Moog Music Voyager Old School - Manual (Page 46)

Page 48
Voyager OS User’s Manual - Appendices
Page 49
Voyager OS User’s Manual - Appendices
So there you have it - the six basic components that make up a synthesizer based on the subtractive
synthesis model. Keep in mind that most ‘subtractive’ synthesizers often include more than one of each
component. This is especially true of the oscillators and envelope generators, but may also be true of fi lters,
amplifi ers and LFO’s. For example, the Voyager OS has three oscillators, two fi lters, two amplifi ers, an LFO,
two extensive modulation sections, and the Voyager’s third oscillator can act as an additional LFO. As you
would expect, synthesizers that offer more than one of each component provide a broader palette for
sound creation then those that don’t, and this generally result in sounds with a greater complexity, variation,
and depth. Add some solid programming and playing technique, and incredibly expressive musical sounds
can be achieved.
So what is the best way to program synthesizers effectively? The answer to that question could fi ll a book’s
worth of explanations and examples. Fortunately, a number of excellent books have been written on the
subject in recent years. Two such books, readily available, are:
“Power Tools for Synthesizer Programming” by Jim Aiken, available from Backbeat Books
“Analog Synthesis” by Reinhard Smitz, available from Wizoo Publications
As with all musical instruments, practice, exploration and experimentation are an important part of achiev-
ing great results. Spend a little time getting to know your new instrument - your efforts will be rewarded!