How to choose a synthesizer

It should be noted right away that for those who already have a certain musical experience, there is a trap hiding here. Yes, you may not have skipped all the solfeggio lessons, and even remember something about triads, semitones and other dominant-sept chords. But you must immediately warn yourself against thinking: "I play the flight of the bumblebee, which means I can easily master the synthesizer." Not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance, because you will have to deal with a tool whose approach is radically different from everything you have had to deal with so far.

In this article we will tell you what a synthesizer is, how it works, what types it is, and how to choose a synthesizer based on the knowledge gained.

Types of synthesizers

So, a synthesizer is an electronic musical keyboard instrument that creates (synthesizes) wide variations of sounds of different timbre and frequency. It was invented by American electronics designer Robert Moog in 1964.

Here is what the standard device of this tool looks like:

The classic synthesizer is a fully autonomous musical instrument with a difficult control for a beginner

Conventionally , all synthesizers can be divided into the following categories , depending on the requirements and skill level of the musician:

• for training;
• semi — professional;
• professional (workstations);
• midi keyboards;
• digital pianos.

Synthesizers for learning

We will pay the closest attention to this category, since it is much easier for experienced musicians to navigate their preferences, but beginners hesitate.

This group includes simple instruments, the functionality and sound quality of which are extremely limited. Synthesizers for beginners are used in the initial stages preceding the transition to more advanced equipment.

Almost all models of the category have:

• unrealistic sound with polyphony up to 48 voices;
• not always full-sized, unweighted or semi-weighted keys;
• less than five octaves (61 keys), and usually three or four (for children);
• minimum set of software functions;
• simple operation;
• built-in training mode (also found in professional models);
• small size;
• light weight
• and, as a consequence of all of the above, a low cost (up to 400 USD).

The most popular models in this category are Casio and Yamaha (PSR E series).

Casio synthesizers — keyboards optimal in cost and functionality for beginners

Semi-professional synthesizers

Here we will talk about more complex models, an intermediate option between tools for amateurs and pros. The sound and capabilities of the top line of semi—professional synthesizers allow you to participate in public performances — be it accompaniment or solo as part of a musical ensemble or separately.

Usually, the keyboard on such models is improved. Sometimes these are wooden keys with a number of 61 or more, with several sensors for a better sound response, a more realistic sound and rich polyphony.

Also, more attention is paid to accompaniment: the number of styles and memory cells for saving custom melodies has been increased, it is possible to record and edit on the fly. All other functions, with slight deviations, repeat the characteristics of the previous group.

It is "semi-profs" that are most often used by musicians in cafes and restaurants, as well as in musical groups. A vivid example of this is the Yamaha PSR-S series. When choosing such a tool, it is recommended to take into account that it is simple to connect and not too large and heavy, otherwise there is a problem of transportation.

Yamaha synthesizers are the leader of the mid—price segment

Professional synthesizers or workstations

This is already a fairly serious technique capable of independently generating sounds depending on the input parameters, and the possibilities of tuning it go beyond the understanding of an ordinary musician.

These can be both stage instruments and studio equipment. Maximum attention is paid here to the sound quality. For example, the sample "Electric Piano" sounds very realistic precisely because during its synthesis a real piano was programmed by repeated recordings from microphones installed at various points.

Sometimes "pros" have a small number of keys that are practically not sensitive to touch, and generally may not provide polyphony – which does not prevent them from bypassing all previous categories in their functionality.

The main function of workstations is not to repeat the sounds recorded in memory, but to create their own, according to the parameters laid down in them.

To make the right choice and work with such a technique requires quite a lot of musical experience. Only he will help to reveal all the possibilities and nuances of the tool.

Workstations are huge features for composers and professional musicians

Midi keyboards

Exclusively studio equipment. In fact, these are ordinary piano keys that do not create independent sound signals, but are only an intermediary between the performer and a computer with special software or other sound module installed on it (the same synthesizer, for example, which has few octaves, but has a processor that converts signals into sound).

The most important advantage of the midi keyboard is the low price along with the ability to achieve almost unlimited possibilities in creating and processing sound.

