98 !!Chapter 6
Most programmers who work for synthesizer manufacturers begin
with a basic electric piano sound and then proceed to perform a variety of
edits, creating new sounds. Each edited version is given a new name and
listed separately. One piano might sound mellow, while another may
sound bell-like or percussive. A variety of electric piano sounds to choose
from saves time for keyboard players.
Many performers create additional edits, enabling them to customize
sounds. Most professional musicians create unique sound palettes. When
working in the competitive world of commercial music, performers and
arrangers try to present an exclusive variety of sounds.
Analog sounds.Sounds programmed on analog synthesizers that can-
not be created by conventional instruments are generally referred to as
analog sounds. (Editing the VCO [voltage-controlled oscillator], VCA
[voltage-controlled amplifier], and the VCF [voltage-controlled filter] cre-
ates the sounds.) Most analog and digital synthesizers contain analog
sounds in the general MIDI patches that are included with most synthe-
sizers and samplers. An infinite number of variations and combinations
can be edited to create an infinite number of sounds. The sampled analog
sounds cannot be edited in exactly the same manner as on an analog syn-
thesizer, even though the editing parameters are similar. Analog synthesis
was the original format of synthetic music. For a time, not many new ana-
log synthesizers were being developed, but some manufacturers continue
to make analog modeling synthesizers, such as Virus and Nord synthe-
sizers. (Analog synthesizers are also available as virtual instruments.) The
sounds are popular in all forms of commercial music.
Acoustic pianos. Yamaha, Baldwin, Bo ̈sendorfer, and Steinway
pianos—among additional manufacturers—have varied timbres and key-
board action. (Each instrument within the same brand varies in sound.)
Yamaha is the most accepted acoustic piano in popular music since it has
a ‘‘cutting’’ sound when recorded. This said, all pianos have individual
characteristics; therefore, choosing a piano becomes a matter of taste.
Synthesized acoustic pianos.Most synthesizers and samplers include
various acoustic piano samples in the general MIDI patches that are
included with most instruments. An infinite number of variations and
combinations can be achieved through editing. Some of the samples tend
to sound thin and percussive, whereas others are quite realistic. Combin-
ing an acoustic piano with a variety of analog sounds creates interesting
timbres. When combining sounds, keep the individual sounds on separate
tracks so that the balance can be adjusted during the mixing process.
Digital samplesare samples of real acoustic and/or electric instru-
ments, such as acoustic guitars, drums, percussion, strings, or unique
sounds. The samples are played on a keyboard, and many emulate the real
instruments. The quality of the samples varies greatly between manufac-
turers. Since purchasing sounds can be costly, listen to the sample CD or to
the samples usually available for listening on the manufacturer’s website.