KVR Audio

Subfix · Post by **Subfix** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 6:00 am

I was wondering if anyone knew of a good resource on the 'net that explained how different types of synthesis worked semi-in-depth.

I'm new to the world of synths and can't seem to find a good place to explain how all of the different types work and the differences in sound etc. that make each one unique...

I feel a little uncomfortable turning knobs and changing settings on a piece of software (in my case) and not understanding what I'm doing. I think it would probably be easier for me to accomplish anything by first knowing what the hell I'm doing.

Thanks in advance.

The Chase · Post by **The Chase** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 6:06 am

To be honest I think that would be the worst way to learn synthesis. To me it was always about twisting knobs. Just start with something simple.

rokkon · Post by **rokkon** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 6:08 am

maybe this helps for a start?
http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=76293

rounser · Post by **rounser** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 6:10 am

www.tweakheadz.com
^ This guy is a good starting point. He made some presets for a synth, and offers the best "how to" guide for intermediate or advanced programmers.
www.soundonsound.com
^ Look in their articles for info. If you're hardcore you can look into their synth secrets series, but really they're overkill IMO and a bit oldfashioned (dealing with synthesizing real world instruments like snares and pianos which are really best just sampled).

Subfix · Post by **Subfix** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 6:16 am

Ah, great. Thanks for the resources, this should give me plenty of reading material for awhile...

I don't know much about sampling either, but I noticed this author rokkon linked to also has a sampling book.

This all seems like a good place to start learning.

dystonia_ek · Post by **dystonia_ek** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 2:07 pm

The ARP 2600 user manual is excellent as a starter's guide - the first section is one of the clearest illustrations of subtractive synthesis around.

http://www.synthzone.com/midi/arp/Arp%2 ... Manual.pdf

DWb · Post by **DWb** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 2:42 pm

rounser wrote:www.tweakheadz.com
^ This guy is a good starting point. He made some presets for a synth, and offers the best "how to" guide for intermediate or advanced programmers.

It's good stuff, but he's a bit of an expense-fascist, isn't he?

moppel · Post by **moppel** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 2:46 pm

The first two articles are rather short and IMO good starting points for learning what synthesis is all about.

http://www.analoguesque.com/otherstuff.htm

Synthesis explained