Synthesizers

The perfect synthesizer doesn’t really exist for most musicians. Rather, there are systems made up of various modules that grow with you and your creative development over the years. Leading manufacturers have reacted to this trend and offer both base units and numerous modules for putting together individual synthesizer setups. What all devices have in common is that they generate sound artificially. Today this is usually done digitally, but hybrid units that combine analogue and digital sound generation are also very popular.

The classic is the Yamaha synthesizer, which many fans and creators of electronic music associate with big names like Jean-Michel Jarre or Vangelis. Set-ups have become much smaller in the meantime, as device capabilities have steadily expanded. Polyphony is now standard on most instruments, along with various modulations, timbres, oscillator configurations and effects. There are also entry-level setups on the market — well-known makers like Roland are particularly popular here. Of course, alongside large sound engines there are synthesizers for single lines in a composition; bass synthesizers or units for drums and percussion are especially popular.

Workstations and drum machines

The heart of a synthesizer setup is the workstation. It resembles a keyboard in appearance but offers numerous extra functions such as a sequencer, recording and playback features, and a wide range of sounds, rhythm patterns and storage options. Depending on the model there are various memory functions and knobs to shape sounds at output.
Equally important for many productions is a good drum machine. It can produce and programme different drum kits and other percussion sounds. Equipped with touch-sensitive pads, devices from Arturia, Elektron or Akai can also be played live; backlighting gives feedback on the different beats.

Samplers and grooveboxes

As the name suggests, samplers allow you to store and mix sequences of sounds. Most devices work with touch-sensitive pads that enable precise timing. Functions are rounded off by various filters that allow post-processing of individual sound elements.
Grooveboxes are indispensable for techno and house productions. They permit polyphony and the storage and mixing of many patterns. Numerous filters, effects and modulation options make it possible to create an impressive soundscape.

Modular systems, filters and effects

Modular systems let you connect individual components and multiple synthesizers. This makes very individual set-ups possible in the studio and on stage. For example, if you want to work with additional drum machines or bass synthesizers, these devices can be integrated seamlessly and controlled via the system.
Filters and effects are often controlled with pedals and enable fading, echo or even vocal changes. There are almost no limits to the imagination, and virtually any electronic instrument can be altered and customised with an effect.
Sequencers
These devices control synthesizers and their components. In some workstations they are already integrated, but external or additional devices can also be included in the set-up. They can be controlled by foot pedals. Among other things, they make it possible to play analogue synthesizers together with digital synthesizers. Different modes allow improvisation and spontaneous variation. Sequencers bring the creative element to any set-up.