One Synth Challenge #167: Any One DAW Synth (Taron Wins!)

[z.prime]

Note FX are fine

[FrogsInPants]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but is there anything against using Note FX in Bitwig? Some creative layering with the Note FX could give the illusion of certain effects that are not allowed, but would be achievable by anyone with tedious intricate programming since it is all happening at the MIDI note level.

It's a fine question. Generally, any manipulation of the input to the synth is allowed, whether it's MIDI or parameter automation. Just keep any modulation of the input below audio rate. (In most rounds, commercial effects are also not allowed, although for MIDI effects you could record their output to have a clean final project that does not include them.)

[Examigan]

Well, Cakewalk by Bandlab does not have any synth. So I'll wait and see what February brings us. Bye.

But it has a whole Roland sound canvas.. the competition is your oyster!!

I still own Sonar 8.5 pro... so this van unlock great opportunities with eithe z3ta, dimension pro, roland convas synths or even pentagon... which should I choose?

I would use Z3Ta+.

[puma17]

[EDIT] - this is NOT my submission for this month's challenge.
I've submitted another piece for this month challenge, to stay within the rules. The original "Misfit" can still be found in my SoundCloud page. I've created another post with an updated submission [/EDIT]

This has been a very interesting journey for me.
When I first saw the challenge, I immediately realized I have a problem, as Cakewalk doesn't really have a built-in synth. TTS-1 is a GM2 midi "synth", developed in 2004, with very basic sounds and very (!) minimal adjustments. I never really liked it, and always considered it an inferior sound engine, a bit like windows GM2 implementation...
Then I got frustrated, as I really wanted to participate, but I didn't have the time to find a new DAW (or buy a new DAW) and start a learning curve. And I concluded this was a completely unfair challenge, promoting the pro guys, while I (the misfit) need to move aside.
But then I decided there might be an opening here for me (and for good ol' TTS-1). Maybe I take it "as is", and use my newly acquired duckling-level sound design skills, and try to "get something out of it". And this is when the journey really started. I started browsing the sounds, generously applying effects (reverb and delay, distortion, EQ, etc), and allowed myself to get carried away with the dream-like atmosphere soundscape that was created.

Am happy with the result, and especially happy with the journey.
Yes, TTS-1 is a misfit. But for me misfits have true magic in them. This thought gives me hope

Synth used: TTS-1 (part of Cakewalk)
Effects used:
Deelay, Valhala supermassive, Fire (distortion+compressor+widener), MEqulizer, limited-Z, youlean loudness meter

[IV!]

Here is my submission for this month challenge. Music first, and then a little explanation...
https://soundcloud.com/pomerus/puma17-misfit-osc-167

This has been a very interesting journey for me.
When I first saw the challenge, I immediately realized I have a problem, as Cakewalk doesn't really have a built-in synth. TTS-1 is a GM2 midi "synth", developed in 2004, with very basic sounds and very (!) minimal adjustments. I never really liked it, and always considered it an inferior sound engine, a bit like windows GM2 implementation...
Then I got frustrated, as I really wanted to participate, but I didn't have the time to find a new DAW (or buy a new DAW) and start a learning curve. And I concluded this was a completely unfair challenge, promoting the pro guys, while I (the misfit) need to move aside.
But then I decided there might be an opening here for me (and for good ol' TTS-1). Maybe I take it "as is", and use my newly acquired duckling-level sound design skills, and try to "get something out of it". And this is when the journey really started. I started browsing the sounds, generously applying effects (reverb and delay, distortion, EQ, etc), and allowed myself to get carried away with the dream-like atmosphere soundscape that was created.

Am happy with the result, and especially happy with the journey.
Yes, TTS-1 is a misfit. But for me misfits have true magic in them. This thought gives me hope

Synth used: TTS-1 (part of Cakewalk)
Effects used:
Deelay, Valhala supermassive, Fire (distortion+compressor+widener), MEqulizer, limited-Z, youlean loudness meter

Hi. I was in the same situation with Cakewalk and yes, I agree that the moment with a DAW without synthesizers was not thought out for this month. I, like some other participants, started looking for alternatives. We found basically two ways:
1) Free DAWs with synthesizers: LMMS, Stargate, SunVox (I chose this one), etc. There are also probably free/trial versions of big DAWs. Most DAWs are similar in basic principles, so this could be a great monthly challenge to yourself!)
2) Modular environments that allow you to record audio output. That is, hybrid DAW/Synth. For example: VCV Rack/Cardinal, Bespoke, SunVox (again), etc. It's an even bigger challenge, but it can also be even more fun!)

