SynthMaster Explained®
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4:19 Introduction
An overview of the types of synthesis available in Synthmaster, changing skins, and organizing presets.
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8:00 Altering Presets & Modulation in SynthMaster
How to assign modulators, the modulation matrix, and saving full and partial presets.
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4:04 SynthMaster Architecture
A look at Layers, routing and adding effects.
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7:06 Oscillators Pt. 1
The basic Oscillator waveforms, sampled waveforms, and SFZ file are covered, as is how to use the Oscillators as modulators.
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8:22 Oscillators Pt. 2
Additive, Vector and Wavetable Oscillators are discussed, as well as how to import your own sounds into SynthMaster.
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10:24 Filters
A description of the filter modes, routing and types.
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8:23 The Arpeggiator
The arpeggiator modes and parameters are discussed, as is using the step velocity as a modulation source.
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6:22 The Sequencer/Drum Mode
You can program monophonic and polyphonic patterns into sequencer mode, and use the drum mode to make drum grooves.
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11:32 Layer FX
A description of each effect available.
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8:36 Modulation Sources Pt. 1
ADSR, Multistage and 2D Envelopes.
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8:50 Modulation Sources Pt. 2
How to us the Keyscaler and the basic, step, glide and dual LFO settings.
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2:37 Using SynthMaster as a Vocoder
You can set up SynthMaster as a Vocoder and process the output through a reverb for rich Vocoder FX.
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2:23 The Master FX Page
This is the overview page in SynthMaster for all your effects.
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3:09 Using SynthMaster as an Audio Effect
You can run external audio through SynthMaster and using its internal effects and filter to sculpt the sound.
Product Overview
KV331’s SynthMaster is one of the most comprehensive semi-modular software instruments out there, and Larry Holcombe delivers a video tutorial series that gets you one step closer to becoming a real synth master!
Larry begins with an introduction explaining all of the types of synthesis available, and what their differences are. He then shows you how you can take the included presets and modify them by assigning modulators and saving new presets. That leads into an exploration of the layers, routing, and architecture of SynthMaster.
Larry then dives into the oscillators, showing you around the different types, and how to use them and their modulators, as well importing your own sounds. Filter types and the different routing options available to you are then all explained and explored, expanding your sonic capabilities.
The classic arpeggiator modes and parameters are then revealed, and you’ll see how you can set up custom arpeggiator patterns, as well as apply step velocity as a modulation source for wild pulsing synth parts. You’ll then see how you can program monophonic and polyphonic patterns into sequencer mode, and how you can make banging drum grooves in Drum mode.
The powerful effects are then examined, as well as all the modulation sources, showing you how you use them to modulate the effects and synth parameters. You’ll even learn how to use SynthMaster as a vocoder, and set up effects busses and stack effects!
Finally, Larry explains how you can use SynthMaster as an audio effect, running external audio through it and using its internal effects and and filters to endlessly sculpt your sound.
Whether you’re new to SynthMaster, or you’re an accomplished user looking for further ideas and info, don’t miss “SynthMaster Explained”!
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Reviews
Submitted 2 months ago
Good overview of parameters
Good first stab at synth master. Would have liked a section demonstrating building patches with it.
I am a: Hobbyist, Semi-Pro
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Easy On The Saw Sounds Please
The tutorial itself is excellent, but it still baffles me that people who do these kinds of tutes use super aggressive sounds like Saws. Extremely irritating. Try to use softer sounds in the future. Organs or whatever.
Response from Customer Service:
Although the sound choices are left up to the author, the saw is typically chosen when wanting to make subtle adjustments more noticeable for training purposes.
More obvious changes can be made using softer sounds as they will be heard more easily to the novice ear.
I hope that makes more sense!
Submitted 1 year ago
This is very helpful
New to Synthmaster2, this hands-on practical tutorial helped a lot in uncovering many aspects of the versatile synth and to alter presets as needed and even start building sounds.
