Synthwave Production Explained®
Chapter 1 : Getting Started
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3:37 Introduction & Song Demo
In this video, Thomas introduces the course, what will be covered, and plays the song that you'll be making together.
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4:55 Characteristics of a Synthwave Track
Learn what makes a Synthwave track distinct from other electronic music genres and the common bpm's of the style. This video also discusses the various subgenera's of Synthwave music and the types of sounds that are used.
Chapter 2 : Drums & Drum Arrangement
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14:16 Kick & Snare
Thomas discusses what vintage drum machine samples are used for the drums in Synthwave tracks, and also explains how to create a driving drum patten that will be used as the foundation for the entire track.
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7:57 80's Synth Toms
This video shows how to take the tom drums from a DMX style drum machine and use them to create an 80's inspired fill for our drum pattern. This drum fill will be used to give variation to the drum part.
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9:08 Hi-Hats
Learn what types of hi-hat samples are used in Synthwave tracks and the types of patterns that are used. These simple hi-hat pattens will provide an Additional element to the drums that will help move the track along.
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11:26 Setting Up a Gated Reverb
Thomas now shows how to recreate the classic 80's gated reverb effect for drums, along with how to compress the reverb to make the sound even more punchy.
Chapter 3 : Synths & Melodic Arrangement
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14:28 Stab Bass
Discover the characteristics of a Synthwave stab bass and how it's used to give the song its driving feel, while being used as the melodic foundation for the track.
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10:55 Arp Layer
This video shows how to now create a synth arpeggio layer to accent the bass line, and help cary the melody of the track, as is commonly done in Synthwave music.
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14:54 Chords
See how chords are used in Synthwave music to fill out the track, and what suspended chords are and how they're used in Synthwave to create that nostalgic feeling.
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13:54 Lead Synth & Counter Melody
Learn how lead synths are used as a focal point for the musical progressions in Synthwave music, including how they provide a counter melody that will accent the chords.
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7:44 Vibrato Lead
This video shows how to create a lead sound inspired by classic 80's guitar solos, and help create an epic feel and further focal point for the song.
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14:50 Delayed Synth & Keys
Now watch how to add a "dreamy keys" element to the track that makes use of reverb and delay, and further plays up the nostalgic musical qualities commonly found in Synthwave tracks.
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6:55 Pad
Rich synth pads are commonly found in Synthwave tracks, providing an ambient background element for the song. See how!
Chapter 4 : Song Arrangement & Mixing
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14:01 Song Arrangement & Fills
This video covers creating the common song arrangement for Synthwave music. While the arrangement of Synthwave tracks are more simple, the chord progressions and leads are layered together in such a way to keep interest by utilizing evolving musical sequences. Thomas explains!
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13:47 Mixing
Discover how bus mixing and processing is used to blend the song together, including how to adjust the volumes of the different elements so that the track is nice and balanced.
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12:12 Mastering
Learn the basics of mastering Synthwave music, including brightening up the track for added clarity and dimension, and using limiters and compressors to avoid unwanted volume level differences, plus beefing up the track overall.
Product Overview
Studio production pro Thomas Cochran teleports you back to the '80s with in-depth Synthwave production video tutorials that show how to create the sounds and produce the tracks that make this popular genre so powerful. These videos are perfect for beginner Synthwave producers or anyone looking for more insight on how this genre is made.
Thomas utilizes UVI virtual instruments in the videos, but you can use any virtual instruments that are similar in tone to build your Synthwave productions. starts with what will be covered, and then plays the song that you'll be making together for reference. He then explains what makes a Synthwave track distinct from other electronic music genres, the common BPMs found in the style, and then discusses the various subgeneras of Synthwave music and the types of sounds that are used.
To get started producing the Synthwave track, Thomas starts with the drums, showing you what vintage drum machine samples are commonly used, and demonstrates how to program a driving drum patten that works as the foundation for the entire track.
Throughout the video series, you'll learn all about what makes Synthwave so special, including the use of Gated Reverbs, the various synth elements found like Stab Bass, Arpeggios, Lead Synths, Pads and much more. You'll also see how to arrange and mix the complete Synthwave production giving it that nostalgic shine.
