This week in Tech we learnt about S Y N T H E S I S !! I loooooove synthesis, I’ve always found it so fascinating learning and experimenting with how a sound is crafted. I’m not an expert of course, but did know a thing or two about synthesis before this weeks class, as I’ve experimented with software synthesizers whilst producing my own pieces of electronic music.
We played around with the synthesizer on SoundTrap, which I haven’t played with so this new, fun and exciting for me!
The class was first taught about oscillator waveforms; the basis for any electronic sound. There are four types of waveforms: sine, square, triangle, and sawtooth, and each one generates a slightly different sound.
Fun fact of the day! Noise happens when all the different waves are played together (sine/square/triangle/saw).
Often, a synthesizer will have two oscillators. This means that, for example, Oscillator 1 set to sine, and Oscillator 2 set to saw. Played together, both waves will build a more complex sound.
Below: The synthesizer we explored on SoundTrap.
Another important element of a synthesizer is the envelope controls (ADSR): attack, decay, sustain and release – here are some simple definitions:
Attack: The time it takes for the sound to rise Decay: The time it takes for the sound to fall slightly after its initial attack
Sustain: The level of amplitude desired for a smooth sustained sound
Release: The time it takes for the sound to end when the note is released
Here's a visual representation of ADSR that I've created:
We also briefly discussed Lowpass and Highpass filters, which can alter the timbre of the sound by increasing or decreasing frequencies.
Lowpass: Takes out the high frequencies, letting the low frequencies pass through.
Highpass: Takes out the low frequencies, letting the high frequencies pass through.
We also explored the Korg LittleBits Synth Kit. This was exciting as it was a piece of hardware I had yet to discover.
Left: A guide to exploring the LittleBits Synth Kit.
The SynthKit requires a battery, an oscillator and a speaker in which this would generate a little sound.
(*My group's speaker was actually broken so therefore we had no sound. We were able to use another group's speaker in the meantime. )
Then, to customise the sound, we could insert triggers before the oscillator (such as a sequencer, a keyboard or randomiser/white noise). Then, we could insert effects after the oscillator, this included delay, filter, envelope and a second oscillator if we desire.
Below: This is what a finished LittleBits SynthKit looks like! As long as we had the instructions handy, it was very straightforward and easy to use. I definitely would consider including this hands-on activity for my future music students.
