A synthesizer is an electronic musical instrument that generates audio signals by processing sound through digital or analog methods
. Synthesizers create sounds by generating waveforms using techniques such as subtractive additive synthesis and frequency modulation synthesis
. These sounds can be altered by components like filters, envelopes, and low- frequency oscillators, which control parameters such as pitch, volume, and articulation
. Synthesizers are often controlled with electronic or digital keyboards or MIDI controller keyboards, which may be built into the synthesizer unit or attached via connections such as CV/gate, USB, or MIDI
. They can be played with keyboards or controlled by sequencers, software, or other instruments, and can be synchronized to other equipment via MIDI
. Over the years, synthesizers have evolved to produce sound in various ways, including analog, digital, and software synthesizers
. The Moog synthesizer, developed by Robert Moog and first sold in 1964, is credited for pioneering concepts in synthesis
. Today, synthesizers play a dominant role in the production of popular music styles such as pop, hip-hop, and EDM
