Analog Synths Explained®
Chapter 1 : Introduction
Chapter 2 : Oscillator
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10:32 Quiet Already
We will start it off with the Moog Modular Clone’s Oscillators. The Oscillator is the sound source of any synth. They come in a variety of shapes and sounds and these guys just don’t know how to be quiet. We will take a look and listen to the four most common wave forms and what makes them different. We will also quickly visit the noise generator.
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4:06 CV
Next we talk about the ancient synth language, Control Voltage, or CV for short. This is the analog signal used to control older style synths like the Modular. After converting MIDI to CV we have Control Voltages for Pitch, Velocity, Gate and Trigger.
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4:22 Oscillator Master
Now that you know what an Oscillator does, let’s mix their signals together. We will control pitch via Control Voltage, mix multiple Oscillators together, then add noise. We will also take a look at the complex Wave Form we create when mixing multiple Oscillators together.
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2:43 Other Oscillator Flavors
In this video Scottie takes a look at the Oscillator Section of the Juno-60 and the MiniBrute. You will see how much easier it is to get up and running with them being hardwired and not worrying about tuning.
Chapter 3 : Filter
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1:48 Trim the Fat
Next let’s start removing stuff. By stuff I mean frequencies. Let’s use a Filter to remove some of the sound. This process involves setting a Cutoff Frequency and adding resonance if desired.
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5:17 Filter Master
Now that you know what a Filter does, let’s take a look at what it’s doing with a Spectrum Analyzer. We will get to visually see exactly how subtractive synthesis got it’s name.
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1:45 Other Filter Flavors
Next we’re off to the Juno and Brute again to see what the Filter section looks like on other Synths. Also, we take a listen to how different they sound.
Chapter 4 : Envelope Generator
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2:57 Work Smarter Not Harder
In this video let’s make the Synth do some work for us. By using an Envelope Generator we can add movement that changes the sound whenever we play a key. We will go over the most common EG called an ADSR and control the Synth’s Amplitude.
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3:00 EG Master
Let’s head back to Live and visually take a look at what the Envelope Generator is doing when it controls Amplitude. If you’re familiar with the iconic ADSR info graphic, this is what we will be creating.
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1:53 Move the Filter
Now we will take a look at automatically moving the Cutoff Frequency of the Filter with the Envelope Generator, with the only difference being the starting point. The Amplifier always starts at 0% volume and goes to 100%. The Cutoff Frequency starts wherever that parameter is initially set.
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2:12 Other EG Flavors
In this video we take a look at the Envelope Generators on the Juno and MiniBrute. Notice how some synths might not have a separate EG for both the Amplitude and Filter.
Chapter 5 : LFO
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3:21 Make it Move
Let’s take it to the next level. Please welcome Mr. LFO. The Low Frequency Oscillator is responsible for adding another layer of Modulation. With it we can add complexity, movement and rhythm.
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3:23 FM Synthesis
Next let’s explore what happens when the LFO modulates pitch. Instead of the LFO being a true LFO we will bring it’s Frequency into the human hearing range. This is a very basic form of Frequency Modulation Synthesis.
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4:33 Other LFO Flavors
Now let’s take a look at how our other two synths incorporate the LFO into their workflow. The Juno and Brute both allow control over the depth of the LFO using a button, mod wheel or even aftertouch. This gives us more expression when playing them. We will also take a look at both synth’s build in Arpeggiator.
Chapter 6 : Sound Design
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2:58 On Board Effects and Patch Recall
In this video we apply our knowledge and create some patches. I’ll also show you why digitally controlled synths took off so quickly.
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1:46 MiniBrute - Lead
In this video we will also take advantage of the MiniBrute’s great modulation section. Aftertouch will control Vibrato and the Mod Wheel with control LFO depth. The LFO will modulate Amplitude, the Filter and Pulse Width.
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1:31 Juno-60 - 80s Bass
This patch will take advantage of the built in Arpeggiator. The LFO is used to create some subtle movement with Pitch and the Filter. The Envelope Generator is set to create a very staccato sound by having a short Attack, Decay and Release time along with the Sustain level set to zero.
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1:46 Modular - SciFi
In this video Scottie how the Modular’s Filter Resonance can be turned up so high that it will make a sound all by itself. This patch will take advantage of this Self Oscillation. The only Oscillator being used is in LFO mode controlling the Filter’s Cutoff Frequency.
