Feature | The ultimate guide to digital synthesis
The hybrid approach
Although, in this feature, we’ve been discussing different synthesis types as distinct from one another, in reality it’s rare to find a digital synth in 2021 that doesn’t blend multiple approaches to some extent. In the plugin sphere, modern ‘power synths’ tend to offer a variety of engine types as standard. Look at Arturia Pigments, Kilohearts Phase Plant, Apple Alchemy, UVI Falcon or Spectrasonics Omnisphere, to name but a few; all are capable of using at least two or three of the different techniques highlighted in this feature, and allow users to combine and blend approaches for even more sonic variety. In hardware too, even instruments that focus primarily on one type of synthesis, such as the Digitone, Opsix or Wavestate, all incorporate elements of virtual analogue design that deviate from first-generation digital synths. Increasingly common too are instruments that blend authentic analogue with digital sound generation, like Korg’s Minilogue XD, Novation’s Peak/Summit or UDO’s excellent Super 6.