forums : Producing

Synth Tutorials

does anyone know of any synth tutorials - guidelines on how to make synth sounds from scratch. sure experimenting is the key i get it but any way to point a novice in the right direction?

for example:

Trance ‘Hoover’

The ‘Hoover’ is a classic Lead that you’ll have heard in numerous overplayed Ibiza anthems. It’s a simple but driving patch that is an obvious example of how to use detuning to broaden the sound.

First, increase the LEVELS of oscillators 2 and 3 to max, checking that both of these also have a sawtooth waveform. This is done by selecting OSC 2 or 3 using the select button (the LED will illuminate to show the relevant one) and rotating the LEVEL knob, then using the WAVEFORM encoder. This will mean that they’ll be all 3 oscillators outputting identical sawtooth waveforms.

Now, detune oscillator 2 to the maximum value in an anticlockwise direction using the DETUNE knob and detune oscillator 3 fully in the opposite direction. The patch should now sound much messier due to the blurring of pitch.

Now, go to the effects section and add plenty of CHORUS and REVERB, and some DELAY too if you like, and there you have it. Try playing some simple chord patterns and rotating the FILTER FREQUENCY knob to create an instant chart success!

Detuned Bass

It’s also good to use detuning more subtly to fatten up a bass patch. This is another simple but effective sound.

From Init patch, change the WAVEFORM of oscillator 1 to ANA BASS and decrease the OCTAVE to -1 by repeatedly pressing the OCTAVE button. Now increase the level of oscillator 2 to max, change the WAVEFORM to SQUARE and change its OCTAVE value to -1 as well. Now DETUNE oscillator 2 to a value of +20. Try reducing the LEVEL of oscillator 2 slightly to lessen the intensity.

For increased presence, add some CHORUS in the EFFECTS section. Also, try playing with the FREQUENCY and RESONANCE knobs in the FILTER SECTION.

Detroit Stab

Here’s an example of how to create a patch using oscillators set at different pitches.

Change the WAVEFORM of oscillator 1 to TRIANGLE and change the OCTAVE to +2 by pressing the OCTAVE button. Now increase the level of oscillator 2 to max, change the WAVEFORM to TRIANGLE and change its OCTAVE value to +1 as well. Now set oscillator 2 to a pitch of a perfect fourth above oscillator 1. This is done by rotating the SEMITONE encoder clockwise until a value of +5 is shown.

To give the sound more character, a pitch slide can be created by setting a negative value using the ENV DEPTH knob. Try setting oscillator 2 to a value of around -12 and oscillator 1 to about -18. You’ll find more information about Envelopes in the synth tutorial in the next Ezine issue.

Now set the AMP ENV sliders as follows: ATTACK 0, DECAY 72, SUSTAIN 0, RELEASE 72. You’ll find more information about both the ENV DEPTH and AMP DEPTH in the synth tutorial in the next Ezine issue.

You could also add some reverb to this patch for increased depth.

Re: Synth Tutorials

nice one calculon!!!

heres a link to a thread with a s**tload of tutorials; some on synthisis and some not, at any rate, theres a bunch of good info for the taking!

http://www.dogsonacid.com/showthread.php?threadid=177897&highlight=synth+tutorials

Re: Synth Tutorials

thank you!!!!!!!!! i'll def go thru those. the grid is a great resource for production info. i've been reading thru the q&a sessions the last couple days and i'm finding those very informative!

Re: Synth Tutorials

Ya man! I cant tell you how much it can help your production jus by sittin down for a hour or two every once and a while and readin up on something you wished u knew more about (wether it be the different types of synthisis, compression, frequencies, ect.) The great thing about it is, we dont need to go buy books for this (although in some cases it might be better) most of the information can be aquired through the internet at no cost to u except your time! (haha and your ISP bill)