A "synth," short for synthesizer, is an electronic musical instrument that generates audio signals. It can create a wide range of sounds by manipulating waveforms, which can be combined and altered using various controls. Synths are commonly used in genres like electronic, pop, and rock music, allowing musicians to explore unique soundscapes. Synths can be either hardware devices or software applications. Hardware synths often feature physical knobs and keys, while software synths run on computers or tablets. Many famous musicians, such as Kraftwerk and Depeche Mode, have utilized synths to shape their distinctive sounds and push the boundaries of music production.