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Hardware Instruments => MicroBrute => MicroBrute - General discussion => Topic started by: Hiphopblues on November 29, 2013, 02:14:21 pm

Title: Synth Education - I want to learn analog synth programming
Post by: Hiphopblues on November 29, 2013, 02:14:21 pm
Hello all,
 
Just got Microbrute, and I am having a blast.  My first analog synth (probably lots of people in the same boat).   I am hoping Arturia can provide some synth basics for us first-timers (or the other forum members).   I have kind of randomly come up with some good sounds, but would love to figure out how to get some of the sounds I have in my head or have heard on other synths.  I also want to congratulate Arturia on creating something so affordable, yet so powerful.  Microbrute is a synth for the people.   Thanks.  Also, been watching  Automatic Gainsay's video tutorials on Microbrute.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzj4QQiw8Dg   I recommend this for beginners like me.
Hiphopblues
Title: Re: Synth Education - I want to learn analog synth programming
Post by: ChuckL on December 01, 2013, 02:57:13 am
The manual has a decent intro to synthesis, and breaks down each section.

A good way to learn is to play with each part of the synth separately. On page 14 of the manual is the "basic patch". You should start with that*, and pick a part of the synth you want to understand. When you get lost, or you want to try something else, always go back to that "initialized" state.

Even though the synthesis is subtractive, I find it is easy to make complex sounds(and know how I got there) by taking an additive approach with the available elements.

*Start with the saw oscillator at 50%, not maximum. As you tweak the oscillator section, and this is most noticeable in the triangle wave, you will see that going beyond 50-60% slightly overdrives the wave, changing its harmonic content and thus it's sound.
Title: Re: Synth Education - I want to learn analog synth programming
Post by: Hiphopblues on December 02, 2013, 05:57:52 pm
Thanks, I am working my way through it.
Hiphopblues
Title: Re: Synth Education - I want to learn analog synth programming
Post by: Hiphopblues on December 05, 2013, 01:52:17 pm
FYI for beginners:  Macprovideo has some great tutorials, including Synthesis Basics by Marc Doty/Mg (currently doing the Youtube vids on Microbrute under Automatic Gainsay).  I recommend it for beginners like myself.  He explains everything using a variety of synthesizers to the point where I can now start applying the basics he is teaching to the Microbrute.   Enjoy!
Hiphopblues
Title: Re: Synth Education - I want to learn analog synth programming
Post by: KrisM on December 07, 2013, 01:30:29 am
ALL THE SYNTH TUTORIALS!  :D

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/allsynthsecrets.htm
Title: Re: Synth Education - I want to learn analog synth programming
Post by: psr on January 02, 2014, 04:25:36 am
FYI for beginners:  Macprovideo has some great tutorials, including Synthesis Basics by Marc Doty/Mg (currently doing the Youtube vids on Microbrute under Automatic Gainsay).  I recommend it for beginners like myself.  He explains everything using a variety of synthesizers to the point where I can now start applying the basics he is teaching to the Microbrute.   Enjoy!
Hiphopblues

agreed. I love that tutorial series and Marc is nothing short of amazing in the way he teaches with the technical and the historical aspects. makes it fun and very interesting.
I reviewed that module of tutorials here http://bboytechreport.com/2012/11/14/review-macprovideo-coms-the-foundation-of-synthesis/

Also a really good book is by Rob Papen "The 4 Element Synth"... you will learn synthesis in a really comprehensive way. And even if you donrt read it from cover to cover you will have a great point of reference at your disposal. I always refer to it.
http://bboytechreport.com/2013/07/12/bookclub-the-4-element-synth-by-rob-papen/
Title: Re: Synth Education - I want to learn analog synth programming
Post by: inkuplex on January 08, 2014, 11:28:57 am
Marc is amazing, it's great to see such sincerity and passion in a niche community. Also his Microbrute overview and Yamaha DX-7 review are hilarious.
Title: Re: Synth Education - I want to learn analog synth programming
Post by: yusynth on January 09, 2014, 08:21:39 am
For the french speaking fellows there is an excellent series of tutorial with the MiniBrute and MicroBrute by a canadian chap : Franco La Muerte.

http://www.youtube.com/user/francolamuerte/videos
Title: Re: Synth Education - I want to learn analog synth programming
Post by: Punkhund on October 18, 2014, 12:01:40 am
Take a look at Syntorial if you want to learn by trial and error.
It help me alot.

http://www.syntorial.com/