Some of these terms may seem familiar from other applications, but let’s define them a little further:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OSCILLATOR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The oscillator is the first place to go when you want to drastically change the sound of your synth. Depending on the synth you are using, you can have different options of waveform type. Some popular ones are Sawtooth Waves, Sine Waves, and Square Waves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On some modern synths (like Xfer\u2019s Serum<\/a>), you have advanced capabilities with the oscillator section through Wavetables<\/a>. These wavetables act as super complex oscillator patterns and can produce incredible sounds, especially when combined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first place I always look when adjusting a sound is the oscillator – is it too harsh? Maybe try a Sine Wave. Does it need more edge? Maybe try a Sawtooth Wave or Square Wave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n FILTER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The filter is the next major component of any synthesizer. The classic filters are lowpass, highpass, and bandpass. These filters usually control the frequency range of the oscillator and therefore allow you to adjust the timbre of the instrument.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a great section to reach for when you want to create a \u201cmuffled\u201d or \u201cdistant\u201d sound by rolling off the high frequencies. You can also create an effective riser or sweep effect using a bandpass filter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n AMPLIFIER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The final component is the amplifier section. Usually, this contains controls for the envelope: attack, decay, sustain, and release (ADSR).<\/p>\n\n\n The envelope of your sound will determine how the synth responds to your playing. A long (or slow) attack will make it less punchy and create a \u201cswell\u201d at the start of the notes. A long release will make the notes ring out, even after you\u2019ve let the keys up. By manipulating these controls, you can create a wide variety of different feels and sounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With a solid understanding of the basic components, let\u2019s take a look at some of the ways you can modulate these:<\/p>\n\n\n\n LFOs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Low-Frequency Oscillators (LFOs) are a special type of oscillator that allows you to control other components of the synthesizer based on a frequency that you specify (usually between 0.1 – 20 Hz, below the range of human hearing).<\/p>\n\n\n\n This doesn\u2019t mean that the synthesizer is creating any (audible or inaudible) sound with the LFO – in fact, it almost never does. But it can be used to create \u201cwobble\u201d or patterns by affecting, say, the amplifier level at whatever rate you set the LFO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some LFO\u2019s allow you to sync to the tempo of your session, which is great for creating an eighth note or quarter note pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the ins and outs of LFOs and how to use them are a topic all their own, it is useful to know that they can be used to modulate the basic controls of your synthesizer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ADSR on the filter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Some synthesizers, like Serum, allow you to control the envelope of a filter. This allows you to create swelling effects, stabs, plucks, and more with great precision. The controls are similar to the amplifier ADSR, but this ADSR will only affect the Filter, not the volume of the output.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additional effects<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Many modern software-based synthesizers include the ability to add effects with incredible control and precision. These features vary based on which synthesizer you are using, but can help to craft unique sounds and patches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you understand synthesizers in their most basic form, you\u2019ll be able to manipulate and control the sounds no matter what synth or plug-in you\u2019re using. Just start by identifying these main components and you\u2019ll be more in control of your patches in no time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best way to learn anything, in my opinion, is to start doing it. Play around with the controls, twist the knobs, and see what happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What are your biggest challenges when trying to adjust your synth sounds? What are your favorite extra features\/controls?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore Splice INSTRUMENT, our virtual instrument plugin that puts an ever-growing catalog of free and premium sounds at your fingertips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"oscillator-waves\"](\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Screen-Shot-2017-09-05-at-23.05.47-1024x286.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"oscillators-filters\"](\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Screen-Shot-2017-09-05-at-23.10.50-1024x372.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"ADSR_Envelope_Diagram\"](\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Screen-Shot-2017-09-05-at-23.13.35.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWhat about modulating these controls?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What to do next?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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