A vocal synthesizer is easily defined as ‘an electronic instrument that generates and combines the basic elements of sound to produce simulated speech, typically used in computer systems.’
If you’re asking yourself “what really is a vocal synthesizer, and what can I use it for?” then you are in the right place! In this article, we will go over the basics of what a vocal synthesizer is, as well as look at how the synthesizer is used in the industry today. Even better, we’ll look at how you can use a vocal synthesizer to spice up your singing practice.
What is a vocal synthesizer?
A synthesizer, in context, is an electronic musical instrument that uses audio signals to shape and modulate the sounds entered into the system. A synthesizer is usually played with keyboards, sequencers, software, or MIDI instruments. A vocal synthesizer just means that we are using the human voice as the instrument that is being synthesized.
The human voice is already the perfect instrument, but a synthesizer can change the function of the human voice and the instrument itself. The cool thing about using a vocal synthesizer is that the sky’s the limit in terms of possibilities… you can use your voice in so many different ways! Each of our voices has a different timbre and tone, but processing your voice electronically will take that uniqueness to a whole new function.
How does a vocal synthesizer work?
A synthesizer is actually pretty simple in function: first, a tone is generated, and then the tone can be controlled. Then, effects are added and adjusted as needed and desired.
What genres is it typically used for?
Synthesizers were initially seen as being very avant-garde and experimental, so at first, the synthesizer was not used as widespread as it is today. In the modern world, synthesizers are used in all genres, even in classical music. Due to the wide accessibility of technology, especially in the 21st-century, the software is now more obtainable than ever.
The genres that commonly use synthesizers are typically:
- Pop (especially techno-pop)
- Rock (especially progressive rock)
- Electronica
- Disco
- House music and Techno
How is the synthesizer used?
In many ways, the vocal synthesizer adjusts the function of the human voice and adds to the ensemble much more than just the acoustic voice alone. In other words, the voice is a part of the overall product, not just a separate overlay on top of the instrumental background. Typically, singers are seen as their own piece of the puzzle and the main focus of the songs. With this amendment of the human voice and giving it even more of an instrumental role, we are able to create a tight-knit group or band, which can make the music even more important and adds to the integrity of the music.
Fun facts about synthesizers:
Throughout the years, there have been many developments in the use of vocal synthesizer’s. Here are a few fun facts:
- The term “synthesizer” was developed by RCA, a company that created an Electronic Music Synthesizer in 1951/
- Synthesizers become more portable in the late 1960s and 1970s.
- Software synthesizers became available in the 1990s.
- The Moog synthesizer became popular and was used by The Monkeys, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and others.
- House, techno, electronica, and dance were originally the genres most commonly associated with synthesizers.
- Synthesizers are becoming more and more common in live performance due to the ability to transport and control them.
- The synthesizer is now considered to be one of the industry’s most valuable instruments.
Tips for singing with a synthesizer:
Adapting your singing for a synthesizer does not need to be difficult, especially if you are already singing with a microphone. Here are some tips to get started:
- Sing into the center of the microphone, and try to keep yourself centered at the same angle while you are singing.
- Test the microphone to see how far or close you should stand away. With the synthesizer, you can adjust the dynamics later… so no need to worry about that while you are performing or recording.
- Make sure to practice in advance and do a soundcheck, especially before a live performance!
- To make sure that you are using your voice as efficiently as possible, don’t think about “singing for the microphone” too much. You can always lower the volume, but we want to hear your incredible instrument.
- Continue singing with proper breath control, despite using a microphone or synthesizer.
Interested in learning more?
If you are still interested in learning more, here is a great article that can show you multiple genres of synth music. Get inspired and have fun!