The Basic Concepts of Synthesis

Demystifying the terminology commonly used in synthesizers.
When you first get into sound synthesis, it may seem like people are speaking an alien language, describing it in terms of frequency, amplitude, harmonics, waves, modes, poles, envelopes, modulators, and the such.
But behind those words are some fairly simple concepts: What pitch are you playing a sound at? How loud is it? How does that loudness change over the life of a note? How bright or dull does it sound? How can you change that brightness or dullness?
In response, Chris Meyer of Learning Modular created this free, easy-to-understand course that demonstrates – visually, and audibly – these fundamental concepts. The preview movie above shows examples of a few of the subjects covered in this course. Each video includes closed captions, as well as a downloadable transcript.
These movies were originally created to supplement the book Patch and Tweak: Exploring Modular Synthesis that Chris co-wrote with Kim Bjørn, and are designed for a beginner that is just getting into synthesis in general and modular synthesis in particular. This course also serves as a great “newbie” introduction to the subjects discussed in Chris’ other modular synthesis courses.

Testimonial:

“Chris!! These are all awesome! Must see for all modular devotees!” 
– Todd Barton

Course Curriculum

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Reviews

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Clear and well illustrated

Easy to follow to get a grasp of the basics

3 weeks ago
Quick but complete introduction

A concise introduction to modular synth concepts. You can't go beyond learning the basics if you haven't reviewed this quick and complete tutorial. Very clear and graphic. Well done.

4 weeks ago
Much-needed vocabulary and basic concepts

So many things can confuse you if you just dive in... Understanding the basics of how sound is generated and modified, and the words that describe these modulations, makes a huge difference!

1 month ago
Really well done overview

I've been noodling in synthesis for about 5 years and I got quite a few new insights from this series. Well worth watching!

1 month ago
A great introduction to synthesis !

A straightforward, no-time-wasted approach to learning the basics before getting to the more advanced stuff. I'll probably get back to this every time I am confused about some concepts.

2 months ago
Excellent Course

Start here first - online modular synthesis learning at its best! Chris methodically walks you through the building blocks of modular synthesis referencing applicable chapters in his outstanding book: Patch & Tweak. Each section also includes downloadable transcription notes as well. Each concept is explained and demonstrated along with showing waveforms and spectral analysis. Chris brings his decades of knowledge in synthesis and personal experiences with a broad scope of modules and breaks everything down into understandable terms. He also gives back to the modular community with video content, blog articles, informative talks & demonstrations and his personal experiences with music performances. Highly recommended!

2 months ago

Instructor:

Chris Meyer

I fell in love with the sound and possibilities of electronic music at a young age. I took synthesis lessons as a teen in the 1970s, learning on a modular Steiner-Parker Synthasystem. A kit-based PAiA modular was my dorm room companion in college. Soon after I graduated, I got a job at Sequential Circuits, where I contributed to several instruments and created Vector Synthesis. I went on to work for Digidesign, Marion Systems (Tom Oberheim), and was the chief engineer at Roland R&D US.

I’ve always enjoyed sharing what I’ve learned. I taught synthesis at UCLA Extension, was the technical editor for Music Technology and Recording magazines, and wrote a column for Keyboard magazine. I continue today, co-writing Patch & Tweak – the new book on modular synthesis – with Kim Bjørn, and writing module reviews for Synth & Software. I also regularly play modular music live under the name Alias Zone, plus jam with others.

I also have a lot of experience creating online training. Before I started Learning Modular, I recorded nearly 50 online courses on creating graphics for television and film for lynda.com (now LinkedIn Learning). I've brought this experience of how to teach a difficult, technical subject in a patient, step-by-step manner to my modular synthesis courses.

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