Find Oscar's video courses here: courses.underdog.brussels 🖤🖤🖤 Join the Underdog Discord channel: discord.gg/z5N9CTA 👾👾👾 Sign up to the mailing list here: tinyurl.com/yy92sx5u 💌💌💌 Pledge to the Patreon: www.patreon.com/underdogmusicschool 🌱🌱🌱
09:44 "Sounds pretty good to me..." (three seconds later @ 09:47) "Great! That's everything we need to know; we now understand how the oscillator works."
I feel like I've learned more in an hour from watching a couple of your videos than I did in a decade of tinkering around with synths! What an absolutely amazing teacher
As a computer engineer in my early 30's I'm starting to play piano, taking lessons in a school close to my house and I've recently started listening to synthwave and lofi music and just fell in love with the sound of synthesizers. It is really refreshing to watch your explanation of how they work and remember some of my classes of signal processing in college. Thank you very much for this amazing video!
My Synthesizer obsession started with a Korg MS10 at 11 years old in middle school music classes (1981). Amazingly by an interesting turn of events and coincidences 24 years later in 2005 I actually became the owner of that very same Synth from my old school. It was just about to be thrown away in a skip, still in fair working order, but in need of a good cleanout, new CMOS Chip and re-calibration. I got it for no money at all! I stripped it down for cleaning and then sent it to Korg UK for the technical repairs. Still looking and working good as new now in 2021. I cannot describe how wonderful it felt to be reunited and the owner of my first love after all those years ❤️ These days I’m a synth sound designer for the iOS platform but still love to tinker with my old MS10 and a few other remaining hardware synths.
Finally, I understand synthesizer. I’m a musician, classically trained, and I’ve been wanting to understand synths forever. Thank you. Please, talk about the fm ones soon. I have one!
You are kidding me. This is surreal (or fake). First what exactly did you learn. Seriously. I am a “musician” too. I guess. I have been playing instruments since the early 70’s…most notably the….synthesizer. So perhaps it’s hard for to delineate but I saw him read a script about the three attributes of sound (pitch, tone, volume ) and what the Control names on most synths are. Seriously I am in straight screen saver mode just staring at your comment. So… you have been wanting to understand synths “forever”…but then you watched this video and now you feel you insert and synths? What ones do you own and how did you apply anything from this video to it? Once again not talking these comihrer epigrams because if you are musician then you (wait for it…play actual instruments so which ones have you struggle with but then this video opened your eyes? I am being serious. Not trying to get you upset or anything but this is literally surreal to me (but part of me things it fake or…well,….WOWg
By the way re: FM synthesis, trust me dude doesn’t know about that stuff. He will read somethint then do a video. Now, I have quite a few FM synths. I implemented FM additive, subtractive, wavetable, etc. FM is altered through modulation. Here are some examples. FM synth - soundcloud.app.goo.gl/zaA2PWFzDe4h9R1a8 WaveTable - soundcloud.app.goo.gl/4qhfToVCtPasVN1z9 Analogue - soundcloud.app.goo.gl/UbWhjejp119X6sSt8
@@YourFreeBeats Lol, you're such a hater... Why do you care so much that this dude gave the OP a compliment? And the way you not so subtly humble brag is hilarious considering... Let's just put it this way: You're def not god's gift to music production lol! You shouldn't talk so much shit.
@@YourFreeBeats The video is perfectly explained, i was able to understand Synths in a few minutes, aswell as music theory and a lot more from his other videos, he explains the subjects really well, calm, in a mature and straight forward way, wich i really like. If you are using synths since the 70s,that means you are an old adult, and you come here, braggin about your knowledge, talking shit about Underdog, plug your own stuff from soundcloud and on top of that, you are what? 60 yo? and you go by "check a bitch beats" .... lame.
Absolutely brilliant! Great help! I've just inherited some IMMACULATE kit dearly cared for by an uncle who has a terminal illness previous to which he offered private music studio. So, I've a lot to learn. 1.Line 6 pod xt live 2.Marshall JVM205c 2x12 combo 3.Allen and Heath Zed 14 mixer 4.Behringer fx 2000 5.Behringer RX1602 6.Behringer DI box 7.Roland edirol Fa-66 8.M-Audio keystation 88 9.Ultimate Support js-mps1 10. Quiklok BX/718 11. Gator assorted gig bags 12. Digitech gsp1101 13. iconnectivity mio10 14. IMG Stageline mfx204 15. Clavia nord piano 2 ha88 16. Dave Smith instruments prophet 12 17. MFB Dominion 1 18. Moog Sub 37 19. Waldorf Streichfett 20. Fender Electric Guitar 21. Ibanez Bass Guitar
3:20 I love that you always show a diagram with every lesson (that's I've seen so far). For visual learners like me it's invaluable. I'm not new to music making or audio engineering and I have lots of hardware synths, but I've never seen a synth explained like in this diagram and it will help me a lot in the future when making patches.