To see what these comprehensive Synthwave production tutorials show you, and how they'll enable you to produce your own authentic sounding Synthwave tracks from scratch, see the individual Synthwave production video tutorial descriptions on this page. Start making cool retro-future sounding songs and beats today... Watch "Synthwave Production Explained®" now.
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Reviews
Submitted 2 weeks ago
Absolutely brilliant
Very clear, great pace with plenty of reinforcement of how to to do things! Nice to see an Ableton tutorial using a lot of Ableton stock plugins!
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 month ago
Fantastic
Great walk through from start to finish. Especially like the focus given to getting the right sounds and overall feel for the genre. Clearly explained and nicely paced.
I am a: Beginner, Hobbyist, Musician, Producer, Ableton Live
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 month ago
Great overview of the genre
Really enjoyed the course overall. The only complaint would be the frequent use of "magic numbers" for settings rather than explaining the goals and dialing them in.
I am a: Hobbyist, Producer, Beat Maker, Sound Designer, Reason, Studio One
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 month ago
Very nice introduction to basics of making a synthwave track.
This course focuses on basics of creating different elements of a synthwave track. What each element should sound like, and what vibe to go for, how the track should be structured etc. is explained sufficiently well. There's almost no information on sound design, but this is not the focus of this particular course. If there was, even a short additional video, explaining, what alternative chords, or track arrangement options can be used (or two, one for each of these topics), it would be perfect.
Response from :
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 3 months ago
Excellent insight
Really helpful chord structures
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 5 months ago
Most insightful.
Great instruction and insight into the genre. I don't really believe in teaching specific values for effects and so forth, but that doesn't really hinder the quality of information here.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 6 months ago
Excellent Teacher
This was a great series - easy to follow and very informative.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 7 months ago
Solid introduction to synthwave creation
Very well thought out and constructed tutorial on the synthwave form. There's none of the usual "crafting the perfect kick drum" or the perfect synth lead nonsense, just total focus on creating an example synthwave track.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 7 months ago
Just what I was looking for
I've got sound design experience, but what good are custom patches unless you can compose? This tutorial series is perfect because the instructor teaches you how to go beyond the four bar loop and keep things interesting with subtle and not-so-subtle variations. Highly recommend
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Logic Pro
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 8 months ago
Great course
Great course
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Reviews
Submitted 2 weeks ago
Absolutely brilliant
Very clear, great pace with plenty of reinforcement of how to to do things! Nice to see an Ableton tutorial using a lot of Ableton stock plugins!
Submitted 1 month ago
Fantastic
Great walk through from start to finish. Especially like the focus given to getting the right sounds and overall feel for the genre. Clearly explained and nicely paced.
I am a: Beginner, Hobbyist, Musician, Producer, Ableton Live
Submitted 1 month ago
Great overview of the genre
Really enjoyed the course overall. The only complaint would be the frequent use of "magic numbers" for settings rather than explaining the goals and dialing them in.
I am a: Hobbyist, Producer, Beat Maker, Sound Designer, Reason, Studio One
Submitted 1 month ago
Very nice introduction to basics of making a synthwave track.
This course focuses on basics of creating different elements of a synthwave track. What each element should sound like, and what vibe to go for, how the track should be structured etc. is explained sufficiently well. There's almost no information on sound design, but this is not the focus of this particular course. If there was, even a short additional video, explaining, what alternative chords, or track arrangement options can be used (or two, one for each of these topics), it would be perfect.
Response from :
Submitted 3 months ago
Excellent insight
Really helpful chord structures
Submitted 5 months ago
Most insightful.
Great instruction and insight into the genre. I don't really believe in teaching specific values for effects and so forth, but that doesn't really hinder the quality of information here.
Submitted 6 months ago
Excellent Teacher
This was a great series - easy to follow and very informative.
Submitted 7 months ago
Solid introduction to synthwave creation
Very well thought out and constructed tutorial on the synthwave form. There's none of the usual "crafting the perfect kick drum" or the perfect synth lead nonsense, just total focus on creating an example synthwave track.
Submitted 7 months ago
Just what I was looking for
I've got sound design experience, but what good are custom patches unless you can compose? This tutorial series is perfect because the instructor teaches you how to go beyond the four bar loop and keep things interesting with subtle and not-so-subtle variations. Highly recommend
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Logic Pro
Submitted 8 months ago
Great course
Great course
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: 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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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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