Editing Software synthesizer (section)

==Types==
[[File:Bristol Mini.png|thumb|Bristol Mini soft-synth]]
{{See also|Synthesizer#Sound synthesis}}
Softsynths can cover a range of synthesis methods, including [[subtractive synthesis]] (including [[Analog modeling synthesizer|analog modeling]], a subtype), [[FM synthesis]] (including the similar [[phase distortion synthesis]]), [[physical modelling synthesis]], [[additive synthesis]] (including the related [[Additive synthesis#Additive analysis.2Fresynthesis|resynthesis]]), and [[sample-based synthesis]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |date=2013-12-19 |title=Musical signal synthesis |url=https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781315078120-2/musical-signal-synthesis-gianpaolo-borin-giovanni-de-poli-augusto-sarti |journal=Taylor & Francis |language=en |doi=10.4324/9781315078120-2 |doi-broken-date=16 May 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240418023209/https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781315078120-2/musical-signal-synthesis-gianpaolo-borin-giovanni-de-poli-augusto-sarti |archive-date=2024-04-18}}</ref>

Many popular hardware synthesizers are no longer manufactured but have been emulated in software. The emulation can even extend to having graphics that model the exact placements of the original hardware controls. Some simulators can even import the original sound patches with accuracy that is nearly indistinguishable from the original synthesizer. Popular synthesizers such as the [[Minimoog|Moog Minimoog]], [[Yamaha DX7]], [[Korg M1]], [[Prophet-5|Sequential Circuits Prophet-5]], [[Oberheim OB-X]], [[Roland Jupiter 8|Roland Jupiter-8]], [[ARP 2600]] and dozens of other classics have been recreated in software. Software Synth developers such as [[Arturia]] offer virtual editions of analog synths like the [[Minimoog]], the [[ARP 2600]], as well as the [[Yamaha CS-80]]. GForce produces a Minimoog (with sounds designed by [[Rick Wakeman]]) and a version of the [[ARP Odyssey]]. There is also a variety of popular software synthesizers that are exclusively software. Synths like Serum 2 and its predecessor Serum (both created by [[Steve Duda]] under [[Xfer Records]]), Pigments by [[Arturia]], Vital developed by Vital Audio, and even Alchemy, originally developed by Camel Audio, which is famously associated with [[Logic Pro]] after its acquisition by [[Apple Inc.|Apple]].

Some softsynths are [[Sampling (music)|sample]]-based, and frequently have more capability than hardware units, since computers have fewer restrictions on memory than dedicated hardware synthesizers. Sample libraries may be many gigabytes in size. Some are specifically designed to mimic real-world instruments such as pianos. Sample libraries' formats include ''[[WAV|.wav]]'', ''[[SoundFont|.sf]]'' or [[SoundFont|.sf2]].<ref name=":0" />

Softsynths suffer their own issues compared to traditional hardware. Softsynths tend to have more latency than hardware; they can also suffer from crashes and data loss. <ref>{{Cite book |last=Kleimola |first=Jari |title=Design and Implementation of a Software Sound Synthesizer |date=31 August 2005 |publisher=Helsinki University of Technology |year=2005}}</ref>This is why oftentimes a composer or virtual conductor will want a "draft mode" for initial score editing and then use the "production mode" to generate high-quality sound as one gets closer to the final version. The draft mode allows for quicker turn-around, perhaps in real time, but will not have the full quality of the production mode. The draft render is roughly analogous to a wire-frame or "big polygon" animation when creating 3D animation or [[Computer-generated imagery|CGI]]. Both are based on the trade-off between quality and turn-around time for reviewing drafts and changes.

===Software instrument===
[[Image:Cubase 6 feature - software instruments and software effects.svg|thumb|top: [[Software synthesizer#Software instrument|Software instrument]]s {{smalldiv|{{Bulleted list|HALion Sonic SE sample player|Groove Agent ONE drum sample player}}}} bottom: [[Software effect processor]]s<br />on [[Steinberg Cubase|Cubase]] 6 {{small|(CC-BY-SA-3.0 image)}}]]

A '''software instrument''' can be a synthesized version of a real instrument (like the sounds of a [[violin]] or [[drum]]s), or a unique instrument, generated by computer software.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hosken |first=Dan |title=An Introduction to Music Technology |date=31 July 2014 |year=2014 |isbn=9780203539149 |edition=2nd |location=New York |publication-date=31 July 2014}}</ref> Software instruments have been made popular by the convergence of synthesizers and computers, as well as [[Digital audio workstation|sequencing software]] like [[GarageBand]], [[Logic Pro]], and [[Ableton Live]]. Also of note is software like [[Csound]] and [[Nyquist (programming language)|Nyquist]], which can be used to program software instruments.