Synthesizer Terminology Explained®
Chapter 1 : Synth Basics
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2:03 Oscillators
Learn the definition of what an oscillator on a synthesizer is and the basics of how it functions.
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1:44 Filters
This video covers the definition of the filter section on a synthesizer, as well as how it is used to sculpt the synth's sound.
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1:34 Resonance
In this video, Thomas gives the definition of the resonance controls on a synthesizer.
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1:45 Mixer & Amplifier
Learn what the mixer and amplifier sections of a synthesizer are, and how they're used to control the audio levels of a synth.
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1:23 LFO
This video gives the definition of what a low-frequency oscillator is, as well as its function on a synthesizer.
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2:35 ADSR
Learn what ADSR envelopes are, and how they're used to sculpt and control various parts on a synthesizer.
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1:24 Modulation Routing
This video covers the definition of modulation routing on a synthesizer and shows how it is used to alter basic synth patches.
Chapter 2 : Synthesizer Controls
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1:05 Pan
See how the pan controls on a synth are used to adjust where a sound is placed in the stereo field.
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1:46 Octave & Tune
Learn what the octave and tune controls on a synth do and how they are used to adjust the overall pitch of a sound.
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1:01 Arpeggiator
Learn what an arpeggiator is and how it's used to automatically generate melodic patterns and sequences.
Chapter 3 : Types Of Synthesis
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1:08 Subtractive Synthesis
Learn the definition of a basics subtractive synthesizer and how it creates sound.
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1:22 Wavetable Synthesis
Learn the definition of a wavetable synthesizer, how it creates sound, and why it is different from other methods of synthesis.
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1:21 FM Synthesis
Learn the definition of frequency modulation synthesis and how it uses waveform modulation to produce a wide variety of tones.
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1:34 Additive Synthesis
Learn the definition of additive synthesis and how it uses sine waveforms as the building blocks for more advanced sounds.
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1:42 Modular Synthesis
Learn the definition of a basic modular synthesizer and how it produces sound.
Chapter 4 : Advanced Synth Features
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1:05 Mono Synths & Mono Legato
Learn the definition of a monophonic synthesizer and how its associated mono legato modes are used.
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0:55 Polyphonic Synths & Polyphony
Learn the definition of a polyphonic synthesizer and when to use it.
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0:39 White Noise
Learn the definition of what white noise in synthesis is and how it sounds.
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0:38 Pink Noise
Learn the definition of what pink noise in synthesis is and how it is used to make patches.
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1:34 Ring Modulation
Learn the definition of ring modulation, how it is used, and the types of sounds it is good for.
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1:21 Pulse Width & Pulse Width Modulation
Learn the definition of pulse width and how it's used to create a chorus style effect.
Product Overview
Synthesizer Terminology Explained™ is your definition based resource for quickly finding the meaning of common synth terms, features and functions! This growing collection of terminology definitions are short and sweet, and are designed for the beginner, to make sure you understand the basics and foundations of synthesizer technology.
Thomas Cochran takes you through all the basic terms you need to recognize and understand so you have the foundation to then operate and program any synthesizer, from old school analog hardware, to today's amazingly complex virtual synth plug-ins.
See the individual tutorial descriptions for more info. If you’re new to synthesizers and programming them, you need to know what these basic controls and functions do, so checkout and reference “Synthesizer Terminology Explained®” today.
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Reviews
Submitted 4 months ago
Absolutely fantastic: takes the fear out of synth language
This is such a good - and thankfully brief! - introduction to the intimidating terminology of synthesizers. If you have a DAW and feel confused when using synth plug-ins because of terms like LFO, Oscillator, ARSD, and Envelope, then this is the course for you. The tutor is fantastic. His use of simple illustrations really helps you understand much quicker. Just be aware that you will need to re-watch many of these videos because it's very hard to get the full meaning in just one viewing. This is not a reflection on the tutor, however: he could not speak more clearly. I think some of the videos must have been recorded when he had a cold, because I thought it was a different guy speaking in some!