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Audio Engineer
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Good,bad and ughly
Sometimes the instructor is explaining things and they are not illustrated on the screen. Then there are occasional and unexpected white outs. Over all the tutorial is very good but at times slightly obscure. There is a lot to explain with this program and in a few short lessons, SynthMaster Explained covers a lot of ground.
I am a: Beginner, Bitwig Studio
Response from Customer Service:
I'm very glad you thought the tutorial was good and that it covers a lot of ground. We hope others feel the same.
The white outs are not actually unexpected, but are used to show a hard transition to another screen or a changing of topics.
I hope that clears it up and I'm sorry you didn't feel it deserved a higher ranking. But I agree it does cover a significant amount of material for one tutorial.
All the best
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Learned so much
Thorough review of the features and how to use them
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 3 years ago
Learned So Much!
Very inspiring, really focused and incredibly comprehensive. Would love having more sound design examples for particular genres!
I am a: Beginner, Producer, Musician, Hobbyist
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 3 years ago
Good
Good review of most of the basics of this monster synthesizer.
I am a: Hobbyist
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 3 years ago
Good overview
The videos provide a good overview of the synthmaster features. But sadly, that's about it. I would have loved a bit more meaningful examples. The majority of filters and effects are applied to a bare saw. While that's good to see what they do, it's combining them what makes synthmaster powerful. Guess I would have liked a bit more see, if you do this and then that and then this, this is what you get. So get this, if you are unsure of the synthmaster features, don't get it if you expect to learn sounddesign with synthmaster.
I am a: Hobbyist
Response from Customer Service:
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 3 years ago
Good, but looking for more depth
The videos are well done and cover the big stuff, but Synthmaster is a very deep app and I find myself wanting more. I am happy to have the resource, but it seems overpriced for what feels like an overview.
I am a: Musician, Hobbyist
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 3 years ago
Synthmaster 2.8 Explained
This video is excellent and I am very glad it has finally come out. I have been using Synthmaster for quite a while now but due to its amazing depth I have never fully realised its potential. After getting this video I feel I am much more knowledgeable about all its features and parameters. And it is up to date with version 2.8 too which has had some significant changes. It has been very well explained and all of its features and I mean ALL are clearly detailed one by one and also in a great order too. Like crawl before you walk before you run type approach. Well done Groove 3. I have been a fan of Groove 3 for years now and invested in many videos from them. They have all helped me very well for all the products I have invested in.
I am a: Mastering Facility, Producer, Professional, Audio Engineer, Musician, Sound Designer, Sound for Film/TV
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Reviews
Submitted 2 months ago
Good overview of parameters
Good first stab at synth master. Would have liked a section demonstrating building patches with it.
I am a: Hobbyist, Semi-Pro
Submitted 1 year ago
Easy On The Saw Sounds Please
The tutorial itself is excellent, but it still baffles me that people who do these kinds of tutes use super aggressive sounds like Saws. Extremely irritating. Try to use softer sounds in the future. Organs or whatever.
Response from Customer Service:
Although the sound choices are left up to the author, the saw is typically chosen when wanting to make subtle adjustments more noticeable for training purposes.
More obvious changes can be made using softer sounds as they will be heard more easily to the novice ear.
I hope that makes more sense!
Submitted 1 year ago
This is very helpful
New to Synthmaster2, this hands-on practical tutorial helped a lot in uncovering many aspects of the versatile synth and to alter presets as needed and even start building sounds.
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Audio Engineer
Submitted 2 years ago
Good,bad and ughly
Sometimes the instructor is explaining things and they are not illustrated on the screen. Then there are occasional and unexpected white outs. Over all the tutorial is very good but at times slightly obscure. There is a lot to explain with this program and in a few short lessons, SynthMaster Explained covers a lot of ground.
I am a: Beginner, Bitwig Studio
Response from Customer Service:
I'm very glad you thought the tutorial was good and that it covers a lot of ground. We hope others feel the same.
The white outs are not actually unexpected, but are used to show a hard transition to another screen or a changing of topics.
