Synthesis with Operator
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5:11 Overview
Basic overview of the interface and layout of Operator and what functions it provides.
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4:02 The Basics of Pitch & Sound
Learn the fundamentals of what creates sound and pitch and how that relates to recreating sound, synthetically. This will help you to understand what Operator was designed to do.
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2:43 Fundamentals of Harmonics & Partials
Learn how harmonics give a sound its character.
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12:41 Waveforms, Harmonics & Partials
Dive in deeper and learn how to manipulate and sculpt waveforms, harmonics and partials to create the sounds you want.
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5:43 Subtractive Synthesis
Get an overview of the process of removing content from a sound to create a different sound, using, filters, envelopes, LFO’s, etc…
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5:44 FM Synthesis Overview
Get an overview of how FM Synthesis works and how you can begin to utilize it in your sound design with Operator.
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9:08 Using FM Synthesis
Get a thorough introduction into putting FM synthesis into practice with Operator.
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5:55 Envelopes
Envelopes are vital to sculpting and creating your sounds. Basically they effect a parameter or value over time. Operator provides many different ways to utilize envelopes.
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12:02 Filters
Get a detailed introduction into the various filters of Operator and how you can use them.
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4:38 Filter Envelopes
Learn how to use filter envelopes to further sculpt your sound.
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12:24 The LFO Explained
Learn exactly what a Low Frequency Oscillator is and how you use it to modulate and affect various parameters within Operator.
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8:15 Pitch
Learn how you can use Pitch parameters like the envelope, spread and transpose to further tweak your sounds in Operator.
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10:34 Envelope Loops
Learn how using repeating envelopes can create really unique sounds and even begin to sound like a new oscillator altogether.
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8:54 Velocity
Learn how to use velocity, or the hardness at which notes are triggered, to modulate or change your sounds.
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5:45 Key Tracking
Key tracking allows you to cause different notes to modulate, affect and sculpt your sounds.
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11:42 The Global Section
This is where you control parameters that affect all of Operator.
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8:27 Aliasing in a Nutshell
Get an overview of what aliasing is and why you have some features that control it in Operator.
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6:11 Phase
Get an overview of what phase is and how it plays such a vital role in sound design and programming within Operator.
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1:36 AMS Quick Tip
Quick tip on the use of AMS files.
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1:21 Envelope Quick Tips
Learn how to access some handy options within the envelope section.
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8:49 Clip Envelopes & Automation
Get an overview of how clip envelopes and automation within your Live tracks can be used in conjunction with Operator.
Product Overview
Presented by Ableton Certified Trainer Craig McCullough, this series of tutorials not only teaches you everything you need to know to take total control of the Operator synth within Ableton Live, you'll also learn the fundamentals of synthesis too!
Craig takes you on a epic journey teaching you the core concepts of synthesis and sound design such as the basics of pitch and sound, waveforms, harmonics and much more. He then dives into Operator's envelopes, filters, LFO and other common synth controls for a complete understanding of synthesis that you can apply to any virtual or hardware based synth.
If you want to take full advantage of all the advanced features and functions that Operator offers and or learn the core concepts of synthesis that you can apply to other synths, look no further. Checkout "Synthesis with Operator" today.
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Reviews
Submitted 3 months ago
Once again blown away by these tutorials
I've been using ableton for about 4-5 months now and now that I have the hang of using it, I wanted to learn to use the instruments in it. Not disappointed at all! Explains sound design while hes at it
I am a: Beginner, Student, Hobbyist, Producer, Beat Maker, Sound Designer, Ableton Live
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 6 months ago
Excellent Tutorial
From the rare tutorials that hooked me learning from start to end. Before this tutorial I have never put attention to Operator, but my love for FM synthesis led me here and I'm glad that I found this one :) I wish there is a similar tutorial for Collision by the same tutor. This is a great tutorial :) Thank you!
I am a: Hobbyist
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
One of the best tutorials in groove3
In my opinion this is one of the best tutorials in groove3. Very systematic, gradual and methodical explanation of how synthesizers work. I love that use of spectrum plug in that illustrates graphically each concept. Now I realized that it is the best tutorial on how synths work that I’ve seen.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Great introduction
I am a total beginner with Ableton and synthesis in general and I found it very helpful not only for learning Operator but for synthesis in general. The instructor's voice is very clear and present very well.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 3 years ago
A good overview, but doesn't go very deep
It's fine as an introduction to Operator, but it is a rather ordinary and dry walkthrough, and it would have been more useful to see how it can be used in musical situations, and hear some demonstrations in that way.
