Different instruments produce sound due to different mechanisms. As regards to flute when the air is blown inside a hollow pipe Timbre, Pitch and Volume of a Synthesizer, which has openings around it, through which the air comes out, sound is produced. For a string instrument like violin or guitar the strings are oscillated to generate the sound.



In case of acoustic instruments something must be moved or resonated for sounds to be created. A synthesizer can imitate sound of any instrument. But they do not create direct sounds. They produce electric-signals. Hence, there is the need to attach headphones or speakers to hear the sound created; otherwise nothing will be audible. CD-players also work like this way; the sounds are inaudible unless there is an output device.

Synthesizers are different from the examples mentioned above; so are the components of synthesizer.

Listed below are the different components of a synthesizer:

Keyboard: A piano style keyboard is generally equipped in a synthesizer. The keys of a synthesizer are actually a type of switch. The main function of these switches is to on and off the electronic circuit. The user can choose to use mouthpieces, guitar like instruments, strings, drum pads or a computer to manage and organize the synthesizer. However, keyboards are one the most widely used input devices.

Amplifier: Amplifier is one of the important components of synthesizer. An amplifier circuit is used to control the volume of a synthesizer. The signal is passed through the circuit to command the amplification that would result in sound through the output device. A synthesizer amplifier, however, dictates on the waveform unlike the types used in, say, speakers. To connect loudspeaker from the output would result in attaching a power amplifier to it.

Software: There are lots of programs designed for the working of the synthesizer through the computer. The basic purpose is to record and edit MIDI sequences. It is in fact, better defined as music composition and production system. The name sequencer also has been given to them for this particular role; and is one of the integral parts of the synthesizer.

The track data is displayed in form of chart, waveform or diagram. There are a number of places that dish out free softwares, samplers and wave renderer for the synthesizer. Softwares are available for both platforms, MAC and Windows.

MIDI device: MIDI is the acronym of Musical Instrument Digital Interface. This is the worldwide standard in relating electronic musical instruments, computers and other devices among them. Sequencers are, typically, used to produce accurate, repeating eight- or sixteen-note bassline patterns.

When the microprocessor-controlled sequencers were created the task became even easier. These had the power to store a large number of notes, even a musical piece. Hence, MIDI soon became the standard in the world for communication between electronic musical instruments. MIDI sequencers record the note on or note off commands.

Drum Machines: Drum machines can also be included in the components of synthesizer. A drum machine is like a synthesizer only difference being that it is a dedicated drum and percussion sound instrument. Synthesizer is, however, generic. Instead of piano style keyboard, the drum machines have the touch sensitive pads, which are operated by fingers or drum sticks.