Arturia Synthi V Explained^®

Introduction & Overview

We begin with a brief look at the broad aspects and nature of the Arturia Synthi V as well as a bit of history before digging further into this recreation of EMS's innovative classic synthesizer.

The Synthi V Panel: The Modules

With the Synthi V's modular nature, each section can be considered its own module that must be connected in the Pin Matrix to serve its purpose. Here, we take a look through the modules of the Synthi V so that we know their functions and capabilities.

The Synthi V Panel: The Pin Matrix

Since we have been through each of the modules, it's now time to see how we can connect and use them in the Pin Matrix, which simplifies modular synthesis into a convenient and compact grid of pins.

The Keyboard Sequencer

The Synthi AKS provided one of the pioneering digital sequencers when it launched in 1972. In the Synthi V, we get a faithful recreation of that original sequencer. Though possibly considered primitive by today's standards, this sequencer's capabilities and limitations provide an interesting take on programming note patterns.

The Functions & Joystick

Now we jump into the Advanced Features, which add some helpful modern conveniences to the Synthi V. First, we look at the Functions, where we can program more complex one-shot or repeating envelopes and link them to essentially any parameter of the synth. Then, we look at the Joystick, which gives us X and Y axes to link more parameters that can be modulated and controlled.

Modulations & Effects

In the Modulations section, we can further create connections between many parameters of the Synthi V, and also adjust the step sequencer (separate from the Keyboard Sequencer) and LFO sections. Then, we get into the Effects section, where we can add various types of sound processing on the output in serial or parallel routing patterns.

Preset Management & the Browser

Here, we take a closer look through the Synthi V's browser and its wide selection of awesome sounds from Arturia. Then, we learn how to add our own presets and get them organized for future use.

Sound Design Example: Bass

In this video, we go through a few examples of sound design by creating some bass sounds that make use of Synthi's filter.

Sound Design Example: Leads

We now explore some examples of lead sound design utilizing ring modulation, distortion, and filter sweeps.

Advanced Sound Design Example: Pad Pt. 1

In this video, we continue our sound design examples with a Pad that employs some advanced modulation in both the Pin Matrix and the Modulations Section to deal with oscillator sync, sample and hold, a form of frequency modulation, and more.

Advanced Sound Design Example: Pad Pt. 2

We continue with the pad sound design by adding some effects to the output and some fine-tuning throughout, and then we take our sound out for a spin.

Sound Design Example: Experimental Effects Pt. 1

The EMS Synthi products, though able to do many tonal sounds, excelled at otherworldly sounds that no

Sound Design Example: Experimental Effects Pt. 2

Here we continue to use the Synthi V in a traditional, hardware-esque manner to perform a number of sonic experiments that can feed your imagination with fantastically strange effects to populate a world of sound.

Review & Conclusion

Now that we've covered the technical aspects of the Synthi V and also looked into the creative side of it with some sound design examples, we sum things up with a quick recap and a few comments to get you on your way to make some amazing sounds with this amazing instrument!