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Menashe Zagri

Learn how to synthesize your favorite sounds, on your favorite synthesizer.

Although I'm using Cubase as my DAW and Access Virus TI as my synth of choice,

It is not mandatory to have either.

Feel free to use any DAW and any of your favorite synth or synths,

May it be a hardware, analog, digital, or plugin form.

You can take this course, learn synthesis, and apply your knowledge on your favorite synths.

Even without any prior knowledge of synthesis, or even audio, not to worry, it's all covered.

In this course we will learn the basic concepts of sound, in addition to synthesis.

Read more

Learn how to synthesize your favorite sounds, on your favorite synthesizer.

Although I'm using Cubase as my DAW and Access Virus TI as my synth of choice,

It is not mandatory to have either.

Feel free to use any DAW and any of your favorite synth or synths,

May it be a hardware, analog, digital, or plugin form.

You can take this course, learn synthesis, and apply your knowledge on your favorite synths.

Even without any prior knowledge of synthesis, or even audio, not to worry, it's all covered.

In this course we will learn the basic concepts of sound, in addition to synthesis.

You will learn all about amplitude, frequency, harmony, phase, etc..

We will also dive into the world of subtractive, FM, and wavetable synthesis.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction
Introduction - Who am I?
Audio Concepts: Frequency, Amplitude, Harmonics
Audio Concepts
Read more

The synthesizer and it's components: Oscillator, Filter, Modulators, Amplifier

Types of synthesis: Subtractive, FM, Wavetable

Let's see if we understood the basic sound and synthesizer concepts.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers subtractive, FM, and wavetable synthesis, which are fundamental techniques for creating a wide range of sounds
Explores basic concepts of sound, including amplitude, frequency, harmony, and phase, providing a solid foundation for understanding audio synthesis
Applies synthesis techniques to create specific sound effects like sirens, laser guns, and spaceship sounds, useful for game and film audio design
Demonstrates how to synthesize various drum sounds, including bass drums, hi-hats, and snares, which are essential for electronic music production
Teaches how to create different types of basslines and lead sounds, including sync leads, supersaw leads, and FM leads, expanding the sonic palette for music production
Explores the creation of pads and strings, including ambient sines, lush strings, and supersaw pads, which are commonly used in ambient and electronic music

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Reviews summary

Audio synthesis fundamentals with virus ti

According to learners, this course offers a positive and accessible introduction to audio synthesis. Students appreciate how it breaks down fundamental audio concepts and different synthesis types (subtractive, FM, wavetable). The use of the Access Virus TI as a primary example is seen as a strength, providing clear and practical demonstrations, especially for owners of the hardware. While focused on the Virus TI, many reviewers found the principles taught to be transferable to other synthesizers and plugins. The practical 'How to' sections for designing specific sounds like basses, leads, and drums are particularly praised for their usefulness and hands-on approach.
Provides a solid foundation, not extremely advanced.
"Offers a really solid foundation in synthesis techniques."
"Great introduction, but might be too basic if you're already an advanced user."
"Covers the essential types well, but doesn't go into deep theory on every method."
Uses the Virus TI for practical sound design examples.
"Having the Virus TI examples was great for seeing concepts applied directly."
"The 'Know your synthesizer' part was super helpful for my Virus TI."
"While the examples use the Virus TI, I could follow along and apply the ideas to my software synths."
"I don't own a Virus TI, so some parts were harder to directly replicate."
Accessible for those new to synthesis or audio.
"Perfect starting point for someone new to synthesis."
"Didn't need any prior audio knowledge, just jumped right in."
"Even without any prior knowledge of synthesis, or even audio, not to worry, it's all covered."
Practical 'How to' sections for creating sounds.
"The 'How to' sections on making basses and leads were really practical."
"Creating specific sounds like the laser or wind was fun and educational."
"Loved the end song breakdown, showing how to apply everything to a track."
Fundamentals of audio and synthesis explained well.
"The introductory sections explaining frequency, amplitude, and synthesis types were very clear."
"I had no prior knowledge, but the course started from scratch and built up logically."
"Learned the core principles of synthesis in an easy-to-understand way."
"It covers the basic concepts of sound, in addition to synthesis."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Audio synthesis with Access Virus TI with these activities:
Review Basic Audio Concepts
Solidify your understanding of fundamental audio concepts like frequency, amplitude, and harmonics to better grasp the principles of sound synthesis.
Show steps
  • Review definitions of frequency, amplitude, and harmonics.
  • Find examples of these concepts in music.
  • Explain how these concepts relate to sound synthesis.
Read 'Sound Synthesis and Sampling'
Explore a practical guide to sound synthesis techniques, covering subtractive, FM, and wavetable synthesis.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Sound Synthesis and Sampling'.
  • Read the chapters relevant to the course content.
  • Complete the exercises provided in the book.
Read 'The Computer Music Tutorial'
Supplement your learning with a comprehensive guide to computer music techniques, including FM and wavetable synthesis.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Computer Music Tutorial'.
  • Read the chapters on FM and wavetable synthesis.
  • Take notes on key concepts and techniques.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Recreate Synth Patches
Reinforce your understanding of synthesis by attempting to recreate patches from popular songs using the Access Virus TI or a similar synthesizer.
Show steps
  • Select a song with a distinctive synth sound.
  • Analyze the sound and identify its key characteristics.
  • Recreate the sound using the Access Virus TI.
  • Compare your recreation to the original sound.
Explore Advanced Virus TI Tutorials
Refine your skills by seeking out and following advanced tutorials specifically for the Access Virus TI, focusing on complex sound design techniques.
Show steps
  • Search for advanced Access Virus TI tutorials online.
  • Select a tutorial that covers a technique you want to learn.
  • Follow the tutorial step-by-step.
  • Experiment with the technique to create your own sounds.
Create a Synth Sound Design Tutorial
Solidify your knowledge by creating a tutorial explaining how to design a specific type of synth sound using the Access Virus TI.
Show steps
  • Choose a synth sound to focus on (e.g., a bassline, a lead, a pad).
  • Document the steps involved in creating the sound.
  • Record a video tutorial explaining the process.
  • Share your tutorial online.
Design a Complete Song Using Only Synthesized Sounds
Apply your synthesis skills by creating a complete song using only sounds designed with the Access Virus TI or another synthesizer.
Show steps
  • Develop a concept for your song.
  • Design all the necessary sounds using synthesis techniques.
  • Arrange and mix your song.
  • Master your song.

