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 1 month 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 3 months ago
Succinct, logical
Really succinctly and logically explained. Good work dude!
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 3 months 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
Submitted 5 months ago
Very useful.
As a hobbyist i found this explanation of basics of synthesis to be very useful & interesting.
I am a: Hobbyist
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 5 months ago
Very good but simple and easy to understand tutorial!
Very good but simple and easy to understand tutorial on the basics of Sythesizer Terminology, and exactly what I needed to help me understand Synthesizers before I delve into more involved and complex tutorials and synths. Thanks for the clear explanations and examples. Coming from outside of the synth world, this was a very helpful introduction to what can be an overwhelming subject. Great job!
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 7 months ago
Synthesizer Basics.
If you are after a very basic explanation of Synthesizers, this is the one to get.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 8 months ago
Not just good for synth, but for all sound theory.
Not just good for synth, but for all sound theory.
I am a: Hobbyist
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 8 months ago
The was a Rossetta Stone for me.
The section on modulation routing was the key to helping me understand how the parts communicate with each other, never had a clue how that was achieved til now.
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Cakewalk Sonar, Studio One
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 9 months ago
Very helpful.
Informative and simply explained introduction to synth definitions. Great for a newcomer to electronic music. Tool tips on the video interface buttons would be helpful, but are easily discovered with trial and error.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 9 months ago
VVG
Excellent basic training, I found it very helpful
I am a: Hobbyist, FL Studio
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Reviews
Submitted 1 month 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 3 months ago
Succinct, logical
Really succinctly and logically explained. Good work dude!
Submitted 3 months ago
Fine walkthrough of concepts.
Should have been talking more slowly. More examples (there are a lot already) would also have been appreciated.
Submitted 5 months ago
Very useful.
As a hobbyist i found this explanation of basics of synthesis to be very useful & interesting.
I am a: Hobbyist
Submitted 5 months ago
Very good but simple and easy to understand tutorial!
Very good but simple and easy to understand tutorial on the basics of Sythesizer Terminology, and exactly what I needed to help me understand Synthesizers before I delve into more involved and complex tutorials and synths. Thanks for the clear explanations and examples. Coming from outside of the synth world, this was a very helpful introduction to what can be an overwhelming subject. Great job!
Submitted 7 months ago
Synthesizer Basics.
If you are after a very basic explanation of Synthesizers, this is the one to get.
Submitted 8 months ago
Not just good for synth, but for all sound theory.
Not just good for synth, but for all sound theory.
I am a: Hobbyist
Submitted 8 months ago
The was a Rossetta Stone for me.
The section on modulation routing was the key to helping me understand how the parts communicate with each other, never had a clue how that was achieved til now.
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Cakewalk Sonar, Studio One
Submitted 9 months ago
Very helpful.
Informative and simply explained introduction to synth definitions. Great for a newcomer to electronic music. Tool tips on the video interface buttons would be helpful, but are easily discovered with trial and error.
Submitted 9 months ago
VVG
Excellent basic training, I found it very helpful
I am a: Hobbyist, FL Studio
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.
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tutorial videoAbleton Live: Beginner's Guide to Beat Making
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tutorial videoANA 2: Sound Design Vol. 1
Synth guru Thomas Cochran presents an in-depth ANA 2 video tutorial series! Follow along with Thomas and see how to create awesome, powerful sounds and presets for the ANA 2 virtual synth. These videos are great for those who know their way around ANA 2 and some basic synth terminology.
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tutorial videoBeat Making with MASCHINE
Thomas Cochran brings you beat making videos using Native Instruments MASCHINE! Learn to make a cool beat from scratch using nothing but MASCHINE. These MASCHINE tutorials are for those just starting out with MASCHINE as well as intermediate MASCHINE beat makers. You also get the MASCHINE project file so you can follow along and experiment.
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tutorial videoDAW Terminology Explained
DAW Terminology Explained™ is your definition based resource for quickly finding the meaning of common digital audio workstation and pro audio 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 modern recording technology.
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tutorial videoKONTAKT 6 Explained
Studio guru Thomas Cochran presents a comprehensive video tutorial series all about Native Instrument’s KONTAKT 6 software sampler! Learn all of its features and functions inside and out, as well as helpful tips and tricks when using this industry-standard sampling software instrument.
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