Britannica AI Icon

RCA Electronic Music Synthesizer

musical instrument
Also known as: Mark II

Quick Summary

The RCA Electronic Music Synthesizer, developed in 1955 by Harry Olson and Herbert Belar at Radio Corporation of America, was a groundbreaking machine for creating and altering sounds electronically. It used a digital computer and information fed via punched paper tape to generate waveforms. This allowed composers to achieve a vast range of sounds and precise control over their music, extending beyond the capabilities of traditional instruments. The RCA synthesizer was a significant step in the development of electronic music, paving the way for more compact and versatile synthesizers in later decades.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.