A Beginner’s Guide to Music Synthesis

If you’re new to music production, you’ve probably heard the term “synthesizer” thrown around. But what exactly is a synthesizer? In simple terms, a synthesizer (or synth) is an electronic instrument that generates and manipulates sound. Unlike traditional instruments that produce sound acoustically, synths create sound electronically, allowing for endless sonic possibilities. They’re a staple in genres like electronic, pop, and hip-hop, but they’re also used in film scoring and experimental music.

Types of Synthesis

Synthesizers use different methods to create sound, known as types of synthesis. Here are the most common ones:

  1. Subtractive Synthesis: This is the most traditional form. It starts with a rich, complex waveform (like a sawtooth or square wave) and “subtracts” frequencies using filters to shape the sound. Think of it as sculpting—you start with a block of sound and carve away until you get what you want. Iconic manufacturers such as Moog, ARP, Sequential Circuits and Roland were known for the classic sounds of this type of synth.
  2. Additive Synthesis: Instead of subtracting, this method builds sound by layering simple waveforms (sine waves) at different frequencies. It’s like painting with sound, adding layers to create complex tones. Think polished, harmonically rich tones like the ones heard on the synth Gong intro to Michael Jackson's Beat it (Played on a Synclavier).
  3. Frequency Modulation (FM) Synthesis: FM synthesis uses one waveform to modulate the frequency of another, creating metallic, bell-like, or gritty sounds. It’s a bit more complex but can produce unique and dynamic results. Yamaha is synonymous with this sound as heard on their best selling DX-7 Synthesizer that dominated the 80's.
  4. Sample-Based Synthesis: This method uses recorded sounds (samples) as the foundation. These samples can be manipulated, stretched, or layered to create new sounds. It’s great for realistic instrument emulations or creative sound design. Emu's Emulator and the CMI Fairlight were some of the first widely used samplers which made entire genres in dance and pop music possible. Later brands like Akai made sampling technology more accessible and it became a staple of hip hop and EDM music.

Software vs. Hardware Synths

Synthesizers come in two main forms: software and hardware. Software synths (or “soft synths”) are programs that run on your computer or DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). Often in the form of "plugins", they’re affordable, versatile, and often come with presets to get you started. Hardware synths, on the other hand, are legacy physical devices with knobs, sliders, and buttons. They offer a tactile experience and can be more inspiring for some producers, but they’re often more expensive to own and maintain.

Both options have their pros and cons, but the choice ultimately depends on your workflow and budget. Most productions employ a blend of synthesis methods to suit the music. Sampling a beat from a vinyl record and looping it over an analog synth bass line for example. Whether you’re tweaking a soft synth on your laptop or twisting knobs on a hardware synth, know that any sound is an instrument when you explore the the world of synthesis!