When I started watching your channel I think you had a smidge over 1k subscribers. Now you’re over 36k in such a short time. The reason is quality content and anticipation of your next quality content. I even hit the bell 😬 and I hardly ever do that! Congrats and thank you very much for bringing us interesting quality videos filled to the brim with awesome musical knowledge.
It's so great to hear this. Thanks for the support, I think RUclips is quite sensitive to this kind of positive signals, it's the reason the channel has grown so much I think! ✨🙏🐩
@@OscarUnderdog The possitive response comes from you releasing good material. Making better content than the majority of channels and doing that in a relaxed humble manner is what makes some channels, like yours attractive to new and old electronic musicians around the world. This channel helps alot of people learn new things, and rediscover old methods.
I like the calm way you explain things. And your methods, for example the use of flowcharts, fit extremely well and are very catchy. Also that you manage to reduce the topics to their core information. Thumbs up 👍🏻you are a good teacher
MOST helpful synth video I’ve ever seen. Every beginner is lucky to have this resource. I’ve never used the “four recipes” approach, so I’ve gone back into my synths to try it. Fun!
As a part of musicians community, i am above thankful for your video. To see something as useful as your explanation is, indeed, a blessing. For which i thank you, sir, wishing all the best!
I needed a video like this a year or two ago. I remember being kind of intimidated from buying my first synth but after I got one it made so much more sense. This video is perfect for someone who really doesn't have a concept of how it works. Great job!
@@originaali well Ive always been obsessed with vintage analog but as you know they are crazy expensive so I found a technics sy-1010 which was perfect for a beginner synth and it's from the 80's so it's vintage lol only bummer is that it only has one wave form but other than that it will always hold a special place in my heart :')
Yours is one of the best you tube channel for production learning...everything so well explained in simple and detailed manner...Plz keep up the good work...Its really helpful for us producers all across the globe...thank you
This is a great refresher! From my perspective with the general synth recipes, I would add a fifth that I think is always helpful to at least understand - a simple "brass" sound. To me this is a good way to learn a filter and envelopes because of that kind of "wah" sound you have to sculpt.
I know synths very well and was only curious about this tutorial. Very good job man. I wish I had somebody to tell me these things back in the day. This makes it so easy to understand for a beginner. I used to read manuals of gear to know that they were doing. There was a user manual of the yamaha cs-5 or something with diagrams and explanation. That was my schoolbook, but not everybody starts to read manuals, and there are better and worse manuals of course. Really well done, very good tutorial.
I just randomly watched it, and left it without giving a try. I usually do play presets on any Synth. But, after watching this started customising the Synth and I was able to make it exactly what I wanted to sound like. I had to search for this video just for thanking you.
THANK YOU! From a guitarist's stand point the controls never made sense to me. Now I can actually visualize what is happening. I cant thank you enough!
Great. This video was added to my musical production box. I´m practicing this with the Surge XT synth. Now I´m beginning to understand it. Thanks so much.
I just got my first synth yesterday (MicroFreak)…don’t know how to even play any instrument…and you immediately cleared up one of my initial questions about shaping with it. Thanks!
Oscar, I honestly can't begin to thank you enough. I have been looking all over the place for such quality of teaching and such attention to detail and such focus on the important basics of electronic music and I couldn't find anything like this, free or paid. Every other "beginner" production course goes straight into creating tracks on Ableton and I would always get stuck as I needed to understand exactly those basics. Please don't stop making those videos, I am willing to pay you for production lessons if need be.
I think I have never watched a tutorial as concise and essential as this one. Even though I am already familiar with most of the material covered in it, it was a pleasure to watch. Nicely done!
I found it a nice exercise to try those 4 sounds in a kata, ie from a sequence i try to switch between those sounds. It’s rapidly showing me the key settings on my particular synth to achieve those sounds. Super helpful.
As a synth enthusiast since my first Roland Juno 6. I must say I absolutely enjoy your concise tutorials on electronic production. I'm not a know-it-all. And I am reminded of this through your videos and through comments from your subscribers! :) Thank you for your time and instruction.
The fact that I have been doing tons of reading and tinkering prior to this REALLY helps my self esteem and knowledge references. I'm further along than I had originally thought and the videos you provide really help encourage me to keep pushing. I bought about 10 hardwares and 1 VST. This makes me feel like the universe is my oyster xD Thank you again so much for your videos. I am certain I will be attending the classes in the near future FOR SURE!!!!
Back in the day, I wanted a synth really badly. I scoured the local use market for something and a Yamaha DX21 with a Pevey keyboard amp/speaker popped up for under $200. Never heard of FM synthesis other than what my Sound Blaster board did in my computer...but boy did I bite off more than I could chew with that. Dumped right into the most complicated synth sound design system possible! I spend thousands of hours with that keyboard. Learned everything I could and saved up my money and was able to get used Yamaha DX7-FD. I also picked up an FB01 and with all my synths, I was able to get some amazing sounds...Then one day, I picked up a Korg. I was lost. I had no idea what any of those things meant on that keyboard. I still struggle with them. But this video really took it down to the very basics. Makes me want to go into my closet and bring that Korg out into the light of day and try some of these things!
