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Synthesis / Sound Design

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    Generic modular synth with cabling

    Modular: Going Audio-rate

    Synthesis Technique

    We tend instinctively to think of audio‑rate oscillators as sound‑generating circuits and low‑frequency oscillators (...

    Techniques May 2023
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    Cubase: Stranger Things Synths With Retrologue 2

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Create retro sci‑fi soundtracks with Cubase’s Retrologue 2.

    Techniques Dec 2022
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    Cubase: Stranger Things Synths With Retrologue 2 | Audio Examples

    Hear For Yourself!

    Sound On Sound December 2022

    Cubase Workshop: Stranger Things Synths With Retrologue 2

    Audio Examples...

    Techniques Dec 2022
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    Granular Synthesis: A Practical Introduction

    Hardware & Software Tools

    Once the preserve of academic and experimental music, granular synthesis is more accessible than ever and has a lot to offer in all sorts of genres.

    Techniques Nov 2022
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    The Constance Demby Mystery

    How Was Sanctum Sanctuorum Made?

    We engage in some audio archaeology to discover how a pioneer of electronic music created one of her most important works.

    Techniques Oct 2022
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    Perfect Pads

    Programming Pad Sounds

    Pads are the glue that holds entire genres of music together. We look at how you can improve yours.

    Techniques Apr 2021
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    Modular Interfacing

    CV & The Audio Interface

    Everything you need to know to get your DAW talking to your modular system via your audio interface.

    Techniques Sep 2020
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    Synthesis Techniques For Emulating Vintage Sounds

    Sound Design Workshop

    Any synth can be coaxed into producing vintage-sounding patches...

    Techniques Aug 2020
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    Sound Design For Ambient Music

    Creative Pitch

    You don’t have to play synths or ‘real’ instruments to make music: embrace the experimental, and you could use almost anything...

    Techniques Nov 2018
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    Warmer Sounds From Digital Synths

    Processing Techniques

    If your plug-in synths sound a bit cold and clinical, there are plenty of ways to inject some life...

    Techniques Jan 2010
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    Granular Synthesis

    How It Works & Ways To Use It

    Granular synthesis is the core technology behind the latest time-stretching and pitch-shifting algorithms, but it can also be used to generate extraordinary evolving soundscapes. We explain how the process works and show you how to get the best from the software that uses it.

    Techniques Dec 2005
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    Alesis Ion User Tips

    Programming Guide

    Although the Ion is already well-respected for its sound quality, its synthesis architecture is also surprisingly flexible. We show you how to get the best from this little beast in your studio.

    Techniques Oct 2004
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    Access Virus Masterclass

    Synth Programming Techniques

    Although the Access Virus features one of the most knobby control surfaces amongst virtual analogue synths, there's a lot of programming flexibility available which isn't immediately obvious. We show you how to uncover the hidden possibilities?

    Techniques Aug 2004
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    The Secret Of The Big Red Button

    Synth Secrets

    After more than five years, Synth Secrets reaches its conclusion (and conclusions!). Will we ever look at synthesis in quite the same way again?

    Techniques Jul 2004
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    More Creative Synthesis With Delays

    Synth Secrets

    In the penultimate instalment of this long-running series, we delve deeper into what can be achieved with just a few delays and some creative routing...

    Techniques Jun 2004
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    Creative Synthesis With Yamaha XG (Part 3)

    XG Masterclass

    In this final instalment of our series of XG programming tips, we take a look at how the advanced modulation parameters can bring your layered sounds to life.

    Techniques Jun 2004
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    Creative Synthesis With Yamaha XG (Part 2)

    XG Masterclass

    Layering voices is one of the best ways to maximise the potential of your XG sound module, so here are a variety of ingenious ways you can use this technique — you can even turn your synth into a high-spec step sequencer!

    Techniques May 2004
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    Creative Synthesis With Delays

    Synth Secrets

    Effects can play just as important a role in sound creation as the elements in a synth's signal path — provided you have access to their constituent parts. We take a closer look at effects synthesis using simple delays.

    Techniques May 2004
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    Creative Synthesis With Yamaha XG (Part 1)

    XG Masterclass

    There are lots of XG-format synthesizers in home studios, but their General MIDI heritage discourages many owners from using them. However, there's life in your XG module yet if you're willing to explore its hidden depths.

    Techniques Apr 2004
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    From Analogue To Digital Effects

    Synth Secrets

    When synthesizing sounds, the effects you place after your synth's output are often as important as the synth itself (just think of last month's Leslie). As we near the end of Synth Secrets, we consider how a digital effects processor works.

    Techniques Apr 2004
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    Synthesizing The Rest Of The Hammond Organ: Part 2

    Synth Secrets

    We conclude our analysis of the fabulously complex beast that is the Leslie rotary speaker.

    Techniques Mar 2004

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