History of Synthesizers: from Origins to Modern Synths
From analog origins to DX7 and plugins: a concise guide to synthesizer evolution with key models, videos and FAQs.
Introduction
Synthesizers changed music forever. From early analog machines in the 1950s to today’s software plugins, the evolution of synths moved through key milestones: voltage-controlled modules, polyphony, patch memory, digital synthesis and new methods (FM, wavetable, granular). This guide reviews the origins and the landmark instruments, with discography pointers, videos and fun facts.
We will naturally reference cornerstone models and families: Moog, Minimoog, Yamaha DX7, Roland Jupiter, Korg MS-20 and Eurorack. If you’re choosing your first instrument or comparing analog vs digital, this is a concise historical overview with practical references.
Types of used instruments / models
- Analog modular and Eurorack
- Subtractive synthesis (e.g., Minimoog, MS-20)
- FM/digital synthesis (e.g., DX7)
- Wavetable, granular and hybrid
- Workstations / grooveboxes and plugins
Discography
- Switched-On Bach — Wendy Carlos (1968), extensive Moog usage.
- Kraftwerk — Autobahn, Trans-Europe Express: pioneering electronic music built on synths.
- Pink Floyd — A Momentary Lapse of Reason: blend of analog and digital.
- 1980s pop: widespread DX7 usage in countless hits.
- Contemporary electronic / synthwave: vintage tones with modern techniques.
Videos
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sjreF6H_rY
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhjqP5yaRHg
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3Y9wG9g1hA
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gA4m8fNwMg
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JQm5aSjX6g
Trivia
- The term "synthesizer" entered common usage in the 1950s–60s to label electronic sound-generating instruments.
- The Minimoog brought modular-style sound to portable stage-ready form.
- The DX7 (1983) made FM synthesis mainstream with iconic tones across ’80s productions.
- Eurorack revived modulars with a compact, highly creative ecosystem.
- Today’s plugins emulate classic circuits (modeling) and push new synthesis methods.
Q&A
Q: What counts as the first synthesizer? A: Early 1950s machines with electromechanical/tape control; Moog systems then defined a musician-friendly standard in the 1960s.
Q: What is subtractive synthesis? A: Start from harmonically rich waves (e.g., sawtooth) and sculpt the timbre by "subtracting" frequencies with filters.
Q: Why is the DX7 historic? A: It popularized FM for the masses, shaping countless charting tracks.
Q: Analog or digital? A: Depends on workflow and tone: analog gives tactile response and natural saturation; digital is precise, polyphonic and versatile.
Q: How to choose a synthesizer (long-tail)? A: Define budget, genre, interface (keys/knobs), patch memory needs, DAW integration, and prefer hardware or plugins.
