1 Topic by most complicated robot (edited by most complicated robot 2009-08-03 17:05:57)

  • From: Zurich
  • Registered: 2008-07-08
  • Posts: 1,164

Topic: synth programming

is there a nice read on how to program patches on analogue syntesizers? I feel ready.

Still, I found many readings on the internet and most of all are based on digital programming through softwares. I'd rather prefer not to enter that field for now. I'd be glad to read something like:

where to begin
how to go on
a general idea on what is a good process to follow
fine tuning
little technicalities on DCO VCF VCA LFO ENV (just to get an idea)

without the aid of a computer.

and one question:

let it be based on the jx 3p - it is programmable of course, still I cannot find a, let's call it, 0 point, so, it is only possible to alter the available patches or I'm that dumb and I just don't get it? I imagine that with a software you can start from scratch and built your waveforms etc etc, till your final result, but I'd like to do it without the computer aid.

any help appreciated

edit: I got the pg 200

  • Registered: 2008-08-06
  • Posts: 318

Re: synth programming

Twiddle the knobs smile

  • From: m.s.e.
  • Registered: 2008-07-08
  • Posts: 471

Re: synth programming

It depends on how you would like to sound. JX-3P is good but also simple. There is a book in german language: "Synthesizer: So funktioniert elektronische Klangerzeugung" (dunno if you are german speaking or french) from Florian Anwander. He is the guy who made this very good homepage about the JX-3P.

automatique's Website

  • From: Zurich
  • Registered: 2008-07-08
  • Posts: 1,164

Re: synth programming

thanks automatique, I still don't know how I would like it to sound, I just need a first basic knowledge of how things works, then by doing it I'll figure out what will be the final thing.

Not german speaking, so this is off limit. too bad.

  • From: Скопје
  • Registered: 2008-07-08
  • Posts: 390

Re: synth programming

I have this great book: New Complete Synthesizer, by David Crombie.
It's the best thing I read about synth programming.
Besides subtractive synthesis, it talks about FM and phase distortion (thanks to this book, I finally understood how my CZ-1000 works).
It's an excellent reading. It goes through all the technical stuff, but without the technical language.
It's a book from the 80s. I found it in a used book store. It's out of print, but I think it shouldn't be difficult to find.
And I read one, borrowed from friend of mine: Sound Synthesis and Sampling, by Martin Russ. It's good too.

  • From: Rotterdam
  • Registered: 2009-02-14
  • Posts: 1,149

Re: synth programming

lol  remember being the same like you years ago and I couldn't find a single tutorial that would explain the real basics.

Basic things: The Oscilator (VCO or DCO) is what poduces the sound. having those turned of you won't hear anything because they are where it starts, producing a tone of the waveforms on your synth. Range is besides your keyboard the second parameter to tell how high the tone should be played.
The ADSR (attak,decay,sustain&release) - imagine it like a curve that controls the volume after you play the key
http://tons-of-tone.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/adsr.jpg - ypu can research on adsr as well.
A filter (cutoff/resonance) cuts out certain frequencies of your sound - turn the knobs, hear the result.

The rest are mostly effects that are being applied to the sound after it's gone through those modifiers. Might upload the manual of the cs-5 that's an ultranoob manual that answer also the great question "what is a synthesizer?"

score100's Website

  • From: chroot
  • Registered: 2008-07-07
  • Posts: 680

Re: synth programming

@most complicated robot
come in Luzern and I'll teach you big_smile

  • From: Zurich
  • Registered: 2008-07-08
  • Posts: 1,164

Re: synth programming

thanks score 100, yeh, so you know what it feels like wink

and alex, yes, I'll take your invitation for sure smile

9 Reply by teknob (edited by teknob 2009-08-03 21:08:41)

  • From: Frank fruits
  • Registered: 2008-07-08
  • Posts: 351

Re: synth programming

and if you are ever 2hrs up north, I could give you an intro in the Stuttgart region. Best give me a few days warning though so that I bring down some suitable synth from my other place up north. Or bring your 3p and pg.

In the end though, just twiddle knobs. As for a 0 setting, especially on your 3p, I suggest something along the lines of: No VCO sync, just a straight mix of Osc 1 and Osc 2, with a pulse on one and a saw on the other, no VCO detune. HPF (if there is one? I forgot) all the way down. VCF all the way up (unflitered), no resonance. ADSR: No Attack, Middle Decay, Middle Sustain, A little Release. No LFO modulation anywhere. Probably some Envelope Mod on the VCF, and certainly 100% on the VCA. I havn't got a 3p here in front of me, so anyone correct me or improve me.

If you do that to any factory patch, you should find it will always sound the same. And maybe not very good. And that, funnily enough was my 101st post!

teknob's Website

  • From: Zurich
  • Registered: 2008-07-08
  • Posts: 1,164

Re: synth programming

thanks teknob, I'll print out your instructions and try tonight. yes, there is a HPF

  • From: North Sea
  • Registered: 2008-11-06
  • Posts: 172

Re: synth programming

the synth secrets articles on the sound on sound site are quite good.  would be worth a read once you're getting a bit of an idea on what the controls do.

  • From: Austin, TX
  • Registered: 2008-07-07
  • Posts: 184

Re: synth programming

try to do some research on the basics of harmonics and additive synthesis.. this will give you a deeper understanding of subtractive synthesis and why the waveforms sound different and what the filter is doing