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 5 months ago
Effective intro to synthesis
Simple and Effective Explanation of how the different components of a synthesizer works! this is agreat course for anyone starting to use any virtual or real synth
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Mastering Facility, Ableton Live, Cubase, Logic Pro
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 7 months ago
Very helpful
Very good overview about different parts in a synthesizer
I am a: Professional, Musician, Audio Engineer, Ableton Live, Cubase
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 9 months ago
Simple and Effective Explanation
Simple and Effective Explanation of how synthesizer works
Submitted 1 year ago
Clarifying
This was simple and very clarifying, good job!
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Nice intro for synth noobs like me
Simple and to the point, great quick intro
I am a: Hobbyist, Reaper
Submitted 1 year ago
Learned a lot.
Learned a lot.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Helpful as a Refresher
Does explain core concepts concisely, but does skip a lot of important information. It is VERY brief and thus more served as a refresher rather than a beginner's guide.
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Producer, Beat Maker, Sound Designer, Game Designer, FL Studio
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Succinct, logical
Really succinctly and logically explained. Good work dude!
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Fine walkthrough of concepts.
Should have been talking more slowly. More examples (there are a lot already) would also have been appreciated.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Reviews
Submitted 4 months ago
Absolutely fantastic: takes the fear out of synth language
This is such a good - and thankfully brief! - introduction to the intimidating terminology of synthesizers. If you have a DAW and feel confused when using synth plug-ins because of terms like LFO, Oscillator, ARSD, and Envelope, then this is the course for you. The tutor is fantastic. His use of simple illustrations really helps you understand much quicker. Just be aware that you will need to re-watch many of these videos because it's very hard to get the full meaning in just one viewing. This is not a reflection on the tutor, however: he could not speak more clearly. I think some of the videos must have been recorded when he had a cold, because I thought it was a different guy speaking in some!
Submitted 5 months ago
Effective intro to synthesis
Simple and Effective Explanation of how the different components of a synthesizer works! this is agreat course for anyone starting to use any virtual or real synth
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Mastering Facility, Ableton Live, Cubase, Logic Pro
Submitted 7 months ago
Very helpful
Very good overview about different parts in a synthesizer
I am a: Professional, Musician, Audio Engineer, Ableton Live, Cubase
Submitted 9 months ago
Simple and Effective Explanation
Simple and Effective Explanation of how synthesizer works
Submitted 1 year ago
Clarifying
This was simple and very clarifying, good job!
Submitted 1 year ago
Nice intro for synth noobs like me
Simple and to the point, great quick intro
I am a: Hobbyist, Reaper
Submitted 1 year ago
Learned a lot.
Learned a lot.
Submitted 2 years ago
Helpful as a Refresher
Does explain core concepts concisely, but does skip a lot of important information. It is VERY brief and thus more served as a refresher rather than a beginner's guide.
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Producer, Beat Maker, Sound Designer, Game Designer, FL Studio
Submitted 2 years ago
Succinct, logical
Really succinctly and logically explained. Good work dude!
Submitted 2 years ago
Fine walkthrough of concepts.
Should have been talking more slowly. More examples (there are a lot already) would also have been appreciated.
Thomas Cochran electronic musician and multi instrumentalist from Austin Texas, who now lives in Los Angeles. He focuses on creating electronic music that features both ambient and classical influences.
1. When did you start dabbling in music?
I started playing music at a young age, starting with classical guitar. This started my love for music and eventually expanded into learning other instruments as well. To date, I have had over ten years of classical experience and training as well as additional instrumental experience.
2. What training have you had?
I grew up studying classical guitar and composition and eventually started applying my classical knowledge to learning other instruments as well, ranging from violin, cello, keys, and drums.
3. When did you get intro recording?
I got into recording out of necessity when me and some friends started a band back in high school and couldn't afford studio time. Through this, I learned about music production and recording and haven't looked back since.
4. Why are you so good at training people?
I love learning about the technical aspects of music production, this helps me understand the how music production works under the hood. I have also worked for several years creating music production tutorials online.
Products by Thomas
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tutorial videoAbleton Live 11: Making a Song
Studio wiz Thomas Cochran presents creative Ableton Live 11 video tutorials! If you are new to Ableton Live 11 and want to see how to put together a cool track from scratch, stop right here. Thomas shows you how to make a cool new-style R&B track utilizing many of the new features found in Ableton Live 11. You also get the Ableton Live 11 project with all the audio so you can follow along on your system. These videos are for those who have some basic Ableton Live knowledge but want to see ways to produce a song.
