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Software synthesizer

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Not to be confused with SoundFont.

A software synthesizer or softsynth is a computer program that generates digital audio, usually for music. Computer software that can create sounds or music is not new, but advances in processing speed now allow softsynths to accomplish the same tasks that previously required the dedicated hardware of a conventional synthesizer. Softsynths may be readily interfaced with other music software such as music sequencers typically in the context of a digital audio workstation. Softsynths are usually less expensive and can be more portable than dedicated hardware.

Types

Bristol Mini soft-synth
See also: Synthesizer § Sound synthesis

Softsynths can cover a range of synthesis methods, including subtractive synthesis (including analog modeling, a subtype), FM synthesis (including the similar phase distortion synthesis), physical modelling synthesis, additive synthesis (including the related resynthesis), and sample-based synthesis.

Many popular hardware synthesizers are no longer manufactured but have been emulated in software. The emulation can even extend to having graphics that model the exact placements of the original hardware controls. Some simulators can even import the original sound patches with accuracy that is nearly indistinguishable from the original synthesizer. Popular synthesizers such as the Moog Minimoog, Yamaha DX7, Korg M1, Sequential Prophet-5, Oberheim OB-X, Roland Jupiter 8, ARP 2600 and dozens of other classics have been recreated in software.

Some softsynths are sample-based, and frequently have more capability than hardware units, since computers have fewer restrictions on memory than dedicated hardware synthesizers. Sample libraries may be many gigabytes in size. Some are specifically designed to mimic real-world instruments such as pianos. Sample libraries' formats include .wav, .sf or .sf2.

Often a composer or virtual conductor will want a "draft mode" for initial score editing and then use the "production mode" to generate high-quality sound as one gets closer to the final version. The draft mode allows for quicker turn-around, perhaps in real time, but will not have the full quality of the production mode. The draft render is roughly analogous to a wire-frame or "big polygon" animation when creating 3D animation or CGI. Both are based on the trade-off between quality and turn-around time for reviewing drafts and changes.

Software instrument

top: Software instruments
  • HALion Sonic SE sample player
  • Groove Agent ONE drum sample player
bottom: Software effect processors
on Cubase 6 (CC-BY-SA-3.0 image)

A software instrument can be a synthesized version of a real instrument (like the sounds of a violin or drums), or a unique instrument, generated by computer software. Software instruments have been made popular by the convergence of synthesizers and computers, as well as sequencing software like GarageBand, Logic Pro (geared toward professionals), the open source project Audacity, and Ableton Live which is geared towards live performances. Also of note is software like Csound and Nyquist, which can be used to program software instruments. A software instrument is akin to a SoundFont.

Plugin compatibility

Stand-alone softsynths run as a program on the computer so additional software is not required. Plugin softsynths require a host application such as a digital audio workstation, which records the music that is played. Common plugin technologies include VST, AU, and LADSPA.

Typical software synthesizers

Software Synth developers such as Arturia offer virtual editions of analog synths like the Minimoog, the ARP 2600, as well as the Yamaha CS-80. Gforce produces a Minimoog with sounds designed by Rick Wakeman and version of the ARP Odyssey.

Linux synthesizers

Alsa Modular Synth 2.1.2 with an example preset, running on Linux Mint 20 Xfce

ZynAddSubFX is a free and open-source software synthesizer for Linux, macOS and Windows. It can generate polyphonic, multitimbral, microtonal sounds in realtime.[2] It is a free program, licensed under version 2 of the GNU General Public License.

There are many other open-source software synthesizers available for free for Unix-based operating systems, including amsynth, Hexter, TAL NoizeMaker, Xsynth, Wsynth, WhySynth, Add64, OBXD, Mx44, Phasex, Alsa Modular Synth, Bristol and others still.

Microsoft GS Software Wavetable Synthesizer

The Microsoft GS Software Wavetable Synthesizer (based on sample-based synthesis) included in instances of DirectX as an integral part of DirectMusic is a version of the Roland Virtual Sound Canvas with the GS sound set licensed by Microsoft from Roland Corporation in 1996.[3] The file, GM.DLS, containing the samples is in DLS format.

Mobile synthesizer

The integrated processors included in mobile phones have become so fast, that synthesizer applications (apps) can play with the same capabilities as the classic analog or digital synths. They can have several oscillators with pulse-width modulated waveforms, frequency- and amplitude- modulation, ADSR envelope forming, and a number of digital sound processing effects like filter, exciter, delay, chorus and reverb. One example is the Windows Phone Synthesizer.

Recently, there have been many virtual synthesizers released for Apples iOS devices (iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch). Many of these are from independent developers. Hardware manufacturers have also released apps for the iPad and iPhone including Moog Music, Korg, Roland Corporation, Akai and Tascam.

Apple Logic Studio comes with a variety of Software Synths including FM, Bass, Analog, Ensemble as well as Electric Piano and Hammond B-3 emulation.

List of some of the earlier softsynths for PC

  • WinGroove (Windows 3.1x, 1995)
  • Audio Simulation AudioSim (DOS, 1996)
  • AXS (Analogue Xpansion System) (Windows 95/98, 1998)
  • Orangator (Windows 95/98, 1997)
  • SimSynth (Windows 95/98, 1995)
  • Synoptic Probe (Windows 95/98, 1999)
  • Microsoft GS Software Wavetable Synthesizer (featured in Windows 98 and later versions of Windows)

See also

References

  1. ^ "Best Soft Synth Plugins - 2016 - Gearslutz Pro Audio Community". www.gearslutz.com. Archived from the original on 9 May 2017.
  2. ^ "ZynAddSubFX project page at Sourceforge". Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  3. ^ "Microsoft Licenses Sound Canvas Sounds From Industry Leader Roland Corp". Microsoft Corp. 22 October 1996.
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