Synthesizer

As with piano, there are a myriad of synth options available as “software instruments” that can be used with most DAWs. A software instrument track can be manipulated externally with the use of a MIDI controller or manually within the DAW itself.

My DAW of choice, Logic Pro X, divides synthesizer presets into several categories, but all of them can be boiled down to a few basic characteristics.

First, a synth will either be monophonic or polyphonic. This refers to the number of voices available.

A voice is like an available “slot” for a potential note. The more voices, the more notes that can be played simultaneously.

A monophonic synth only has one voice. This means that only one note can be played at a time.

A polyphonic synth can play multiple notes at once, though the number of which will vary per instrument.

The distinction between monophonic and polyphonic determines whether a synth will be able to play chords or only melodies, which is obviously important to consider when choosing the right synth for the composition of a song.

Another characteristic to consider is whether a synthesizer’s voices are transient or sustained.

A transient synth will fade, regardless of how long the note is held, while a sustained synth will carry the note for as long as it’s held. This is not binary, of course. There is a spectrum of transience available among synthesizers and their adjustable parameters.

The transience of a synth will do a lot to inform the actual performance of the instrument and, subsequently, its role in the song. A more transient synth, for instance, might sound “staccato” and contribute rhythmically to the composition, while a more sustained synth might be a better choice for background texture.

You might think of the number of voices available as the “vertical” dimension of a synth and the transience as its “horizontal” dimension. Every synthesizer will be either monophonic or polyphonic and fall somewhere along the spectrum of transience. Categorizing synthesizers in this way has allowed me to more efficiently narrow down my instrumental choices in the bedroom studio.

If I’m looking for a synth that can play a smooth, melodic riff over a chord progression, for example, I can rule out the more transient synthesizers.

If I need a synth that can hold chords indefinitely, I can rule out both monophonic and more transient synthesizers.

I typically use synthesizers for only two basic compositional roles: melody and support. Logic Pro X uses the terms “lead” and “pad” to describe these categories.

A synth lead will usually stand out in the mix and play a similar role to that of a lead guitar or a prominent vocal.

A synth pad will tend to be textural, further back in the mix, and more contributive to the harmony of a song. Software synthesizers are some of the most accessible and versatile compositional elements available to a bedroom producer. Be sure not to overlook them as you embark on your bedroom studio journey!