Zebra2, Diva and ACE mini-tuts in YouTube

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BlackT wrote:Are these tutorials a good way to get started?

I bought Zebra2 today, it's my first synthesizer and I have absolutely zero knowledge about what things like LFO1 or XMF1 do, for example. I have read the manual and although it says how to use Zebra it is difficult to read if you are a beginner, like me.

I'm trying to figure out what is the best way for me to get started.
Trial-and-error, load patches, try to see what the effects do while also using the manual and maybe the tutorials on YT?
I think this feeling is really common around here and across the net really. There are so many people getting into synthesis these days and there really is a dearth of resources for the true newbies. It won't take you long to figure out the common synth components. Google around do a little reading and you will have it down with negligible time invested. Synth programming is another story however...

Howard's tutorials are great, don't get me wrong, but to me they usually cover the more esoteric features of the synth or other very specific techniques. In other words, they seem to cater more towards intermediate and advanced users and not really towards beginners. Some elements of the manual read this way as well. Also, narration of synth programming tutorials is underrated. Seeing the sound crafted from the beginning and actually hearing why certain tweaks are being made is so much easier than reverse engineering a preset or reading textual explanations. Sorry to sound like a whiner--I don't mean to sound like a complete critic. Howard's presets, tutorial and the revised manual are absolutely fantastic and I think these resources are a big reason why users choose to support U-he products.

Perhaps selfishly, I would love to see narrated tutorials dealing with how to make classic, ubiquitous EDM and/or VA 80s sounds. I would do this myself but I simply lack the skills. I'm getting better by the day but it's a slow process.

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Hi there are already a plethora of subtractive synthesis (etc) tutorials, articles and techniques dispersed all over the web in various places for the synth novice. It is the technique and TRICKS that Howard is so kind to supply that one hardly ever..or even NEVER sees mentioned and I think that is Fantastic. Also this thing about NARRATED tutorials is OVERRATED. Why? Because that adds more time to the tutorial polishing process and I think I would rather have more tutorials than I would to wait forever for U-he to have time to set aside to produce some kind of narrated What Do Envelopes Do. - I do agree however that SOME of those mini-tutorials move at a fairly brisk pace and have great potential to lose the viewer but anytime I've fallen off-track I can go back and hit pause a few times to get a better understanding. We have to remember as well that these are FREE lessons and that means that TIME is donated to the general public for Howard divulging his techniques with absolutely nothing in compensation but perhaps a few YouTube comments saying Thank you and then a few more saying..please talk during your tutorials. I say this to people who need narration. #1 Consider what I said above about time vs quantity of lessons. #2 READ. #3 Make good use of the YouTube pause button (I know I have) and window expanding button. #4 No other developer is doing this AFAIK so be happy with what U-he are kind enough to provide after-market. And with that THANK YOU U-he very very much for the Mini-Tutorials you've made thus far.

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Thanks for those heartening words, snigelx! I was starting to think I was on the wrong track doing such short, non-narrated videos, and should leave it up to the pros e.g. Dan Worrall. BTW the main reason I don't narrate is that I'm not a good speaker 8)

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Very thankful for the valuable time already on offer. Keep up the GREAT work.
The thing about you not being a good speaker is NOT limited to you or even a few folk, I feel ya for one. I would be quite nervous and I would need some kind of paper to tell me keep me on track and I am quite certain there would be a need for editing afterward. Time does not grow on trees (And besides, I'm convinced Dan is not human ;P)... And he doesn't have a giant volume of tutorial on offer for free mind you

Also: It's really nice with the extra Tips and Homework section of each tutorial I've been through so far. Most guys just put a short descrip down in the video info space but you're offering MORE than what is on-screen. I've got a Word doc that I have copied everything into up till now and saved as Mini-Tutorial notes. So keep that trend up!

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snigelx wrote:Make good use of the YouTube pause button (I know I have) and window expanding button.
I just found this Youtube shortcut: once the video has buffered a bit, the number keys across your keyboard will jump to 10%, 20%, 30%, etc. This is SUCH a speedy way to zip forward and backward through a video.

This works in Firefox on Mac. Haven't tested it anywhere else.

Keep up the good work, Howard!

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joelcorriveau wrote:
snigelx wrote:Make good use of the YouTube pause button (I know I have) and window expanding button.
I just found this Youtube shortcut: once the video has buffered a bit, the number keys across your keyboard will jump to 10%, 20%, 30%, etc. This is SUCH a speedy way to zip forward and backward through a video. This works in Firefox on Mac. Haven't tested it anywhere else. Keep up the good work, Howard!
Nice one, Joel! I had no idea about that. :tu: Works wonderfully in Chrome on PC as well, I see. Cheers

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Howard's mini tutorials are great, and they were one of the final pushes to finally get that Zebra synth, but for an absolute starter some things have to be explained.

If I'm allowed to share this personal route:

1/ I started with Zircon's four tutorials on YouTube

(link to the first)

2/ Meanwile I printed out the manual (only one side printed and at the back side space for notes and remarks) and read it from start to finish, not caring about details I forgot on the way.

3/ Then I loaded several patches and observed how the were constructed.

4/ Now Howard's mini tutorials have many added dimensions I hadn't grasped before.

This now is a period of experimenting and playing. Afterwards I'll read the manual again, and then I'll be ready for intermediate level.
Which does not mean that I don't already save some exciting constructions.

8)
Windows 7, Cubase 9.5 and some extra plug-ins | Takamine EN-10C and PRS Mira

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Never heard of those tuts.

Gonna download all 70 clips for later offline watch. ;)

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Actually, did we ever mention the growing number of Diva tuts?

There's more, where this is:


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Urs wrote:Actually, did we ever mention the growing number of Diva tuts?

There's more, where this is:

As always, thanks for the tuts! Once or twice a week, I sit down and go through some of Howard's videos, they're very helpful.

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I bump this up to give indication of a strong desire be further schooled on Diva (whenever time permits). *ducking in case Howard throws something at me*

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I agree, Howard's tutorials are extremely valuable and I think the Zebra ones are unique in that you have a huge collection of some rather advanced methods of sound design using a single synth, and one of the very best synths (if not the best). I think the collection is somewhat historic actually, partly because Howard is such a highly regarded artist who clearly has made an important and distinctive mark on synthesis.

For those looking for a comprehensive introductory video to DIVA, MacProVideo has one that's pretty good in my opinion.

http://play.macprovideo.com/diva-demystified/intro
ALL YOUR DATA ARE BELONG TO US - Google

https://soundcloud.com/dan-ling
http://danling.com

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snigelx wrote:something
:smack: (jokingly)

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Gonga wrote:For those looking for a comprehensive introductory video to DIVA, MacProVideo has one that's pretty good in my opinion. http://play.macprovideo.com/diva-demystified/intro
Yes, that is indeed a nice video. Used to have an account with MPV, but I never divulged that I use a Win PC ;P

But seriously, that is a great intro video, esp. if one is considering to purchase this synthesizer.

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Howard wrote:
snigelx wrote:something
:smack: (jokingly)
No pain, no gain, Master! :hihi: :hug: (brotherly)

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