Musical instruments are devices that reproduce melodies by changing the frequency, volume, and sound wavelength. The signals go to the amplifier, and then go to the speaker. The difference from electromechanical devices is the absence of the need for physical vibrations of strings, membranes, other structural elements with the subsequent transformation of the melody through the pickup.
What are electric musical instruments called? What are the features of the operation of such devices? What are the advantages of such devices? We will talk about this in our publication.
History tour
The first electro-musical instrument in history is a device called the telarmonium. The device was developed by inventor Tadeus Cahill in 1893. The fixture weighed an impressive 200 tons. The basis of the design was 145 electric generators that reproduced sound waves. The oscillation frequency ranged from 40 to 4000 Hertz. Sound was heard on telephone lines. You could hear the music in the handset of the device.
The telarmonium did not find universal recognition. Shortly after the test commissioning, they decided to ban the device, since the device created exorbitant loads on telephone lines. Speakers available in those days did not provide high-quality sound. The unit ceased to be used in 1916.
Theremin
A peculiar descendant of the telarmonium was the electric musical instrument theremin. The idea of creating the device belongs to the Russian inventor Lev Theremin. The device was released in 1919. The action is based on changing the parameters of the electromagnetic field during the movement of the hands between a pair of vertically arranged antennas. Bringing the palm to the right element of the device provides a change in pitch. Closing your hand to the left antenna allows you to adjust the volume. Pretty soon, an unusual unit became famous throughout the world. Currently, theremin is actively used by ensembles of electric musical instruments.
Vocoder
The classic version of an electric musical instrument is a device used for speech synthesis. The action of the device is due to the operation of noise and tone generators, as well as formant filters, which allow you to recreate the specific features of the voice. After passing through the aggregate in human speech, robotic intonations arise. The property of the device is used by orchestras of electric musical instruments to record unusual modern compositions.
In addition to voice, the latest vocoders are able to process other sound signals, in particular, music played by a guitar, synthesizers, drums. Thanks to all kinds of experiments, users of the instrument manage to create truly impressive effects.
Drum machine
The device synthesizes the sound of a drum kit. To extract music, the user presses the buttons on the device panel, called pads. The operation of the instrument is based on the action of the integrated processor and sound card. In addition to these elements, the drum machine includes the following:
- tone generators with an extensive set of drum sounds and percussion instruments;
- sequencer for editing recorded music;
- blocks of memory where patterns are stored (rhythmic patterns).
Nowadays, with the help of drum machines, they process musical compositions recorded live. An imitation of a drum part is often used during performances as a replacement for drums.
Laser harp
The tool acts as a photosensitive device. The design resembles a classic harp. However, laser beams are a substitute for metal strings. During the interruption of the last hands, the corresponding commands are sent to the electronic blocks of the instrument. The result is the reproduction of synthetic sounds in MIDI format. The intersection of the fingers with the rays makes it possible to create interesting sampled tunes of an atmospheric nature. Thanks to the unusual play of light during performances on stage, musicians are able to surprise the most sophisticated audience.
Reactable
Reactable is a futuristic musical instrument in the format of an illuminated plane. The surface of the device is sensitive to the movement of special modules. To play sounds, it is enough for the user to move and expand the manipulators in the form of small cubes, circles, triangles, stars. Several people are able to control the unit at the same time. Thanks to the coordinated actions of musicians, interesting melodies are born.
Despite its impressive feature set, original look and multifaceted sound, reactable has not yet been put into mass production. However, the device can often be seen during the performances of artists who play electronic music.