Connect a midi keyboard to your computer and get a full-fledged workstation

Digital Pianos

Electric piano is one of the most interesting and technologically advanced categories of keyboard instruments, as well as midi keyboards, standing somewhat apart from synthesizers in their classical sense. The goal set by the manufacturers of electric pianos is to get as close as possible in sound, sensations and ergonomics to a standard mechanical instrument. To do this, all sorts of technical techniques are used to implement:

• the keys are made of real wood with artificial ivory coating;
• multi-position sensors of the force of pressing the key;
• specifically directed speakers for maximum resonance along the body of the instrument
• and much more.

Of course, the number and "advancement" of such bells and whistles has a direct impact on how much an electronic piano costs.

It makes sense to buy instruments from this category if you plan to study or play a classical instrument; it is extremely difficult to relearn how to play from a simpler synthesizer to a realistic keyboard mounted on an electronic piano. However, there are a number of other reasons why they prefer to buy digital pianos instead of standard ones: smaller dimensions and weight compared to the original, as well as a chic appearance that allows you to perfectly fit the instrument into the decor of the room.

The piano of the XXI century that never gets upset

Selection criteria

For those who have already decided on the keyboard category, we will tell you about the main criteria for their choice.

Number of keys

A standard 88-key piano keyboard is best suited for performing classical music. In most other cases, a keyboard with 76 or even 61 keys will suffice, although this is not an indicator. It all depends on the performing needs of the musician, as well as his requirements for the size of the keyboard instrument. After all, the more keys, the bigger the instrument itself.

Click mechanics

Passive, active and hammer mechanics are used on synthesizers. In an active keyboard, the volume of the sound depends on the force of pressing, while in a passive keyboard there is no such relationship. But even active mechanics is essentially just a simulation of a real keyboard. The hammer mechanism, which is most often used on electronic pianos, adds real tactile sensations – only the hammer does not hit the oscillating string, but a group of sensors, each of which reacts in its own way and at different intervals of time.

Keyboard stiffness

Each key must be properly balanced, and at the same time, in different registers, when pressing and rebounding, the keys must behave differently. This is due to the fact that the thickness of the bass strings is greater than that of the "high" ones – hence the different resistance felt by the fingers. In this regard, there are keys of three degrees of rigidity:

• weighted,
• semi — weighted,
• unweighted.

The former, obviously, are used on expensive models of synthesizers and electric pianos, the latter — on those that are simpler.

Accompaniment

Auto accompaniment is present in almost all synthesizers, except analogue models and most workstations, as well as in half of the models of digital pianos. We are talking about the automatic playback of a given rhythm, harmony and arrangement by pressing one or two keys. Accompaniments in different models differ only in the number and variety of styles, otherwise the difference between them is not fundamental.

Sound

There can be no universal advice here, you need to listen and choose yourself. Sometimes the sound quality is sacrificed to the number of sound presets, so it is necessary to decide which is more important: the realism of the sound or the number of instruments "sewn" into the processor. It is also necessary to take into account that "more expensive" does not always mean "better": practice shows that the most successful-sounding models are not always the most expensive even in their line.

Speakers

If there are no plans to listen to your own game only with headphones, then you should pay special attention to the speakers. There are models where there are none at all – external amplifying equipment is supposed to sound such. In other cases, there may be two, four, or even six speakers; all of them, usually, have different sizes and are located in the instrument case according to a special scheme. In fact, two loudspeakers located on the back of the instrument and aimed at the floor are usually enough for a good sound.

Additional functions

Even those instruments that are maximally focused on high-quality sound and a deeply developed keyboard often have an accompaniment, a learning function, a metronome and a whole line of other additional functions in their arsenal. Some of them may be useful, some may be completely unnecessary, but, one way or another, they increase the cost of the synthesizer. Therefore, before buying, it is better to decide what is really needed, and what you can do without.

In conclusion, we note that in the end, everyone determines for himself the most important criteria for choosing a synthesizer. For our part, we hope that this article helped us make the right decision. Play with pleasure, and may inspiration be with you!