Sound Synthesis

An Introduction to Synthesis Methods and Techniques

What you'll learn

Develop and/or solidify a deep understanding 
of basic sound parameters and interaction concepts.

Develop an understanding of the basic parameters 
used in both software and hardware synthesizers.

Develop the ability to manipulate and adjust existing 
presets to suit your own sonic needs.

Develop the ability to create sounds from scratch.

Give you the tools to explore and discover sounds 
you’ve yet to imagine!

Requirements

A basic understanding of Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). I will be using mainly Logic Pro, but will also explore a few instruments in Ableton Live and Pro Tools. You don’t necessary need to have any of these programs as the concepts discussed transcend any particular platform or DAW. But it would helpful to follow along, especially with the Logic Instruments.

A basic understanding of MIDI controllers and MIDI messages (I’ll give a brief recap of MIDI in this video.

A set of open ears ready to explore, discover, and create new sounds!

Description

This course provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of sound synthesis including a discussion of the basic parameters found in software and hardware synthesizers, various commonly used synthesis methods, and techniques for creating unique sounds with virtual instruments found in Logic Pro, Ableton Live and Avid Pro Tools.Specific topics include oscillator and waveform types, sound generation, and modulation sources and parameters such as LFO’s (low frequency modulators), envelopes, and step sequencers. Various filter types will be explored as a means of shaping synthesized sounds to create unique textures and timbres.The course will explore a variety of synthesis methods including subtractive synthesis, component or physical modeling synthesis, FM (Frequency Modulation) Synthesis, wavetable synthesis, and software synthesis that emulates analog hardware synthesizers.The basics elements of sound including frequency, amplitude, and phase will be discussed using custom software to visualize waveforms, syncing, and the harmonic content of sound. The software used is offered as downloadable freeware (Mac only) with the course, although the apps are not supported and not necessary to learn the material.The course includes:24 Video Tutorials120 presets for the instruments covered3 Custom Software Applications (freeware - Mac only)Logic Session using the Instruments coveredThis course is perfect for a beginner just starting to learn the basics of sound synthesis and audio production or a seasoned musician or producer that wants to solidify and expand their skillset.NOTE: This course was originally licensed by The Pro Audio Files and is now available on Udemy at a discounted rate.

Overview

Section 1: The Fundamentals

Lecture 1 Overview

Lecture 2 Getting Started

Lecture 3 Synthesis Methods

Lecture 4 Sound Fundamentals

Lecture 5 Synthesis Fundamentals

Section 2: Virtual Synthesizers

Lecture 6 ES M (monophonic synthesizer)

Lecture 7 ES E (ensemble polyphonic synthesizer)

Lecture 8 ES P (80's Style polyphonic synthesizer)

Lecture 9 ES 1 - Part 1 (emulated analog synthesis)

Lecture 10 ES 1 - Part 2 (emulated analog synthesis)

Lecture 11 ES 2 - Part 1 (subtractive synthesizer with FM and wavetable elements)

Lecture 12 ES 2 - Part 2 (subtractive synthesizer with FM and wavetable elements)

Lecture 13 EFM1 (FM synthesizer)

Lecture 14 RetroSynth (multiple synthesis engines including FM, Sync, Wavetable, and FM)

Lecture 15 Sculpture - Part 1 (component modeling synthesis)

Lecture 16 Sculpture - Part 2 (component modeling synthesis)

Lecture 17 Sculpture - Part 3 (component modeling synthesis)

Lecture 18 Alchemy (additive, spectral, granular, virtual analog synthesis, and more)

Lecture 19 Tension (physical modeling synth in Ableton Live)

Lecture 20 Analog (analog emulation synth in Ableton Live)

Lecture 21 Vacuum (virtual analog tube synth in Pro Tools

Lecture 22 Customizing Presets

Section 3: Outro

Lecture 23 Review

Lecture 24 Logic Session and Examples

This course is intended for musicians, composers, electronic music producers, audio engineers, and sound designers.,The course is geared toward beginner and intermediate levels.