Digital

Digital sounds are processed and stored as a series of 1’s and 0’s called a binary code. This digital sound code is stored in a memory called a sample. Inside a digital synthesizer is a DAC (Digital to Audio Converter), which takes the binary code and converts it into an analog signal.

The sounds from a digital synth are known to be very consistent and steady, you don’t get the temperamental nature of a pure analog synth. Due to the digital synths structure, you will find that it holds a lot more memory and is much lighter and portable than the analog versions.

Due to the rapid growth of modern technology, manufacturers are able to include multiple features and effects inside digital synthesizers. The complicated circuitry of analog synths means that they simply cannot offer the same as inside a digital synths compact unit.

The digital vs analog argument will continue but it’s clear that both designs offer their own advantages. It all comes down to preference and what kind of music you are looking to make, your style is likely to evolve as you grow into synth music, so it’s good to keep an open mind.

Digital synths do give beginners more flexibility to find their own style, they can play around with digital samples and also replicate analog sounds all from one synthesizer. As they start to create their own style they’ll start to understand which is best for them, be it digital or analog.