This is so helpful. This video really makes understanding synths much easier. Once you tie everything together in the "Doing the synth fomulas on the SH101" section it's like a lightbulb went off in my head.
Your amazing! I was using microkorg from for 4 years and even had performances with it but have never understand how it works. Now it`s getting clearer. Thank you!
Thanks for this. Just spent all morning looking at cheap starter analogue synths, but I'm going to take your lesson and muck about with some Logic Pro synths and my midi keyboard. You've really opened it up for me.
Holy hell, I've watched a couple of your videos and they give me a feeling close to that of understanding entirely a certain math concept, for instance. Just because music is powerfully diverse doesn't mean that you can't teach it right by precisely defining patterns and giving ways to orient yourself in what seems at first like an extremely complex environment that only the gifted or the most advantaged would comprehend. Aside from electronic music, I am an aspiring math teacher and I think the way you are teaching music falls very close to the one I want to teach math. Thank you, sir. Sincerely.
Thanks for the video. I've been creating synthesizer patches for many years. I might as well add some more information here. This might be useful if you're just starting out with a synth. First a couple of recommendations: "Yamaha Reface CS" is a great little synth and very suitable for a beginner. It's very easy to use but you can still create large amounts of unique sounds with it. The same can be said about "Novation Bass Station II" but it can be more complicated when you're just starting out. Now here's some more explanations and a few more tips: 1. As we've seen and heard from this video, The filter's cutoff frequency selector cuts off the frequencies above the selected point (if you're using a standard "Low Pass Filter"). (The "low pass filter" is the default and it's the only option on many synths.) When you add some resonance then it creates a volume peak on that selected cutoff point. You can create some very specific timbres by selecting a frequency with the cutoff and adding resonance. If the cutoff is at full amount, then the filter is fully open and the resonance adds a volume peak to a frequency, which is very often way beyond our hearing range. If the filter is indeed fully open, then be aware that it can get very loud when you start lowering the cutoff and the resonance is at full amount or almost at full. 2. If you're going to modulate the filter (default is always the filter's cutoff frequency) with an LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) or with an envelope, then it's good to know that the selected cutoff point from the filter is the lowest frequency that the modulation can go. When the filter is fully open the modulations don't really have an effect at all. 3. Using an envelope to modulate the filter's cutoff is one of the best ways to make a sound that's more alive and even responds to your playing. Just remember to add some "envelope amount" at the filter controls. In this video you can see that control just named as "ENV" in the emulated version of the Roland SH-101. If the "envelope amount" is at zero then there's no effect at all to the sound. I've seen people being confused about that. One more confusing thing is that some synths have a positive and negative value, just like the "ENV" controls seen on this video. The middle is the zero point in this case. Using negative amounts is the same as using inverted envelopes and it might be too complicated for a beginner. Just use a positive amount until you're really used to the behavior of envelopes. 4. The Attack (time), Decay (time), Sustain (level), Release (time) of the ADSR envelope can be a bit confusing. Just remember that all of them except the sustain behave as "time". Sustain is a level where the sound volume drops after the decay stage when you're using the amplifier (VCA) envelope. Using zero amount of sustain on the amp (VCA) envelope means that the volume goes to zero even if you keep pressing the key(s) for a long time. If you use an ADSR envelope to control the filter's cutoff, then the sustain level is the filter's cutoff frequency level where the sound stays after the decay stage. Zero amount of sustain is where the cutoff frequency has been set on the filter. Remember that when you're quickly pressing the keys then all the ADSR stages of the envelope aren't always going to complete. You can use that to your advantage and create sounds that respond to your playing style. (Some synths are also velocity sensitive and have an aftertouch option. Most vintage synths don't have those options.) 5. If you want to use the envelope for the filter and keep experimenting with it, then it's definitely recommended to use a longer release time in the amp envelope (VCA envelope). Then you can hear all the ADSR stages of the filter envelope without the sound stopping too early. Adding more release time to sounds is recommended anyway. Then the sound still keeps playing a bit when you stop pressing the key(s). Many instruments sound like that. You could almost think that adding more release time is like adding some reverb to the sound. You just need to use a polyphonic synth like the Yamaha Reface CS for example. Try playing a slow arpeggio using a longer release time. If you aren't familiar with chords then just play the first, third, fifth and sometimes also the seventh white note one by one to play a chord as an arpeggio. (Select a high pitch like the 4 or 2 from the "VCO" of the Roland SH-101, then start at the lowest white key from the left and go from there...) The longer release time is "blending the notes together" creating some beautiful harmonies. Just remember that you need to have a polyphonic synth to hear that. (Most polyphonic synths can also be set to a monophonic mode.) 6. Using an LFO to slightly modulate the pitch of an oscillator in a moderately fast speed is the same as vibrato. You often hear vibrato on many other musical instruments and especially on vocals. Adding some vibrato to a lead sound for example is a great way to make the sound more alive and to stand out in a mix. 7. One more thing... if you have an arpeggiator (or a looper or a sequencer) and it also has a "latch" option I definitely recommend to use that. You can select or play some notes and the synth then keeps repeating them while your both hands are free to experiment with the controls. Use a slow speed at first with the arpeggiator. That way you can hear the changes made by an envelope and other changes to the sound more clearly. Getting used to the filter and the envelopes and experimenting a bit with an LFO will get you started. Those were just some quick explanations and tips. I hope it was useful. Enjoy your synth and have a fantastic day.