I hope that clears it up and I'm sorry you didn't feel it deserved a higher ranking. But I agree it does cover a significant amount of material for one tutorial.
All the best
Submitted 2 years ago
Learned so much
Thorough review of the features and how to use them
Submitted 3 years ago
Learned So Much!
Very inspiring, really focused and incredibly comprehensive. Would love having more sound design examples for particular genres!
I am a: Beginner, Producer, Musician, Hobbyist
Submitted 3 years ago
Good
Good review of most of the basics of this monster synthesizer.
I am a: Hobbyist
Submitted 3 years ago
Good overview
The videos provide a good overview of the synthmaster features. But sadly, that's about it. I would have loved a bit more meaningful examples. The majority of filters and effects are applied to a bare saw. While that's good to see what they do, it's combining them what makes synthmaster powerful. Guess I would have liked a bit more see, if you do this and then that and then this, this is what you get. So get this, if you are unsure of the synthmaster features, don't get it if you expect to learn sounddesign with synthmaster.
I am a: Hobbyist
Response from Customer Service:
Submitted 3 years ago
Good, but looking for more depth
The videos are well done and cover the big stuff, but Synthmaster is a very deep app and I find myself wanting more. I am happy to have the resource, but it seems overpriced for what feels like an overview.
I am a: Musician, Hobbyist
Submitted 3 years ago
Synthmaster 2.8 Explained
This video is excellent and I am very glad it has finally come out. I have been using Synthmaster for quite a while now but due to its amazing depth I have never fully realised its potential. After getting this video I feel I am much more knowledgeable about all its features and parameters. And it is up to date with version 2.8 too which has had some significant changes. It has been very well explained and all of its features and I mean ALL are clearly detailed one by one and also in a great order too. Like crawl before you walk before you run type approach. Well done Groove 3. I have been a fan of Groove 3 for years now and invested in many videos from them. They have all helped me very well for all the products I have invested in.
I am a: Mastering Facility, Producer, Professional, Audio Engineer, Musician, Sound Designer, Sound for Film/TV
1. When did you start dabbling in music?
I learnt the trumpet and piano around age 12 and then guitar a couple of years later. I played in a few indie bands for a few years until I discovered the turntables and Dj'ing. I then swapped the guitar for the synthesizer and the stage for the Dj booth and the rest is history!
2. What training have you had?
I completed a diploma in sound engineering and music technology from islington Music Workshop in London. I am also level 1 certified in Logic. The most important training I have received though is sitting for hours on end at my studio making music!
3. When did you get into recording?
Recording demos for the indie bands I mentioned earlier. Then recording vocals for my tracks as DEF inc. and laterally Rebel Sonix. I also worked in London studio Rollover in around 2005.
4. People you have worked with/for?
I've remixed Coldplay, Kylie, Roots Manuva and John B. Labels I have released on include Parlaphone, EMI, Fingerlickin, Eight Fx, Quantum, Botchit and Scarper amongst others. I have composed music for Sony Playstation games, Sky tv, J&B Whiskey, Lexus cars and the BBC to name a few. I have produced online tutorial videos and have had a 1 hour production video in Music Techs magazines cover DVD. I have also Dj'ed at events such as Glastonbury festival and Miami WMC and touring extensively all over the world.
5. Why are you so good at training people?
Well hopefully I have a clear and concise training method mixed with a serious passion for making music. I have previously worked for Apple teaching Logic and also regularly lecture on Logic and electronic music production. I also teach the Ministry of Sound DJ academy in London which involves teaching an introduction to Djing as well as in depth seminars on using NI's Traktor and also Serato Scratch Live. As a producer making cutting edge electronic music, I have to remain at the forefront of new sounds and production techniques. I mix my time between different areas of the music industry - production, remixing, DJing and also teaching which allows me to develop all those skills simultaneously - so I can improve my teaching ability whilst also continuing to develop as a producer (something which you never stop doing!)
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