Best book to learn sound design with? (Not off topic!)

[Arkaic]

I've got Zebra (love it!) and can churn out a synth sound here and there, but I really want to get to know the fundamental principles of sound design so I can learn to develop better patches with zebra.

So, what I'm looking for is a book that will guide me through the wonderful world of synthesis. But, I'd like it so that I can use Zebra as a companion, to put into practice what is being covered in the book. I had bought the book "How to make a Noise", but the requirement of using all sorts of different synths that i didn't own in the tutorials really turned me off.

So, any suggestions would be much appreciated!
(Yes, I'm aware that messing around with patches will help me learn, but for once I have the time to dedicate to really studying and learning synthesis)

[lazerkind]

The Sound Design forum here on KVR is a good place to look.

Otherwise you will just have to wait for "Howards bible of Zebra synthesiZ"

//L

[psycox]

http://www.theprojectstudiohandbook.com/articles17.htm
there are nice links

http://access-music.de/downloads.php4?p ... p&file=167
this tutorial is for writen for virus but you can take this know how to zebra2

[tboulette]

I found the Sound on Sound "Synth Secrets" series to be invaluable. (Sorry for the alliteration -- not intentional.) They're available at the Sound on Sound website:

http://www.soundonsound.com/

[Tarekith]

I found the Sound on Sound "Synth Secrets" series to be invaluable. (Sorry for the alliteration -- not intentional.) They're available at the Sound on Sound website:

http://www.soundonsound.com/

+1, one of the best resources on synthesis I've ever read. I have them all printed and in a binder for days when I just need new ideas.

[Arkaic]

Bump.

I have a hard time with these websites, just because I can understand the concepts in my head, but am not sure how to actually apply them effectively in the process of making a desired sound. I know playing around with presets and Zebra is a good solution, but it really hasn't got me anywhere. It seems like I can never make synths that go beyond sounding like standard waveforms.

Ideally, some day someone will make a great Zebra tutorial, but until then, meh.

/venting

[mabian]

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/allsynthsecrets.htm



- Mario

[mkastrup]

Bump.

I have a hard time with these websites, just because I can understand the concepts in my head, but am not sure how to actually apply them effectively in the process of making a desired sound. I know playing around with presets and Zebra is a good solution, but it really hasn't got me anywhere. It seems like I can never make synths that go beyond sounding like standard waveforms.

Ideally, some day someone will make a great Zebra tutorial, but until then, meh.

/venting

While you (wait) for that day you could narrow things a bit down by analyzing which type of sounds you prefer. I gave your 8 tracks a listen and you seem to have the harmonies right and i like the mellow touch. One thing came to mind when listening, guitar.. are you good with guitar ? The type of music i heard didnt quite invite to drastic synthsounds, it would disturb the overall feel. The sounds i imagined would fit that kind of music is a mix of good GM (General MIDI) sounds mixed with broad pads. It may sound boring but some of the arrangements would fit very well with a Rhodes piano dubbed with a mild pad.

Another thing, what about the online manual for Zebra, have you been thru that one ?

/Michael

[Arkaic]

Bump.

I have a hard time with these websites, just because I can understand the concepts in my head, but am not sure how to actually apply them effectively in the process of making a desired sound. I know playing around with presets and Zebra is a good solution, but it really hasn't got me anywhere. It seems like I can never make synths that go beyond sounding like standard waveforms.

Ideally, some day someone will make a great Zebra tutorial, but until then, meh.

/venting

While you (wait) for that day you could narrow things a bit down by analyzing which type of sounds you prefer. I gave your 8 tracks a listen and you seem to have the harmonies right and i like the mellow touch. One thing came to mind when listening, guitar.. are you good with guitar ? The type of music i heard didnt quite invite to drastic synthsounds, it would disturb the overall feel. The sounds i imagined would fit that kind of music is a mix of good GM (General MIDI) sounds mixed with broad pads. It may sound boring but some of the arrangements would fit very well with a Rhodes piano dubbed with a mild pad.

Another thing, what about the online manual for Zebra, have you been thru that one ?

/Michael

Thanks for the input, I appreciate it, especially when I get frustrated.

I guess with my particular style, I'll only really have a few "major synths" playing important melodies or harmonies, as well as a bass and maybe electronic drums. I kind of treat my tracks like I was a one-man band, so it's as if each synth had person playing it. This generally means about maybe 5 or so instruments are playing at any given time, making things more minimal. Consequently, I like the synths that I do have to really stand-out and be interesting, as they're one of the major parts driving the song.

As for guitar, I've never played it. I've only had minimal piano lessons, enough so I know about scales and chord progressions, but that's about as far as it goes.

I've been looking through the Zebra manual and playing around with sounds, making patches. I've been itching to make a song, but for me, songs usually evolve from when I make a really awesome synth patch and accompanying melody. Since I'm not too confident in my programming, it takes a while.

(note: I only consider maybe the first two songs on my soundclick to be representative of me where I am now.)

Thanks for the advice though, it's so helpful just to get some insight into these kinds of things.