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SYNTH 101 (ios) for NEWBIES

RUST( i )KRUST( i )K
in General App Discussion

In this thread, I wanted to give some basic concepts and practices that can help a new aspiring ios synth user. The learning curve is some what predictable and I thought I could provide several activities to help newbies gain the control of the sounds they desire from synth apps. I noticed quite a bit of newbie posts lately. I am not a guru of any sorts, however, my personal experience and background seem like they can assist others.

Let's get started.

It would probably be easier to start with an analog emulation synth app versus a hybrid or modular style. I don't recommend jumping into iVCS3, Model 15, or SynthQ. They require a little higher working knowledge of synthesis and modulation. Let alone the parameter matrix that accompany them. That can be very frustrating and leave a bad taste in your mouth.

Tip 1:
1. OWN THAT SHIT : Learn A (ONE) synth app inside and out. Know it like every inch of your gloriously naked body under neon lights. Where to begin? You buy the app and now what? A to Z on presets. The point of the presets provided give a good basic idea of the capabilities of the synth app.
-GO THRU EACH PRESET
-PLAY IT, HOLD THE KEYS, CHORDS, PLUCK THE KEYS, RUN AN ARP, HIT THE KEYS HARD HIT THEM SOFT.
-SAVE WHAT YOU THINK.(most apps have a save feature, resave the preset but with a word of two that popped in your head when your heard it) For each you do this, examine what the settings are. See where the knobs are at. See what waveform was used. This establishes a working sonic palate parameters. DO THIS FOR EACH AND EVERY PRESET. So, when you return to this synth you now can recall what you can basically can do with it. Meanwhile, you are reinforcing the layout of the synth all along the way.

Tip 2:
2. PLAY WHAT YOU KNOW: Use songs you like to learn how to program the synth. It is hard enough to learn how to program a synth. Use your iPod or iPad or iPhone to play songs you like while you play the synth. It is easier to create sounds you are familiar with versus arbitrary sounds.

Tip 3:
3. ONE SONG ONE SYNTH: Make a song with only that synth. Make the song with ONLY THAT SYNTH. Make the song WITH ONLY YOUR OWN PRESETS. So, yes, bass, lead, melody, pads, strings, and yes drums. Make them all with that synth. Create these presets on you own. Use your presets only to do a song with only that synth. Through this process you will be astounded at how making a drum teaches you how to make amazing bass sounds, and how bass sounds end up teaching you about leads, and the combinations are endless. That song you complete will feel great. You will have accomplished a great deal and learned even more if you do so.

These 3 tips are things I do till this day. I recommend reading the manual on an synth app you get first. Watch some videos and them it is all you.

If you do these, I don't think you will be disappointed.

Cheers,

RUSTiK

Comments

  • JocphoneJocphone

    Great idea @RustiK

    You could take this into a monthly challenge along the lines of SOTMC.

  • [Deleted User][Deleted User]

    Thanks for the advice Rustik. I was even thinking this yesterday when I sat down and said okay I'm going to get to know the workings on Phonem much better

  • RUST( i )KRUST( i )K

    @Jocphone said:
    Great idea @RustiK

    You could take this into a monthly challenge along the lines of SOTMC.

    Thank you.

    Perhaps I will.

  • ciancian

    Some things that took my longer than I'd have liked to pick up:

    • Modulate that sound. Play around with things that change over time. It makes a huge difference. Sometimes you can take a thing, boring sound and simply by modulating over time make it far more interesting.
    • Think about how you'll be using the sound before you design it. Is it staccato, or legato? Sustain chords, or a fast lead sound. Ideally have a sequencer play something while you design the sound.
    • Don't obsess about adding effects to the sound. The place to do that is when you start mixing. Delays, choruses etc can create a muddy mix if you do them in isolation.
  • High5deniedHigh5denied

    But...but....but......I'm a guitar player.......Ok, so I've got like waaaaaaaaay more ios synths than I do guitar apps..... prob. a 10:1 on that.

  • Joel75Joel75

    This is a bookmark for sure. Thanks for the great post, @RustiK

  • johnfromberkeleyjohnfromberkeley

    I have a few tutorials here:

    http://www.pearltrees.com/johnfromberkeley/general-synth-tutorials/id13861081

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