Watch + Learn: DX Marimba (Operator)
Level: Intermediate
Platform: Ableton Operator
Description: Recreation of one of the famous Yamaha DX-7 Marimba presets using FM synthesis in Ableton Operator.
Download Preset: Watch+Learn_AbletonPreset_DXMarimba
Filtering by Category: Hardware Tips,Education
Watch + Learn: Supersaw (Universal)
Supersaw starting points on four different softsynths: Serum, Phase Plant, Operator, and Wavetable.
Level: Beginner
Platform: Xfer Serum, Ableton Operator, Kilohearts Phase Plant, Ableton Wavetable
Description: The starting point for creating Supersaw chord stabs. Filter and effects are areas for customization.
Download Serum Supersaw: Watch+Learn_SerumPreset_Supersaw
Download Operator and Wavetable Supersaw: Watch+Learn_AbletonPresets_Supersaw
Download Phase Plant Supersaw: Watch+Learn_PP_Supersaw
Watch + Learn: Tonewheel Organ (Operator, Phase Plant)
Same sound, two different softsynths
Level: Beginner
Platform: Ableton Operator, Kilohearts Phase Plant
Description: The basic format for emulating tonewheel organs like the Hammond B3. Adjustments can be made by changing the volume of the first eight harmonics.
Download Operator Preset: Watch+Learn_AbletonPreset_B3
Download Phase Plant Preset: Watch+Learn_PhasePlant_B3
Watch + Learn: Piano Pad (PhasePlant)
Level: Beginner
Platform: Phase Plant
Description: Classic pad consisting of Piano layered with filtered sawtooth. Long releases with reverb added for fullness. Experiment with the sawtooth filter and envelope times.
Download Preset: Watch+Learn_PP_PianoPad
Watch+Learn: Analog Strings (Operator)
Level: Beginner
Platform: Ableton Operator
Description: Iconic analog string sound used in many R&B, new wave, synthwave, funk, soul, and disco tracks.
Download Preset: Watch+Learn_AbletonPreset_AnalogStrings
Watch + Learn: Acid 303 (Serum)
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Platform: Xfer Serum
Description: A simulation of the architecture and processing for the Roland TB-303, created using Serum.
Download Preset: Watch+Learn_SerumPreset_Acid303
Watch+Learn: Introduction
The adventure begins…
Master Class: Arturia MiniBrute 2
In this Music Radar masterclass, we’ll look at some interesting sounds you can create using the MiniBrute 2’s patchbay. But first, we’ll look at ways to overcome a few of the instrument’s idiosyncrasies.
For example, the MiniBrute 2 lacks a dedicated mult/splitter, making it impossible to route certain modulation sources to multiple destinations—a requirement that is a staple of many common sounds—without additional gear. A simple fix is to use a stackable 3.5mm cable, such as the Tiptop Audio Stackcable or the Modular Addict Stacking Eurorack Patch Cable.
Despite lacking a few features from the first Mini-Brute (such as the sub-oscillator), the MiniBrute 2 has a more advanced set of synthesis tools. Recreating familiar patches from the original model, however, requires an altered approach. This tutorial covers the essentials for configuring both the sounds of the original and a few iconic analog standards.
Link: https://www.musicradar.com/how-to/how-to-master-the-arturia-minibrute-2
Free Xfer Serum Pack (Winter 2018)
Since last year’s free Serum pack was so well-received, I asked the students in my Synthesis 2 course (at Austin Community College) if they’d be interested in contributing a few sounds for the 2018 pack. There are some truly gifted designers at the school and I really wanted to highlight their talents.
Fortunately, many of them agreed - providing presets for each of the following categories: Bass, Pad, Lead, and Pluck.
With their full permission, I'm sharing the results as a free download for Serum fans. The pack consists of 25 presets covering a wide variety of genres and design approaches. I also included a bonus holiday preset of my own design, “Super Snowman”.
As with the last pack, the student’s name is included in each preset — but I’d also like to post an alphabetical list of the designers, to highlight their contributions. For this, several students also opted-in to include links to their social media.
Jay Alba
Siegen Bretzke
Daniel Buckingham
Jacob Cho
Ali Darwiche [Instagram]
Mike Stellman [Soundcloud]
Troy Umran [Instagram]
The pack is a free download that you can grab at the below link.
Download: Xfer Serum Preset Pack (Winter 2018)
Happy Holidays!
Master Class: Korg/ARP Odyssey
Back in the early ’70s, the Moog vs. ARP “war” was just as passionate as the Mac vs. PC debate is today. At the time, the Minimoog and ARP Odyssey were the two dominant mainstream monosynths. On the Moog side, the Mini offered three oscillators, Bob’s massive filter, and ease of use. On the ARP side, the duophonic Odyssey included lowpass and highpass filters, hard sync, ring mod, and incredibly sophisticated modulation resources.
Korg’s ARP Odyssey re-issues are available in a tabletop version, a module version, and the Odyssei app.
Even now, the classic Odyssey’s features are capable of textures that we normally associate with modular gear, which makes sense as the Odyssey was basically a slimmed-down version of the 2600—arguably the synth that first brought modular to the masses. So with Korg’s reissue of the Odyssey available in three formats (keyboard, module, and the Odyssei iOS app), my Music Radar masterclass takes a closer look at its vast capabilities, using the tabletop version as our frame of reference.
LINK: https://www.musicradar.com/how-to/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-the-korg-arp-odyssey
Master Class: Roland TR-8S
With the introduction of the TR-8S, Roland not only advanced the popular TR-8’s sequencing tools and iconic sound, but added sample import (via SD card) and expanded its editing features to a point where it truly is an instrument in its own right. Between performance-oriented patterns and sophisticated sound design amenities, you’ll get the most from this beast once you understand how to mold its sonic resources to match your artistic identity.
I'm also testing the waters for expanding this blog to include downloadable presets and examples for selected educational material. If you already own a TR-8S, below is a link to two original kits (with patterns) based on custom analog drum samples I created last month.
Master Class Link: https://www.musicradar.com/how-to/how-to-master-the-roland-tr-8s
Download the TR-8S kit/patterns [Instructions included]
Master Class: Novation Peak
The Novation Peak has generated a serious buzz in the synth community by combining its innovative Oxford oscillators that deliver analog-grade resolution with a fully analog signal path, as well as modulation options such as polyphonic aftertouch and a pair of Animate buttons capable of real-time patch morphing.
With a front panel packed full of familiar controls, Peak gives you direct access to these and many other important functions. This Music Radar masterclass digs deeper into the synth, unveiling a world of functionality that sets it apart from many modern polyphonics. In this tutorial, I investigate those options.
LINK: https://www.musicradar.com/how-to/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-the-novation-peak