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tutorial videoAbleton Live 11: New Features Explained
Ableton pro Thomas Cochran delivers in-depth Ableton Live 11 video tutorials! If you're new to Ableton Live 11 and want to know all about the new features and functions that were added, this is the video series for you. Thomas also provides a Live Project file so you can follow along with the comping video lesson on your Live computer setup. These videos are for those who already know Ableton Live, but want to learn specifically about the new additions to version 11.
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tutorial videoAbleton Live: Beginner's Guide to Beat Making
Thomas Cochran shows you how to make your very first beat with Ableton Live! See how to produce your first beat from scratch, using nothing but Ableton Live, including software installation and understanding Live's layout, all the way to exporting your finished beat and more. This series is designed for the absolute newcomer to Ableton Live.
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tutorial videoAbleton Live: Producing Alternative R&B
Studio pro Thomas Cochran delivers in-depth Ableton Live production video tutorials! See how to make a complete Alternative R&B song in the style of Frank Ocean and The Weekend from scratch, step-by-step using only Ableton Live. This course is for those who are already familiar with Ableton Live, but want to learn Alternative R&B sound design and production techniques. You also get the samples and presets used in the videos so you can follow along on your studio system.
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tutorial videoAbleton Live: Things You Need to Know
Thomas Cochran presents essential Ableton Live video tutorials! Discover the things you need to know when using Ableton Live, such as cool tip & tricks, workflows, helpful and creative ways to Sequence MIDI, use effects, mix and more! These videos are for those who already have experience with Ableton Live, but want to learn more and improve their skillset.
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Keyboard wiz Sami Rabia brings you a cool video series on layering synths to make better, bigger and more interesting synth sounds for your songs and production. The info can be applied to any hardware or software synth!
Studio expert Thomas Cochran presents detailed sample pack creation video tutorials! If you've always wanted to make your own sample packs to use for your own productions, or to give or sell to others, this video series will show you how to do it step by step, all from scratch. (Note: this series does not cover how to sell or distribute your sample packs, just creating them). Thomas also provides the Ableton Live Project file so you can follow along if you have Ableton Live, plus the MIDI files that can be used in any DAW, and the Serum virtual synth presets he makes throughout the tutorials so you can further experiment and tweak them! This video series is for those who are new to making sample packs.
Ableton pro Thomas Cochran delivers in-depth Ableton Live 11 video tutorials! If you're new to Ableton Live 11 and want to know all about the new features and functions that were added, this is the video series for you. Thomas also provides a Live Project file so you can follow along with the comping video lesson on your Live computer setup. These videos are for those who already know Ableton Live, but want to learn specifically about the new additions to version 11.
Synth expert Tyler Coffin delivers comprehensive Arturia Emulator II V tutorials! Experience Arturia's recreation of a seminal sampling workhorse from the '80s, the E-Mu Systems Emulator II. Learn and explore all of the Emulator II V's features and functions, as well as see how to create amazing sounds with this spot-on recreation from scratch. These videos are designed for new Arturia Emulator II V users.
Eli Krantzberg presents comprehensive MIDI Orchestration video tutorials! If you've ever wanted to start creating orchestral arrangements and motifs, this is the series that will get you on your way. Learn all about the important basics of orchestrating today's virtual instruments with MIDI and create truly authentic sounding orchestral parts. This series is meant to replace Eli's original MIDI Orchestration Explained, adding more info and utilizing current virtual instruments for a more up to date learning experience. You also get the MIDI files that Eli creates throughout the videos so you can import them into your DAW and follow along. These videos are for those new to MIDI orchestration.
Synth wiz Tyler Coffin presents comprehensive Arturia ARP2600 V tutorials! See and hear how Arturia has recreated a true classic synth of the '70s, the ARP 2600 synthesizer. Explore and learn all of the ARP2600 V's features and functions, as well as how to make awesome sounds with this powerful virtual recreation. In addition, you also get the presets made in the video series to experiment with and use for your tracks. These videos are designed for new Arturia ARP2600 V users.
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