
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 2 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 3 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 4 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 6 months ago
Simple and Effective Explanation
Simple and Effective Explanation of how synthesizer works
Submitted 10 months ago
Clarifying
This was simple and very clarifying, good job!
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 10 months 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 1 year 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 1 year ago
Succinct, logical
Really succinctly and logically explained. Good work dude!
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year 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 2 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 3 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 4 months ago
Very helpful
Very good overview about different parts in a synthesizer
I am a: Professional, Musician, Audio Engineer, Ableton Live, Cubase
Submitted 6 months ago
Simple and Effective Explanation
Simple and Effective Explanation of how synthesizer works
Submitted 10 months ago
Clarifying
This was simple and very clarifying, good job!
Submitted 10 months 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 1 year 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 1 year ago
Succinct, logical
Really succinctly and logically explained. Good work dude!
Submitted 1 year ago
Fine walkthrough of concepts.
Should have been talking more slowly. More examples (there are a lot already) would also have been appreciated.