Synthwave Sound Design Explained®
Chapter 1 : Synthwave Bass Design
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9:45 Outrun Bass Pt. 1
This video introduces the course and shows how to make a common found synthwave bass stab patch using Serum.
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5:33 Outrun Bass Pt. 2
This videos continues where part one left off, and also shows how to make Serum sound similar to a vintage synthesizer though some creative modulation.
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7:31 Juno Stab Bass Pt. 1
Thomas shows how to make a multi-layered resonant bass using the TAL-U-No-LX plugin, which models a Juno 106 synthesizer. By splitting the patch into multiple layers it gives you additional control over the mix and end result of the bass.
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5:03 Juno Stab Bass Pt. 2
Thomas picks up where he left off in the last video with the Juno Stab Bass.
Chapter 2 : Synthwave Chord Design
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6:01 Brass Stab Chords Pt. 1
In this video, see how to use the u-he Re-Pro5 synthesizer to create a bright chord stab perfect for a synthwave track.
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6:48 Brass Stab Chords Pt. 2
Thomas continues creating the brass stab chord and shows how to use the Tweaks Tab on the plug-in to create fine tuning adjustments to give the synth a more classic sound.
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5:13 Juno 106 Chords Pt. 1
Watch how to uses the TAL-U-No-LX plug-in to create a lush sounding synthwave chord patch.
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4:48 Juno 106 Chords Pt. 2
Thomas picks up where he left off while creating the Juno 106 chords and shows how the subtle modulation controls on the synth can be used to create interesting sounding chord layers.
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5:45 Lush Pad Pt. 1
While vintage emulations of classic synthesizers are great for synthwave, Serum is also very capable when it comes to synthwave sound design.
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7:16 Lush Pad Pt. 2
Learn how the Oscillator Unison controls can be used to create a simple but lush sounding pad for your synthwave tracks.
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7:55 DX7 Saw Keys Pt. 1
The legendary Yamaha DX7 synthesizer is found in many 80's and modern synthwave tracks. In this tutorial learn how the Arturia DX7 V plug-in can be used to create a classic textured saw wave chord patch, perfect for the synth wave genre.
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5:48 DX7 Saw Keys Pt. 2
Thomas continues creating a classic textured saw wave chord patch.
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6:55 Modulated Pad Pt. 1
See how a simple pad sound created with u-he's Diva can be transformed by creative use of frequency modulation, which produces a nostalgic sound that has an interesting texture.
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3:52 Modulated Pad Pt. 2
We continue creating a modulated pad with u-he's Diva.
Chapter 3 : Synthwave Lead Design
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7:33 Vibrato Lead Pt. 1
Explore how to create an 80's inspired lead sound with Serum that utilizes modulation to create a swirling vibrato effect that adds that signature 80's flavor found in a lot of synthwave tracks.
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5:17 Vibrato Lead Pt. 2
Thomas continues creating a vibrato lead using Serum.
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5:21 Juno Arp Pt. 1
Arpeggios are a key element found in synthwave tracks and here you'll watch how to make a Juno 106 inspired arp patch using the lovely TAL-U-No-LX.
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4:32 Juno Arp Pt. 2
Thomas picks up where he left off creating a Juno 106 inspired arp patch using the lovely TAL-U-No-LX.
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7:35 Outrun Arp Pt. 1
Last but not least, Thomas shows you how to use Serum to create a way cool 80's sounding arpeggio patch that uses pulse width modulation to add in an undulating phasing tone usually found on vintage synthesizers.
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5:01 Outrun Arp Pt. 2
In this final video, Thomas continues working in Serum to create an 80's sounding arpeggio patch that uses pulse width modulation.
Product Overview
Synthesizer pro Thomas Cochran brings you synthwave sound design video tutorials! See step by step how to make sounds from scratch that define this hugely popular genre. In these videos Thomas uses some of the best 3rd party virtual instruments available, which are the go-to's for creating these sounds, and are used by many of today's serious synthwave sound designers and producers. This series is for those who have a basic understanding of synth sound design and want to focus on understanding and creating the sounds found in synthwave music.
The virtual instruments and effects used throughout the videos are:
Xfer Records Serum
TAL Software TAL-U-NO-LX
u-he Diva
u-he Repro 5
Arturia DX7 V
Ableton Live Built-In Effects
Fab Filter Pro-Q 2
Fab Filter Pro-R
Waves H-Delay
Fab Filter Saturn
The final patches made for their respective synths in the videos are also included via the course extras download link.
Starting off Thomas welcomes you and introduces the course and discusses the genre and the sounds that define it. He then shows you how to make staple synthwave bass sounds such as an Outrun Bass preset using Serum, and a Juno Stab Bass patch using TAL-U-No-LX. You also get tips like how to make Serum sound similar to a vintage synthesizer though the use of creative modulation.
Next it's onto the chord sounds found in synthwave, and Thomas demonstrates how to craft a powerful Brass Stab Chords preset, an instantly recognizable Juno-106 Chords patch, Lush and Modulated Pad presets, and a DX7 Saw Keys patch that will teleport you right back to the '80s.
Lead sounds are up next and you'll see the steps to make a way cool Vibrato Lead patch, a classic Juno Arp preset, and last but not least, an Outrun Arp preset that has the '80s written all over it. Throughout the video tutorials you'll also get great tips and tricks for designing sounds, and much of the info can be applied to any synth, real or virtual.
To see what these in-depth synthwave sound design tutorials show you, and how they'll take your sound back to the '80s, see the individual synthwave sound design video tutorial descriptions on this page. Learn to understand how these types of sounds are made, and then you can create your own killer synthwave tracks... Watch "Synthwave Sound Design Explained®" today.
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Reviews
Submitted 4 months ago
Great overview
Nice examples of different patch designs. This will be very helpful in deconstructing and building new sounds.
I am a: Hobbyist, Sound Designer, Ableton Live
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Reviews
Submitted 4 months ago
Great overview
Nice examples of different patch designs. This will be very helpful in deconstructing and building new sounds.
I am a: Hobbyist, Sound Designer, Ableton Live
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: 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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Synthesizer wiz Thomas Cochran brings detailed you dark synthwave sound design video tutorials! See step by step how to make sounds from scratch that define this popular genre. In these videos Thomas uses some great 3rd party virtual instruments like TAL-U-No-LX, Serum, Korg Mono/Poly and u-he Diva, but you can apply the info to any comparable virtual or hardware synth. This series is for those who have a basic understanding of synth sound design and want to focus on understanding and creating the sounds found in dark synthwave music.
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.
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Production guru Josh Bess delivers an in-depth Downtempo production video tutorial series! See how to make your first beat in this popular genre, including sound design, editing, mixing and mastering for a polished, professional sounding track. These videos are designed for beginner producers looking to make their first Downtempo beat.
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.
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.
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.
Synth wiz Michael Morrise brings you in-depth sound design u-he Repro video tutorials! See and hear how to program great sounding patches from scratch using the amazing u-he Repro virtual synthesizer, which faithfully recreates the sounds of the legendary Sequential Circuits Pro 1 and Prophet 5 analog synthesizers. These videos are designed for those who already know how to use u-he Repro, but want to see interesting ways to program patches from scratch. As a bonus, you also get the finished Repro patches and the Logic Pro session used in the videos to further experiment with.
Synthesizer wiz Thomas Cochran brings you in-depth sound design videos on crafting powerful, modern sounding drums for your tracks and productions. See how to make foundational sounds perfect for different popular genres, plus get the presets made throughout the videos for reference. These videos are for those who already have an understanding of synthesis and the terminology used when working with synths.
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