Programming Synthesizers. Part 1: Anatomy of a synthesizer

Synthesizer programming still remains one of the black arts, shrouded in myth and mystery. Simon Cann leads you to your initiation ceremony.

Most people who are learning about synthesizers have two questions: ‘what do all the knobs do?’ and ‘how do I make a specific sound?’. In this first instalment of our two-part exploration synth programming, we’re going to look at the main sections of a synthesizer and talk about what the knobs do. In Part 2, next month, we’ll look at how the different elements interact to shape the tones you can create.

This feature first appeared in Music Tech Magazine issue 40
Filed under General Features

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