Overview
Software Music Synthesizers, sometimes known as Softsynths, allow computers to produce synthesized music. Previously, this job fell to dedicated, specialized hardware produced by legendary companies such as Korg, Minimoog, Roland, and Yamaha. Now, computers such as Fitlet coupled with a good Softsynth package can produce some very good sounds and effects, possibly even rivaling dedicated units.
Softsynth Packages available to Fitlet include amSynth, Foo YC20, Freebirth, Horgand, mx44, Yoshimi, ZynAddSubFX, and so on. I tried amSynth and ZynAddSubFX. AmSynth is very basic and not very engaging. ZynAddSubFX on the other hand has many features and gets good reviews, so I will concentrate on its use.
Hardware
1. Fitlet
2. USB MIDI Keyboard (optional)
Software
All packages required are readily available in the repositories.
1. Jack Audio Connection Kit
Packages needed are: jackd, qjackctl, and libjack library.
The Jack Audio Connection Kit is an audio server and API which allows various Jack compatible audio applications to interconnect and share data with each other. Jack provides rapid, low latency audio data transfer and helps synchronize the various applications. One way to understand Jack's purpose is to compare it to a physical audio soundboard.
2. ZynAddSubFX
ZynnAddSubFX is the Softsynth I liked the best. It offers a wide array of available instruments; many effects such as reverb, echo, and chorus; and a wide array of other features and settings.
Operation
Once the required software is installed on Fitlet, proceed as follows.
1. Load and start the QJackCtl GUI. It is found in the Applications Pulldown under Sound and Video. Make sure to start jack by clicking the start button in QJackCtl.
- QJackCtl.png (34.02 KiB) Viewed 6565 times
2. Start ZynAddSubFX. It is found in the Applications Panel under Sound and Video. It features a beginners interface with a virtual keyboard and an advanced interface which requires the use of an external keyboard.
Beginner and Advanced Interfaces
- SynthesizerInterfaces.jpeg (153.16 KiB) Viewed 6561 times
Make Required Audio Patch Connection
In QJackCtl GUI, depress connect button. This opens connections window. Select Audio tab. Connect synthesizer (zynaddsubfx) to system.
- AudioConnection.png (28.72 KiB) Viewed 6561 times
Add-Ons
You can add a wide variety of instruments and voices to ZynAddSubFX. Here is a site with many such add-ons.
http://sourceforge.net/p/zynaddsubfx/in ... ree/banks/
Results
The results of using ZynAddSubFX were quite good. Using the add-on instruments and voices, it is possible to get some really interesting and cool sounds. Some of the chorus files produce very ethereal and eerie sounds.
Conclusions
1. Fitlet makes quite a good music synthesizer when paired with good software.
2. Fitlet demonstrates its ability to perform a wide variety of diverse roles.
Resources
http://jackaudio.org/
http://jackaudio.org/api/
http://murks.lima-city.de/serendipity/? ... mmies.html
http://zynaddsubfx.sourceforge.net/