Intro to Synthesis

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About Course

This beginner-friendly course demystifies the world of synthesizers by introducing students to the building blocks of synthesis and how to apply them musically. Using accessible tools and hands-on projects, students will explore sound design techniques across subtractive, wavetable, and digital synths, learning to create leads, basses, pads, effects, and more. Whether you’re producing beats, scoring, or DJing, this class provides the essential knowledge and creative skills to confidently build your own sounds.

Topics & Goals


Synth Components and Signal Flow

Identify oscillators, filters, envelopes, LFOs, and trace audio from oscillator to output.



Subtractive Synthesis Basics

Capture clean audio using proper routing, gain staging, and recording modes.



Wavetable Synthesis Basics

Scan wavetables, route modulation, and create or import custom tables.



Modulation and Movement

Animate sound using LFOs, envelopes, rates, random sources, and audio-rate ideas for AM and FM.



Macros, MPE, and Performance Control

Map macros, velocity, aftertouch, and controllers for expressive play.



Effects and Sound Enhancement

Build creative chains with reverb, delay, saturation, EQ, and modulation FX.



Classic Patch Design and Reverse Engineering

Rebuild reference sounds like Juno-style pads, Moog-style basses, supersaws, and 303 acid.



Instrument Emulation

Imitate plucks, bells, brass, and EP tones with envelopes, filtering, and subtle modulation.

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