Synth for learning how to use a Synthesizer

[ChanceB]

If you are an absolute beginner check this out,it will teach you the basics of subtractive synthesis and help you understand any of the synths you already have plus it’s free (Ableton is not required)

https://learningsynths.ableton.com/

[_leras]

-All synths from FL Studio Producer Edition
-Massive
-Massive X
-Monark (Reaktor 6)
-Super 8 (Reaktor 6)

Thank You.

I'd say start with Super 8. It's fairly simple.

After that monark which is similar.

Then OG massive, which kinda seperates out the envelopes and LFOs in an more modular/generic way. Also has the pattern sequencer. It can make complicated sounds, but has a simple approach to it (mostly).

[GruvSyco]

I would personally go with VCV Rack so you get an actual understanding of what each component does. Then maybe as you learn stuff, try to apply it to a pre-patched synth.

It wasn't until I got into modulars that I really understood a VCA. They are always represented so minimally on a pre-patched synth even though they are present all over the synth. It's also a fantastic way to learn about modulation.

Get VCV, it's free. Learn some shit, then move onto whatever else in a few weeks. It will probably accelerate your learning curve dramatically.

[Digivolt]

Syntorial has a module for massive so it may be most useful for you to learn on the basic synth that comes with it for the tutorials and then migrate to the massive tutorials

Otherwise Pigments is probably the most user friendly for learning

[vitocorleone123]

Monark. Syntorial.

The fastest way I learned subtractive synthesis after years of using plugins was hardware analog with a 1:1 interface. I learned more in months than I had in previous years.

[El°HYM]

Yeah, a simple subtractive one might be the best e.g. Moog or even Korg.

Another good easy software synth would be the 'most slept on' Invader 2.

https://www.e-phonic.com/invader.html

[osiris]

Just picked up Super 8. Agree this is a good synth to learn basics on.

[Pridiz]

Thank you all for your replies I will look into syntorial and Super 8.

[YnJ]

Thank you all for your replies I will look into syntorial and Super 8.

Mind you, Syntorial comes with a synth, it is first and foremost a learning tool though. You can also download learning packs for Massive and a few other synths to Syntorial, so you have that option when you feel ready for something more challenging. A Minimoog type synth like Monark is easy to work with as a fairly basic subtractive synth, it's nice to know what happens and why the sound changes when you change a parameter though

I only suggested Vital as something to use when you have covered the basics, not as something to start out with. I have learned a lot from it, advanced modulating as already mentioned and to use other filters than lowpass filters, just to mention the most important. Again, something to look at when you've covered the basics though

[Weasel-Boy]

An additional good start for modular construction, where you can focus on what each classic synth element is capable of, would be Cherry Audio's "Voltage Modular" synthesizer.

https://cherryaudio.com/products/voltage-modular

Similar to VCV free version with the advantage of offering around AU, VST2, VST3 and AAX Plug-in versions as well as a stand alone. They offer 20+ modules.

[Echoes in the Attic]

Monaco -> Super 8 -> Massive

This way you are going from vintage mono synth then vintage style poly synth but with some extra stuff, then a quite logically laid out more modern synth with extensive modulation. And once you get that you’ll be mostly set for learning anything else.

[zerocrossing]

Hello, I am very interested in learning how to use a synthesizer but I don't know what synth is best for learning. I don't want to buy a new plugin right now so here's a little list of some of the synthesizers I own:

-All synths from FL Studio Producer Edition
-Massive
-Massive X
-Monark (Reaktor 6)
-Super 8 (Reaktor 6)

Thank You.

I'd start with Super 8 and then move to Monark. There should be a million tutorials on Youtube for them. Then maybe if you're feeling saucy, start throwing some Blocks together and see what each one does.

[3lu5iv3]

People already said Vital so Surge XT.

[rollasoc]

I would say, the best way of learning synths, is to start with the tutorials for Voltage Modular.

Voltage Modular Nucleus is still free
https://store.cherryaudio.com/bundles/v ... ar-nucleus

So learn synths by building your own synth. Then apply that knowledge to the synths you own.

[vitocorleone123]

People already said Vital so Surge XT.

Definitely no. Even just opening that UI (SurgeXT) makes me cringe. Can't imagine trying to learn using it. Vital is far, far, far better for that purpose.