Logic Pro: Drum Synthesis Explained
Logic guru Larry Holcombe brings you Logic Pro video tutorials covering everything you need to know to fully understand drum synthesis and program your own impactful drum sounds from scratch, using nothing but Logic Pro! To make learning this topic easier, you also get all the patches that are created in the video tutorials, as well as the Logic Pro session and samples, so you can follow along on your system. These videos are for those who already know how to use Logic Pro, but want to get a deeper understanding of the art of sound designing electronic drum sounds in Logic Pro.
Videos
• Kick Drum Theory (13:22) - In this video, see how to read waveforms to understand kick drum synthesis techniques, as well as how to recognize clipping, tonal aspects and stereo width.
• Kicks in Drum Synth (11:46) - Next up learn a simplified approach to creating kicks in Drum Synth. We start by outlining the general workflow when working with Drum Synth and then continue on to demonstrate the different parameters that help to create different types of kicks.
• Kicks in Ultrabeat (13:59) - In this first video, on synthesized kicks, we use a simple phase oscillator in Ultrabeat with an envelope modulating pitch to create the trademark transient snap for the attack. We also cover tweaking the amplitude envelope to create a typical kick drum contour. Finally, we cover different ways you can manipulate the waveform to add extra harmonics.
• Component Modeling Kick (06:52) - Now see how to synthesize a kick using the component modeling setting of oscillator 2. This mimics a string being struck and has a slightly more organic feel to it. This is then blended with the noise oscillator for some extra attack.
• White Noise Kick (07:23) - Watch how a white noise kick is created by filtering the noise oscillator with a fast decaying envelope with resonance on the filter.
• FM Kick (13:24) - In this video, we re-apply the principles from the phase oscillator kick, but this time we employ the FM setting of oscillator 1. This gives a different flavor for the kick drum as modulating the FM amount creates an attack with extra FM harmonics. Again, we add some noise to the attack to help this sound cut through a little more. Finally, we audition using oscillator 2 in different modes to modulate the first oscillator. For the first time we also add in some of the distortion effects that are available to us in Ultrabeat.
• Layered Kick (10:26) - Next up, we use a hybrid approach of using a sample with the amp envelope with fast decay and no attack, allowing only the transient to be heard. For the body, we use a slow attack on a pitch modulated oscillator, which is combined to create a big layered kick sound.
• Snare Drums in Drum Synth (08:09) - In this video, we have a look at a simplified approach to snares and claps using Logic's Drum Synth. We continue to explain the different parameters available for each preset start point.
• Snare Drums in Ultrabeat Pt. 1 (14:04) - Now we create an FM style snare drum in this video layered with white noise and utilizing fast decaying envelopes. A reverb is added to create a sustain tail and as well as realism.
• Snare Drums in Ultrabeat Pt. 2 (15:22) - Next up we create a hybrid snare drum by using firstly component modeling, then the phase oscillator layered with white noise, a sample, and some foley sound. We also use a combination of saturation and reverb to make the sound more unified and "real".
• Synthesized Clap (10:10) - Now it's time for the claps, and you'll see how to build a clap sound from white noise modulated with an LFO, set to only modulate the attack of the sound. This is then filtered and modulated with a fast decaying envelope.
• Percussion in Drum Synth (05:30) - In this video, we cover the drum synth approach to percussion. We also outline the functions of different parameters that relate to our preset start points.
• Laser Zap (12:57) - Watch how to create an FX style laser zap which we bring to life using Smart Controls assigned to Ultrabeat parameters. This allows you to modulate the sound over time.
• Woodblock (08:53) - Now see how to create an electronic woodblock with 2 oscillators tuned separately, with a fast decaying pitch envelope.
• Electronic Toms (09:20) - Next up, we create an electronic tom using FM synthesis with a fast decaying pitch envelope, short snappy amp envelope and filter modulation. We also experiment with using component modeling for the FM modulator, and add white noise for extra bite. EQ is then added to bring the sound to life a little more. Finally, we copy and pitch these voices to create high, mid and low variations.
• Drum Synth Cymbals (04:00) - In this video, you'll learn a simplified approach to creating hats and cymbals using Logic's Drum Synth.
• Closed Hat (07:53) - See how t use the ring modulator to create a ringing tone for the metallic part of a closed hat sound, and then add the all-important white noise oscillator to add that high end fizz and sizzle which characterizes a classic hat sound.
• Open Hats & Alternative Closed Hat (07:06) - Now see how to make a new closed hat sound using FM synthesis and white noise, and then alter that to create an open hat. We then demonstrate how these can be choked so that only one sound plays at a time to create trademark hi-hat rhythms.
• Synthetic Bell (08:45) - Moving on, watch how to use component modeling combined with ring modulation to create a bell style sound with metallic inharmonic overtones.
• Creating a Custom Kit in Drum Machine Designer (11:38) - Wrapping it all up, see how to add our sounds into a Drum Machine Designer, and program a rhythm, and then add compression with soft clipping and reverb with a modulator MIDI effect to keep the transient punchy.