This is very impressive! I know the web audio APIs are not new, but this is a very slick user experience. The way the corners of the box move as you drag the controls around - Italian chef finger-kissing gesture
Learning Synths
41–50 of 175 posts
Re: Learning Synths
#42Possibly unpopular opinion, but IMO to learn a synth it’s best to start with a simple physical subtractive monosynth. Software synths are often built to model popular hardware instruments in both sound and interface. So learning the basic concepts on a “real” subtractive synth builds a foundation to learn more. Plus a physical synth is far less distracting than a multitasking device. I find it much easier to create,…
Or go modular. Just be prepared to remortgage your house a year later. Seriously addictive [1] https://imgur.com/a/chegsO5 (my setup)
Or go virtual modular https://vcvrack.com/Rack.html and keep your house
Re: Learning Synths
#43This is fantastic. Incredibly helpful, and really really cool animations. Great metaphors and art style.
Love this - if you're reading the comments and on the fence, it's worth going through if for no other reason than to appreciate how well this is put together.
Works flawlessly on Firefox on Windows.
Re: Learning Synths
#44Possibly unpopular opinion, but IMO to learn a synth it’s best to start with a simple physical subtractive monosynth. Software synths are often built to model popular hardware instruments in both sound and interface. So learning the basic concepts on a “real” subtractive synth builds a foundation to learn more. Plus a physical synth is far less distracting than a multitasking device. I find it much easier to create,…
A while ago I recorded two songs (inter alia) that each used a Logic / Garageband synth. I can't perform these songs live without using my laptop. Currently my setup is with a Nord Piano 2 (which does not use Apple synthesisers and there does not appear to be a way to convert to Nord's file format).
Is it possible to go from first principles, starting with a sound that I have in mind (an Apple Logic default synth) and build a similar sounding (digital) synthesiser in some (hopefully open) format that can cross convert?
Re: Learning Synths
#45The best resource I've ever seen for learning synthesis is Syntorial: https://www.syntorial.com/ It teaches you step by step all the aspects of a synth engine: oscillators, wave shapes, amplitude, filters, modulation, unison, FM… But most of all it trains your ear, which allows you to replicate the sound in your head and build it from scratch.
That looks really great, but a little pricey. Any recs for someone who isn’t sure if they want to invest the cash into learning synthesis?
This is a good place to start. The demo uses Logic's ES2 as a platform. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvRbdIw9KaQ
Re: Learning Synths
#46Not directly related, but do you know of recent achievements with a wow factor in the physical modelling synthesis field [1]? Just as some offline rendered 3d scenes are amazing, It'd be nice to have a pure virtual instrument with its string and resonance chamber model, inter-string effects, plucking mechanism, and so on. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_modelling_synthesis
Sample Modeling's The Trumpet and Audio Modeling's Swam Saxophone have been invaluable additions to my rack.
Re: Learning Synths
#47Possibly unpopular opinion, but IMO to learn a synth it’s best to start with a simple physical subtractive monosynth. Software synths are often built to model popular hardware instruments in both sound and interface. So learning the basic concepts on a “real” subtractive synth builds a foundation to learn more. Plus a physical synth is far less distracting than a multitasking device. I find it much easier to create,…
Absolutely. There is such a wide variety of cheap analog monosynths, it’s definitely the way to go. For me, the knobs are the most important part. It’s an expressive medium after all, you need to feel the movement.
Former board member of Bob Moog Foundation. Can confirm Bob himself obsessed with knobs for same reason.
Re: Learning Synths
#48Possibly unpopular opinion, but IMO to learn a synth it’s best to start with a simple physical subtractive monosynth. Software synths are often built to model popular hardware instruments in both sound and interface. So learning the basic concepts on a “real” subtractive synth builds a foundation to learn more. Plus a physical synth is far less distracting than a multitasking device. I find it much easier to create,…
A while ago I recorded two songs (inter alia) that each used a Logic / Garageband synth. I can't perform these songs live without using my laptop. Currently my setup is with a Nord Piano 2 (which does not use Apple synthesisers and there does not appear to be a way to convert to Nord's file format). Is it possible to go from first principles, starting with a sound that I have in mind (an Apple Logic default synth) an…
I'm not certain which synth you used, but you should definitely be able to get close with another synth
Re: Learning Synths
#49Earlier quoted context omitted.
> Or go a step further and build them yourself. Absolutely! There's a group on FB called 'Eurorack DIY' if anyone's interested in this. Thonk [1] is also the store for you. Lots of DIY kits (before you inevitably embark on the path of building your own modules from scratch!) [1] https://www.thonk.co.uk/
There's a guy on YouTube that got me into it which I highly recommend, called 'LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER'. He made a synth organ out of old Furbies toys. From that point I was sold. Also, as much as I love the Thonk products, don't get put off by the price tags of some of their kits if you're intimidated! Some of my favourite synths have been made from penny parts I got from Alibaba, that totalled about £15 to make. They…
> They have a habit of sometimes spontaneously exploding, but that's all part of the fun.
So you lose your house anyway ;)
Re: Learning Synths
#50This is delightful.