---

In general, why did I write this... I wondered (and asked) this question at the beginning of the month and I am sure that TTS-1 is not fair game, because whatever the basis of its engine (sf2/PCM), these are essentially samples that are directly prohibited by the OSC rules. I'm sorry to say this, but the sooner the better. And I hope that you will find inspiration to try something different this month or join us in the next!
With best wishes!
P.S. Very beautiful music in any case! It would sound great with other instruments too!

[puma17]

Hi. I was in the same situation with Cakewalk and yes, I agree that the moment with a DAW without synthesizers was not thought out for this month. I, like some other participants, started looking for alternatives. We found basically two ways:
1) Free DAWs with synthesizers: LMMS, Stargate, SunVox (I chose this one), etc. There are also probably free/trial versions of big DAWs. Most DAWs are similar in basic principles, so this could be a great monthly challenge to yourself!)
2) Modular environments that allow you to record audio output. That is, hybrid DAW/Synth. For example: VCV Rack/Cardinal, Bespoke, SunVox (again), etc. It's an even bigger challenge, but it can also be even more fun!)

---

In general, why did I write this... I wondered (and asked) this question at the beginning of the month and I am sure that TTS-1 is not fair game, because whatever the basis of its engine (sf2/PCM), these are essentially samples that are directly prohibited by the OSC rules. I'm sorry to say this, but the sooner the better. And I hope that you will find inspiration to try something different this month or join us in the next!
With best wishes!
P.S. Very beautiful music in any case! It would sound great with other instruments too!

Thank you for your kind and sensible words, and thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed response. I really appreciate it

[] Peter:H []

Little bit OT but I had to pacify my inner nerd by doing some weird nerd stuff with Bitwig the Grid.
1.) First and most nerdy I have implemented the iteration function of the mandelbrot equation, see viewtopic.php?p=8596291#p8596291
2.) Second and only a little less nerdy, I have created a Noise-Spliced-Saw Oscillator where 1/3 of a sawtooth waveform is replaced by noise... The following animated give shows the Oscillator where the noise part ran through S&H. I think one can easily create the "leave-on-out" Oscillator thing which I have first saw in Fathom Synth, see for more and the patch viewtopic.php?p=8596995#p8596995

Bitwg Saw-Sliced-Noise animated.gif

[nenneb]

Hi folks,
finally I'm back on again after a while
As I use MuLab with its extremely flexible MUX I felt I had to participate. 14 instances of MuSynth (no samples of course!) and some MUX-reverb, echo, compressor, EQ and the very new "note stutterer". The only external effects are "MHorse P3" and "LoudMax" in the MasterTrack.
So this is my entry - enjoy!
https://soundcloud.com/nenneb/muxination

[] Peter:H []

Sorry, for another nerd post ... I have decided it's time to try my own take on MSEG in Bitwig The Grid.
I came up with a prototype with two segments... you see the two connected linear segements in the middle of a phase signal? That's the two segements I have defined ... Could be easily extendend to more.

MSEG Demo animated.gif

More - Please check out here: viewtopic.php?t=592072

[silverpants]

Little bit OT but I had to pacify my inner nerd by doing some weird nerd stuff with Bitwig the Grid.
1.) First and most nerdy I have implemented the iteration function of the mandelbrot equation, see viewtopic.php?p=8596291#p8596291
2.) Second and only a little less nerdy, I have created a Noise-Spliced-Saw Oscillator where 1/3 of a sawtooth waveform is replaced by noise... The following animated give shows the Oscillator where the noise part ran through S&H. I think one can easily create the "leave-on-out" Oscillator thing which I have first saw in Fathom Synth, see for more and the patch viewtopic.php?p=8596995#p8596995

Bitwg Saw-Sliced-Noise animated.gif

I'm glad you pointed out your mandelbrot thread - else I'd have never seen it. I'm fascinated by the Mandelbrot and I often dive into it exploring. I love chaos in general. Amazing how much complexity can come out of Z = Z^2 + C. The universe is a strange place. Even just the maths. I'm really impressed that you're trying to work it into music. I've tried in my own way in the past too.

