Synth Cookbook vs Noisemaker

[mylkoa]

Most manuals I have read rarely, if ever, explain the synths in the detail needed in order to program the patches in Fred Welsh's book. Using spectrometers and oscilloscope VSTs, I had to rely on my own ability to deduce what each parameter in my synth "meant" in terms of numbers. For example, to deduce the significance of the envelope amount depth level in the VST "Analog", I created a sound that used only a noise oscillator. Next, I cranked up the Resonance on the filter to 100%, and I set a very long attack and decay on the filter envelope. This caused the filter to move very slowly as it was modulated by the envelope. Next I experimented with various values in the envelope depth parameter (it ranges from -16 to +16, in my case), and I watched the peak of the filter on the spectrometer move, noting it's highest points and lowest points according to the values I set. In this way, I was able to deduce that a value of +1 modulated the filter's value to twice it's starting frequency, and that a value of +2 modulated the filter's frequency to four times it's initial set value, and so forth.

Using methods like these, I was able to learn my synth "inside and out". It took a long time, and I still don't understand every aspect, but I think it has helped me understand synthesis better, and improved my skills at reverse engineering patches. Plus, I think I'm better prepared now to deconstruct more complicated synths and figure out how they work, which means access to the knowledge of more complicated sound design

I created a short tutorial with some basics about Fred Welsh's book and Analog here:

http://aempass.blogspot.com/2014/09/ana ... kbook.html

Feedback is welcome. Cheers!

[rod_zero]

Syntorials is the best way to learn, it trains your ear.

I readed many books and watched many tutorials and while I knew how to use a sinthetizer I couldn't get the timbre I was looking for.

Also another great way to learn is to get a knoby hardware synth and delete the presets and start making music, this will force you to learn.

[arkmabat]

I got both books when I ordered cookbook on amazon! Very happy.

[xx JPRacer xx]

A book is nice but to really learn you must hear and practice too. Syntorial is the best tool to learn and come with its own synth too.

http://www.syntorial.com