How do you learn to synthesize the sounds you want?

[James Stichbury]

Hi,
Firstly thanks for your answers on my previous question, its really appreciated - there is only so much reading & digging you can do until you get stuck with questions!
Another question.. (i have a lot - hope you don't mind

How do you learn to synthesize the sounds you want?

Is it years of trial and error until you just know? Or is there a good book on which waveforms achieve which sounds that you could recommend?
For example right now i'm trying to make what i can only label as background "atmospheric/progressive" sounds - metal clanking type sounds.. hmm.. hard to explain! i'll add an mp3 so you get the idea..


thanks again

[stevenlibby]

I wouldn't classify the clip as atmospheric/progressive personally... I can say that you might tweak a clavinet type lead sound to acheive that "metal clanging type sounds"...and layer with a bass to thicken it up... That instrument has a percussive effect for sure.

My personal answer to your other question regarding programming synths would be from my own experience... Pick a good analog synth like a Virus, and really get your head into it... Play with different patches and start tweaking them to your own liking. Not necessarily randomly just twist knobs...but pay attention to exactly what you are doing, and eventually it will all make sense...

If you don't own an analog synth, then start with an softsynth like the Novation V-station- I'd say it's very easy to use, and sounds pretty good...

Good luck

[admin]

James,

When I learned to synthesize it was forced. This was due to my Juno 106 memory being erased when I had it serviced, so I had to make all my own sounds. Or other synths like the Minimoog had no memory at all so each sound was from scratch.

The sounds you are referencing here could just be any odd preset with some extra filtering. The lower clangy sound seems like its got an autofilter on it.
The other one I'm not sure of, mainly just effects.

Besides synthesizing using the right plugins makes a big difference as well. Nowadays I might not do the synthesizing on my own but I will do lots of processing to get things happening.

In case you didn't see the thread I will be putting up some free patches soon and also making a video on how I made them so watch out for that.

Oh and don't mind asking questions, thats what the forum is here for. We've all been "stuck" many times before so I created this area to help with that.