workstations to craft unique sounds and compositions.

Various methods like additive, subtractive, and FM synthesis shape these sounds. Components such as filters, envelopes, and modulation techniques further refine the audio. This technology has revolutionized music production, expanding timbral possibilities and influencing genres across the board.

Sound Synthesis Fundamentals

Principles of sound synthesis

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• Sound synthesis creates audio signals electronically using oscillators generating basic waveforms (sine, square, sawtooth, triangle)
• Electronic music production employs synthesizers (hardware/software instruments), sequencers (program/playback musical patterns), and Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) (record/edit/produce music)
• Signal flow follows audio signal path (source > processing > output) and uses MIDI protocol for communication between electronic instruments

Methods of sound synthesis

• Additive synthesis combines multiple sine waves creating complex tones based on Fourier analysis principles
• Subtractive synthesis starts with harmonically rich waveforms and removes frequencies using filters to shape sound
• Frequency Modulation (FM) synthesis modulates one oscillator's frequency with another creating complex, evolving timbres
• Other methods include wavetable synthesis (stored waveforms as oscillator sources), granular synthesis (manipulates tiny sound fragments), and physical modeling (simulates acoustic instrument behavior)

Components of synthesized sounds

• Filters alter frequency content of signals (low-pass attenuates high frequencies, high-pass attenuates low frequencies, band-pass allows specific range)
• Envelopes shape sound amplitude over time using ADSR stages (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) controlling parameters like filter cutoff or pitch
• Modulation techniques include Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) creating periodic changes, envelope following using amplitude to control another signal, and key tracking mapping keyboard position to sound parameters

Impact of electronic instruments

• Expanded timbral possibilities creating unique sounds and emulating/extending traditional instruments
• Changed music production/composition increasing accessibility of creation tools and spawning electronic genres (techno, house, ambient)
• Influenced popular music integrating synthesizers in various genres (pop, rock, hip-hop) and evolving sound design in film/TV scores
• Advanced technology developing software synthesizers, virtual instruments, and increasing portability/affordability of music production tools