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Learning Synths

learningsynths.ableton.com

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Re: Learning Synths

#51

Post by hrangozz »

bashwizard wrote: post #12
flycaliguy wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.

I don't know about that. I've sold off an Elektron Analog Four, Elektron Analog Rytm, Elektron Octatrack and an Access Virus Ti 2 less than a year ago and started working exclusivley in the box and using two ableton push 2 as midi controllers and I honestly do not miss my hardware at all. Sure I lose out on some of that analog warmth but I've come pretty close by emulating it with various VSTs.

To be fair, Elektron boxes and Ableton w/ push 2 have a lot in common. The push provides a similar UI to the octatrack, but expanded and aligned with ableton. Instead of a single row step sequencer/keyboard the push has a grid. And the push has a bigger, but still menu driven screen.

Re: Learning Synths

#54

Post by asdf21 »

fermentation wrote: post #32
bbx wrote: post #5

The 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?

... It's only $129.

Re: Learning Synths

#55

Post by nfoz »

asdf21 wrote: post #54
fermentation wrote: post #32

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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?

... It's only $129.

that's a lot of money for most people

Re: Learning Synths

#56

Post by asdf21 »

nfoz wrote: post #55
asdf21 wrote: post #54

Earlier quoted context omitted.

... It's only $129.

that's a lot of money for most people

Lol, sure, ok.

I guess the fact that every restaurant employee I work with can easily afford $129 will get downvoted too.

Considering private lessons would cost at least $150 / week, $129 is a steal.

Re: Learning Synths

#57

Post by Shinchy »

louthy wrote: post #15
realshowbiz wrote: post #4

Possibly 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)

Love it! That's a great setup, bet it sounds amazing through those SSL racks too.

Re: Learning Synths

#58

Post by Aromasin »

louthy wrote: post #49
Aromasin wrote: post #37

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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 ;)

Depends how big you make your capacitors :D

Re: Learning Synths

#59

Post by nfoz »

asdf21 wrote: post #56
nfoz wrote: post #55

Earlier quoted context omitted.

that's a lot of money for most people

Lol, sure, ok. I guess the fact that every restaurant employee I work with can easily afford $129 will get downvoted too. Considering private lessons would cost at least $150 / week, $129 is a steal.

You and I live in different worlds.

Re: Learning Synths

#60

Post by smcameron »

louthy wrote: post #15
realshowbiz wrote: post #4

Possibly 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)

Behringer neutron is an affordable gateway drug.
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