A Brief History of Synthesizers

Music has its own unique appeal, which transcendsinitiatives to build ones own synthesizer. Many
boundaries and touches every single soul. Themedia reports at that time also flashed designs
most versatile amongst all instruments, whichthat were published in hobby electronics
have transformed the entire musical landscapemagazines. There are also interesting anecdotes
globally,is the synthesizer. Synthesizers have theon how synthesizers were evolved in each
magic to bring life to any performance.household.
History of synthesizers is replete with interestingSome of the noteworthy synthesizer
twists and turns. The mid 80s proved to be amanufacturers who has contributed to the history
booming phase for this magical instrument. Thewere as follows
history of electronic music reached a new heightAccess Music
with the emergence of the synthesizer.Alesis
Some of the synthesizer models which absolutelyARP
proved to be the delight of musicians are asArturia
followsAkai
CZ-2600SBuchla and Associates
CZ-3000Casio
CZ-101Clavia
CZ-230SFurther research in the field of synthesizers
CZ-1000however, led to the emergence of a
CZ-5000much-matured device in 1975, which had
CT-6500polyphonic features. This particular category of
Types of synthesizerssynthesizer was capable of playing 2-8 notes at
Synthesizers are primarily of three different kinds,one time depending on the model. This kind of
which are as followssynthesizers had amazing storage capacity with
Analog16 separate memory slots.
DigitalThe bass synthesizer was perhaps the most
Softwarepopular version of synthesizers, which has carved
There are also synthesizers, which are aa niche for itself in the history books. This version
combination of the above-mentioned kinds knownof synthesizer was capable of producing new
as hybrid synthesizers.sounds for this version. What contributed greatly
There are many synthesis methods, which haveto the popularity of synthesizers were its unique
gradually evolved over the years. Some of themfeatures. Synthesizers could easily be integrated
are as followsand synchronised with other musical instruments.
Frequency modulation synthesisThe year 1978 saw the emergence of the first
Phase distortion synthesisfully equipped polyphonic synthesizers. This device
Physical synthesiswas capable of producing 5 tones at one go. It
Sample-based synthesisalso had increased memory capacity with 32
Sub harmonic synthesisdifferent memory slots. They later emerged as
Subtractive synthesisthe most popular accompanier in the musical
Additive synthesiscircuits.
Granular synthesisHowever, the history of synthesizers underwent
Wavetable synthesisa paradigm change with the advent of lead
Synthesizers first hit the market in 1971. It waskeyboard. They were also known as analog
then that the first pre-wired synthesizer made itssynthesizers. These kind of synthesizers gave
maiden appearance in the musical circuits.musicians greater freedom to editing.
However, it was then a much simpler device. ItTraversing a long interesting road synthesizers
had monophonic features and had no memoryhave emerged as the most popular musical
unlike future synthesizers.instrument. It has become an integral part of the
The late 70s and early 80s, there was a spurt ofentire musical journey globally.