Basics of Synthesizers and Our Design Choices
All components are explained in their respective sections as linked to in "The Tech" page.
General Types of Synthesizers |
 An example synthesizer with different features
Additive synthesis sums together synthesized tones and subtractive synthesis filters out tones from a sound signal.
Our Choice Originally, our plan was to include both. We would sum multiple frequencies with multiple Voltage Controlled Oscillators and an Voltage Controlled Amplifier and filter the final output sound with a Voltage Controlled Filter. We found a Voltage Controlled Amplifier that can alter the shape of our sound, so we decided to not implement any V.C. Filters. |
Electrical Components |
Oscillators
The first step in the sound creation process is to generate tones using oscillators. These tones are then combined and shaped into the rich sounds of a synthesizer. We used both analog and digital methods of generating these tones. Musical Instrument Digital Interface The Arduino code interprets MIDI pitch data, translates the amplitude at which the tuning fork was struck into a control voltage for volume, and produces/outputs the appropriate signals. |
Note Control |
 Our synthesizer with knobs
Base Pitch Control
In our earlier iterations, we planned to build in an off-the-shelf keyboard, however, we decided to not build one in for versatility; now the user can plug in any MIDI device. Amplification & Overtone Control The tuning fork and accompanying switch and knobs were designed to set the volume of either the synthesizer as a whole or individual overtones created by secondary and tertiary VCOs. See “Tuning Forks” (link) under Note Control / Overtone Control for more information Attack - Delay - Sustain - Release Attack: the time taken for initial run-up of level from nil to peak, beginning when the key is first pressed. Decay: the time taken for the subsequent run down from the attack level to the designated sustain level. Sustain: the level during the main sequence of the sound's duration, until the key is released. Release: the time taken for the level to decay from the sustain level to zero after the key is released. |
System Diagram
