Synthesizers create sound by generating electrical signals and manipulating them to produce audio waves. Here’s a breakdown of the main components and processes involved:

1. Oscillators

Synthesizers start with oscillators, which generate basic waveforms (sine, square, sawtooth, and triangle). These waveforms are the building blocks of sound, each producing a unique tone.

2. Filters

After the oscillators, the sound passes through filters, which shape the tone by removing certain frequencies. For example, a low-pass filter allows lower frequencies to pass while attenuating higher ones, resulting in a warmer sound.

3. Envelopes

Envelopes control how a sound evolves over time. The most common type is the ADSR envelope, which stands for Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release. This envelope shapes the volume of a sound, allowing it to swell, hold, and fade in a specific manner.

4. LFOs (Low-Frequency Oscillators)

LFOs modulate various parameters, such as pitch, volume, or filter cutoff, creating effects like vibrato or tremolo. They operate at low frequencies, adding movement and depth to the sound.

5. Effects

Synthesizers often include built-in effects such as reverb, delay, and distortion, which further shape the sound and create a richer audio experience.

6. MIDI Control

Many synthesizers are controlled via MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), allowing them to be played using a keyboard or other controllers. This enables precise control over pitch, dynamics, and other parameters.

Conclusion

Through the combination of oscillators, filters, envelopes, LFOs, and effects, synthesizers can create a vast range of sounds, from realistic instrument emulations to entirely new and experimental textures. This versatility is what makes synthesizers a favorite tool for musicians and sound designers alike.