I am a: Student, Musician, Producer, Beat Maker, Sound Designer, Ableton Live
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 3 years ago
Tutorial Series should have been called Ableton Live Operator Explained
For someone who has used Ableton Live for a good few years now, one would only learn a few things from these videos. I for example only found the videos "Envelope Loops", "Velocity" and "Key Tracking" to be helpful. I was expecting more examples of synthesizing sounds using Operator (given the title of the series), and NOT a full explanation of how Operator works. Even at that, it failed to mention a crucial aspect of the Operator; in that the Coarse knobs controlled harmonics (not octaves and semitones) and the Fine knobs span an octave divided into 1000 steps. I would say the pacing of the videos were indeed good, the lecturer was very knowledgeable and the quality is of Groove3 standards, but the content is more suited for the beginner to the intermediate I would say. If you are looking to learn the inside and out of the Operator synth, then this video is indeed for you. If you are looking to learn how to expand your synthesis techniques with Operator via examples and sound design, then this video may not be for you. But one would argue that in order to improve ones' synthesis technique, one should understand his/her synth of choice inside and out.
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Sound for Film/TV, Ableton Live, Studio One
Response from Customer Service:
Yes, this tutorial is an entry level guide to to Operator so anyone wanting to learn the ins and outs will greatly benefit from it.
I have added a request to our customer request list for you to include synthesis technique and sound design.
Thanks again!
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 4 years ago
Good
Very good
I am a: Professional, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Mastering Facility, Ableton Live, Reason
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 4 years ago
Helpful, technical, wanted more examples
I liked this training on Operator. It walks through each parameter step-by-step with not enough ideas of how to use these parameters in making music. I wanted more examples of actually creating different kinds of sounds.
I am a: Semi-Pro, Professional, Musician, Producer, Beat Maker, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Ableton Live, Logic Pro
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 4 years ago
Great intro to operator
Excellent explanation of the different features, tabs, and shells within operator along with good use of some music theory.
I am a: Beginner
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Reviews
Submitted 3 months ago
Once again blown away by these tutorials
I've been using ableton for about 4-5 months now and now that I have the hang of using it, I wanted to learn to use the instruments in it. Not disappointed at all! Explains sound design while hes at it
I am a: Beginner, Student, Hobbyist, Producer, Beat Maker, Sound Designer, Ableton Live
Submitted 6 months ago
Excellent Tutorial
From the rare tutorials that hooked me learning from start to end. Before this tutorial I have never put attention to Operator, but my love for FM synthesis led me here and I'm glad that I found this one :) I wish there is a similar tutorial for Collision by the same tutor. This is a great tutorial :) Thank you!
I am a: Hobbyist
Submitted 2 years ago
One of the best tutorials in groove3
In my opinion this is one of the best tutorials in groove3. Very systematic, gradual and methodical explanation of how synthesizers work. I love that use of spectrum plug in that illustrates graphically each concept. Now I realized that it is the best tutorial on how synths work that I’ve seen.
Submitted 2 years ago
Great introduction
I am a total beginner with Ableton and synthesis in general and I found it very helpful not only for learning Operator but for synthesis in general. The instructor's voice is very clear and present very well.
Submitted 3 years ago
A good overview, but doesn't go very deep
It's fine as an introduction to Operator, but it is a rather ordinary and dry walkthrough, and it would have been more useful to see how it can be used in musical situations, and hear some demonstrations in that way.
I am a: Student, Musician, Producer, Beat Maker, Sound Designer, Ableton Live
Submitted 3 years ago
Tutorial Series should have been called Ableton Live Operator Explained
For someone who has used Ableton Live for a good few years now, one would only learn a few things from these videos. I for example only found the videos "Envelope Loops", "Velocity" and "Key Tracking" to be helpful. I was expecting more examples of synthesizing sounds using Operator (given the title of the series), and NOT a full explanation of how Operator works. Even at that, it failed to mention a crucial aspect of the Operator; in that the Coarse knobs controlled harmonics (not octaves and semitones) and the Fine knobs span an octave divided into 1000 steps. I would say the pacing of the videos were indeed good, the lecturer was very knowledgeable and the quality is of Groove3 standards, but the content is more suited for the beginner to the intermediate I would say. If you are looking to learn the inside and out of the Operator synth, then this video is indeed for you. If you are looking to learn how to expand your synthesis techniques with Operator via examples and sound design, then this video may not be for you. But one would argue that in order to improve ones' synthesis technique, one should understand his/her synth of choice inside and out.