So many times we (keyboard players) are expected to know these things. As an advanced player, I appreciate the learnings for those of us who are new to this technology. Well done! :-)
you are my hero!! Thank you very much I am a classical pianist who always wanted to incorporate synths but it was just to difficult to get a grip, but you have synthesized synths in such a easy-to-understand way. Thank you so much!
This is such a great introduction and so much detail with such a clear presentation. I feel anyone not knowing anything can't start here... It is so basic, BUT at no point did i feel like i was patronized. Oh great teacher on the internet, I salute you!
You are a humble, intelligent and gifted teacher… I have adored 80s synth music such as Japan and Eno and have daydreamed about a Prophet 10 for years. Might need to just dive in with your guidance! ✨✨✨
You are an excellent teacher... Your style and approach is super easy to understand. You dive right in without unnecessary babble which most can appreciate. Thank you and I appreciate you. I actually learned the theory behind what I was already doing now I have the technical theory, thank you!
Awesome video. Right to the point. I have had many a synth and you are so right that as soon as you know the main sound design controls you can approach any synth. And I love Brussels. Croque Monsieur....yum.
At last a tutor who say's it how it is. Awesome explanation of the basic workings of a Synth that has greatly increased my knowledge and understanding of the way a Synth works.10/10.
The Roland MC 505 Groovebox was the first synthesizer I owned at 15 years old over a decade ago. I wish it was still functional but it fell apart after move after move after move and it was an absolute godsend to learn the basics and advanced fundamentals of analogue production. An absolute unsung hero of a machine
You are an excellent teacher, it’s like you presume we know absolutely nothing so just very refreshing when I don’t know some things you speak on & you explain everything perfectly. 🙏
@@OscarUnderdog could you ever do more videos like your breakdown of Kaast hell on earth, that is in my top 10 techno tracks of all time and was amazing to see you teach us how it was made, could you do TRUDGE ctpactb? That’s my number 1 favourite of all time!!
Thank you for this! I immediately used your exercise to properly reintroduce myself to my gear. Influential to my growth is an understatement. You're the best, Oscar!
Your ''Intro to Subtractive Synthesis'' video and this one are the most useful presentations of how synths work that I have watched since I began my exploration a few months ago! Clear explanations, concrete visual illustrations, etc. The courses of your online school must have an over the top usefulness. I love the telling name of your RUclips channel. No need to be a superstar musician, producer or a millionaire to love and play electronic music. Like André before, since all the years I have watched YT videos, I never clicked the bell button, but I did it for your channel today. Thanks a lot for convincing me to do it by the quality of your content! 👍 👍
I started my discovery of these principles with your video and thanks to your straightforward explanations I'm now having a lot of fun trying every possible sound. Thanks a lot I'm not sure there are many videos giving these basics efficiently and quickly :D
Hey Oscar, Oscar here. Good stuff -- this came up as an automatic recommendation so I watched this vid while reading instruction manuals for some new bits of gear and had an all round good time.
When you talked about the ‘VCO, VCF & VCA’s the first two Letters ‘VC’ used to confuse the heck out of me, until you pointed out ‘Oscillator’ which is the Sound Generator, the F for Filter and A for Amplifier. ‘VC’ stands for ‘Voltage-Controlled’. Alot of Developers & Manufacturers of synths frequently forget I think about people who are completely new to Basic Synthesizer Concepts. The way their products are marketed can be confusing too….. at least it was to me a little while ago! These days I am playing with ‘Phaseplant’ from Kiloheartz, Serum & Massive, Massive X from Native Instruments and know their workflows & basics well now. I’m not an advanced sound designer, but at least I know the fundamentals, even FM Synthesis!
Absolute amazing introduction! Is there any way I still can get "The Synth Basics image in HQ" since the WeTransfer link has expired. Would absolutely love to get them as a reminder to use as a reminder since I am a very visual person. Thanks a lot in advance!
Your method of explaining and educating is so satisfyingly to-the-point and trimmed of all excess fat - yet without losing a friendly tone and pleasant pacing. I thought I knew my way around the knobs and wheels, but I retained more actual knowledge from this single video than I've managed to amass from the - sampling, if you will - of a plethora of sources of information both in books and online. Thank you kindly for this, keep bottling that choice electronic sonic tonic.
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Find Oscar's video courses here: courses.underdog.brussels 🖤🖤🖤
Join the Underdog Discord channel: discord.gg/z5N9CTA 👾👾👾
Sign up to the mailing list here: tinyurl.com/yy92sx5u 💌💌💌
Pledge to the Patreon: www.patreon.com/underdogmusicschool 🌱🌱🌱
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@Jamis Billson h.
Eft
@@emilandreasyan2533 у
@@emilandreasyan2533 2o00
Awesome - Thank you sir.
