Manipulator (music)

In music, especially in Japanese music, the term manipulator (マニピュレーター) refers to a musician's role of creating and providing sounds for digital instruments and synthesizers, or "manipulating" digital sounds.^[1] Manipulators may also cover other similar roles, such as starting sequences, and sending click tracks to other band members.^[2]

Yellow Magic Orchestra's "fourth member" Hideki Matsutake is usually cited as the most famous or representative of the role manipulator.

Due to the negative connotations of the term "manipulator" (emotional manipulation), this musical meaning of the term "manipulator" is not usually used in English. See also, Programming (music).

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  spotify artist profile of the duo T.M.P, using the term "Manipulator"
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  Youtube description, crediting STUTS with MPC and "Manipulator"
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  Credits of a live show, crediting a member of the back band 高橋剛 with "Mnp."
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  Credits of Re:Volt 2023, saxophone player @zura0321 also credited with "Mp."