Synthesizer Terminology Explained
Synthesizer Terminology Explained™ is your definition based resource for quickly finding the meaning of common synth terms, features and functions! This growing collection of terminology definitions are short and sweet, and are designed for the beginner, to make sure you understand the basics and foundations of synthesizer technology.
Synth Basics
• Oscillators (02:03) - Learn the definition of what an oscillator on a synthesizer is and the basics of how it functions.
• Filters (01:44) - This video covers the definition of the filter section on a synthesizer, as well as how it is used to sculpt the synth's sound.
• Resonance (01:34) - In this video, Thomas gives the definition of the resonance controls on a synthesizer.
• Mixer & Amplifier (01:45) - Learn what the mixer and amplifier sections of a synthesizer are, and how they're used to control the audio levels of a synth.
• LFO (01:23) - This video gives the definition of what a low-frequency oscillator is, as well as its function on a synthesizer.
• ADSR (02:35) - Learn what ADSR envelopes are, and how they're used to sculpt and control various parts on a synthesizer.
• Modulation Routing (01:24) - This video covers the definition of modulation routing on a synthesizer and shows how it is used to alter basic synth patches.
Synthesizer Controls
• Pan (01:05) - See how the pan controls on a synth are used to adjust where a sound is placed in the stereo field.
• Octave & Tune (01:46) - Learn what the octave and tune controls on a synth do and how they are used to adjust the overall pitch of a sound.
• Arpeggiator (01:01) - Learn what an arpeggiator is and how it's used to automatically generate melodic patterns and sequences.
Types Of Synthesis
• Subtractive Synthesis (01:08) - Learn the definition of a basics subtractive synthesizer and how it creates sound.
• Wavetable Synthesis (01:22) - Learn the definition of a wavetable synthesizer, how it creates sound, and why it is different from other methods of synthesis.
• FM Synthesis (01:21) - Learn the definition of frequency modulation synthesis and how it uses waveform modulation to produce a wide variety of tones.
• Additive Synthesis (01:34) - Learn the definition of additive synthesis and how it uses sine waveforms as the building blocks for more advanced sounds.
• Modular Synthesis (01:42) - Learn the definition of a basic modular synthesizer and how it produces sound.
Advanced Synth Features
• Mono Synths & Mono Legato (01:05) - Learn the definition of a monophonic synthesizer and how its associated mono legato modes are used.
• Polyphonic Synths & Polyphony (00:55) - Learn the definition of a polyphonic synthesizer and when to use it.
• White Noise (00:39) - Learn the definition of what white noise in synthesis is and how it sounds.
• Pink Noise (00:38) - Learn the definition of what pink noise in synthesis is and how it is used to make patches.
• Ring Modulation (01:34) - Learn the definition of ring modulation, how it is used, and the types of sounds it is good for.
• Pulse Width & Pulse Width Modulation (01:21) - Learn the definition of pulse width and how it's used to create a chorus style effect.