(Z2) Patch from scratch 1

[condra]

Hi guys.

I was hoping some people would like to discuss patch making in Zebra 2, with specific patches in mind. There are so many discussions on features, but few on how exactly one creates a patch from scratch.

If you go here:
http://www.synthmania.com/
.. there are lots of examples of classic patches and sounds.

I was hoping some seasoned Zebra users would care to discuss how (*and why!) they would do certain things to aim for a certain sound. Maybe we could do this with a few different sounds
It would really help beginners and middle weight synthesists, so I'm asking you, please reply with your thoughts.

The first example I'd like to use is the reverse bass sound used in "Flat Beat" by Mr Oizo.
http://www.synthmania.com/Audio%20Files ... 20Beat.mp3
or similar:
http://www.synthmania.com/Synthesizers/ ... 20Bass.mp3

Personally, I'd like to know how you would describe the sound (in terma of synthesis). Obviously there is a filter opening, but what about oscillators? tuning and width?

I tried to recreate it myself in Zebra 2 but failed
http://www.condraonline.com/files/oizopatch1.mp3

I suppose its getting there.

So what would you use regarding oscillators?
I made a kind of cross between a saw and a square but I dont think it really did the trick. The reason I used that sort of waveform was because I thought the saw has a lot to work with, and the square might contribute to the sort of hallow reedy sound that can be heard in the second example when the note is held.

Very interested to hear your thoughts on this, especially anyone who would like to post an mp3/patch of their own version.

Thanks for reading.

[mkastrup]

Hi condra

I'm not a DnB type so this is kinda hard to approach but i gave it a shot this morning.

The LFO sweeping thing is my first focus:

http://www.michaelkastrup.com/synthdemos/z2_dnb_01.mp3

Patch:

http://www.michaelkastrup.com/synthdemo ... ss_a08.h2p

There are 2 ways to produce backward feel:

1. negative ENV
2. use LFO as VCA signal

In the patch try alter the PHASE on LFO 1
Aftertouch provides the LFO Sweeping.

I know this is only the sweeping part but gotta start somewhere

Cheers

/Michael

[condra]

Dude that f**king rocks.

Thanks so much.

I don't know much about aftertouch or why one would alter the phase but I'll get there.

I'm thinking another key thing about the original patch might be velocity, so that the lfo or filter envelope works quicker at higher velocities, allowing for the quicker (12th) hits.

Cheers again, sounds fantastic!

I'm off now to reverse engineer it to learn more about Zebra.

[Howard]

I'm thinking another key thing about the original patch might be velocity, so that the lfo or filter envelope works quicker at higher velocities, allowing for the quicker (12th) hits.

"I think you'll find" that the attack of the filter envelope in the original doesn't change, it's just the faster notes that give that impression.

I'm off now to reverse engineer it to learn more about Zebra.

Yay! Another one hooked on Z2

[phazed]

Ok, here are my thoughts on creating this sound:

First, the original was done on a KORG MS-20, which is a semi-modular monophonic synthesizer. So I think, you should choose legato mode in the Global/FX section and try to use some overlapping notes when playing the line. When you listen to the sound sample, you'll recognise that some of the notes have an attack and some won't. Legato mode is perfect for that since it doesn't retrigger the envelopes on overlapping notes.

Second, the MS-20 offers 2 filters, a 12db high pass followed by a 12dB low pass. So try to emulate this combination, too. The high pass can be used to give some coloring to the low end of the sound as it also features a resonance control. So let it give some bass boost.

Finally, the modulations. This is the most difficult parts for me to deal with. The MS-20 has no velocity-sensitive keyboard. It offers a modwheel and a trigger button. And, of course, a control for every parameter. I think, at least the lfo speed was changed using its dedicated control at the time of recording.

On Zebra2, I would try to use a combination of modwheel, aftertouch and maybe a third controller (e.g. expression) to get the desired result.

[condra]

Thanks for the reply! Interesting read.

I had a stab at it again last night, and I came closer (than my last effort) using Linplug Alpha.

http://www.condraonline.com/files/condroizo.mp3

[condra]

By the way, where did you read that it was an ms20?

I was told elsewhere that the sound was fairly standard bass patch played backwards, with a little audio editing for the little forward parts.

[mkastrup]

Thanks for the reply! Interesting read.

I had a stab at it again last night, and I came closer (than my last effort) using Linplug Alpha.

http://www.condraonline.com/files/condroizo.mp3

Ahh seems like you getting much closer now great

/Michael

[condra]

Cheers.

I now have a new found respect for Linplug Alpha.

[Howard]

Finally, the modulations. This is the most difficult parts for me to deal with. The MS-20 has no velocity-sensitive keyboard. It offers a modwheel and a trigger button. And, of course, a control for every parameter. I think, at least the lfo speed was changed using its dedicated control at the time of recording. On Zebra2, I would try to use a combination of modwheel, aftertouch and maybe a third controller (e.g. expression) to get the desired result.

All you need is filter envelope with slow attack and similar-speed decay to zero. Couldn't be simpler...might have to increase modulation depth during the fast bits.

[phazed]

All you need is filter envelope with slow attack and similar-speed decay to zero. Couldn't be simpler...might have to increase modulation depth during the fast bits.

Ok, but there are some notes that have a fast attack (offbeat notes). I have no idea how to get these with a slow filter envelope attack.

[Howard]

All you need is filter envelope with slow attack and similar-speed decay to zero. Couldn't be simpler...might have to increase modulation depth during the fast bits.

Ok, but there are some notes that have a fast attack (offbeat notes). I have no idea how to get these with a slow filter envelope attack.

"might have to increase modulation depth during the fast bits."