Understanding Synthesizers

What is a synthesiser?

• A type of drum

• A wind instrument

• An electronic musical instrument

• A type of acoustic guitar

Answer explanation

A synthesiser is an electronic musical instrument that generates audio signals. It differs from drums, wind instruments, and acoustic guitars, which are not electronic. Therefore, the correct answer is 'An electronic musical instrument'.

Who invented the theremin?

• Herbert Deutsch

• Lev Theremin

• Don Buchla

• Bob Moog

Answer explanation

The theremin, an electronic musical instrument, was invented by Lev Theremin in 1920. It is unique for being played without physical contact, using the player's hand movements to control pitch and volume.

What is the main function of a synthesiser?

• To play back sound

• To synthesise sound

• To amplify sound

• To record sound

Answer explanation

The main function of a synthesiser is to synthesise sound, meaning it generates audio signals through various methods, allowing for the creation of unique sounds and music, unlike playback, amplification, or recording.

What is subtractive synthesis?

• Dividing sound frequencies

• Adding sound through filters

• Multiplying sound waves

• Subtracting sound through filters

Answer explanation

Subtractive synthesis involves shaping sound by removing certain frequencies using filters. This process contrasts with additive synthesis, which builds sound by adding frequencies. Thus, the correct answer is 'Subtracting sound through filters'.

What was the RCA Mark II synthesiser known for?

• Having a keyboard

• Being polyphonic and programmed with punch cards

• Being affordable

• Being portable

Answer explanation

The RCA Mark II synthesiser was notable for being polyphonic, allowing it to play multiple notes simultaneously, and it was programmed using punch cards, which was a unique feature for its time.

What is unique about the theremin?

• It is played by blowing air

• It is played by moving hands in an electrical field

• It is played by striking strings

• It is played by touching keys

Answer explanation

The theremin is unique because it is played by moving hands in an electrical field, allowing musicians to control pitch and volume without physical contact, unlike traditional instruments that require striking or touching.

Who was Bob Moog?

• A classical composer

• A rock musician

• An inventor of synthesisers

• A famous pianist

Answer explanation

Bob Moog was a pioneering inventor known for creating synthesizers, which revolutionized music production. His work laid the foundation for electronic music, making him a key figure in the development of modern music technology.

What was the Mini Moog known for?

• Being the largest synthesiser

• Being the first polyphonic synthesiser

• Being the first digital synthesiser

• Being accessible to all musicians

Answer explanation

The Mini Moog was known for being accessible to all musicians, as it was compact, affordable, and user-friendly, making synthesizer technology available to a wider audience, unlike larger or more complex models.

What was the significance of the DX-7 synthesiser?

• It was the smallest synthesiser

• It was the first analogue synthesiser

• It was a digital synthesiser with realistic sounds

• It was the first synthesiser with a keyboard

Answer explanation

The DX-7 synthesiser was significant as it was a digital synthesiser that produced realistic sounds, revolutionizing music production and making complex sound design accessible to musicians.

What is FM synthesis?

• Frequency modulation synthesis

• Frequency multiplication synthesis

• Frequency minimisation synthesis

• Frequency maximisation synthesis

Answer explanation

FM synthesis stands for Frequency Modulation synthesis, a technique used in sound synthesis where the frequency of a waveform is varied in accordance with another signal. This is the correct choice among the options.