Basic Synthesis: Part 4 – Effects Part 1
Effects, while not technically a stage of any form of subtractive music synthesis, are commonly found on the end of most signal paths from synthesizers. Effects can come in an internal form (built into your synthesizer), and in an outboard form (where it is a separate effects box, such as a rack mount unit or pedal). While internal effects are useful parts of synthesizers as they save on space and power, they are usually not as high quality as a dedicated external effects unit, but will suffice for most users. Bear in mind when purchasing a vintage synthesizer, that many older models (from the 1970s and 80s) will most likely not have any form of built in effects.
Unison: In similar fashion to effects not technically being part of sound synthesis, unison is not really an effect, but more of a fixed option within your synthesizer. The effect of unison is simply to multiply the signal which is being produced by...