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Learning Synths

learningsynths.ableton.com

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Re: Learning Synths

#81

Post by louthy »

Shinchy wrote: post #57
louthy wrote: post #15

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.

Sure does! And then the middle rack is my master buss chain: Chandler Curve Bender EQ [1] (the best EQ I've ever heard), Chandler Zener Limiter [2], and then the SSL Fusion [3] - which is a new box from SSL which does lots of lovely things.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUv9GtMlUwA

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6agTPMwbL8A

[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6G0-Qvkr1UU

Re: Learning Synths

#83

Post by NikolaNovak »

jacquesm wrote: post #72
NikolaNovak wrote: post #17

Question: All of "learn synths" tutorials I've managed to dig up are really "sound creation" tutorials. I have not found a good tutorial or paid online class on how to _play_ synths. Is taking a traditional piano course the best way to do so? Observationally, the play style seems quite different, even if some basics are the same. Most practically, I see synths typically played with right hand, left hand is on the mod…

If you do end up going the 'learn piano' route check out 'pianobooster', it is the most patient teacher you'll ever have.

Awesome Sauce! I'm looking for Udemy courses for guided learning, but another way to practice is great - thx!

Re: Learning Synths

#84

Post by dmix »

robenkleene wrote: post #74

I've read tons of books on synthesizers, I've built my own in Max/MSP and Reaktor (this drum synth for Ableton Live I still maintain https://github.com/robenkleene/thwomp ). The best resource I've found for learning synthesis is Welsh's Synthesizer Cookbook ( https://www.synthesizer-cookbook.com/ ). And it's not even close: A few years ago I went all in on ebooks, I got rid of everything. I recently went through a bu…

Did you built that with some sort of IDE-ish interface?

Or do you hand-code Max? The .max files look a bit more like configuration files than code.

First time seeing the Max language:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_(software)

Re: Learning Synths

#85

Post by robenkleene »

dmix wrote: post #84
robenkleene wrote: post #74

I've read tons of books on synthesizers, I've built my own in Max/MSP and Reaktor (this drum synth for Ableton Live I still maintain https://github.com/robenkleene/thwomp ). The best resource I've found for learning synthesis is Welsh's Synthesizer Cookbook ( https://www.synthesizer-cookbook.com/ ). And it's not even close: A few years ago I went all in on ebooks, I got rid of everything. I recently went through a bu…

Did you built that with some sort of IDE-ish interface? Or do you hand-code Max? The .max files look a bit more like configuration files than code. First time seeing the Max language: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_(software)

Max is a visual programming language[1] (arguably the most popular/relevant one?). There are some good screenshots of what it looks like here https://cycling74.com/products/max/ It requires using the Max app, an IDE-like environment, to use. The `.maxpat` files are JSON but not meant to be edited by hand (although I do it all the time).

Reaktor is also a visual programming language. Both cost money, a lot actually, I think Max and Max for Live (which you need to run plugins in Ableton and is sold separately) are $600 or so total.

Visual programming languages are especially popular for synthesis, I'm assuming there's a reason for that, but honestly I've never tried doing this stuff in another language (most "native" VST-style plugins are written in C++), so I can't really compare it to that or give a real explanation for if it's better. But it is simply an environment that brings me joy to work in (despite its warts), so beyond doing a bit of work in Reaktor, I've never even looked into other ways of doing these things.

[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_programming_language

Re: Learning Synths

#86

Post by shadowoflight »

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?

Just fyi, Syntorial is currently on sale at VST Buzz for half price (~$65USD): https://vstbuzz.com/deals/50-off-syntorial-by-audible-genius...

Re: Learning Synths

#87

Post by runarberg »

If you like to create sound with software I can’t recommend the Web Audio API[1] enough. It is a really low level API modeled after subtractive analogue synths where you create several nodes and connect them together just like you would do with voltage controlled synths.

When using it to create multiplayer online theremin[2] for fun, I got really impressed with synthesizers and inspired to learn more about them. That is, the Web Audio API inspired me to learn physical synthesizers.

Regrettably physical analog synths is an expensive hobby, so the only physical synth set that I’ve gotten so far is a LittleBits toy synth kit[3] (kind of like legos of synths), which I also do recommend, as an adult I can have tons of fun with it and learn and experiment, even though it is meant for kids

1: https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/Web_Audio_A...

2: http://theremins.club

3: https://littlebits.com/products/synth-kit

Re: Learning Synths

#88

Post by NikolaNovak »

Sileni wrote: post #30
NikolaNovak wrote: post #17

Question: All of "learn synths" tutorials I've managed to dig up are really "sound creation" tutorials. I have not found a good tutorial or paid online class on how to _play_ synths. Is taking a traditional piano course the best way to do so? Observationally, the play style seems quite different, even if some basics are the same. Most practically, I see synths typically played with right hand, left hand is on the mod…

Two real ways to go about it, it works about the same as learning guitar for a specific genre. Either find someone competent in that play-style to tutor you, or take a beginner-intermediate class in piano. Up to that point it will conceptually be similar. Once you feel like your basic technique is sound (rolls, fingering, rhythm), start learning songs you like. You'll pick up the specific techniques you need as you g…

Thanks! I share that experience - I've been mostly self-taught electric guitar, only to realize many years later that my unconventional (but seemingly natural) way of holding the pick is completely messing me up :O

Re: Learning Synths

#89

Post by asdf21 »

nfoz wrote: post #59
asdf21 wrote: post #56

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.

Apparently, if the dishwasher at a fast casual restaurant can afford this yet you cannot.

Re: Learning Synths

#90

Post by asdf21 »

komali2 wrote: post #68
asdf21 wrote: post #56

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.

Is empathy too much to ask for?

I feel like trying to get out of paying for reasonably-priced software, so smaller developers can barely make a living, is not a virtue.
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