[kylebenjamin]

Little bit OT but I had to pacify my inner nerd by doing some weird nerd stuff with Bitwig the Grid.
1.) First and most nerdy I have implemented the iteration function of the mandelbrot equation, see viewtopic.php?p=8596291#p8596291
2.) Second and only a little less nerdy, I have created a Noise-Spliced-Saw Oscillator where 1/3 of a sawtooth waveform is replaced by noise... The following animated give shows the Oscillator where the noise part ran through S&H. I think one can easily create the "leave-on-out" Oscillator thing which I have first saw in Fathom Synth, see for more and the patch viewtopic.php?p=8596995#p8596995

Bitwg Saw-Sliced-Noise animated.gif

I'm glad you pointed out your mandelbrot thread - else I'd have never seen it. I'm fascinated by the Mandelbrot and I often dive into it exploring. I love chaos in general. Amazing how much complexity can come out of Z = Z^2 + C. The universe is a strange place. Even just the maths. I'm really impressed that you're trying to work it into music. I've tried in my own way in the past too.

I second all of this.

[dakkra]

My Submission:

https://soundcloud.com/dakkra/dakkra-lexapro-kvrosc-167



DAW: Bitwig Studio 4.4.6
Synth: 10x Bitwig's GRID
FX (All Bitwig Native):

• 6x Dynamics
• 5x Compressor
• 5x EQ+ (Yes I know it has phase issues, bite me, it's easy to use)
• 1x Filter
• 3x Delay+
• 2x Reverb
• 1x Pitch Shifter (used in Reverb tank only to make shimmer verb, not on dry signal)
• 1x Multiband FX-3 (Three-band compressor)
• 1x Peak LImiter

No plugins/vsts used All pure Bitwig

All modulation FX done inside each grid instance as shown in video, meaning it's part of the synth itself (also done per-voice as a result lol). A stock wavetable was used for basic shapes in WT oscillator.

Cheers and good luck all!

[] Peter:H []

Little bit OT but I had to pacify my inner nerd by doing some weird nerd stuff with Bitwig the Grid.
1.) First and most nerdy I have implemented the iteration function of the mandelbrot equation, see viewtopic.php?p=8596291#p8596291
2.) Second and only a little less nerdy, I have created a Noise-Spliced-Saw Oscillator where 1/3 of a sawtooth waveform is replaced by noise... The following animated give shows the Oscillator where the noise part ran through S&H. I think one can easily create the "leave-on-out" Oscillator thing which I have first saw in Fathom Synth, see for more and the patch viewtopic.php?p=8596995#p8596995

Bitwg Saw-Sliced-Noise animated.gif

I'm glad you pointed out your mandelbrot thread - else I'd have never seen it. I'm fascinated by the Mandelbrot and I often dive into it exploring. I love chaos in general. Amazing how much complexity can come out of Z = Z^2 + C. The universe is a strange place. Even just the maths. I'm really impressed that you're trying to work it into music. I've tried in my own way in the past too.

Thanks for the feedback, silverpants. I'm not 100% sure the mandelbrot iteration is of much value for music, it was meant to be a proof of concept for me. Now that I have the blueprint for how to compute a iterative function it's possible to compute which ever iterative function I like. I remember there was a bifurcation function which is somehow related to mandelbrot ... I think I'll try that next.
And now that I have some fun with math in bitwig I think I will do some experiments with spline paths as well ... see and somewhere I saw a very complicated function for saturation/distortion. It should be possible as well ... long story short - there's more to come

[briefcasemanx]

Semi-interested in joining and using Reason's Thor, but I hate sequencing in Reason itself and would like to use Studio One with the Reason rack plugin. Probably against the rules though, I'm guessing it matters (for some reason) where the midi notes controlling the synth come from.

[toadhjo]

To my esteemed Reaper colleagues: I have tried out the JS ReaRack scripts and am thrilled at what they can produce in the end. It is a collection of scripts that make a modular synthesizer possible, so you can e.g. connect generators for the envelope with the amplifier but also with the filter and in Reaper you can modulate EVERY parameter anyway. Since there are sound oscillators but also a noise generator, I was able to create plucks, leads, drums, FX and pads with it and I'm surprised how good it sounds in the end.

Here's my current state, maybe I'll change it a bit before the month is out:

https://soundcloud.com/frank-geppert-19 ... al_sharing

A very fine piece you have here! I was planning to write this month off but I might have to reconsider. ReaRack is daunting but the sample projects are helping me understand it better.

Caustic for Android was my other option. It even has a modular synth built in! But fiddling with multiple synthesizer instances on my phone's screen grows tiresome quickly.