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presets don't cut it, time to programme, help! (pg. 2)
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| trisk |
It's something you learn over time. When I first started using synths I had no clue what adjusting the envelopes or filters would do. I figured it out and I was able to know what a knob would do to the sound before I turned it.
I think an amazing synth is Reason's Subtractor. It's so versatile and can make anything from pads, stabs, leads, basslines and even synth drum kits.
Reading about different concepts like filters, envelopes, fm, LFOs and such is helpful so you know the theory behind it and not as much experimentation is needed.
The last time I used a preset was on the first day of programming synths.
Good luck! |
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| Subtle |
I use presets ALL THE TIME!
How can u know which sound you are looking for ?
Presets can give alot of unexpected results, when u use a preset on something its not made for.
And yeah also, when you learn one Subtractive Synth.. you have learned them all. |
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| EddieZilker |
I learned a lot using Reason, too.
I'm surprised by how well it actually translates.
Oh, hey, check these out:
and
I made both of those sounds just by radically altering existing presets. The bottom line is that, eventually, you get better just by forcing yourself to do it. |
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| DigiNut |
| quote: | Originally posted by Sonic_c
Remember a synth is an instrument |
Um, no?
| quote: | Originally posted by cryophonik
I highly recommend Simon Cann's "Cakewalk Synthesizers: From Presets to Power User". |
Thanks - actually looks like it might be worth a read.
Part of the reason that I've always despised synth programming is that the majority of information available is just a yawn-fest of noise theory. I already know the theory, I know about signal processing, I suffered through several years of this crap in university. I'm interested in how it's supposed to be applied to non-trivial tasks. I don't mind getting my hands dirty to solve real problems, but meta-problems are a waste of my time.
Anyway, enough of the rant - will investigate that book, would be very nice if it's got some practical content. |
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| Subtle |
| quote: | Originally posted by DigiNut
Um, no?
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VST Instruments ? |
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| DigiNut |
| quote: | Originally posted by Subtle
VST Instruments ? |
Sure - as in Virtual Instrument. Calling a synth an instrument on that basis would be like calling a GTA car a form of transportation. |
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| EddieZilker |
| quote: | Originally posted by DigiNut
Sure - as in Virtual Instrument. Calling a synth an instrument on that basis would be like calling a GTA car a form of transportation. |
That's IT!@elleven
I'm getting my virtual RPD from Call of Duty IV: Modern Warfare and am gonna slice the pie with yo' azz ;)
Virtual instruments, while no substitute for the real thing, work quite well and can produce listenable music. |
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| DigiNut |
| quote: | Originally posted by EddieZilker
Virtual instruments, while no substitute for the real thing, work quite well and can produce listenable music. |
Indeed they can. It just doesn't make them instruments (otherwise you wouldn't really need the "virtual" prefix!). |
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| Subtle |
| quote: | Originally posted by DigiNut
Indeed they can. It just doesn't make them instruments (otherwise you wouldn't really need the "virtual" prefix!). |
Ok, forget virtual, u implied that a synth wasnt an instrument.
Or is this some definition thing between synth and keyboard ? |
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| cronodevir |
| Asnine post deleted. |
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| JmanNZ |
| quote: | Originally posted by cryophonik
I highly recommend Simon Cann's "Cakewalk Synthesizers: From Presets to Power User". |
Thanks for this, I had a look at it before but was worried it might just be a basic repetition of "how to make a noise". But I think it could be worth a try.
| quote: | Originally posted by DigiNut
...the majority of information available is just a yawn-fest of noise theory. I already know the theory... |
I hear you!
Does anyone know a good resource for working with FM synthesis? |
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| Nick Cenik |
I understand your frustration mate. I too have spent 100s of hours searching through presets and trying out dozens and dozens of different VSTis hoping to find 'pro' sounds. For a while I decided that I was no longer going to use any presets in my tracks (e.g. in Diminished Capacity I designed the bassline, sub-bass, and lead myself). But I've come to realize that there is some truth to the claim that tweaking presets can be quite effective. I think the key is to start with quality presets in the first place. For instance, I've been using a Virus TI Snow for the last month and I find that with some tweaking many of the stock sounds that ship with the Snow are quite powerful. This is my first hardware synth and I really enjoy being able to tweak things hands-on (vs. with a VSTi); and, so, I agree with the above poster that spending some time with a hardware synth can be a useful experience for learning synthesis.
In terms of VSTis, I can recommend Sylenth1 and Massive. There are a couple of great commercial soundbanks available for both that are worth considering. |
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