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Recommend a good iOS synth to learn with
I am trying to learn to create my own patches. I have a number of iOS synths but they all seem to have at least slightly different interfaces. For example one might have decay settings of say 1400. Another might have decay setting of .41. All very confusing when learning.
Is there a basic synth out there with standard controls - if there is such a thing?
Thanks.
Comments
The free Syntorial synth. The synth in Cubasis. There are many others.
Moog Model D is probably THE prototypical synth. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles but it’s served musicians well for what, fourty years now? The app sounds amazing and is super easy to grasp.
If you want something more complex that’s going to introduce you to way more concepts, I would recommend Propellerheads Thor. There’s a really good series of blog posts on the Propellerheads blog about it — they start from the very, very basics
Thanks!
Agreed, but its filter labels are non-standard.
Model D or Zeeon.
I’m waiting for @u0421793 to bring up SunVox
Along those lines, Audulus was actually what got me into learning more about how synths work, but I would only recommend that if you’re kind of a glutton for punishment like me.
Agreed with Model D as the prototypical subtractive synth. As a bonus, it arguably has the best sound. Model 15 is a natural next step.
However, not all synthesis is subtractive. I’m curious which apps others would recommend for learning other types of synthesis. Additive, FM, wavetable, physical modeling, Karplus-Strong, granular, formant, etc.
Lorentz is another good one to learn.
+1.
Korg Monopoly
The Minimoog is highly non-standard! When I was collecting actual vintage analogue synths it was one of the synths I had no desire to chase after (that and the cost, but back then I could have afforded it, I just didn’t want one). I’d suggest picking a synth instead that has at least the expected ADSR env gens, and a sample+hold module. The Minimoog is quite crippled in many ways, but on the other hand is very oriented toward live performance – that’s the area it shines in.
My suggestion as the one to learn on is the MS-20 – either a real one (the new re-issue that is), or the iMS-20. Or the giant one they released: https://www.matrixsynth.com/2008/01/giant-korg-ms20-eductional-edition.html
Tera Synth. Don’t worry about the numbers on knobs. Each Synth uses its own system. Tera has a good range of building blocks for subtractive synthesis. It also has a great arpegiator so you can set a sequence of notes going and start moving the knobs at your leisure while learning what they all do.
I have to respectfully disagree. While the signal chain is clearly labeled and useful for learning the flow, the huge amount of scrolling back and forth and the overwhelming choices for inputs/outputs/mixing were major detriments to me when I bought Tera in my preset days. It was not encouraging to learn at all for me as a beginner.
I'd give a newcomer a one page synth if at possible, so all the knobs are in one place. That really narrows it down to Model D and Sunrizer. (For reference, mood was the synth that got everything clicking for me and programming. It's a slightly deranged Model D, though it is two pages).
Basic synth with standard controls
MiniSynth 2
There are some great videos on this guys channel....
https://www.youtube.com/user/AutomaticGainsay/playlists
They are using real hardware synths..but he does have a series on MS-20 mini, Minimoog (Model D) and also Arp Odyssey all of which can be applied to the apps in terms of patch creation.
I agree with @u0421793 in that of the 3 MS-20 is the one that will give you best grounding that you can then apply to other subtractive synths.
I think it really depends what kind of learner you are and how much you can hold in your head. I actually learned most about iOS synths firstly from Gadget and then SunVox but I’m not sure I would use either as a general recommendation. Maybe Gadget but that is more of an introduction to electronic composition. So, the reason I recommended Tera Synth was that the OP seemed to be of a certain technical bent which I think Tera fits with. The scrolling really isn’t that onerous and it has plenty to explore. Those other synths you mention are equally good for learning on. The best though, would be a hardware analogue synth to really get to grips with the concepts and excitement of synths.
I think Model D has the advantage of simplicity, and also sounding really effing good. It's a very simple synth to program, so I think it's perfect for a beginner.
Model D. And just that till you've got to grips with it. Too many synth purchases will undermine your learning. Or Syntorial
Cubasis synth is easy and fun.
Cubasis Minilogue is quite versatile. 2 OSCs? A good range of presets to play with and then you've got the added benefit of the DAW that comes with it.
This is true (Emphasis = Resonance and Contour = Envelope, for anyone that’s unfamiliar with the front panel). And Sustain is combined with the Decay control, which can be switched on and off. The modulation section can also be quite confusing given that they offer four possible sources and you can blend between two.
I still think it’s the best place to start, though, given that it’s where popular synthesis really started. My first “real” synth was the menu-driven Korg R3, then I jumped straight to Thor. Even after the excellent Demystifying Thor series, I always felt a bit overwhelmed with the options, and it took me a few years to finally feel comfortable starting songs on a synth instead of a guitar. Minimoog has all the basics you need to know plus a few neat surprises, and because Moog has done such a good job with their modelling, the app will continue to be useful long after OP has learned the basics.
Tap the instrument browser button (orange colour) to hide the side panel on the left...
I think that's how it works for all the instruments including the AUVs.
Can't you just swipe it away?
I would recommend Thor because there is an outstanding tutorial available for it starting here:
https://www.propellerheads.se/blog/thor-demystified-1-the-analogue-oscillator
For FM synthesis there is a great tutorial on the Yamaha site that I need to dig out.
Naturally swipe works too but it's not immediately obvious, I'm too used to it...
A similar 'X' (like on the right side of the mixer, keyboard, media bay etc.) would add to UI clarity.
For FM synthesis this guy's tutorials are outstanding:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXY8GTl3ZCQpqhB_3tR0TSw/videos
First piece of advice: Forget about numbers. Think in terms of proportions. For instance, every filter knob basically goes from 0% to 100%. The actual labeling (1-10, kHz, -50 - 50) doesn't matter. The relative position of the dial, and the effect on the sound are all that matters.
I'm going to buck the trend here and suggest Viking Synth for learning subtractive synth. The reason is it has the basics and only the basics. Each function is on it's own easy to comprehend page, and there are no FX or other distractions to color the sounds you're producing while exploring how the different parts affect the sound. With a bare bones setup you're really forced into thinking about how to shape the sound.
Model D is good for learning too - and way easier to get awesome sounds out of than Viking. Which can be a good or a bad thing depending on how you look at it.
Another left-field suggestion is PulseCode modular. If you have any desire to explore in as realistic a way as possible the concepts of actual Euro Rack style modular synthesis without investing thousands of dollars in in hardware, this is a fantastically rich playground.
After much deliberation
, for FM I think I'd recommend KQ Dixie in conjunction with the an absolutely fantastic tutorial for the DX that is out there but unfortunately I don't have time to track down right now.
KQ Dixie is more intimidating than the other options I considered: PhaseMaker, FM1, and DXi. But you sound like you're technically inclined and will eat it up.