Synthesizer

For most musicians, there really isn't a perfect synthesizer. Rather, there are systems that are made up of different modules and grow with the years and creative development. The most well-known manufacturers have responded to this trend and offer both basic devices and numerous modules for customizing synthesizers. What all devices have in common is that they produce artificial sounds. Today this is mostly done digitally, but hybrid devices that combine analog 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. The set-ups have now become significantly smaller because the possibilities of the devices have constantly expanded. polyphony is normal on most devices today, as well as various modulations, timbres, oscillator configurations and effects. Basic set-ups are also on the market; well-known providers such as Roland are particularly popular. Of course, in addition to large sound generators, there are also synthesizers for individual lines in a composition; bass synthesizers or those for drums and percussion are particularly popular.

Workstations and drum machine

The heart of the synthesizer set-up is the workstation. Its appearance is very reminiscent of a keyboard, but it has numerous additional functions such as sequencer, recording and playback functions as well as numerous sounds, rhythm patterns and storage options. Depending on the model , there are various memory functions and controls to influence the edition of sounds.
A good drum computer is just as important for many productions. It can be used to create and program various drum kits or other percussion sounds . Equipped with touch-sensitive pads , the devices from Arturia, Elektron or Akai can also be played live; the backlight provides feedback on the different beats.

Samplers and groove boxes

As the name suggests, samplers allow you to save and mix sound sequences. Most devices work with touch-sensitive pads that enable precise timing. The functions are rounded off by various filter that allow post-processing of the individual sound elements.
Grooveboxes are essential for techno and house productions. They allow polyphony and the saving and mixing of many patterns. Numerous filter and effects as well as modulation options allow you to create an impressive soundscape.

Modular systems, filter and effects

With modular systems, individual components and several synthesizers can be connected. 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 seamlessly inserted and easily controlled using the systems.
filter and effects are often controlled with pedals and enable fading, echo or even changes to voices. There are hardly any limits to your imagination and almost every electronic instrument can be changed and adapted with an effect .
sequencer
These devices control synthesizers and their components. They are already integrated into some workstations, but external or additional devices can also be integrated into the set-up. They can be controlled with your foot using pedals. Among other things, it makes it possible to play analog synthesizers with digital synthesizers together. Different modes allow improvisation and spontaneous variation. sequencer bring the creative moment into every set-up.