Synthesizer Terminology Explained®
Chapter 1 : Synth Basics
-
2:03 Oscillators
Learn the definition of what an oscillator on a synthesizer is and the basics of how it functions.
-
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.
-
1:34 Resonance
In this video, Thomas gives the definition of the resonance controls on a synthesizer.
-
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.
-
1:23 LFO
This video gives the definition of what a low-frequency oscillator is, as well as its function on a synthesizer.
-
2:35 ADSR
Learn what ADSR envelopes are, and how they're used to sculpt and control various parts on a synthesizer.
-
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
-
1:05 Pan
See how the pan controls on a synth are used to adjust where a sound is placed in the stereo field.
-
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.
-
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
-
1:08 Subtractive Synthesis
Learn the definition of a basics subtractive synthesizer and how it creates sound.
-
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.
-
1:21 FM Synthesis
Learn the definition of frequency modulation synthesis and how it uses waveform modulation to produce a wide variety of tones.
-
1:34 Additive Synthesis
Learn the definition of additive synthesis and how it uses sine waveforms as the building blocks for more advanced sounds.
-
1:42 Modular Synthesis
Learn the definition of a basic modular synthesizer and how it produces sound.
Chapter 4 : Advanced Synth Features
-
1:05 Mono Synths & Mono Legato
Learn the definition of a monophonic synthesizer and how its associated mono legato modes are used.
-
0:55 Polyphonic Synths & Polyphony
Learn the definition of a polyphonic synthesizer and when to use it.
-
0:39 White Noise
Learn the definition of what white noise in synthesis is and how it sounds.
-
0:38 Pink Noise
Learn the definition of what pink noise in synthesis is and how it is used to make patches.
-
1:34 Ring Modulation
Learn the definition of ring modulation, how it is used, and the types of sounds it is good for.
-
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.
Why Users Choose Us
There are many things our users love about Groove3, but a couple always stand out at the top when asked why people choose us as their learning resource.
Quality Content
We meticulously craft professional quality tutorials that are thoughtful, informative and done with attention to detail. We stand behind our products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and are trusted by 1000s of users every day.
Save Time & Money
Our library brings over 1700 hours of quality instruction to you fingertips and we release new content every week. Don't waste your valuable time scouring the web for information you may never find or is cumbersome to use and potentially can't be trusted.
Reviews
Submitted 1 month 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 1 month 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 5 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 5 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
Submitted 5 months ago
Great basic knowledge with nice illustration.
Good for anyone begin to learn synth
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 6 months ago
Great For Beginners
Quick and easy way to get a 30,000 foot view of synthesis. Excellent explanations without getting overwhelmed and confused by the moderator's expertise.
I am a: Student, Hobbyist, Musician, Sound Designer, Reason
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 6 months ago
Good stuff
Definitely geared toward the beginner. Contained useful info.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Reviews
Submitted 1 month ago
Very useful.
As a hobbyist i found this explanation of basics of synthesis to be very useful & interesting.
I am a: Hobbyist
Submitted 1 month 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 4 months ago
Synthesizer Basics.
If you are after a very basic explanation of Synthesizers, this is the one to get.
Submitted 4 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 4 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 5 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 5 months ago
VVG
Excellent basic training, I found it very helpful
I am a: Hobbyist, FL Studio
Submitted 5 months ago
Great basic knowledge with nice illustration.
Good for anyone begin to learn synth
Submitted 6 months ago
Great For Beginners
Quick and easy way to get a 30,000 foot view of synthesis. Excellent explanations without getting overwhelmed and confused by the moderator's expertise.
I am a: Student, Hobbyist, Musician, Sound Designer, Reason
Submitted 6 months ago
Good stuff
Definitely geared toward the beginner. Contained useful info.
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
tutorial videoMASCHINE MK3: Advanced Note Sequencing
Thomas Cochran delivers in-depth video tutorials on advanced note sequencing with MASCHINE MK3. See the basics and more advanced ways to handle MIDI notes in MASCHINE, and get helpful tips for creating your own musical parts and ideas.
-
tutorial videoMASSIVE X: Sound Design Vol 1
Thomas Cochran brings you sound design videos using Native Instruments MASSIVE X! Learn to create basic EM workhorse sounds as well as more intricate, evolving patches perfect for film and soundtrack work. These MASSIVE X tutorials are great for those just starting out sound designing with MASSIVE X, as well as intermediate MASSIVE X programmers.
You might be also interested in
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!
Thomas Cochran brings you sound design videos using Native Instruments MASSIVE X! Learn to create basic EM workhorse sounds as well as more intricate, evolving patches perfect for film and soundtrack work. These MASSIVE X tutorials are great for those just starting out sound designing with MASSIVE X, as well as intermediate MASSIVE X programmers.
The All-Access Pass gives you just that, instant online access to every single video tutorial currently on the site and any ones that get added during your membership.
Adam Pollard presents Low End and Sub-Bass tutorials! Learn how to produce and engineer proper low end and sub-bass for your tracks and productions, creating impact and power. These sub bass production videos are designed to help you create a great bottom end for your songs, giving them a fat, tight sound.
Everything in the studio starts and ends with audio—both analog and digital—yet many musicians know a lot more about the principles of music than the principles behind audio.
This book focuses on microphones as the essential link between the recording process and vocals, guitars, pianos, drums, and other acoustic sounds. Choosing the right mic can make or break a song. Authors Phil O’Keefe and Craig Anderton cover how to choose and apply mics with real-world examples and explanations.
Adam Pollard delivers an assortment of of music production tutorials! See how to practice music production techniques that will hone and sharpen your production skills. These music production videos are designed for the new producer just starting out, but are also great for anyone who produces music.
Adam Pollard aka Multiplier presents an in-depth video series for those just getting into making music and the endless options for studio gear. Save endless hours of research trying to find answers to the most basic questions, when setting up your first studio and all the gear that goes with it!
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.
Adam Pollard aka Multiplier delivers an in-depth video series all about getting the most out of your computer and DAW, when recording and producing music! Shot in Ableton Live on Mac OS and applicable to any OS and DAW, see how to squeeze every drop of power out of your rig and avoid time wasting snafus.
Larry Holcombe presents video tutorials for the Electronic Music Producer's Guide series, focusing on Kick Drums! This series will get you going and then some when creating and tweaking kick drums for your electronic music productions.
Producer pro Chris Herrera delivers an in-depth video series all about creating that "Vintage Vibe" in your digital recordings! See how to craft realistic sounding lo-fi effects, tape and tube saturation, vintage reverbs and more, using both stock and select 3rd party plug-ins.
Adam Pollard aka Multiplier, brings you a ton of video tutorials all designed to help with your production and mixing tasks when working on Electronic Music. Learn time saving and inspirational tips and tricks that will allow you to produce and mix electronic music faster and more creatively.