Thorn Explained
Larry Holcombe delivers detailed DS Audio Thorn videos! Learn Thorn from the ground up, all of its features and functions, including how to create patches from scratch. These Thorn tutorials are designed for those who are new to the Thorn virtual synth, as well as intermediate Thorn users.
Videos
• Basic Architecture & Interface (06:30) - In this video, we discuss Spectral Synthesis which is the synthesis method on which Thorn is based. Furthermore, we outline the various areas of the interface, so moving forward we understand the basics of the synth from the start.
• Oscillator Common Controls (10:47) - Larry demonstrates the common controls for each oscillator including pitch options, unison mode and the really powerful OSC FX knob. Additionally learn how the Position knob allows you to create an evolving sound via Thorn's spectrum tables.
• Real Time Oscillator Effects (06:11) - Explore FM, RM, Sync, W-Sync and PWM modulation options that are found within the OscFX knob, and how to assign an LFO to further change the timbre of the sound over time.
• The Noise Oscillator (03:14) - In this video, we investigate our noise options including loading our own noise samples, altering pitch and loop parameters, pan, level and filter routing.
• Harmonic Editing Pt. 1 (06:24) - Learn ways you can draw in different spectrum tables using key and morph frames, including drawing odd, even and organ harmonics. Larry then explains how to alter the phase of individual harmonics, and load in different spectrum table presets.
• Harmonic Editing Pt. 2 (06:28) - In this video, we look into the various options available in the Commands Menu, which allow us to further manipulate the harmonic content that is generated for each oscillator.
• Importing You Own WAV Files (04:15) - Larry now explains the Wav file import feature, its limitations, and how to import samples into single frames and all frames, to create custom waveforms.
• The Harmonic Filter (04:42) - In this video, we outline the main features of the Harmonic Filter and its theoretical principle. We demonstrate the shape knob, balance knob and also using and editing Harmonic Filter presets.
• Importing WAV Files into the Harmonic Filter (02:12) - Larry now shows you how to import a Wav file, analyze the special content, and use it to apply to the Oscillators using the harmonic filter.
• The Filters Pt. 1 (12:17) - In this video, we cover the setting up of Series and Parallel Modes for the filters, as well as our available filter modes, Cutoff, Resonance and Drive.
• The Filters Pt. 2 (04:52) - Explore the remaining Filter parameters including the envelope knob and the settings for different volume Contours, Velocity and Key Tracking and the Link option.
• The Envelopes (05:11) - In this video, we go through the different envelope parameters and also how to route the modulators to different parameters on Thorn.
• The LFOs (08:46) - Larry now covers the LFOs, explaining the Speed, Shape, Phase and Phase Modes, as well as the Biploar functionality, Fade In and the dedicated Vibrato LFO.
• The Multi-Stage Envelopes (07:08) - In this video learn all about the Step and Curve Modes of the Multi-Stage Envelopes, and how to create interesting rhythmic patters that can be assigned as custom modulation sources.
• The Glitch Sequencer (07:46) - Discover the amazing power of the Glitch Sequencer which allows you to create rhythmic FX utilizing a Repeater, Low Pass / High Pass Filter, Bit & Sample Rate Reduction, and Gating. Larry also shows you how to randomize these settings for some happy accidents!
• The Arpeggiator (06:43) - In this video, see how you can use the Arpeggiator to generate MIDI patterns that are exciting and interesting, especially when combined with the Glitch Sequencer.
• The Effects Section (05:02) - Explore ways in which you can route Thorn's effects to create different signal paths, as well as ways to bring a sound to life with a custom FX chain.
• The Mod Matrix (03:00) - Larry now explains the way in which we can manage Modulation Routing using the Mod Matrix, and also ways in which we can use a controller to give an extra layer of control over the modulation.
• The Top Bar & Output Section (04:13) - In this video, Larry covers the parameters located on the Top Menu Bar and Settings Menu, and then discusses the Output section and built-in Limiter.
• Thorn Sound Design: Bass Patch (07:04) - See how to create a snappy bass patch using FM, filtering and a custom effects chain.
• Thorn Sound Design: Ambient Pad (08:16) - Wrapping it up, Larry shows you how to create an evolving ambient pad sound using Thorn?s 3 Oscillators, Position Modulation, and a liberal application of effects.