Minimoog Soft Synth

Synthesizers have long been a staple of the electronic and techno music industry, and in fact it’s doubtful that the genre of music would have even come about were it not for electronic instruments. Since the 80′s there’s been a constant seesaw effect as artists move from analog instruments to digital, and then back again. For the home recording artist though, nothing can trump a digital software synth, or soft synth, in terms of usability and price.

Choosing a Soft Synth

Unlike an analog synthesizer or synth workstation that requires a massive investment of both space and money, a soft synth can be purchased inexpensively (sometimes they’re even free), allowing you to test out a variety of different programs before settling on one or two favorites. Most soft synths now actually contain all of the features of hard synths like the Korg Triton as downloadable plugins. This way you get all the incredible features right on your computer and don’t need to lug around 100 pounds of hardware to keep recording music.

Analog Synth vs. Soft Synth

Despite the advances that modern technology allows us, some people still prefer to use physical hardware when composing and creating music. For some people, the creativity just seems to flow more when they can put their hands on something physical. This is valid, but some artists just don’t have the money to lay down on an $800 piece of equipment. No matter what you prefer, a soft synth can always make a valuable addition to your music repertoire, even if used alongside your analog synth.

Core Features of a Digital Synth Program

No matter what level you’re working on, there are some basic functions that the right software synth should always have. First of all, you need a sequencer. This is a code that arranges notes into patterns, and will eventually constitute the “song.” Next, your soft synth VST should have a library of effects and sounds that can be used as a starting point for your musical creations. Even if you don’t have any other input devices, you can still create some compelling compositions using library beats and some imaginative tweaking. It’s always possible to download libraries and plugins as well, so lastly the right soft synth should welcome upgrades and plugins.

The Importance of a Sequencer in a Soft Synth

A good sequencer can not be overlooked, no matter what else the synth software is capable of. With the sequencer, you will be compiling all the individual elements of the song: the samples, melodies, beats, effects, and vocals. When all of this is placed into the sequencer, the audio information is stored as MIDI code. Even when something is tweaked in real time, such as the turning of a treble knob midway trough the track, the MIDI will record that and produce the same effect each time the track is played back. A good sequencer makes it really easy to piece together individual elements of a song.

The Importance of MIDI in a Softsynth

Musical Instrument Digital Interface, or MIDI, is an industry standard that interprets musical notes the same way no matter what software is reading them. You might refer to it as the sheet music of your computer, and any worthwhile software synth will have a digital MIDI controller, allowing you to both input and manipulate MIDI files. In nearly every case, the MIDI controller will be displayed as a piano keyboard, and it will be synched with the sound output module so as to produce a sound when a key is pressed, just like a piano.

Using An Analog MIDI Controller

For the diehard artists who prefer to use a physical piece of hardware when composing music, analog MIDI controllers can make the perfect addition to a soft synth interface. Rather than purchasing an entire synth workstation that includes a built in synth and step sequencer, you can instead purchase a controller that solely records MIDI directly through a USB connection into the computer. This provides the hands on experience and creativity that comes with a physical instrument with the portability and ease of use of a soft synth.

Software synth technology is suitable for recording artists of any skill level, regardless of experience, which is what makes it such a valuable asset in a home recording studio. It is versatile, easy to use, and requires only a computer to operate. You can find a quality soft synth commercially for a price or as freeware, so they definitely are a suitable choice for an artist with any budget.

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