A synthesizer, often abbreviated as synth, is an electronic musical instrument that generates and manipulates sound electronically. Synthesizers create sound through various methods, including subtractive synthesis, additive synthesis, frequency modulation synthesis, and wavetable synthesis, among others. They typically feature oscillators to produce raw waveforms, filters to sculpt the timbre, envelopes to shape the sound’s amplitude, and modulation sources to add movement and complexity.

Synthesizers offer a vast range of sounds, from classic analog tones to futuristic digital textures, and are used in a wide array of musical genres, from electronic and pop to rock and film scoring. With their versatility and expressive capabilities, synthesizers are essential tools for musicians, producers, and sound designers seeking to explore and create innovative sonic landscapes.