This is how "How To" videos should be made. Straight and to the point, no BS
09:44 "Sounds pretty good to me..." (three seconds later @ 09:47) "Great! That's everything we need to know; we now understand how the oscillator works."
Jesus loves yall, died for us, and rose again! Jesus calls for all of us to repent! He's coming back
@@highestpeeqs9532 No he didn't!
It was his half twin brother, Brian who died.
@@rogeroveurtable756he was a very naughty boy
If this is the quality of your "free courses", I can’t imagine the value that is in your paid courses. Exceptional teaching skills !
Was thinking exactly the same
100% mate
Oh they are totally worth the money!
@ricardojmestre what courses did you take? (just interesting, thinking about paid courses too :) )
Jesus loves yall, died for us, and rose again! Jesus calls for all of us to repent! He's coming back
I feel like I've learned more in an hour from watching a couple of your videos than I did in a decade of tinkering around with synths! What an absolutely amazing teacher
💛
Same 😂🎉❤
Jesus loves yall, died for us, and rose again! Jesus calls for all of us to repent! He's coming back
As a computer engineer in my early 30's I'm starting to play piano, taking lessons in a school close to my house and I've recently started listening to synthwave and lofi music and just fell in love with the sound of synthesizers. It is really refreshing to watch your explanation of how they work and remember some of my classes of signal processing in college. Thank you very much for this amazing video!
Good to see that there are other "late 30's" out there starting to play piano and listening to synthwave. 🙂
My Synthesizer obsession started with a Korg MS10 at 11 years old in middle school music classes (1981).
Amazingly by an interesting turn of events and coincidences 24 years later in 2005 I actually became the owner of that very same Synth from my old school. It was just about to be thrown away in a skip, still in fair working order, but in need of a good cleanout, new CMOS Chip and re-calibration. I got it for no money at all! I stripped it down for cleaning and then sent it to Korg UK for the technical repairs. Still looking and working good as new now in 2021.
I cannot describe how wonderful it felt to be reunited and the owner of my first love after all those years ❤️
These days I’m a synth sound designer for the iOS platform but still love to tinker with my old MS10 and a few other remaining hardware synths.
What a beautiful story 😊💚 Thanks for sharing!
What a story!
Jesus loves yall, died for us, and rose again! Jesus calls for all of us to repent! He's coming back
If he was my teacher in every class in school I’d be an effing genius today running the world.
Hahahahaha
Get your kids a private tutor like the elites do..
But he's our teacher online so whats your Excuse?
@@estesenor7248 I am complementing him you fool.
@@bauhausoffice ok boomer
Dude thank you so much!!
I have been trying to figure out what VCO VCA VCF means for so long online and I didn’t know what to even google
Finally, I understand synthesizer. I’m a musician, classically trained, and I’ve been wanting to understand synths forever. Thank you. Please, talk about the fm ones soon. I have one!
You are kidding me. This is surreal (or fake). First what exactly did you learn. Seriously. I am a “musician” too. I guess. I have been playing instruments since the early 70’s…most notably the….synthesizer. So perhaps it’s hard for to delineate but I saw him read a script about the three attributes of sound (pitch, tone, volume ) and what the Control names on most synths are.
Seriously I am in straight screen saver mode just staring at your comment. So… you have been wanting to understand synths “forever”…but then you watched this video and now you feel you insert and synths? What ones do you own and how did you apply anything from this video to it? Once again not talking these comihrer epigrams because if you are musician then you (wait for it…play actual instruments so which ones have you struggle with but then this video opened your eyes? I am being serious. Not trying to get you upset or anything but this is literally surreal to me (but part of me things it fake or…well,….WOWg
By the way re: FM synthesis, trust me dude doesn’t know about that stuff. He will read somethint then do a video. Now, I have quite a few FM synths. I implemented FM additive, subtractive, wavetable, etc. FM is altered through modulation.
Here are some examples.
FM synth - soundcloud.app.goo.gl/zaA2PWFzDe4h9R1a8
WaveTable - soundcloud.app.goo.gl/4qhfToVCtPasVN1z9
Analogue - soundcloud.app.goo.gl/UbWhjejp119X6sSt8
@@YourFreeBeats Lol, you're such a hater... Why do you care so much that this dude gave the OP a compliment? And the way you not so subtly humble brag is hilarious considering... Let's just put it this way: You're def not god's gift to music production lol! You shouldn't talk so much shit.
@@Mr.J2U Those are the ones with the least skill and never really progress. It's also called hubris. Good luck exploring synths.
@@YourFreeBeats The video is perfectly explained, i was able to understand Synths in a few minutes, aswell as music theory and a lot more from his other videos, he explains the subjects really well, calm, in a mature and straight forward way, wich i really like.
If you are using synths since the 70s,that means you are an old adult, and you come here, braggin about your knowledge, talking shit about Underdog, plug your own stuff from soundcloud and on top of that, you are what? 60 yo? and you go by "check a bitch beats" .... lame.
You have just blown me away with how you just broke down synths in a way that I actually understand. Thank you.
Absolutely brilliant!
Great help!
I've just inherited some IMMACULATE kit dearly cared for by an uncle who has a terminal illness previous to which he offered private music studio. So, I've a lot to learn.
1.Line 6 pod xt live
2.Marshall JVM205c 2x12 combo
3.Allen and Heath Zed 14 mixer
4.Behringer fx 2000
5.Behringer RX1602
6.Behringer DI box
7.Roland edirol Fa-66
8.M-Audio keystation 88
9.Ultimate Support js-mps1
10. Quiklok BX/718
11. Gator assorted gig bags
12. Digitech gsp1101
13. iconnectivity mio10
14. IMG Stageline mfx204
15. Clavia nord piano 2 ha88
16. Dave Smith instruments prophet 12
17. MFB Dominion 1
18. Moog Sub 37
19. Waldorf Streichfett
20. Fender Electric Guitar
21. Ibanez Bass Guitar
Sorry to hear about your uncle‼️ He REALLY blessed you‼️🙏🏽
Incredibly concise and easy to follow. If you had a full course on synthesis, I'd buy it for sure
EXACTLY what I was looking for. Saving this as I ramp up to my first synth from my electric piano.
I got to know these concepts using the Serum vst! Thanks to you! You made it clearer...
3:20 I love that you always show a diagram with every lesson (that's I've seen so far). For visual learners like me it's invaluable. I'm not new to music making or audio engineering and I have lots of hardware synths, but I've never seen a synth explained like in this diagram and it will help me a lot in the future when making patches.
I need this. My current method is turn it on, turn a knob, hit a switch and start hitting the keys.
When I started watching your channel I think you had a smidge over 1k subscribers. Now you’re over 36k in such a short time. The reason is quality content and anticipation of your next quality content. I even hit the bell 😬 and I hardly ever do that! Congrats and thank you very much for bringing us interesting quality videos filled to the brim with awesome musical knowledge.
It's so great to hear this. Thanks for the support, I think RUclips is quite sensitive to this kind of positive signals, it's the reason the channel has grown so much I think! ✨🙏🐩
yes , same here never hit the bell, but his content has been really relevant so far
@@OscarUnderdog Keep doing it, it's great and the world needs better informed musicians or artists!
@@OscarUnderdog I bet you will get 1 mil within this year keep teaching great things congratulations in advance 🙏
@@OscarUnderdog The possitive response comes from you releasing good material. Making better content than the majority of channels and doing that in a relaxed humble manner is what makes some channels, like yours attractive to new and old electronic musicians around the world. This channel helps alot of people learn new things, and rediscover old methods.
Massive respect for how careful and clear these videos are. Thank you.
you are killer . Covering concepts with so much clarity. hats off to u.
Cheers 🤠
should've said hi-hats off to you
@@djnebuchanezzer should have said hi-hats offbeat to you
@@Babidibubidi haha i didnt see that one :)
I'm dazzled by this guy's teaching skills.
bro you just get write down to business and explain things simply and its easy to understand. I appreciate you.
I've been mucking with synths for 25 years and this is the best explainer I've heard as far as what synthesis actually is.
I wish I had this video years ago when I bought my first synth, now it makes me appreciate my Prologue even more. Thanks a million!
I like the calm way you explain things. And your methods, for example the use of flowcharts, fit extremely well and are very catchy. Also that you manage to reduce the topics to their core information. Thumbs up 👍🏻you are a good teacher
Watched this. Loaded up a Juno 106 Emulation and was whipping around in it making awesome sounds fast! Very good instructor.
MOST helpful synth video I’ve ever seen. Every beginner is lucky to have this resource. I’ve never used the “four recipes” approach, so I’ve gone back into my synths to try it. Fun!
As a part of musicians community, i am above thankful for your video. To see something as useful as your explanation is, indeed, a blessing.
For which i thank you, sir, wishing all the best!
I needed a video like this a year or two ago. I remember being kind of intimidated from buying my first synth but after I got one it made so much more sense. This video is perfect for someone who really doesn't have a concept of how it works. Great job!
What was your first synth 😎?
@@originaali well Ive always been obsessed with vintage analog but as you know they are crazy expensive so I found a technics sy-1010 which was perfect for a beginner synth and it's from the 80's so it's vintage lol only bummer is that it only has one wave form but other than that it will always hold a special place in my heart :')
@@jaywood5831 nice! That's a quite rare pick for a first synth. Well it might lack on amount of oscillators but not in sound 😎👌.
Yours is one of the best you tube channel for production learning...everything so well explained in simple and detailed manner...Plz keep up the good work...Its really helpful for us producers all across the globe...thank you
This is a great refresher! From my perspective with the general synth recipes, I would add a fifth that I think is always helpful to at least understand - a simple "brass" sound. To me this is a good way to learn a filter and envelopes because of that kind of "wah" sound you have to sculpt.
I know synths very well and was only curious about this tutorial. Very good job man. I wish I had somebody to tell me these things back in the day. This makes it so easy to understand for a beginner. I used to read manuals of gear to know that they were doing. There was a user manual of the yamaha cs-5 or something with diagrams and explanation. That was my schoolbook, but not everybody starts to read manuals, and there are better and worse manuals of course. Really well done, very good tutorial.
Yessss, happy to be of service :)
I just randomly watched it, and left it without giving a try. I usually do play presets on any Synth. But, after watching this started customising the Synth and I was able to make it exactly what I wanted to sound like. I had to search for this video just for thanking you.
THANK YOU! From a guitarist's stand point the controls never made sense to me. Now I can actually visualize what is happening. I cant thank you enough!
I knew a lot of these concepts already, but your "nasal" example of resonance was so good! Always wanted to try and emulate it vocally or something.
Great. This video was added to my musical production box. I´m practicing this with the Surge XT synth. Now I´m beginning to understand it. Thanks so much.
I just got my first synth yesterday (MicroFreak)…don’t know how to even play any instrument…and you immediately cleared up one of my initial questions about shaping with it. Thanks!
Explained it so well. I've been just randomly adjusting my synths without any idea what I was doing.
This might be the single most useful video for novice producers
So simple to learn from! Glad I came across this video first before putting myself straight in the fire
Oscar, I honestly can't begin to thank you enough. I have been looking all over the place for such quality of teaching and such attention to detail and such focus on the important basics of electronic music and I couldn't find anything like this, free or paid. Every other "beginner" production course goes straight into creating tracks on Ableton and I would always get stuck as I needed to understand exactly those basics. Please don't stop making those videos, I am willing to pay you for production lessons if need be.
Thank you so much for this informative video. May you have a wonderful rest of your day
I think I have never watched a tutorial as concise and essential as this one. Even though I am already familiar with most of the material covered in it, it was a pleasure to watch. Nicely done!
I found it a nice exercise to try those 4 sounds in a kata, ie from a sequence i try to switch between those sounds. It’s rapidly showing me the key settings on my particular synth to achieve those sounds. Super helpful.
Just started to experiment with synth plugins at home, this video was very helpful and encouraging ☺️
As a synth enthusiast since my first Roland Juno 6. I must say I absolutely enjoy your concise tutorials on electronic production. I'm not a know-it-all. And I am reminded of this through your videos and through comments from your subscribers! :) Thank you for your time and instruction.
Thanks for that 😊
The fact that I have been doing tons of reading and tinkering prior to this REALLY helps my self esteem and knowledge references. I'm further along than I had originally thought and the videos you provide really help encourage me to keep pushing.
I bought about 10 hardwares and 1 VST.
This makes me feel like the universe is my oyster xD
Thank you again so much for your videos.
I am certain I will be attending the classes in the near future FOR SURE!!!!
Absolutely wonderful video! Thank you
Back in the day, I wanted a synth really badly. I scoured the local use market for something and a Yamaha DX21 with a Pevey keyboard amp/speaker popped up for under $200. Never heard of FM synthesis other than what my Sound Blaster board did in my computer...but boy did I bite off more than I could chew with that. Dumped right into the most complicated synth sound design system possible! I spend thousands of hours with that keyboard. Learned everything I could and saved up my money and was able to get used Yamaha DX7-FD. I also picked up an FB01 and with all my synths, I was able to get some amazing sounds...Then one day, I picked up a Korg. I was lost. I had no idea what any of those things meant on that keyboard. I still struggle with them. But this video really took it down to the very basics. Makes me want to go into my closet and bring that Korg out into the light of day and try some of these things!
This is so helpful. This video really makes understanding synths much easier. Once you tie everything together in the "Doing the synth fomulas on the SH101" section it's like a lightbulb went off in my head.
A qualidade do teu conteúdo é excepcional. Um dos melhores canais de produção que ja encontrei.
Your amazing! I was using microkorg from for 4 years and even had performances with it but have never understand how it works. Now it`s getting clearer. Thank you!
This is the exact video I was looking for as a beginner, to help understand synths! thank you so much! 🙏🏼🙌
Thanks for this. Just spent all morning looking at cheap starter analogue synths, but I'm going to take your lesson and muck about with some Logic Pro synths and my midi keyboard.
You've really opened it up for me.
Holy hell, I've watched a couple of your videos and they give me a feeling close to that of understanding entirely a certain math concept, for instance. Just because music is powerfully diverse doesn't mean that you can't teach it right by precisely defining patterns and giving ways to orient yourself in what seems at first like an extremely complex environment that only the gifted or the most advantaged would comprehend.
Aside from electronic music, I am an aspiring math teacher and I think the way you are teaching music falls very close to the one I want to teach math. Thank you, sir. Sincerely.
Love this feedback so much. Thanks for this :)
Thanks for the video. I've been creating synthesizer patches for many years. I might as well add some more information here. This might be useful if you're just starting out with a synth.