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1:24 MiniBrute - Drum Machine
Now let’s take a look at how to create a percussive sound. We will set both EGs to a fast ADR time and low Sustain level creating that punchy sound needed for a kick or tom. Just a little bit of White Noise and the Brute Factor also helps by bringing in some dirt.
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0:57 Juno-60 - Stab Comp
This patch also gives us a percussive type sound. We will use the EG to close the filter very quickly. Turning up the resonance accentuates the closing of the Filter’s Cutoff Frequency.
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1:56 MiniBrute - Sub Drop
Let’s really take advantage of the Brute’s Modulation section. The LFO is set to a Sawtooth Waveform and controls pitch in a positive way while controlling the Cutoff Frequency in a negative way.
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1:13 Modular - Drum Machine
In this video Scottie shows how this patch takes advantage of a high Resonance setting, White Noise and the LFO reset option. The sound this Synth makes is reminiscent of some of the “non-real” drum machines that play different types of noises instead of trying to emulate actual drums.
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1:30 Juno-60 - Pad
Next we take advantage of the Juno’s polyphony and onboard Chorus. There is also some very subtle modulation of the Pitch and Filter using the LFO. Creating a long Attack and Release gives us a very gentle and smooth sound.
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0:58 Modular - Bass
Finally we go back to the Modular for a huge bass sound. The LFO is modulating Pulse Width while the Filter movement is giving just a little bite. We can also detune the second Oscillator to create a fifth.
Chapter 7 : Effects
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3:29 Stereoizing
Now let’s look at some effects that can help a mono synth spread out into the stereo field. We will use Delay, Chorus and Reverb to trick our Ears into thinking we have a stereo instrument.
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1:39 Creating Movement
We can also use effects to create movement. Of course, the LFO and Envelope Generator can do this, but let’s take it to the next level. We explore how adding a simple pan and delay can transform our sound into something very complex and interesting.
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2:30 Thicken Up That Bass
Finally, in this video we will specifically look at bass. A good bass holds down the bottom end but it doesn’t need to be boring. Let’s look at ways to fatten up a bass patch and bring it more to the front of a mix by making it sound interesting and thick.
Product Overview
Remember the good old days when synths had wooden sides and a knob for each function and feature? Well if you don't, Scottie Dugan is going to reveal the magic and mystery of these wonderful machines, teaching you the basics of analog synthesis from the ground up, using both classic and modern analog synthesizers. (Moog Modular clone, Roland Juno 60 & Arturia MINI Brute) Shown in HD video, you'll learn everything you need to get going with that old synth in your closet, or apply the info to any virtual synth in your DAW.
Scottie starts with an introduction covering what you'll learn in the series and then jumps right in to Oscillators and Waveforms and what they do. Next, Control Voltage is revealed and you'll see how this pre-MIDI technology is used and get creative tips on using it with today's synths. Filters are next, and Scottie shows you all about these powerful sonic sculptors.
Envelopes and LFOs are then explained in detail as well as how they're used to creatively control other parts of the synth. Scottie now takes what you've learnt and shows you how to design sounds from scratch with your analog synth. Watch as Scottie makes screaming leads, fat basses, powerful stabs, sub-drops, pads, percussive sounds and more!
If you have an old or new analog synth or a virtual analog synth in your DAW, you need to know the important basics before you can program your own sounds or edit existing ones. Let Scottie show you what you need to work that magic analog synth and have a whole new sonic world revealed... Watch "Analog Synths Explained" today.
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Reviews
Submitted 1 year ago
First half is good, second is pointless...
If you know completely nothing about synths, then few first parts will tell you about main synths' components, like oscilator, lfo, filters. And that's short but for newbie should be good and enough for the beginning. But last to parts are completely without sense in my opinion. Guy is making different sound types but he tells nearly nothing about it, so you'll not be able to copy this sounds on your synth. He's turning knobs, saying few words and that's it. Everyone knows that you can make bass or lead synth sound on a monophonic synthesizer. He could show the process more precisely. But the last part is simply waste of time - what's the point in showing that you can add a delay in ableton to a mono synth sound? Yeah, you can also eq, compress, add a reverb, delay, pitch shifter, and use thousands of plugins to make it sound different and everyone knows it. But there's no point in showing this in a tutorial about analog synth explained, since watching this kind of tutorial you'd like to learn how to achieve this type, complex sound without using plugins in DAW or external gear ????
