AAS Ultra Analog VA-2 Explained
In a world filled with reproductions and ever increasing complexity, Applied Acoustics Systems Ultra Analog VA-2 imposes itself as a unique and powerful synth that is fast, easy, and remarkably versatile. Synth guru Scottie Dugan takes you on a tour of this awesome virtual synth, showing you all that it can do, as well as sound design examples that will kick start your programming frenzy.
Videos
• Introduction (04:47) - Let’s start off by getting Ultra Analog installed, registered and running. We will go over the general interface including the utility section at the top and the three main views; Play, Edit and FX View.
• Managing Programs (10:58) - Next let’s take a look at programs. What better way to hear what this Soft Synth can do? You will learn how to save, manage, import and restore Programs. Finally we will change Programs via MIDI Program Change messages.
• Play View (11:59) - In this video we will take a look at Play View. This view gives us a handful of basic controls for minor tweaks and performance. We will also go over the Effects Modules and then each Performance Module.
• The Arpeggiator (05:26) - In the previous video we went over everything in Play View but the Arp. Now let’s take a look at how Ultra Analog’s Arpeggiator Module works.
• The Oscillators (08:13) - Now let’s take a look at the in-depth controls available to us in Edit View. We’ll start off with the synth’s sound source and all the options available to us in the Oscillator Module.
• The Filters (07:45) - Next we’re on to the Filters. The Filter Modules are the primary way we sculpt and change the signal coming from the Oscillators. We will check out all the different options we have from these Filters and how to run them in Series and in Parallel.
• The LFO (10:28) - Next up comes Modulation. We will add some movement to our sound by using the two built in LFOs. We can make parameters automatically move and create a more complex sound.
• Envelope Generators (12:51) - In this video learn how to take even more control of the sound. You can drastically change this synth’s feel by using EGs to control amplitude and the filter.
• Advanced Modulation (08:29) - Now that you understand the basics of using an LFO and Envelope Generator we will go even deeper and look at more advanced ways to modulate this synth’s parameters.
• MIDI Assign (02:41) - Discover how to control parameters using a MIDI controller. We no longer need to use the mouse to change parameters on the fly!
• FX View (05:02) - This synth has some great built in Effects. First let’s take a look at the three main Modules available to us; EQ, Compression and Reverb. Next we have some interchangeable Effects; Delay, Distortion, Phaser, Chorus, Flanger, Wah and Notch.
• Sound Design - Bass (13:43) - Now let’s create some Programs. First we will create a simple yet powerful and inspiring bass program that will hold down the bottom end but could very easily be an interesting instrument in your mix.
• Sound Design - Pad (10:17) - Next up is a simple sound but don’t let its simplicity fool you. We will use lots of modulation so this sound never gets stale and old.
• Sound Design - Lead (10:01) - In this video we will create a mono lead program sure to inspire a classic synth solo. We can also tone it down a little and make it a nice texture or counter melody in your mix.
• Sound Design - Kick (05:37) - Finally we will take a look at how to create a percussive program. The Envelope Generator and pitch drop is key to reproducing a drum machine style Kick.