I've "get" synthesis but i still don't "get it" if you know what I mean. For the most part I understand what each tweaking knob does to a signal (Oscillators, Filters), but I still don't understand it enough to "go after" a sound i hear in my head.
When I first started MIDI production, I would study fan made midi files of popular songs to help understand pop composition. I was wondering if i could do the same with signature synth sounds.
Does anybody know a site that gives you step by step intructions to create signature synths (70's Stevie, Clinton's Atomic Dog, Devo's Whip it, Dr. Dre's G-Funk, Roger Troutman's Bounce-synth..), since subtractive synthesis is the same regardless of module?

For Example: To create the famous Miniappolis synth sound... (1) start with a sine wav (2) Send to Filter- Resonate @ X freq. (3) Combine with Sawtooh 2 octaves lower (4)...ect.

I really hope someone has a link. I know I'm not the first person to search for this so I imagine a list somewhere. A teacher did this (creating signatures step by step) in a class of mine once, but only for a quick second to show off.

If not does anyone know of any sites that really make understanding synths simple? (Again, I know what each "part" does, but I want to understand well enough to "think "fat moog" and create "fat moog")

Thanks {fingers crossed....}

SirPsycho said:

excuse me???

i have know idea what your talking about....

this is what youtube come up with...
http://www.youtube.com/re...rch=Search

.

novabrkr said:

what i meant was: the 'tecnique' behind creating textured synth tones (or sounds) is the same regardless of any one specific synthesizer(keyboard\software)...I should have known no one would understand me [i'm such a music nerd, but i thought some of you guys would be too]

None of you org musicians make use synths in your music!?

...and I saw the tutorials on youtube before, but they usually just scrath the surface of synth tecnique

SirPsycho said:

Just because the controls might read the same on the front panel doesn't mean the structure of the synthesis works in the same manner from unit to unit. Not only are there sheer differencies in physical construction of different synthesizers, but also in the modular order of the each different synthesis stage and in the arithmetic handling of values sent to control them. If you want a "fat moog" sound out of an analog synth, or a VA synth you can only get that from a real moog synthesizer or a more modern unit that is capable of reproducing similar sounds in the digital domain. Many newer units are built to be able to handle that kind of sounds as well, but not all by any means.

Subtractive synthesis is definitely not the same from unit to unit - why would you think there exists so many different models and brands on the market if they all could deliver the same results?

novabrkr said:

...to be honest, I figured manufacturers create different models to make more money off of common ignorance.They only differences I've seen are New/easier2use interfaces. Expanded options (like more filters or oscillators). Sleeker designs. Different "preset" tones then a competing brand. ect... I mean if all synth tones start as a simple wave, then why shouldn't the process remain the same? But I'm new to synth, so I'll take your word.

What about the whole step by step website thing? Should I assume no-one has decontructed or sought to acheive the synth tones they've heard in famous songs?

thanks for continuing to respond by the way..

Try the forums at Studio Central. There's a section there dedicated to synths, and the regulars are top-notch know-it-alls in the field. I haven't hung out there in quite a while, but they were very helpfull to me when I was setting up my little home studio.

Keep us posted on what you find out. Good luck!