The word "synths" is a short form of "synthesizers," which are electronic musical instruments that generate sound. The spelling of "synths" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /sɪnθs/. The "s" at the end indicates that the word is plural, while the "th" sound is represented by the symbol "θ." This combination of letters and sounds creates a unique spelling for a word that is common in the world of music production and performance.
Synths, short for synthesizers, are electronic musical instruments that produce sound by generating and manipulating audio signals. These instruments have become staples in various genres of music, including electronic, pop, rock, and many others. Synths are capable of creating a wide variety of sounds, from classic analog tones to complex digital textures.
The key features of synths include their ability to produce various waveforms, such as sawtooth, square, triangle, and sine waves. They often provide different methods of sound modulation and manipulation, including envelope shaping, frequency filtering, and oscillators. Synths may also offer extensive controls for parameters like pitch, filter cutoff, resonance, and various effects.
Over the years, synths have evolved significantly, transitioning from large, cumbersome machines to portable, compact devices. They can be standalone devices or integrated into software packages for computer-based music production.
Some synths come with a built-in keyboard, while others can be controlled using external keyboards or connected to computers for programming and sequencing. Synths can be monophonic, capable of playing only one note at a time, or polyphonic with the ability to play multiple notes simultaneously.
Synths have revolutionized modern music, contributing to the development of unique and innovative sounds. They offer musicians, producers, and enthusiasts vast creative possibilities, allowing them to shape and sculpt sounds like never before. With their versatility and power, synths continue to be a fundamental tool in the creation of electronic and experimental music.
The word "synths" is a shortened form of the word "synthesizers".
The term "synthesizer" originated from the combination of two words: "synthesis" and "analyze". "Synthesis" refers to the process of combining separate elements to create something new. "Analyze", on the other hand, means to break down or examine something in detail.
The first electronic musical instrument to be called a "synthesizer" was developed by RCA (Radio Corporation of America) in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It was invented by Harry F. Olson, Herbert Belar, and Vladimir Ussachevsky, who were researchers in the field of electronic music. This instrument used electronic circuits to generate and manipulate sounds.
"Synth" or "synths" became a more popular term in subsequent decades as electronic musical instruments using synthesis techniques became more prevalent.