Clavia lead 2x Guida Utente
NORD LEAD 2X V1.0x
11. Synthesis basics: Introduction
Page 79
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Subtractive synthesis is one of the oldest and most widely spread forms of synthesizing sounds. It is the
method employed in such classics as the Moog synthesizers, the Sequential Prophet-5 and 10, Arp syn-
thesizers, most Oberheim synthesizers, the Roland Jupiter models, the TB-303 etc; the list is practically
endless. Even new digital instruments such as workstations and sample playback devices employ many of
the basic principles of subtractive synthesis.
method employed in such classics as the Moog synthesizers, the Sequential Prophet-5 and 10, Arp syn-
thesizers, most Oberheim synthesizers, the Roland Jupiter models, the TB-303 etc; the list is practically
endless. Even new digital instruments such as workstations and sample playback devices employ many of
the basic principles of subtractive synthesis.
With the first Nord Lead, Clavia introduced a new concept: a modern digital instrument that combined
a faithful reproduction of the behaviour of the old analog favourites with the convenience and stability
of the newer designs. The Nord Lead 2X takes this concept even further, adding valuable new features
and functionality.
a faithful reproduction of the behaviour of the old analog favourites with the convenience and stability
of the newer designs. The Nord Lead 2X takes this concept even further, adding valuable new features
and functionality.
The purpose of this chapter is to give you a quick introduction to this world of subtractive synthesis as
used in he Nord Lead 2X and its analog predecessors. If you’d like to know more, there are number of
text books on the subject.
used in he Nord Lead 2X and its analog predecessors. If you’d like to know more, there are number of
text books on the subject.
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Subtractive synthesis started its life in modular synthesizers, large cabinets housing separate electronic
modules, connected via patch cords. With the advancement of technology, the functionality of many of
these modules could be put onto one single circuit board. But functionality-wise, subtractive synthesizers
are still built out of the same modules (or building blocks) as they were decades ago.
modules, connected via patch cords. With the advancement of technology, the functionality of many of
these modules could be put onto one single circuit board. But functionality-wise, subtractive synthesizers
are still built out of the same modules (or building blocks) as they were decades ago.
We will now take a closer look at these building blocks. Let’s first talk about the three that actually create
and process sound:
and process sound:
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The Oscillator is actually the only thing in a synthesizer that actually produces any sound, (all the other
modules only shape the sound from the oscillator.) The oscillator is a bit like the string on a string instru-
ment, it vibrates to create sound.
modules only shape the sound from the oscillator.) The oscillator is a bit like the string on a string instru-
ment, it vibrates to create sound.
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The signal from the oscillator is sent through the Filter which shapes the timbre of the sound to make it
“bright”, “dull”, “thin”, etc.
“bright”, “dull”, “thin”, etc.
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The Amplifier shapes the volume of the sound making it “soft” or “hard”, “slow” or “short”.
In addition to these major three modules all synthesizers also have “modulators”, devices that can make
the volume, timbre pitch and other qualities of sound vary continuously when you play a key. It is these
modulators that basically add animation to the sound, taking it from a dull organ drone to a dynamic and
interesting timbre. The two most common modulators are Envelopes and LFOs:
the volume, timbre pitch and other qualities of sound vary continuously when you play a key. It is these
modulators that basically add animation to the sound, taking it from a dull organ drone to a dynamic and
interesting timbre. The two most common modulators are Envelopes and LFOs: