For my favorite, it's Serum. I have always been a visual learner, and due to the fact that I can see all this movement and a visual representation of what is going on with the sounds/wave tables... that's what helps me understand what's going on during sound design.
The name "Diva" says it all, that synth is incredibly amazing, the analog and digital sound shaping is pretty accurate and similar to a classic analog modular synth, now that is a must have synth
It's a hybrid synth. It is subtractive, additive (because of the OSC tab) and of course, there is an FM and RM aspect to it. If you know, there is also PWM in it. Using the 'Even' function is an example.
Hi, good idea to categorize it in "types of synth" and not to say synth xy are the greatest. Its all about the creativity of the musician/ componist and finally the mix anyway. Maybe you should add these types: - Modular-Synth - Physical Modelling Synth - Phase-Distortion-Synth - Additive Synth - Noise Synth - Granular-Synth - Sample Manipulating Synth - Glitchmachines-Synth - Vocoder-Synth - Formant Synth I don´t want to name specific instruments because I think every single synth or other machines out there are usable for something special when used in a creative way or combined creativily with EFX-hardware or plugins. Or simply dry as a bone if the situation calls for it. Have joy and never run out of creativity.
I add reveal sound spire to the third category. It's super easy to use, has a great unison engine can do basic fm as well and has lots of useful presets
There are no rules or recommendations when it comes to crafting your own sound. virtual synths (of all types) and sample libraries are abundant and relatively inexpensive. Just acquire as many synths as you can afford and that your hard drive can hold and have fun!
the clicks are the huge problem.. you can craft with filters etc.. and multi effects nice sounds but it always depends on the main source.. if the main source has nothing important its basically near impossible to make sth good out of it
Alchemy is amazing! Don't know if you know, but before Apple bought it to bundle with Logic, Camel Audio had a bit of a cult following with that synth and sold it for $249
For me:- 1) VPS Avenger 2) Synapse Audio Legend (I completely agree with your statement about it being the best emulation of a model D out there) 3) Omnisphere 2.6 for the sheer vastness of sound options For bass guitar, Modo bass is simply head and shoulders above everything else Taking it one step further. For drums, Addictive Drums 2 (With Modern Soul R&B add-on pack) & Battery 4
I've been studying synths for quite a bit of time...no doubt every one has its own speciality, but as I am exploring vps avenger things are different in that course... A complete sound solution to every production you imagine
Wavetable: Omnisphere 2.5 (Serum works too if you don't have the deepest pockets) Analog Modeled: IK Media Syntronik (17 classic synth models - well designed and beautiful sound) Subtractive: Imagine Line Sytrus (An under rated powerhouse) These will not disappoint As for FM: I've not been disappointed with the Ableton's Operator.
Hey echo sound works! It is actually possible to use FL instruments in logic. As Ableton is capable to open FL for OS X mac vst's. The trick is to rewire ableton to logic pro x. This is prior to having both ableton and fl installed on a mac. But it works like a charm!
Many thanks for this and all your other videos! You obviously know what you're talking about, and although I'm not a complete novice, you have really helped me to learn about production and equipment/software. I think you present brilliantly btw; no waffle, just loads of concise info :) Cheers!
Really great suggestions. I know it has a much steeper learning curve than the new SynthMaster One, but I would also suggest the original "bigger" brother SynthMaster as an all-around type of synth with FM, and Wavetable synthesis included. It's a semi low cost option that tends to go under the radar since it has a steep learning curve, but it has so so many options all built-in to one, and man does it sound great! It's been around for quite a while, so there are tons of sound packs you can find or buy that sound great. Also, KV331Audio has their Spring sale going on for both SynthMaster and SynthMaster One either individually, or as a bundle, so it might be worth it to get them both at a discount!
Diva, Repro1, elektraX , dune 2, sylenth, spire, serum , fm 8 , and Reaktor are my go to soft synths. Sometimes I use others for inspiration like softube modular. For drums (natural sounding real drums ) superior drummer . . I like to layer those real drums with sounds designed in either a subtractive synth or a basic fm synth like operator. I also use Kick2 for kicks and some snares. I also frequently use various Reaktor ensembles for drums. For in the box mastering I use Waves, Flux, and Melda plugins.
Agree with Ridrigo that Synthmaster is a great synth that is capable of all sorts of synthesis types including additive. It's also really flexible with its architecture and has great sounding filters, all types plus some I have never seen in any synth, most importantly. I'm a huge Zebra fan too for all the same reasons, plus the fact you can draw your own waveforms, then assemble them as 16 different waves that can be modulated by any modulator available.
Old school synths are considered subtractive synthesis. Additive synthesis is more in the digital realm. Synclavier, Prophet VS, Korg Wavestation and the Kawai K5000s are all examples of additive synthesis, which combines a series of waveforms together.
