The spelling of the word "synthesiser" is based on the pronunciation of the word. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word is /ˈsɪnθəsaɪzər/. This spelling is derived from the Greek roots syn- (meaning together) and thesis (meaning placing or setting). The -er is added to represent the noun form of the word, indicating that the synthesiser is a device that performs the action of synthesising. The spelling of this word may differ depending on the dialect or region, but the IPA transcription will remain the same.
A synthesiser is an electronic musical instrument that generates sound signals artificially, imitating various traditional and non-traditional instruments, as well as creating unique and innovative sounds. It is typically a keyboard-based instrument but can also be controlled by other input devices like sequencers or controllers. The main purpose of a synthesiser is to produce a wide range of sounds by manipulating and combining different electronic waveforms.
In a synthesiser, sound is produced by creating and modifying electrical waveforms, such as sine, square, triangle, or sawtooth waves, using oscillators. These waves can be altered in terms of frequency, amplitude, and waveform shape, allowing for the creation of a variety of tones and textures. Modulation techniques, such as frequency modulation or amplitude modulation, can be applied to further shape and sculpt the sound.
Synthesisers also often include filters, envelopes, and effects modules to refine and enhance the generated sounds. Filters control the frequencies of the sound, allowing for the removal of unwanted components or emphasizing certain parts. Envelopes shape the sound's evolution over time, controlling parameters such as attack, decay, sustain, and release. Effects modules add additional processing, like reverb, delay, or chorus, to further modify and enrich the sound.
Synthesisers have been widely used in various genres of music since their inception in the mid-20th century, ranging from electronic and experimental music to pop, rock, and even classical music. They have significantly contributed to the development of contemporary music by offering artists and musicians a powerful tool for sonic experimentation and creation.
The word "synthesiser" is derived from the root word "synthesize" and the suffix "-er".
The root word "synthesize" comes from the Greek word "sunthése" meaning "composition" or "putting together". It is a combination of the prefix "sun-" (meaning "together") and the verb "thése" (meaning "to place" or "to set"). In English, "synthesize" refers to the process of combining separate elements or ideas to form a coherent whole.
The suffix "-er" is a common English suffix used to denote a person or thing that performs a particular action or has a specific quality. When added to the root word "synthesize", it forms the noun "synthesizer", which refers to a musical instrument capable of creating and manipulating various sounds by generating electronic signals.