Synth Basics Quiz

What does a synthesizer do?

• Records audio using a microphone

• Changes recorded audio into text

• Generates sound electronically

• Plays only pre-recorded loops

Answer explanation

A synthesizer generates sound electronically by creating audio signals through various methods, such as subtractive synthesis or FM synthesis, making it distinct from recording or playing pre-recorded audio.

What part of a synth produces the raw sound?

• Envelope

• Oscillator

• Filter

• Reverb

Answer explanation

The oscillator is the part of a synth that generates the raw sound by producing waveforms. Other components like filters and envelopes modify this sound, but the oscillator is where it originates.

What happens when you play a note one octave higher?

• The pitch is halved

• The pitch is doubled

• The volume increases

• The wave gets distorted

Answer explanation

When you play a note one octave higher, the frequency of the sound wave doubles, resulting in a pitch that is perceived as higher. Therefore, the correct answer is that the pitch is doubled.

Fine-tuning a pitch is useful for:

• Making the note louder

• Creating harmonics

• Creating detune effects or chords

• Changing the waveform

Answer explanation

Fine-tuning a pitch allows for slight variations in frequency, which can create detune effects or chords. This enhances the richness of the sound, unlike simply making a note louder or changing the waveform.

Which waveform sounds smooth and pure?

• Triangle

• Square

• Sawtooth

• Sine

Answer explanation

The sine waveform is known for its smooth and pure sound, characterized by a single frequency and no harmonics, making it the most fundamental waveform in audio synthesis.

Which waveform is jagged and buzzy, often used for brass sounds?

• Sine

• Square

• Sawtooth

• Pulse

Answer explanation

The sawtooth waveform is characterized by its jagged and buzzy sound, making it ideal for emulating brass instruments. In contrast, sine and square waves produce smoother or more hollow tones.

What does amplitude affect?

• Pitch

• Tone

• Loudness

• Modulation

Answer explanation

Amplitude affects loudness, which is the perceived volume of a sound. Higher amplitude results in louder sounds, while lower amplitude leads to softer sounds. Therefore, the correct answer is loudness.

What does the ‘attack’ part of an envelope control?

• How quickly the note ends

• How quickly the sound fades out

• How long the sound holds

• How quickly the sound starts

Answer explanation

The 'attack' part of an envelope controls how quickly the sound starts after a note is played. It determines the initial onset of the sound, making 'How quickly the sound starts' the correct choice.

What does the ‘release’ control?

• Volume of the sound

• Time before the note plays

• How long the sound lasts after a key is released

• The pitch of the note

Answer explanation

The 'release' controls how long the sound continues after a key is released, determining the duration of the note's decay. This is crucial for shaping the sound's sustain and overall character.

What does a filter do in a synth?

• Adds distortion to a sound

• Changes the pitch

• Removes parts of the frequency spectrum

• Changes the waveform

Answer explanation

A filter in a synth removes parts of the frequency spectrum, allowing certain frequencies to pass while attenuating others. This shapes the sound by emphasizing or de-emphasizing specific frequency ranges.