Exploring Analog Synths

Sound effects are a great way to make your music stand out. This is where your synthesizer comes in. This piece of equipment will allow you to do this, often by pushing a few keys. But how does an analog synth work and is it any better than the digital version? Let’s look at the answers to these questions.

What is an Analog Synth?

A synth creates audio effects, based on the oscillation created when you send electrical waves through an electrical circuit. These devices will come with tools to help you modify the type of sounds that you will be producing. For example, you can change the way the soundwave is structured or adjust the volume.

This can be used across all genres of music. However, it’s most common to see it used as part of electronic music. Sometimes, it will be used to make sounds when recording a song.  But it can also come in useful during the editing process, changing the way the sound is heard.

Is an Analog Synth Better Than the Digital Version?

There are two types of synths on the market, analog and digital. Trying to decide which one is best has proven to be a consistent source of debate within the music community. Each has its own set of pros and cons.

Digital synths allow you to create a wider array of musical sounds. Also, as they can be attached to DAWs, you will be able to get it to sound exactly the way you want. Plus, this is a lot easier to learn than playing an electronic synth.

On the other hand, an analog synth is played by hand. This gives you a more authentic sound, especially if you want to interact with multiple electronic devices. This type of thing will be difficult for a computer to simulate effectively. If you want more information on the differences between the two, check out this article.

Picking a Good Analog Synth

The good news is that analog synths are fairly common. The downside is that this can make it harder to find which one will be best suited to you. There are lots of elements to consider. But one of the most important will be the type of keys that the synth is using. You want something that will be sensitive to pressure, giving you more control over the type of sound and how intense it is. Usually, the more keys the synth has the better.

The next thing to consider is the number of sounds you will be able to produce. This is dependent on three important factors. These are; oscillators, filters, and effects. In general, the more options you have, the wider the range of effects you can make. If you want more guidance on what you should be looking for, check out this analog synth compilation.

Getting Started With Analog Synth

Once you have found an analog synth that you like, it’s time to learn how to use a synthesizer. The good news is that an analog synth is easier to use than a digital model. You don’t need to worry about using a DAW.

When you are using a synth, you will need to go through a range of steps. First, you will need to set the oscillation. This affects what the wavelength looks like, changing the tone of the sound. You can also change the frequency, which determines how fast or slow the sound will be played.

Then, you will need to filter the sound. This changes the tone of the sound. You can use the amplifiers to change the volume of the noise. For example, you might want to have a loud noise when you hit the key, or you might want something that will start low and grow louder over time. You can also change how long the sound lasts. To finish the process, you can play with the modulation settings. This article goes into more depth on each of these areas and how they affect your music.

This can seem like a lot to take in. The good news is that there are plenty of online resources to help you out. For example, this guide from Yamaha talks you through how each part of the synth works. You can also turn to YouTube or forum posts, to get more specific information about how your type of synth is designed to operate.

Understandably, many people are confused about the process of using an analog synth. If you are a beginner, each of these steps can seem overwhelming. Often, the best thing to do is dive in and start experimenting. Play around with the different settings on the machine and see what each of them does.

Conclusion

An analog synth is a creative instrument, which can be used to make a wide range of sounds. You just need to learn how to play it first. At first, the amount you need to learn will seem overwhelming. But if you stick with it, you should be able to learn the basics within a few weeks. Within a few months, you will be able to make a huge range of unique sounds. So, grab an analog synth and start making music today.