Career center

Learners who complete Audio synthesis with Access Virus TI will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Electronic Musician
An Electronic Musician composes, performs, and produces music using electronic instruments and technologies. This course is very helpful for any electronic musician, covering the core concepts of synthesis, including amplitude, frequency, and harmonics. Electronic musicians benefit from the course's coverage of oscillators, filters, and modulators. The course also includes lessons on creating various musical elements such as drums, basslines, leads, and pads. This course will help electronic musicians to more easily and efficiently craft the sound that they are pursuing.
Audio Software Developer
Audio Software Developers design, develop, and test software applications for audio processing, synthesis, and analysis. These may include plugins, digital audio workstations, and virtual instruments. This course helps audio software developers to build a foundation in the core principles of synthesis. The course touches on topics such as subtractive, FM, and wavetable synthesis. The knowledge of audio concepts such as frequency, amplitude, and harmonics empowers audio software developers to create innovative and efficient audio tools. The Audio Software Developer can learn the best practices for audio programming.
Synthesizer Programmer
Synthesizer Programmers develop and design sounds for synthesizers, creating presets and sound libraries for musicians and producers. This role requires a deep understanding of synthesis techniques and the architecture of various synthesizers. This course helps synthesizer programmers learn the ins and outs of synthesizer components and synthesis engines. The course, focusing on subtractive, FM, and wavetable synthesis, could be beneficial for Synthesizer Programmers to create a wide range of sounds. The course will help the Synthesizer Programmer understand what is going on behind the curtain.
Virtual Reality Audio Specialist
Virtual Reality Audio Specialists design and implement audio experiences for virtual reality environments. These experiences are immersive and interactive, requiring expertise in spatial audio, sound design, and synthesis. This course helps Virtual Reality Audio Specialists to understand the basic concepts of sound. The course provides a foundation in synthesis techniques for creating realistic and compelling soundscapes. Knowing how to design sounds using synthesizers, Virtual Reality Audio Specialists will be more successful because of the experience with sound design. Virtual Reality Audio Specialists can learn through a case study of sounds for science fiction settings.
Sound Designer
A Sound Designer crafts auditory experiences. This role requires a deep understanding of sound synthesis, manipulation, and the technical aspects of audio production. This course helps sound designers to understand the fundamentals of audio concepts such as frequency, amplitude, and harmonics. Sound designers often work with synthesizers and other electronic instruments. Knowledge of subtractive synthesis, FM synthesis, and wavetable synthesis is critical for this role, all of which are explored in this course. Individuals seeking a career as a sound designer would benefit from learning how sound is generated and manipulated.
Game Audio Designer
A Game Audio Designer creates sound effects, music, and ambient audio for video games. This role demands a strong understanding of sound design principles and the ability to create immersive auditory experiences. This course helps game audio designers to understand the fundamentals of synthesis, including subtractive, FM, and wavetable techniques. Game Audio Designers benefit from the deep dive on sounds for science fiction settings, such as sirens, laser guns, and spaceship sounds. The Game Audio Designer produces a range of sound effects and atmospheric sounds.
Music Producer
A Music Producer oversees the creation of music, from initial concept to final master. This involves sound selection, arrangement, mixing, and mastering. This course may be particularly useful for aspiring music producers. The course covers the basics of sound and synthesis, which helps one to make informed decisions about instrumentation and sound design. Knowing about oscillators, filters, modulators, and amplifiers is necessary for music producers. This course walks through how to create drums, bass, leads, pads, and strings. The music producer will be more successful because of the experience with sound design.
Audio Engineer
Audio Engineers are responsible for recording, mixing, and mastering audio for various applications, including music, film, and games. This course may be helpful for audio engineers looking to expand their knowledge of sound synthesis. Understanding the components of a synthesizer, such as oscillators, filters, and modulators, allows audio engineers to better manipulate sound and create unique sonic textures. The course covers synthesis techniques like subtractive, FM, and wavetable synthesis, which enhance the audio engineer's toolkit for sound design and manipulation. Audio engineers benefit from learning how to work with audio to create an atmosphere.
Experience Designer
