How to Use Synthesizer for Music Production: Step-by-step Guide

In the 70’s, the music industry has experienced a great change because of synthesizers. During that time, pop record was focused on the inclusion of an electronic keyboard.

A synthesizer looks like a keyboard but it is more than that. If you want to play different instruments as you record, this is the best tool for you. This musical instrument is definitely a great addition to your music lessons and recording.

What is Synthesizer?

A synthesizer is an electronic gadget and it is sometimes called an electronic keyboard. It is used to virtually mimic or copy the sound of any traditional instrument.

You can mimic the sound of a piano or a violin. Aside from that, you can also create other sounds such as footsteps. The term synthesize can be defined as the act of creating something new.

With this analogy, a synthesizer is used to put together old sounds and create something new.

Requirements:

To be able to produce sounds made by different instruments using a synthesizer, here are the different requirements:

• You Need to Have a DAW and Software Synthesizers:

A digital audio workstation (DAW) is also known as an application software that can be used for recording. It is also defined as an electronic device that you can utilize for your editing and production of audio files.

A software synthesizer is also called a softsynth. It is a computer program that you use to generate digital audio.

• You Should be Familiar with Different Types of Sounds and Preset Styles on Synthesizers:

To know more about digital synthesizers, you need to be familiar with the different types of sounds. This instrument contains preset sounds that emulate any traditional instrument.

You can control this using buttons and menus that are provided for your guidance.

How to Use:

To simplify the help you can get from a synthesizer, here are the different ways on how you can use it:

• Play with Presets:

This is the first thing that you should learn. This way, you will be able to learn the capabilities of your synth in creating music. While you are composing, try to investigate the panels of your synth. You should also try to look into the graphic user interface and the filtering section.

After composing a piece, observe how the GUI in action shows you how the parameter is affected by the modulator.

• Tweak the Presets:

After watching the GUI from the first step, you can now start tweaking the presents. This activity is done for the overall mix. You can start by making use of the level, the panning and any effects.

It is vital for you to explore the distortion. This feature allows you to mix different elements and sounds.

• Creating Sounds from Scratch:

After completing the first two steps, you can now start creating sound from scratch. It is important at this point that you already understand and relate modulators to each other. Know how to make use of special effects. And you will be able to shape, morph and mangle the overall sound.

How it Works:

If you are wondering how a synthesizer works, here is a list for you:

• Oscillator:

This is known as the initial source of sound in your synth. The waveform is generated when the power source oscillates electrons. Different waves have different patterns and form different sounds. The pitch of your synth is also being controlled by the oscillator.

• Filter:

This section of your synthesizer is concerned with the modification of timbre. This is possible when it blocks the frequencies and let other waveforms get through. You can control your filter to be able to get a clear sound. You can turn it from the top to the bottom. The filter allows you
to get to play a melody from different notes. With the filter, you can definitely mess around with the harmonics.

• Amplifier and Envelope Generator:

Did you know that you can manipulate the size of the signal? This is one thing that you can do with your synth with the use of the amplifier. As the signal becomes bigger, the volume also becomes louder. This modification will help you sustain the sound. The envelope generator on the other hand is for the loudness contour. With this feature, you can make use of different
features to sustain, release, attack, and decay. These are important changes to the sound that you can use to begin and to end the music.

• Modulator:

When it comes to messing with the sonic property, modulators are important. The modulator helps in creating effects when it is used or applied to the oscillator.

You can use it to create vibrato and tremolo. When you combine two signal inputs, you create a ring modulator and a new frequency. This then produced wobbly metallic sound.

Your music lessons should not only be focused on learning the traditional instruments. In this era of technological advancement, you need to know how to make sure of digital instruments.

The use of synthesizer is one of the most common digital knowledge in music. If you know exactly how to make use of one, you have certainly advanced in your musical knowledge. Making music is easier and more fun with the use of a synth. It will help you explore and alter sounds the way you want them to be. With this musical instrument, making music will be more fun.