Nice. I have the hardware, which I LOVE. It's one of my favourite modules ever. Mutable Instruments have really come up with some superb and highly musical stuff.
Hey dude, can you tell me which synth String Machine-/E-Piano- & Bass VSTi's are suiting best to compose a lovesong in pop rock/soft rock style??? The best commercial synths fitting to this category, I found out so far are: Omnisphere & Diva! Best free choices I found out: Orpheus, Proteus VX, Sampletank, Independence Free, Poly 2106, Prodigious, MT Power Drum Kit and an old NTonyx Soundbank in combination with SFZ+ soundfontplayer. One or a few suggestions of commercial plugins with one free alternative I would greatly appreciate. And thx for all your hints you gave us in your video mate, thumbs up for it!!!
Serum has become one of the best investments I've ever made for my music. The wave shaping and FM is fun, but I also use it to emulate those vintage analog and newer digital sounds. It's become my go to for almost everything lately. I'd love to get and learn FM8 though. But, for now, Ableton's Operator is gonna have to suffice.
wow this was a year ago, dang. I'm looking to purchase a new synth and I just don't want to blow my money away, I have serum and I'm thinking about getting "the legend" or "Zebra 2" which one do you prefer?
Great selection and gives me something to ponder. I'm a big fan of Omnisphere, as it's been a huge part of my sound over the last 2 years. Really like the look of Serum and it will probably be my next purchase. It's like me Waldorf XT , but taken to the next level.
Can't believe you did not mention any of the WALDORF wavetable synths. I've been using the PPG2.v for years. It's a very basic design compared to some others, but it gets a wide range of sounds, and is very distinctive.
I'd love to go for Nexus, but producing mostly from a bus on my commute with other people in close quarters, I don't want to have to deal with / keep track of USB dongles. Requiring me to use a physical USB dongle to use a soft synth is a deal breaker for me.
Guys help me! I've already have a serum and sytrus and I want to buy a new synthesizer. Right now, it is a great discount for spire (30% off) and I'm going to buy it, but I don't know whether I will be a good decision to buy it. Will buying that kind of synthesizer be a good decision for me?
The best synth would be one that integrates all three types modularly, allows samples of any length and has a fully-featured arp, with presets for every important section: filters, oscillators, LFOs, etc, resizable & reaarangeable GUI. Oh and it must have a vocoder. FX is not as important as I prefer to have them in the DAW mixer.
Logic's Retro Synth is literally in every category except for the rompler. Such a great attempt and idea to become a go to synth but somehow never really got all the way through.
Just get Zebra2 and be done (VA, FM, Wavetable). Get ZebraHZ aka Dark Zebra for added Diva filters. When Zebra3 comes, I’m selling everything. I must have 15 soft synths I never touch. TBH, when not using hardware, I usually use stock synths. Alchemy and Retro Synth in Logic are friggin good.
ADSR Music Production Tutorials Thanks for the video- I'm realizing I could use a rompler for high quality piano, brass and string sounds to complement my use of Serum, Massive and Sylenth1. Narrowing it down to Nexus vs Omnisphere- how would you guys compare the two? And are the Native Instruments pianos and strings close in quality? (I've been using "the Grandeur" piano and "Session Strings" in Kontakt 5)
Separate libraries are usually always better than "Romplers", so for those type of sounds you are probably better where you are at. However Omnisphere 2 is a pretty good synth, that can be used fo a lot of creative stuff.
I really like Steinberg’s Retrologue. I do a lot of rock and metal so percussive sounds and high timbre sounds are good. FM8 and Hybrid 3 are good. And when I go ape and want to do the ultimate 80’s ballad: Dexed and FM8 e-piano with chorus and reverb.
ROMplers only produce a "low budget" version of many sounds. I would strongly suggest serious producers look at Kontakt 5 for their tool kit because of the far more accurate versions of pianos/strings & orchestra plus so so so much more that a full-blown sampler will provide over a ROMpler. Kinda surprised that wasn't included in the honorable mentions at least. For me, it would be almost at the top of the list of requirements because of how flexible it can be - custom drum samples for one project, a complete orchestra for another, huge SFX hits for another project all coming from the same plugin (and literally THOUSANDS of specialized libraries from 3rd party companies (like me) available for it).
I fully agree with this comment. Nexus and omnisphere don't hold a candle to a high quality Kontakt library when it comes to real organic sounds. My list is: Serum, Kontakt, Reaktor. That's all I need.
I don't make music so often anymore :/ I'm very lazy these days with what i install. Right now i pretty much only use whatever came with Cubase 8 pro. If i feel to spice things up i start the Virus Ti. You got me tempted to install a wave table synth doe haha. I don't own Serum but that one seem very cool. Might just install Massive again, probably been like 2 years since i last used that.
Synth1 is Definitely a good place to start with a VA emulation, though there are some better free alternatives imo. I wouldn't know any good free plugins for OSX, but Synth1 is good enough. I've used ES2 at college and can say that I kiiiiiinda prefer its sound to quite a few plugins that come with FL Studio. the closest thing I can find to ES2 in FL would be GMS, but its envelopes pale in comparison.
Hopefully the mac version of harmor is coming soon... I'm a dedicated user and with it's depth/great sound especially for certain tambres, you'd have plenty of material for great tutorials. I'd definitely watch those.
Physical Modelling can do things quickly , especially randomly that many other approaches can't touch. Sculpture is Fking awesome.... Im sure theres equivalents Mac/Multiplatorm, but PM can just fill the spaces that everything you mentioned can miss.
I can't staaaand FM synths. But we're good tips for the beginner. If I would chose 3 synths, Moog, Wavestation, Sampler... I actually still use my Fairlight :)
What Would be The one to pick Froam all of The Four categories ? Can only afford one BTW Synth that i allready have FL Signature bundle,all Synth froam AIR Music tech and of Course a lot of free Synth like TAl and co
I would say Omnisphere 2. Goes great with FL Studio 20, now that you can track out instantly, that way you can keep your cpu at a minimal instead of opening multiple omni for different sounds. Omni 2 has deep deep presets, like 10,000 presets covering all ranges of soundscapes. Its also expensive around $500, so thats why i recommend buying it first. Good flagship synth for any electronic/urban production.
Yeah, Harmor is stupid fun. I woulda probably put the ROMpler/Sampler in the place of the subtractive synths because wavetables can do that job with more flexibility. Also, I am sad that Kontakt and Alchemy didn't come up in that discussion. I don't think I could get by without Kontakt lol
Omnisphere 2 does all of this and way way more, if you learn how to use it. Want wavetables? Modulate synth shape or symmetry with an LFO. Want FM synthesis? There's an FM slot under every layer. Want the old-school analog sounds? There's a built in sample library, though the quality of them still doesn't compare to an actual moog
@@e3yt277 the only thing I regret is spending too much time playing around in Falcon instead of getting songs done. What I can say specifically about it that it's great for making pretty much any sound. It does however have a bit of a learning curve because it's so expansive in sounds and options. Its strongest point is that next to a synth it's also a great sampler. Regardless of whether you import your own samples, or use some of UVI's libraries you can use it to build amazing layered instruments by combining acoustic and electronic parts. The effects you get are also ridiculously numerous and sound fantastic. To me it's my goto for sound design. The presets are alright, but not the best. For presets I have other synths. Occasionally I also grab some other synths for making sounds.com 9, but Falcon is pretty much a staple for any production where I want to make a sound from scratch because it does everything.
Hi everyone, I'm new to synthesis. What this video said is really interesting but I'm not sure I'm understanding it. I was looking at the KORG VST Synth Collection. If I but that, am I getting all the kinds of synth mentioned? And if so, which ones are which?
Here is my short answer recommendation if you are new: 1) I would recommend a mid-range priced stage piano vs just a MIDI controller ($2500) so you have hardware sounds in case your computer ever crashes during a live performance, but you can save money if you go with a quality controller like that Roland A-88. 2) NI Komplete (VST software package), because it has synths, drums and orchestral instruments. Most importantly, it includes the full paid version of KONTAKT sampler. There are quite a few free sampled instruments that require the FULL version of Kontakt, and most of those freebies will not work with the FREE version "Kontakt Player." The next thing you should add is 3) Omnisphere (used in countless TV and movies) If you have a little extra cash, check out Keyscape (also by Spectrasonics) has the best quality and collection of acoustic and electric pianos anywhere. Watch the RUclips videos by Spectrasonics will give you a taste of what they can do. I have not heard a better virtual analog synth instrument (or VST) than U-he's "Diva", so you might want to add that to your arsenal at some point. For your audio interface, I recommend, Universal Audio's Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII DUO (or other UA interface). This stuff should do you well. You can always go bananas on more gear, and it all depends on what you want to do, but if you purchase this stuff, in this order, it should provide a sound foundation whatever you want to do. Add a Shure SM-57 mic, and you may not ever need to buy anything else. Hope this helps.
My favorite VST synths for eletronic music focused on live performance: Massive - Been working with this plugin since ever and it's still one of my favorites. Still an update form NI would be very very fair by now. At least switching banks via program change... Come on NI it's 2017! Diva - My favorite analog emulation vst, comes with a high cpu cost, so if you're using it for live performance "draft" is most probably the way to go. Hive - My favorite all in one synth, even better than Sylenth (Hey don't kill me guys :)) Zebra2 - This one I use more for experimental sounds, drones and fx. It's one of Hans Zimmer's favorites so no need explaining more. Polysix - It's not a complex vst but it does what it has to do with great quality and very low cpu usage Monopoly - A little more complex than Polysix but still with great sound quality and low cpu usage as well. Going into Reaktor, it's a difficult choice but if I had to chose only two it would be: Razor and Monark Applied Acoustics Systems has two plugs that I really like to, Ultra Analog (the name says it all) and "Lounge Lizard" which is my favorite vst for electric pianos. If your looking for a non sampled great quality electric piano definitely check this last one. You may be wondering... what about Serum? It's great but waaaaaaaay too much cpu demanding and slow for live performance, especially when changing presets via program change. I would only advise it for production If you know any other great synths aimed for live performance that can handle bank switching on the fly, let me know on the comments bellow. Thanks!
Can you make a video about diffrence between filter madulation synth and sylenth kind of synth. I've even read a book about it but i dont have any idea about diffrence. Ty i love your tutorials esv
Something that seems missing from all this is the idea that everyone should be doing 100% of their sound design "in the box" I started building my kit up in the 1990s, and i still have a wall full of (what at the time were v.cheap) hardware synths that range from Yammy DX7s / Roland Junos / Casios/ Korgs and some homebrewed PAIA monosynths etc. I don't think i ever paid more than $50 for any of them. they were all considered the 'low end' of the synth market at the time, when everyone wanted Tritons and Nords etc. i personally think this cheap stuff actually sounds better than anything currently in the box, and i also think they tend to be more encouraging of music-production, because you're actually *playing* them rather than twiddling around with a mouse. that said, of the soft-synths that i use the most, the NI stuff is the best IMO, because of the efficiency of the interfaces and the browser which allows quick cross-referencing of patches and settings.
For my favorite, it's Serum. I have always been a visual learner, and due to the fact that I can see all this movement and a visual representation of what is going on with the sounds/wave tables... that's what helps me understand what's going on during sound design.
The name "Diva" says it all, that synth is incredibly amazing, the analog and digital sound shaping is pretty accurate and similar to a classic analog modular synth, now that is a must have synth
Sylenth1 is a virtual analog synthesizer. love your work. Thanks for inspiring me and creating a lot of resources for producing music
You could have taken it further and just gave the list as:
1) Wavetable
2) VA
3) Subtractive
4) FM
5) Sampler
Jim Walker VA normally is substractive
Wavetable Synth were the first he mentioned ;)
...and he mentioned Substractive and FM synth at the end of his video as well ;)
...and the typical VA-Synth are Substractive synth anyway ;)
Jim Walker q
For FM, I'd definitely recommend Sytrus
Even as a subtractive synth, Sytrus performs pretty darn well imo
FM8 by NI
It's a hybrid synth. It is subtractive, additive (because of the OSC tab) and of course, there is an FM and RM aspect to it. If you know, there is also PWM in it. Using the 'Even' function is an example.
Hi,
good idea to categorize it in "types of synth" and not to say synth xy are the greatest. Its all about the creativity of the musician/ componist and finally the mix anyway.
Maybe you should add these types:
- Modular-Synth
- Physical Modelling Synth
- Phase-Distortion-Synth
- Additive Synth
- Noise Synth
- Granular-Synth
- Sample Manipulating Synth
- Glitchmachines-Synth
- Vocoder-Synth
- Formant Synth
I don´t want to name specific instruments because I think every single synth or other machines out there are usable for something special when used in a creative way or combined creativily with EFX-hardware or plugins. Or simply dry as a bone if the situation calls for it.
Have joy and never run out of creativity.
I add reveal sound spire to the third category. It's super easy to use, has a great unison engine can do basic fm as well and has lots of useful presets
Get VPS AVENGER and call it a day. you got wavetable, subtractive, fm, samples and granular synthesis
Avenger is pretty cool. I just started using that one, and it's killer.
There are no rules or recommendations when it comes to crafting your own sound. virtual synths (of all types) and sample libraries are abundant and relatively inexpensive. Just acquire as many synths as you can afford and that your hard drive can hold and have fun!
Best comment there will be on this entire thread ..
@@YudazOwn Complete bollocks! if you have a shit synth how can you make a good synth sound!? fuckin dumbarses
the clicks are the huge problem.. you can craft with filters etc.. and multi effects nice sounds but it always depends on the main source.. if the main source has nothing important its basically near impossible to make sth good out of it
What about Alchemy? I'm learning it right now and it seems incredibly powerful, but no one talks about it.
Alchemy is amazing! Don't know if you know, but before Apple bought it to bundle with Logic, Camel Audio had a bit of a cult following with that synth and sold it for $249
Surprised you didn't mention Alchemy in this video!
I wonder if the fact that it's free makes people think it's not worth their time.
Yeah, I think thats exactly it
That's a shame. The only negative I've found in it yet is it's kinda difficult to navigate through.
FM synths are pretty essential if you have patience to learn the process. The possibilities are mind boggling
Waves Codex, and Elements are pretty nice! I like some air products Hybrid, Vacuum Pro. Can't forget Sytrus .
For me:-
1) VPS Avenger
2) Synapse Audio Legend (I completely agree with your statement about it being the best emulation of a model D out there)
3) Omnisphere 2.6 for the sheer vastness of sound options
For bass guitar, Modo bass is simply head and shoulders above everything else
Taking it one step further. For drums,
Addictive Drums 2 (With Modern Soul R&B add-on pack)
&
Battery 4
Physical Modelling, AAS Chromaphone 2 and Madrona Labs Kaivo are amazing.
NI Form is insane, highly recommend
I've been studying synths for quite a bit of time...no doubt every one has its own speciality, but as I am exploring vps avenger things are different in that course...
A complete sound solution to every production you imagine
You forgot Falcon on your honorable mentions for rompler synths, it also includes other type of synthesis as well, Granular , Wavetable, and FM.
Wavetable: Omnisphere 2.5 (Serum works too if you don't have the deepest pockets)
Analog Modeled: IK Media Syntronik (17 classic synth models - well designed and beautiful sound)
Subtractive: Imagine Line Sytrus (An under rated powerhouse)
These will not disappoint
As for FM: I've not been disappointed with the Ableton's Operator.
Zerba, Serum, Reaktor are three awesome synths. Just get Komplete 11 Ultimate and be done with it.
Hey echo sound works!
It is actually possible to use FL instruments in logic. As Ableton is capable to open FL for OS X mac vst's. The trick is to rewire ableton to logic pro x. This is prior to having both ableton and fl installed on a mac. But it works like a charm!
Many thanks for this and all your other videos! You obviously know what you're talking about, and although I'm not a complete novice, you have really helped me to learn about production and equipment/software. I think you present brilliantly btw; no waffle, just loads of concise info :) Cheers!
Thanks Steve!
I agree. There are so many videos out there that just crap on and on. Very clear presentation.
Really great suggestions. I know it has a much steeper learning curve than the new SynthMaster One, but I would also suggest the original "bigger" brother SynthMaster as an all-around type of synth with FM, and Wavetable synthesis included. It's a semi low cost option that tends to go under the radar since it has a steep learning curve, but it has so so many options all built-in to one, and man does it sound great! It's been around for quite a while, so there are tons of sound packs you can find or buy that sound great. Also, KV331Audio has their Spring sale going on for both SynthMaster and SynthMaster One either individually, or as a bundle, so it might be worth it to get them both at a discount!
Diva, Repro1, elektraX , dune 2, sylenth, spire, serum , fm 8 , and Reaktor are my go to soft synths. Sometimes I use others for inspiration like softube modular.
For drums (natural sounding real drums ) superior drummer . .
I like to layer those real drums with sounds designed in either a subtractive synth or a basic fm synth like operator. I also use Kick2 for kicks and some snares.
I also frequently use various Reaktor ensembles for drums.
For in the box mastering I use Waves, Flux, and Melda plugins.
Modular. Maybe not a must-have, but I recommend Cherry Audio's Voltage or Softube Modular.
Agree with Ridrigo that Synthmaster is a great synth that is capable of all sorts of synthesis types including additive. It's also really flexible with its architecture and has great sounding filters, all types plus some I have never seen in any synth, most importantly. I'm a huge Zebra fan too for all the same reasons, plus the fact you can draw your own waveforms, then assemble them as 16 different waves that can be modulated by any modulator available.
I do agree....
It blends with the nature of sound....
Old school synths are considered subtractive synthesis. Additive synthesis is more in the digital realm. Synclavier, Prophet VS, Korg Wavestation and the Kawai K5000s are all examples of additive synthesis, which combines a series of waveforms together.
Nice. I have the hardware, which I LOVE. It's one of my favourite modules ever. Mutable Instruments have really come up with some superb and highly musical stuff.
You can actually use warp modes in FM synths because a warp mode is basically a frequency modulation
extremely knowledgeable : ) thanks man. Great video and has really helped me through the maze. best of luck on the journey!
Congrats on 150k subs ADSR. That's my target sub count. Almost at 100! :)
Hey dude, can you tell me which synth String Machine-/E-Piano- & Bass VSTi's are suiting best to compose a lovesong in pop rock/soft rock style??? The best commercial synths fitting to this category, I found out so far are: Omnisphere & Diva! Best free choices I found out: Orpheus, Proteus VX, Sampletank, Independence Free, Poly 2106, Prodigious, MT Power Drum Kit and an old NTonyx Soundbank in combination with SFZ+ soundfontplayer. One or a few suggestions of commercial plugins with one free alternative I would greatly appreciate. And thx for all your hints you gave us in your video mate, thumbs up for it!!!
Serum has become one of the best investments I've ever made for my music. The wave shaping and FM is fun, but I also use it to emulate those vintage analog and newer digital sounds. It's become my go to for almost everything lately. I'd love to get and learn FM8 though. But, for now, Ableton's Operator is gonna have to suffice.
wow this was a year ago, dang. I'm looking to purchase a new synth and I just don't want to blow my money away, I have serum and I'm thinking about getting "the legend" or "Zebra 2" which one do you prefer?
UVI Falcon is monster!!
Great selection and gives me something to ponder. I'm a big fan of Omnisphere, as it's been a huge part of my sound over the last 2 years. Really like the look of Serum and it will probably be my next purchase. It's like me Waldorf XT , but taken to the next level.
Sytrus is life...
Plus, you can get Fl Studio vsts too, so you can mess with Harmor if you want it, am I right?
I'd love to get Harmor. Though, unfortunately for Mac users, it isn't available on their platform :c
Well... yeah you're right, never thought of that... that's a bummer...
Let's hope it gets an AU port. I think more than just us Windows users could do with an amazing additive synth~♪
They both are coming soon. Imageline is working on them!
I have 2 to 3 of those type of Synths from NI, but what do you think of Super8 for a decent Subtractive Synth?
Pro vid!! Diva, Zebra, Largo, Mini V are a few of my faves -
Synths and effects but not too much talk about the Drum and percussion plugys. Fav,must haves,weird ect. What turns your float percussion wise?
Thanks, great info for someone who is just startng out!
Best wavetable synths? Serum & Pigments 2 easy. Can do just about anything you want with extremely crisp sound
I own zebra 2,diva,serum and spire. Are these good enough?
Can't believe you did not mention any of the WALDORF wavetable synths. I've been using the PPG2.v for years. It's a very basic design compared to some others, but it gets a wide range of sounds, and is very distinctive.
How did you manage to miss Reaktor 5&6 since some of he modules you mentioned were created with Reaktor?
I'd love to go for Nexus, but producing mostly from a bus on my commute with other people in close quarters, I don't want to have to deal with / keep track of USB dongles. Requiring me to use a physical USB dongle to use a soft synth is a deal breaker for me.
I'm surprised Absynth 5 wasn't mentioned even in the honorable mentions.
Guys help me! I've already have a serum and sytrus and I want to buy a new synthesizer. Right now, it is a great discount for spire (30% off) and I'm going to buy it, but I don't know whether I will be a good decision to buy it. Will buying that kind of synthesizer be a good decision for me?
The best synth would be one that integrates all three types modularly, allows samples of any length and has a fully-featured arp, with presets for every important section: filters, oscillators, LFOs, etc, resizable & reaarangeable GUI. Oh and it must have a vocoder. FX is not as important as I prefer to have them in the DAW mixer.
Logic's Retro Synth is literally in every category except for the rompler. Such a great attempt and idea to become a go to synth but somehow never really got all the way through.
WT Synth: Serum
FM: FM8
VA: Diva
Just get Zebra2 and be done (VA, FM, Wavetable). Get ZebraHZ aka Dark Zebra for added Diva filters. When Zebra3 comes, I’m selling everything.
I must have 15 soft synths I never touch. TBH, when not using hardware, I usually use stock synths. Alchemy and Retro Synth in Logic are friggin good.
Madrona Labs Aalto is one of my favorite synths; it's a Buchla emulation, great for making FX, noise and atmosphere/textures.
Yes, it's so unique.
You can use Harmor in Ableton Live 32 bit version on mac. I use it and it's working great.
What about additive or granular synths?
synthmaster is all you need
ADSR Music Production Tutorials Thanks for the video- I'm realizing I could use a rompler for high quality piano, brass and string sounds to complement my use of Serum, Massive and Sylenth1. Narrowing it down to Nexus vs Omnisphere- how would you guys compare the two?
And are the Native Instruments pianos and strings close in quality? (I've been using "the Grandeur" piano and "Session Strings" in Kontakt 5)
Separate libraries are usually always better than "Romplers", so for those type of sounds you are probably better where you are at.
However Omnisphere 2 is a pretty good synth, that can be used fo a lot of creative stuff.
I really like Steinberg’s Retrologue. I do a lot of rock and metal so percussive sounds and high timbre sounds are good. FM8 and Hybrid 3 are good. And when I go ape and want to do the ultimate 80’s ballad: Dexed and FM8 e-piano with chorus and reverb.
ROMplers only produce a "low budget" version of many sounds. I would strongly suggest serious producers look at Kontakt 5 for their tool kit because of the far more accurate versions of pianos/strings & orchestra plus so so so much more that a full-blown sampler will provide over a ROMpler. Kinda surprised that wasn't included in the honorable mentions at least. For me, it would be almost at the top of the list of requirements because of how flexible it can be - custom drum samples for one project, a complete orchestra for another, huge SFX hits for another project all coming from the same plugin (and literally THOUSANDS of specialized libraries from 3rd party companies (like me) available for it).
I fully agree with this comment. Nexus and omnisphere don't hold a candle to a high quality Kontakt library when it comes to real organic sounds.
My list is: Serum, Kontakt, Reaktor. That's all I need.
Completely agree with John skippy. Ive just bought his Sounds for omnisphere. You OWE it to yourself to try them. Top notch all of them.
Devin Belanger Fully agree! My list adds 1 more Nl synth, Massive.
FL has Sawer for the 2nd category.Just sayin..
I don't make music so often anymore :/
I'm very lazy these days with what i install.
Right now i pretty much only use whatever came with Cubase 8 pro.
If i feel to spice things up i start the Virus Ti.
You got me tempted to install a wave table synth doe haha.
I don't own Serum but that one seem very cool.
Might just install Massive again, probably been like 2 years since i last used that.
I was very disappointed by Virus TI
What about additive, granular, and digital modular synthesis in VSTI's such as Native Instrument's Absynth and Reaktor? Where do they fit in?
Synth1 is Definitely a good place to start with a VA emulation, though there are some better free alternatives imo. I wouldn't know any good free plugins for OSX, but Synth1 is good enough.
I've used ES2 at college and can say that I kiiiiiinda prefer its sound to quite a few plugins that come with FL Studio. the closest thing I can find to ES2 in FL would be GMS, but its envelopes pale in comparison.
Could you write all synth under your video? Because my english is not the best...I don't understand all you the synths you named :-/
Very good summery, keep on!
That was great - Nice job - thanks
Hopefully the mac version of harmor is coming soon... I'm a dedicated user and with it's depth/great sound especially for certain tambres, you'd have plenty of material for great tutorials. I'd definitely watch those.
Physical Modelling can do things quickly , especially randomly that many other approaches can't touch.
Sculpture is Fking awesome.... Im sure theres equivalents Mac/Multiplatorm, but PM can just fill the spaces that everything you mentioned can miss.
Like Sakura?
I can't staaaand FM synths. But we're good tips for the beginner. If I would chose 3 synths, Moog, Wavestation, Sampler... I actually still use my Fairlight :)
Synth1 is always a win. Have fun.
Thoughts on spire?
What Would be The one to pick Froam all of The Four categories ? Can only afford one BTW Synth that i allready have FL Signature bundle,all Synth froam AIR Music tech and of Course a lot of free Synth like TAl and co
I would say Omnisphere 2. Goes great with FL Studio 20, now that you can track out instantly, that way you can keep your cpu at a minimal instead of opening multiple omni for different sounds.
Omni 2 has deep deep presets, like 10,000 presets covering all ranges of soundscapes. Its also expensive around $500, so thats why i recommend buying it first. Good flagship synth for any electronic/urban production.
Yeah, Harmor is stupid fun. I woulda probably put the ROMpler/Sampler in the place of the subtractive synths because wavetables can do that job with more flexibility. Also, I am sad that Kontakt and Alchemy didn't come up in that discussion. I don't think I could get by without Kontakt lol
Will
Adsr run courses on using Roland synths ?
Arturia V Collection is all you need....
I used to believe that Omnisphere would be king for many many years.....until Arturia V came along.
DeFHoez came on this list to find someone mention it because I just found out about it and contemplating getting it.
Just depends on what you are trying to achieve in your music.
Omnisphere 2 does all of this and way way more, if you learn how to use it. Want wavetables? Modulate synth shape or symmetry with an LFO. Want FM synthesis? There's an FM slot under every layer. Want the old-school analog sounds? There's a built in sample library, though the quality of them still doesn't compare to an actual moog
Having multiple synths for these types of sounds?
*laughs in Falcon*
Do you regret buying it at all? I heard it was great
@@e3yt277 the only thing I regret is spending too much time playing around in Falcon instead of getting songs done.
What I can say specifically about it that it's great for making pretty much any sound. It does however have a bit of a learning curve because it's so expansive in sounds and options.
Its strongest point is that next to a synth it's also a great sampler. Regardless of whether you import your own samples, or use some of UVI's libraries you can use it to build amazing layered instruments by combining acoustic and electronic parts. The effects you get are also ridiculously numerous and sound fantastic.
To me it's my goto for sound design. The presets are alright, but not the best. For presets I have other synths. Occasionally I also grab some other synths for making sounds.com 9, but Falcon is pretty much a staple for any production where I want to make a sound from scratch because it does everything.
Hi everyone, I'm new to synthesis. What this video said is really interesting but I'm not sure I'm understanding it. I was looking at the KORG VST Synth Collection. If I but that, am I getting all the kinds of synth mentioned? And if so, which ones are which?
Here is my short answer recommendation if you are new: 1) I would recommend a mid-range priced stage piano vs just a MIDI controller ($2500) so you have hardware sounds in case your computer ever crashes during a live performance, but you can save money if you go with a quality controller like that Roland A-88. 2) NI Komplete (VST software package), because it has synths, drums and orchestral instruments. Most importantly, it includes the full paid version of KONTAKT sampler. There are quite a few free sampled instruments that require the FULL version of Kontakt, and most of those freebies will not work with the FREE version "Kontakt Player." The next thing you should add is 3) Omnisphere (used in countless TV and movies) If you have a little extra cash, check out Keyscape (also by Spectrasonics) has the best quality and collection of acoustic and electric pianos anywhere. Watch the RUclips videos by Spectrasonics will give you a taste of what they can do. I have not heard a better virtual analog synth instrument (or VST) than U-he's "Diva", so you might want to add that to your arsenal at some point. For your audio interface, I recommend, Universal Audio's Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII DUO (or other UA interface). This stuff should do you well. You can always go bananas on more gear, and it all depends on what you want to do, but if you purchase this stuff, in this order, it should provide a sound foundation whatever you want to do. Add a Shure SM-57 mic, and you may not ever need to buy anything else. Hope this helps.
My favorite VST synths for eletronic music focused on live performance:
Massive - Been working with this plugin since ever and it's still one of my favorites. Still an update form NI would be very very fair by now. At least switching banks via program change... Come on NI it's 2017!
Diva - My favorite analog emulation vst, comes with a high cpu cost, so if you're using it for live performance "draft" is most probably the way to go.
Hive - My favorite all in one synth, even better than Sylenth (Hey don't kill me guys :))
Zebra2 - This one I use more for experimental sounds, drones and fx. It's one of Hans Zimmer's favorites so no need explaining more.
Polysix - It's not a complex vst but it does what it has to do with great quality and very low cpu usage
Monopoly - A little more complex than Polysix but still with great sound quality and low cpu usage as well.
Going into Reaktor, it's a difficult choice but if I had to chose only two it would be: Razor and Monark
Applied Acoustics Systems has two plugs that I really like to, Ultra Analog (the name says it all) and "Lounge Lizard" which is my favorite vst for electric pianos. If your looking for a non sampled great quality electric piano definitely check this last one.
You may be wondering... what about Serum? It's great but waaaaaaaay too much cpu demanding and slow for live performance, especially when changing presets via program change. I would only advise it for production
If you know any other great synths aimed for live performance that can handle bank switching on the fly, let me know on the comments bellow. Thanks!
If I’m right, I think eurorack is starting to produce vcos that replicate wavetable plugins. Is this correct?
HALion 6 now includes all 3 categories - even if it's more know as a sampler.
My most used synths: Zebra, Serum, Synthmaster, Reaktor, Dust, Synplant.
What do you think about VPS Avenger?
Best one yet thx
Can you make a video about diffrence between filter madulation synth and sylenth kind of synth. I've even read a book about it but i dont have any idea about diffrence. Ty i love your tutorials esv
Something that seems missing from all this is the idea that everyone should be doing 100% of their sound design "in the box"
I started building my kit up in the 1990s, and i still have a wall full of (what at the time were v.cheap) hardware synths that range from Yammy DX7s / Roland Junos / Casios/ Korgs and some homebrewed PAIA monosynths etc.
I don't think i ever paid more than $50 for any of them. they were all considered the 'low end' of the synth market at the time, when everyone wanted Tritons and Nords etc.
i personally think this cheap stuff actually sounds better than anything currently in the box, and i also think they tend to be more encouraging of music-production, because you're actually *playing* them rather than twiddling around with a mouse.
that said, of the soft-synths that i use the most, the NI stuff is the best IMO, because of the efficiency of the interfaces and the browser which allows quick cross-referencing of patches and settings.
I like Hybrid 3 for instant inspiration and ease of use.
You forgot additive synthesis, check out the synth razor it's a beast
Serum, Harmor, Sytrus and any library of orchestral instruments
What type of synth is Alchemy considered as?
for FM Zebra 2, try the DX pianos, they are identical to the Montage.
Zebra2 is my desert island VSTi.
great summary. thank you.
What do you think of the SonicProjects OP-X PRO-II?
sylenth has some grit I love
Oh how I love Harmor
Where's OP-X Pro II? It's single-handedly the best VA ever made! It eats Diva and Jupiter-8 for breakfast! Such an underrated gem!
What category would spire fall into?
No Absynth in honorable mentions? :/
Absynth is nice.
i love absynth for like thriller / suspense / dark ambient just awesome
bro, what midi controller do you have next to you?
What about IL Harmor
I used it all the time in future bass song and it worked absolutely good ;)