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Sound for Film/TV, Ableton Live, Studio One
Response from Customer Service:
Yes, this tutorial is an entry level guide to to Operator so anyone wanting to learn the ins and outs will greatly benefit from it.
I have added a request to our customer request list for you to include synthesis technique and sound design.
Thanks again!
Submitted 4 years ago
Good
Very good
I am a: Professional, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Mastering Facility, Ableton Live, Reason
Submitted 4 years ago
Helpful, technical, wanted more examples
I liked this training on Operator. It walks through each parameter step-by-step with not enough ideas of how to use these parameters in making music. I wanted more examples of actually creating different kinds of sounds.
I am a: Semi-Pro, Professional, Musician, Producer, Beat Maker, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Ableton Live, Logic Pro
Submitted 4 years ago
Great intro to operator
Excellent explanation of the different features, tabs, and shells within operator along with good use of some music theory.
I am a: Beginner
1. When did you start dabbling in music?
I have been living and breathing music, and music technology, for most of my life. I first got into music by learning guitar over 20 years ago, at around 11 years old, and after playing in bands throughout my school years. I studied Audio engineering at college, at first with analogue tape and MIDI gear using external synths and an early version of Cubase.
2. What training have you had?
After leaving school and earning a living playing in bands for a while I started working in live sound in the mid 1990s, working on a lot of live music events, large and small, while still writing and producing my own music, both solo and with various different bands. By this time my music took more electronic focus, switching to Logic to sequence samplers, synths and drum machines, and record live instruments and vocals.
3. When did you get into recording?
From 2000 I worked in a production studio in the UK, mainly using Logic, Cubase SX, Nuendo, Wavelab, Sound Forge and the Waves plug-ins for audio engineering, and Reason and Acid for music composition, until discovering Ableton Live in 2002.
4. People you have worked with/for?
When MIDI was added to Live in version 4, I focused much more on using Ableton Live with Native Instruments and Waves Plug-ins, getting to know them intimately. Over the last few years I have been an internal tester for Ableton’s upcoming versions and I am also an Ableton Certified Trainer.
5. Why are you so good at training people?
I am good at training people because I have an intimate relationship and passion with the technology I use. I strive to develop a deep understanding of the tools I use and genuinely want to share that expereince with others
Products by Craig
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tutorial videoAbleton Live 8 Explained - Vol 1
This collection of Ableton Live video tutorials, presented by Ableton Certified Trainer Craig McCullough, will explain the features and functions of one of the worlds most revolutionary DAW’s, Ableton Live. Learn the important basics right the first time as Craig takes you through them step by step.
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tutorial videoAbleton Live 8 Explained - Vol 2
This collection of advanced Ableton Live video tutorials, presented by Ableton Certified Trainer Craig McCullough, will explain the deeper features and functions of Ableton Live. Craig offers knowledge that is sure to take your Ableton Live skills to the next level and make you a master.
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tutorial videoAbleton Live Clip Tricks
Use Ableton Live? Well then you need to know all of these awesome clip tricks! Ableton Certified Trainer Craig McCullough takes you through all of his personal favorites, one by one, in this power packed micro series, empowering you and your Ableton Live knowledge to work faster and more creatively.
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tutorial videoDesigning Electronic Drums
Ableton Certified Trainer Craig McCullough reveals the steps to design fat, brilliant modern and classic electronic drum sounds. The techniques Craig shows you can then be applied in any DAW and to any type of sound to make them stand out and be noticed!
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tutorial videoDJ with Ableton Live - Vol 1
Ableton Certified Trainer Craig McCullough takes you through the fundamentals of DJ'ing with Live, demystifying commonly misunderstood and overlooked skills and techniques needed to create a solid DJ set, and get the club moving.
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