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Ableton Live, Studio One
Response from :
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Doesn't Waste Your Time
This training is straight to the point and is great for beginners and musicians who want to understand analog synths without getting into the deep waters. It's also good for anyone using analog modeling synths to understand the fundamentals of subtractive synthesis
I am a: Professional, Musician, Producer, Sound Designer, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Studio One
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Great introduction
This was a great introduction for me understanding the various parts of an analogue synth in quite a short time. In the end when creating the individual sounds, it was a little bit too fast but I really liked the very beginning and the basics.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Very informative
Scottie explains the rather difficult subject of analog synths in a manner anyone can understand. And with different analog synths. I'm sure I can use what he explained on my Virtual Analog VSTi's as well as the basic theory is still the same. I also can't wait to test all of this on my new Deepmind synth :) I would recommend this to anyone that wants to get deeper knowledge of how the different parts of an analog synth work.
I am a: Beginner, Hobbyist, Musician, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Cakewalk Sonar, Cubase, Mixcraft, Reason, Studio One
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Quality explaninations that feed my creativity
I love the way he moved form Moog modular to Roland Juno and Aturia Mini Brute - while making all the relevant connections between - Oscillator, Filter, ADSR & LFO. Knows his stuff - relevant, well delivered and his passion comes through
I am a: Hobbyist, Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Sound Designer, Ableton Live, Logic Pro
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Very clear, very well organized.
This course takes you through analog synths, explaining how they work and how to program them. The author uses a couple of different synths to show how the principles apply the same way across different models. On completion of the curse, you will know your way around your analog synths. My interest stems from acquiring several of the Roland Boutique series. I wanted to be able to fully use these pieces, and this course is the perfect introduction.
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Sound Designer
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Beautiful explanation,
Great explanation of all button and how use it and what can do. Goood
I am a: Hobbyist
Submitted 2 years ago
The bees Knees
I was really grateful to find this offer, the videos are informative and, like you say, the knowledge easily translate to plugins, emulators and virtual instruments just as well as it does for the actual analog instruments. Even though my own synths aren't even featured in the series I got a massive amount of stuff from the videos.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
A Great Help
I learnt enough from this series to feel confident in creating my own sounds and not relying on presets. Explanations were clear and examples even clearer. I'm enjoying my journey into synth paradise so much more.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
great material covered
Good way to learn all the complexities of synth. I enjoyed seeing the patch bay as that helped clarify what was happening in the synth.
I am a: Beginner, Musician, Pro Tools
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Reviews
Submitted 1 year ago
First half is good, second is pointless...
If you know completely nothing about synths, then few first parts will tell you about main synths' components, like oscilator, lfo, filters. And that's short but for newbie should be good and enough for the beginning. But last to parts are completely without sense in my opinion. Guy is making different sound types but he tells nearly nothing about it, so you'll not be able to copy this sounds on your synth. He's turning knobs, saying few words and that's it. Everyone knows that you can make bass or lead synth sound on a monophonic synthesizer. He could show the process more precisely. But the last part is simply waste of time - what's the point in showing that you can add a delay in ableton to a mono synth sound? Yeah, you can also eq, compress, add a reverb, delay, pitch shifter, and use thousands of plugins to make it sound different and everyone knows it. But there's no point in showing this in a tutorial about analog synth explained, since watching this kind of tutorial you'd like to learn how to achieve this type, complex sound without using plugins in DAW or external gear ????
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Ableton Live, Studio One
Response from :
Submitted 1 year ago
Doesn't Waste Your Time
This training is straight to the point and is great for beginners and musicians who want to understand analog synths without getting into the deep waters. It's also good for anyone using analog modeling synths to understand the fundamentals of subtractive synthesis
I am a: Professional, Musician, Producer, Sound Designer, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Studio One
Submitted 2 years ago
Great introduction
This was a great introduction for me understanding the various parts of an analogue synth in quite a short time. In the end when creating the individual sounds, it was a little bit too fast but I really liked the very beginning and the basics.
Submitted 2 years ago
Very informative
Scottie explains the rather difficult subject of analog synths in a manner anyone can understand. And with different analog synths. I'm sure I can use what he explained on my Virtual Analog VSTi's as well as the basic theory is still the same. I also can't wait to test all of this on my new Deepmind synth :) I would recommend this to anyone that wants to get deeper knowledge of how the different parts of an analog synth work.
