🎼Electronic Music Composition Unit 3 – Analog Synthesis

Fundamentals of Analog Synthesis

• Analog synthesis generates sound using continuous electrical signals manipulated by various components
• Relies on voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs), filters (VCFs), and amplifiers (VCAs) to shape the sound
  • VCOs generate the initial waveform
  • VCFs sculpt the frequency content
  • VCAs control the volume over time
• Modular nature of analog synthesizers allows for creative patching and signal routing
• Subtractive synthesis is a common technique in analog synthesis
  • Begins with a harmonically rich waveform (sawtooth or square)
  • Filters remove certain frequencies to achieve the desired sound
• Analog synthesizers often have a warm, organic, and imperfect character due to slight variations in electrical components

Key Components of Analog Synthesizers

• Oscillators generate the basic waveforms (sine, square, sawtooth, triangle) that serve as the foundation of the sound
• Filters, such as low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass, remove or attenuate specific frequencies from the waveform
• Amplifiers control the volume of the sound over time, often shaped by an envelope generator (ADSR)
• Envelope generators (ADSR) shape the volume, pitch, or filter cutoff over time
  • Attack: time taken for the sound to reach its maximum level
  • Decay: time taken for the sound to decrease to the sustain level
  • Sustain: level at which the sound remains while the key is held
  • Release: time taken for the sound to fade to silence after the key is released
• Low-frequency oscillators (LFOs) create periodic modulation for vibrato, tremolo, or filter sweeps
• Patch bay allows for flexible routing of signals between different components

Oscillators and Waveforms

• Oscillators are the primary sound source in analog synthesis, generating repeating waveforms
• The four basic waveforms have distinct timbral characteristics
  • Sine wave: pure, fundamental frequency without harmonics
  • Square wave: hollow, nasal sound with odd harmonics
  • Sawtooth wave: bright, buzzy sound with both even and odd harmonics
  • Triangle wave: mellow, flute-like sound with fewer harmonics than square or sawtooth
• Pulse width modulation (PWM) alters the duty cycle of a square wave, creating a thicker, more complex sound
• Oscillator sync forces one oscillator to restart its cycle based on the frequency of another, resulting in complex timbres
• Frequency modulation (FM) uses one oscillator to modulate the frequency of another, creating complex, dynamic sounds
• Oscillator detuning introduces slight variations in pitch, adding warmth and depth to the sound

Filters and Envelopes

• Filters remove or attenuate specific frequencies from the waveform, shaping the timbre of the sound
• Low-pass filters (LPFs) remove frequencies above a specified cutoff point, creating a darker, mellow sound
• High-pass filters (HPFs) remove frequencies below a specified cutoff point, creating a brighter, thinner sound
• Band-pass filters (BPFs) allow a specific range of frequencies to pass through, attenuating frequencies above and below the specified band
• Resonance (or Q) emphasizes frequencies around the cutoff point, creating a peak in the frequency response
  • High resonance can create a whistling or ringing effect
• Envelopes shape the volume, pitch, or filter cutoff over time, defining the character of the sound
• ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) is the most common envelope type
  • Adjusting ADSR settings can create percussive (short attack, decay) or pad-like (long attack, release) sounds
• Envelopes can be used to control various parameters, such as oscillator pitch or filter cutoff, creating dynamic, evolving sounds

Modulation Techniques

• Modulation adds movement, depth, and complexity to sounds by varying parameters over time
• Low-frequency oscillators (LFOs) are commonly used for periodic modulation
  • Applying an LFO to pitch creates vibrato
  • Applying an LFO to amplitude creates tremolo
  • Applying an LFO to filter cutoff creates rhythmic or sweeping effects
• Envelope generators can also be used for modulation, creating more complex, non-periodic changes
• Pulse width modulation (PWM) varies the duty cycle of a square wave, creating a thicker, more dynamic sound
• Oscillator sync modulates the frequency of one oscillator with another, resulting in complex timbres
• Frequency modulation (FM) uses one oscillator to modulate the frequency of another, creating complex, dynamic sounds
• Ring modulation multiplies two audio signals, resulting in new frequencies not present in the original signals
• Sample and hold (S&H) captures a random voltage value and holds it until the next trigger, creating stepped modulation

Patch Design and Signal Flow

• Patch design involves connecting various components in a specific order to create the desired sound
• Signal flow refers to the path the audio signal takes from the oscillators through the filters, amplifiers, and effects
• A basic patch starts with an oscillator, followed by a filter, an amplifier, and then the output
  • Modulation sources (LFOs, envelopes) are patched to control various parameters along the signal path
• Multiple oscillators can be mixed or modulated together to create more complex timbres
• Parallel and series routing of filters and effects can create different sonic characteristics
  • Parallel routing splits the signal into two or more paths, processed independently (e.g., dry/wet mix)
  • Series routing passes the signal through each component in succession, with the output of one feeding into the input of the next
• Experimentation and creative patching are essential aspects of analog synthesis, leading to unique and innovative sounds

Creative Applications in Electronic Music

• Analog synthesis has been widely used in various electronic music genres, such as techno, house, ambient, and experimental
• Basslines and leads are often created using analog synthesis, thanks to the powerful, rich timbres available
  • The Roland TB-303 is an iconic analog bass synthesizer used in acid house and techno
• Pads and textures can be created by layering multiple oscillators and applying slow filter and amplitude envelopes
• Sound effects and unique timbres can be achieved through creative patching and modulation techniques
  • Drones and evolving soundscapes can be created using slow LFOs and long release times
• Analog synthesizers can be used in conjunction with other electronic and acoustic instruments to add depth and character to a composition
• Many contemporary artists and producers continue to use analog synthesizers for their distinct, warm, and hands-on approach to sound design

Analog vs. Digital: Pros and Cons

• Analog synthesizers use continuous electrical signals, while digital synthesizers use discrete, sampled signals
• Analog synths are often praised for their warm, organic, and "imperfect" sound
  • Slight variations in electrical components contribute to the unique character of analog synths
  • Many musicians prefer the hands-on, tactile nature of analog synths
• Digital synths offer greater precision, stability, and reproducibility
  • Patches can be saved and recalled exactly, without the drift or variation of analog components
  • Digital synths can offer a wider range of sounds and more complex modulation options
• Analog synths are limited by the physical components and the number of available modules
• Digital synths can model analog components and offer additional synthesis techniques (e.g., wavetable, granular)
• Hybrid synths combine analog and digital components, offering the best of both worlds
  • Analog oscillators and filters paired with digital control and effects
• Ultimately, the choice between analog and digital depends on personal preference, musical style, and workflow