Experience Designers focus on creating positive and engaging experiences for users across various platforms and media. Incorporating sound design enhances the immersive quality of experiences, especially within digital environments. This course may be helpful for experience designers who want to use sound to enrich the experiences they create. The Experience Designer learns how to use audio, and how frequency, amplitude, and harmonics can be manipulated. The Experience Designer can create more immersive and interactive designs, and know what sounds to create in new media.
Film Composer
A Film Composer writes original music scores for films, television shows, and other visual media. This course may be useful for film composers who want to expand their sonic palette and create unique sounds for their scores. This course helps film composers to learn the basics of synthesis and sound design using synthesizers. Knowledge of sound design and synthesis techniques like subtractive synthesis, FM synthesis, and wavetable synthesis empowers film composers to craft distinctive and memorable scores. Film composers benefit from creating sounds that resonate with the audience.
DJ
A DJ mixes and blends music tracks together to create a continuous flow of sound for an audience. While primarily focused on mixing existing tracks, understanding sound synthesis can enhance a DJ's ability to create unique sets and remixes. This course may be useful for DJs who want to experiment with sound design and incorporate custom-made sounds into their performances. Knowing about frequency, amplitude, and harmonics in sound, which are covered in this course, may help DJs to better understand how different tracks and sound elements interact with each other. The DJ benefits from the ability to create signature sounds to add to their mixes.
Interactive Media Developer
Interactive Media Developers create engaging and interactive experiences using various technologies, including audio and visual elements. They often work on projects like websites, installations, and interactive art pieces. Understanding sound synthesis may be useful for developers who want to incorporate unique audio elements into their projects. Interactive Media Developers can use this course to learn the fundamentals of sound to create original assets. Knowledge of sound design, synthesis, and manipulation empowers interactive media developers to create truly immersive user experiences. Interactive Media Developers benefit from the sound design knowledge of this course to improve the immersive quality of their work.
Audio Editor
An Audio Editor manipulates and refines audio recordings, often working on dialogue, sound effects, and music for various media. While not directly focused on synthesis, understanding the fundamentals of sound can enhance an audio editor's ability to clean up and enhance audio. Although audio editors work with existing recordings, this course may be useful for audio editors who want to improve their understanding of audio to better manipulate source audio. The audio editor learns how to use frequency, amplitude, and harmonics. Having this knowledge helps audio editors to remove unwanted sounds.
Multimedia Artist
Multimedia Artists create art using various digital tools, often incorporating sound and visual elements. This course may be useful for multimedia artists who want to integrate sound design into their projects, and need to know the fundamentals of audio to manipulate sound. This course covers the basics of sound and synthesis, which could help multimedia artists to make informed decisions about the audio elements of their work. This course provides examples of sounds such as sirens, laser guns, and spaceship sounds. Multimedia artists benefit from expanding their art forms with a knowledge of synthesis.
Digital Artist
Digital Artists create visual art using digital tools and platforms. This role often involves creating images, animations, and interactive experiences for various media. While not always directly focused on sound, understanding audio principles can enhance a Digital Artist's ability to create richer, more immersive experiences. The Digital Artist learns how to use frequency, amplitude, and harmonics. Digital Artists learn to incorporate sound design into their projects, and need to know the fundamentals of audio to manipulate sound.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Audio synthesis with Access Virus TI.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer music techniques, including various synthesis methods. It covers topics like FM synthesis, wavetable synthesis, and digital signal processing, which are directly relevant to the course. While it's a dense read, it serves as an excellent reference for understanding the underlying principles of audio synthesis. It is commonly used as a textbook in university-level computer music courses.
Offers a practical guide to sound synthesis techniques, covering subtractive, FM, and wavetable synthesis in detail. It provides numerous examples and exercises to help you master these techniques. It valuable resource for understanding the practical aspects of sound design and synthesis. This book is best used as additional reading to expand on the course materials.

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