Editing Software synthesizer (section)

{{Short description|Computer program that generates audio}}{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2014}}

A '''software synthesizer''' or '''softsynth''' is a computer program that generates [[digital audio]], usually for music. Computer software that can create sounds or music is not new, but advances in processing speed now allow softsynths to accomplish the same tasks that previously required the dedicated hardware of a conventional [[synthesizer]]. Softsynths may be readily interfaced with other music software such as [[music sequencer]]s typically in the context of a [[digital audio workstation]]. Softsynths are usually less expensive and can be more portable than dedicated hardware.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Aikin |first=Jim |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ipn3e2SLNkUC&dq=instrument&pg=PR1 |title=Software Synthesizers: The Definitive Guide to Virtual Musical Instruments |date=2003 |publisher=Hal Leonard Corporation |isbn=978-0-87930-752-3 |language=en}}</ref>