Instrument in electronic dance music, for short NYT Crossword Clue
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer to the crossword clue “Instrument in electronic dance music, for short” is “synth”.
Explanation:
A synth, short for synthesizer, is an electronic musical instrument that plays a crucial role in electronic dance music (EDM). Synthesizers are used to create a wide variety of sounds by manipulating electrical signals, and they are integral to producing the melodies, basslines, and ambient sounds that characterize EDM genres like house, techno, trance, and dubstep.
Synthesizers are highly versatile, capable of producing everything from realistic imitations of traditional instruments to entirely new and experimental sounds. This flexibility makes them a staple in the production of electronic music, where producers often aim to push the boundaries of sound design. The “synth” has been a part of electronic music since the 1970s and became widely adopted in the 1980s and beyond. Famous examples include the Moog and Roland brands, which have been used to create iconic sounds in electronic music.
In electronic dance music, synthesizers are used to create the central musical components of a track, such as basslines, leads, pads, and effects. Many EDM producers rely heavily on software synthesizers (known as “soft synths”) that replicate the capabilities of their hardware counterparts, allowing them to produce music digitally on computers. Some of the most famous and widely used synthesizers in EDM include Serum, Massive, and Sylenth1.
Synthesizers also provide a broad range of modulation options, such as envelope filters, LFO (low-frequency oscillation) effects, and arpeggiators, which add dynamic movement and complexity to the music. This ability to shape and modulate sound is why synths are so heavily associated with electronic genres, especially those like EDM, where unique and rich textures are central to the music’s impact.
Thus, “synth” is the perfect shorthand for this essential electronic instrument in the world of EDM.