I am a: Beginner, Hobbyist, Musician, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Cakewalk Sonar, Cubase, Mixcraft, Reason, Studio One
Submitted 2 years ago
Quality explaninations that feed my creativity
I love the way he moved form Moog modular to Roland Juno and Aturia Mini Brute - while making all the relevant connections between - Oscillator, Filter, ADSR & LFO. Knows his stuff - relevant, well delivered and his passion comes through
I am a: Hobbyist, Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Sound Designer, Ableton Live, Logic Pro
Submitted 2 years ago
Very clear, very well organized.
This course takes you through analog synths, explaining how they work and how to program them. The author uses a couple of different synths to show how the principles apply the same way across different models. On completion of the curse, you will know your way around your analog synths. My interest stems from acquiring several of the Roland Boutique series. I wanted to be able to fully use these pieces, and this course is the perfect introduction.
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Sound Designer
Submitted 2 years ago
Beautiful explanation,
Great explanation of all button and how use it and what can do. Goood
I am a: Hobbyist
Submitted 2 years ago
The bees Knees
I was really grateful to find this offer, the videos are informative and, like you say, the knowledge easily translate to plugins, emulators and virtual instruments just as well as it does for the actual analog instruments. Even though my own synths aren't even featured in the series I got a massive amount of stuff from the videos.
Submitted 2 years ago
A Great Help
I learnt enough from this series to feel confident in creating my own sounds and not relying on presets. Explanations were clear and examples even clearer. I'm enjoying my journey into synth paradise so much more.
Submitted 2 years ago
great material covered
Good way to learn all the complexities of synth. I enjoyed seeing the patch bay as that helped clarify what was happening in the synth.
I am a: Beginner, Musician, Pro Tools
1. When did you start dabbling in music?
I grew up taking classical piano lessons, so music has always been a part of my life. It started out as a daily chore and eventually evolved into a passion. Now I am very lucky to call it my profession.
2. What training have you had?
After thirteen years of private piano lessons I decided to pursue a formal degree. Two years in and I realized it wasn't for me. From that point on a began teaching myself and taking various online courses that offered subjects that excited me. I've gotten to learn and sit under individuals who are way better than I am.
3. When did you get into recording?
Ableton Live and the ability to make music with a computer were the two biggest reasons I didn't continue pursue a formal degree. I was in a band, we cut a DIY "garage album" and that started the obsession. The once obscured world of synths, hardware and software was now overwhealming as I transitioned away from a piano only mindset.
4. People you have worked with/for?
I have the great privilege to be working with Ableton as one of their Ableton Certified Trainers. Being a part of that community has been really amazing and life changing. I have yet to work with anyone rich and famous... but I have a feeling one day some of these crazy talented people will be. I get to work with students and artists who are chasing their musical dreams. I like the purity and passion that comes with that.
5. Why are you so good at training people?
Well, I've always been told that I'm a good teacher but I hated talking to people I didn't know. It took a while to get over those introvert tendencies and fear of public speaking and now I can't get enough. Watching a student get that lightbulb breakthrough or seeing an ignition of passion after the transfer of knowledge creates such a sense of fulfillment for me. I can't not teach.
Products by Scottie
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tutorial videoAAS 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.
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tutorial videoAbleton Live 10 Explained
Ableton Live 10 Certified instructor Scottie Dugan brings you awesome videos designed for beginner to intermediate Ableton Live 10 users. Learn to get going with Live 10, understand its main features and functions, as well as get more advanced topics and creative ideas. If you’re new to Live 10, this is the series to watch!
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tutorial videoAbleton Live 9 Explained
Presented by Ableton Certified Trainer Scottie Dugan, this collection of videos will show you what you need to know to hit the ground running with Live 9 and then elevate you to 'power user' status.
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tutorial videoAbleton Live Compressors & EQs In Action
Ready to make Ableton Live come alive? Well, Scottie Dugan explains how, showcasing Live's awesome built-in dynamics and EQ processors. Compression and EQ are the most commonly used effects for making your tracks and productions shine, so let Scottie demystify them and show you them all in action!
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tutorial videoAbleton Live Racks Explained
Ableton Certified Trainer Scottie Dugan is back with a collection of videos that will show you what you need to know to build, edit and play racks within Ableton Live. Watch and learn how racks are a powerful way to create amazing sounding instruments, effects and more within Ableton Live.
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Have your ever wanted to get under the hood of your synths? Are you tired of using presets and wished you knew how to make the changes needed to get the sound you want? Well look no further. "Synths Explained" is aimed at the beginner who wants to understand what synths are, how they work and how to program them to get the sound you want.
Just watch, listen, and the learning begins.
Thx!