The Synthesizer Technology

Synthesizers are an electronic keyboard that can generate or copy virtually any sound, whether that be an instrument such as piano or violin, or nonstandard musical sounds like doors creaking or footsteps. The word “synthesize” quite literally means to make something new, often by putting it together from existing pieces (Woodford 2017). The synthesizer technology emerged in American popular music in the 1960s and continued throughout the 70s, 80s, and 90s, where it revolutionized the artist’s ability to play around with new unheard sounds.

The first synthesizer was created by Robert Moog in New York during the time frame of 1964-1971, and was the first ever mass-produced synthesizer (Pinch, Trevor & Trocco, 2). The Moog Synthesizer was so large it could fill an entire room and consisted of a number of modular voltage control units linked by a patch board, thus making it very difficult for artists to use and control (Pinch, Trevor & Trocco, 13). However, in the late 70s, companies began mass producing digital synthesizers that made it easier for artists to use and paved the way for electronic music in America.

 

Robert Moog with his synthesizer

In the late 1970s, a number of digitally controlled polyphonic synthesizers – a synthesizer that can produce multiple sounds simultaneously – were introduced into the music world. These digital synthesizers still employed the voltage control to produce sound, but they were also able to store preset sounds and algorithms (Fulton, 27). Due to its flexibility variety of control configurations, the synthesizer eventually developed into a keyboard instrument, which made it not only easier to transport but made it easier for artists to operate, and was widely accepted by pop and rock musicians, composers, and creators of original sounds (Pinch & Trocco, 28). The development of the synthesizer excited artists, especially as the machines became easier to use and produce music. Among many artists, Michael Jackson was one who heavily incorporated the synthesizer into his 1987 Bad album.