MIDI

A Brief: On-Board Effect Processor in Synthesizers

The Music Telegraph | Text 2025/04/01 [14:11]
MIDI

A Brief: On-Board Effect Processor in Synthesizers

The Music Telegraph| 입력 : 2025/04/01 [14:11]

 

▲ Yamaha Montage M7 DM board

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A Brief: On-Board Effect Processor in Synthesizers

 

Korg, a pioneering Japanese company in the field of music technology, was among the first to integrate effects directly into synthesizers. The first synthesizer to feature on-board effects was the Korg PS-3100, releasesd in 1977. It was groundbreaking polyphonic synthesizer that integrated on-board chorus and other effects into the sound engine. In the early days of synthesizer development, effects were quite limited, with chorus being one of the few available options. Analog reverbs, particularly spring reverbs, were bulky and impractical for inclusion in synthesizers due to their size and mechanical nature. However, as digital technology advanced, many synthesizers began incorporating built-in effects such as chorus and revrb, making them standard features rather than external additions.

 

The role of effects in synthesizers evolved beyond mere embellishments; they became an integral part of the sound synthesis process itself. Instead of being treated as separate audio processing tools, on-board effects became a fundamental component of sound design. This shift allowed for greater control and flexibility, enabling musicians and producers to shape their sounds dynamically. With the ability to adjust effects via MIDI controllers and modulate them in various ways, synthesizer patches began to include effect parameters as part of their core settings, leading to more expressive and versatile sounds.

 

Korg, in particular, was instrumental in this transformation, integraring a diverse range of digital effects into their synthesizers. By doing so, they not only enhanced the sonic capabilities of their instruments but also set new industry standards. Their approach enabled musicians to experiment with new textures and soundscapes directly within the synthesizer, without the need for external gear. This innovation contributed significantly to the unique and characteristic sound of Korg synthesizers. 

 

Understanding and utilizing on-board effects effectively became essential for sound designers and musicians. No longer just a finishing touch, effects played a crucial role in the creative process. Whether in live performances or studio recordings, proper application of on-board effects could dramatically enhance the final sound. The importance of on-board effects became even more pronounced in the recording process, paricularly in the 1990's, as digital signal processing (DSP) technology advanced.

 

There were two primary ways effects were integrated with synthesizers:

 

1. External Effects Processing:

In this setup, a synthesizer outputs an audio signal that is first converted from digital to analog(D-A). This analog signal is then processed through an external effects processor, where it undergoes additional analog-to-digital (A-D) and D-A conversions before becoming the final audio output. This method allows for greater flexibility, as musicians can choose from a wide range of high-quality external effects units. However, the additional conversion steps can sometimes introduce unwanted noise and latency.

 

2. Internal Effects (On-board Effects) Processing:

Some synthesizers apply effects within the digital domain before converting the processed signal to analog (D-A) for audio output. This method has several advantages, including reduced noise and seamless integration with the instrument's sound engine. Since the effects are built-in and optimized for the specific synthesizer, they often result in a cleaner and more cohesive sound compared to external processing.

 

 

 

 

 

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