So what's the best way to learn how to program synths?

InsertNameHere · Post by **InsertNameHere** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 9:57 pm

As in like, trackers and that kind of stuff. Obviously I have no clue what I'm doing as I don't even know how to explain it.

Basically, one day, I would like to learn how to make chiptunes, maybe even using an actual modded Nintendo, but I figure I'm going to need some practice with just basic programming before moving on to something like that.

What program should I use? I've downloaded a few random programs in my time, trackers and the sort, but I've always found them too daunting to just dig into. This summer I plan on fixing that. What to do?

Elm · Post by **Elm** » Tue Apr 07, 2009 2:10 am

Best way to learn how to program a synth is to buy an old analog maybe two oscillator synth with basic VCA / VCF and enveloping.
This is a bit expensive, but you see what you do by turning knobs.

ugly casanova · Post by **ugly casanova** » Tue Apr 07, 2009 5:54 am

why dont you try circuit bending first? you can make some great instruments out of toys and use them to make samples.
check this guy out, he also has a beautiful website! http://casperelectronics.com/
he made an instrument for mike patton, too. its worth to see.

InsertNameHere · Post by **InsertNameHere** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 12:17 pm

Hm, I meant more like, using sequencers and stuff.

Stuff like Fruityloops. But, something that works on Mac, preferably.

Pingu · Post by **Pingu** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 12:22 pm

Crystal is an excellent free softsynth, assuming you have a DAW to host it. They even have a few guides on making basic sounds on their site: http://www.greenoak.com/crystal/

quarterpound · Post by **quarterpound** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 4:31 pm

well, i learned using Impulse Tracker (which hasn't been updated in years, but still works fine, could google for it314.exe i believe) - i wanna say if i can do it anyone can, but surely there's better stuff out there now. I used NitroTracker for NDS (you'll need a homebrew cart) until i found PSPSEQ - the former has a VERY simple interface and i highly recommend it if you have the means. If not, i know it's based on another pretty easy tracker. I'll look it up later.

El Pr0n · Post by **El Pr0n** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 2:56 pm

quarterpound wrote: well, i learned using Impulse Tracker (which hasn't been updated in years, but still works fine, could google for it314.exe i believe) - i wanna say if i can do it anyone can, but surely there's better stuff out there now. I used NitroTracker for NDS (you'll need a homebrew cart) until i found PSPSEQ - the former has a VERY simple interface and i highly recommend it if you have the means. If not, i know it's based on another pretty easy tracker. I'll look it up later.

What's PSPSEQ like?? I was going to downloaded it a while ago, but downgrading seemed like a lot of hassle, and I don't like the idea of not being able to play Final Fantasy...

InsertNameHere · Post by **InsertNameHere** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 9:46 pm

I do have the means to use NitroTracker and have been fooling around with it a bit.

The samples on the site are supposed to have that 8-bit sound, but they just... don't for some reason. I'm not sure what it is but every time I find something that claims to make 8-bit NES sounds, it falls short.

quarterpound · Post by **quarterpound** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 8:36 am

pspseq is great, in that it's a legitimate and unique instrument. The interface leaves a lot to be desired, really. It's not a terribly flexible tracker and the synth parameters are rather cryptic. However, it's a lot more powerful than nitrotracker, which, as a pure tracker, is solely sample-based. The "NES sound" is very easy to find and iirc, is available from a little executable media player for windows. again, the name escapes me.

cestlamort · Post by **cestlamort** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 9:23 am

I learned using some version of ReBirth on a PC, but it doesn't seem to have a mac os x version.

If you're a student, I remember getting fruity loops from the academic super store for cheap. ($50 or so).

Otherwise, it is just a matter of diving in.

For more hardware stuff, keep an eye out for an ensoniq sq-1. It's a digital synth (with analog filters) and has a built in sequencer. Sounds decent, can be found for $100 or so if you're patient.

ugly casanova · Post by **ugly casanova** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 2:51 pm

InsertNameHere wrote: Hm, I meant more like, using sequencers and stuff.

Stuff like Fruityloops. But, something that works on Mac, preferably.

what about ableton live?

skip though this tutorial and tell us if thats the stuff you want to make:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mrq6D-W4hw8

this is a more basic and common attempt on making beats out of samples:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ff0AcOsH3E

is that the right direction?

OffsetGuitars.com

So what's the best way to learn how to program synths?

So what's the best way to learn how to program synths?

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Re: So what's the best way to learn how to program synths?

Re: So what's the best way to learn how to program synths?

Re: So what's the best way to learn how to program synths?

Re: So what's the best way to learn how to program synths?

Re: So what's the best way to learn how to program synths?

Re: So what's the best way to learn how to program synths?

Re: So what's the best way to learn how to program synths?

Re: So what's the best way to learn how to program synths?

Re: So what's the best way to learn how to program synths?