First a couple of recommendations: "Yamaha Reface CS" is a great little synth and very suitable for a beginner. It's very easy to use but you can still create large amounts of unique sounds with it. The same can be said about "Novation Bass Station II" but it can be more complicated when you're just starting out. Now here's some more explanations and a few more tips:
1. As we've seen and heard from this video, The filter's cutoff frequency selector cuts off the frequencies above the selected point (if you're using a standard "Low Pass Filter"). (The "low pass filter" is the default and it's the only option on many synths.) When you add some resonance then it creates a volume peak on that selected cutoff point. You can create some very specific timbres by selecting a frequency with the cutoff and adding resonance. If the cutoff is at full amount, then the filter is fully open and the resonance adds a volume peak to a frequency, which is very often way beyond our hearing range. If the filter is indeed fully open, then be aware that it can get very loud when you start lowering the cutoff and the resonance is at full amount or almost at full.
2. If you're going to modulate the filter (default is always the filter's cutoff frequency) with an LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) or with an envelope, then it's good to know that the selected cutoff point from the filter is the lowest frequency that the modulation can go. When the filter is fully open the modulations don't really have an effect at all.
3. Using an envelope to modulate the filter's cutoff is one of the best ways to make a sound that's more alive and even responds to your playing. Just remember to add some "envelope amount" at the filter controls. In this video you can see that control just named as "ENV" in the emulated version of the Roland SH-101. If the "envelope amount" is at zero then there's no effect at all to the sound. I've seen people being confused about that. One more confusing thing is that some synths have a positive and negative value, just like the "ENV" controls seen on this video. The middle is the zero point in this case. Using negative amounts is the same as using inverted envelopes and it might be too complicated for a beginner. Just use a positive amount until you're really used to the behavior of envelopes.
4. The Attack (time), Decay (time), Sustain (level), Release (time) of the ADSR envelope can be a bit confusing. Just remember that all of them except the sustain behave as "time". Sustain is a level where the sound volume drops after the decay stage when you're using the amplifier (VCA) envelope. Using zero amount of sustain on the amp (VCA) envelope means that the volume goes to zero even if you keep pressing the key(s) for a long time.
If you use an ADSR envelope to control the filter's cutoff, then the sustain level is the filter's cutoff frequency level where the sound stays after the decay stage. Zero amount of sustain is where the cutoff frequency has been set on the filter. Remember that when you're quickly pressing the keys then all the ADSR stages of the envelope aren't always going to complete. You can use that to your advantage and create sounds that respond to your playing style. (Some synths are also velocity sensitive and have an aftertouch option. Most vintage synths don't have those options.)
5. If you want to use the envelope for the filter and keep experimenting with it, then it's definitely recommended to use a longer release time in the amp envelope (VCA envelope). Then you can hear all the ADSR stages of the filter envelope without the sound stopping too early. Adding more release time to sounds is recommended anyway. Then the sound still keeps playing a bit when you stop pressing the key(s). Many instruments sound like that. You could almost think that adding more release time is like adding some reverb to the sound. You just need to use a polyphonic synth like the Yamaha Reface CS for example. Try playing a slow arpeggio using a longer release time. If you aren't familiar with chords then just play the first, third, fifth and sometimes also the seventh white note one by one to play a chord as an arpeggio. (Select a high pitch like the 4 or 2 from the "VCO" of the Roland SH-101, then start at the lowest white key from the left and go from there...) The longer release time is "blending the notes together" creating some beautiful harmonies. Just remember that you need to have a polyphonic synth to hear that. (Most polyphonic synths can also be set to a monophonic mode.)
6. Using an LFO to slightly modulate the pitch of an oscillator in a moderately fast speed is the same as vibrato. You often hear vibrato on many other musical instruments and especially on vocals. Adding some vibrato to a lead sound for example is a great way to make the sound more alive and to stand out in a mix.
7. One more thing... if you have an arpeggiator (or a looper or a sequencer) and it also has a "latch" option I definitely recommend to use that. You can select or play some notes and the synth then keeps repeating them while your both hands are free to experiment with the controls. Use a slow speed at first with the arpeggiator. That way you can hear the changes made by an envelope and other changes to the sound more clearly. Getting used to the filter and the envelopes and experimenting a bit with an LFO will get you started.
Those were just some quick explanations and tips. I hope it was useful. Enjoy your synth and have a fantastic day.
What a heroic comment. Thank you so much for sharing!!!
jeez this helped me not less than video itself. Thanks you for knowledge sharing
@@TuXuuTT You're very welcome. Take care and I hope you're having a great day.
Well done, sir! That's pretty much what many of us do when approaching a new synth before we take the deep dive.
So many times we (keyboard players) are expected to know these things. As an advanced player, I appreciate the learnings for those of us who are new to this technology. Well done! :-)
you are my hero!! Thank you very much
I am a classical pianist who always wanted to incorporate synths but it was just to difficult to get a grip, but you have synthesized synths in such a easy-to-understand way. Thank you so much!
This is such a great introduction and so much detail with such a clear presentation. I feel anyone not knowing anything can't start here... It is so basic, BUT at no point did i feel like i was patronized. Oh great teacher on the internet, I salute you!
from Oscar i learn more than 1000 videos about music and Ableton! Thank you so much!
The best music content on youtube currently.
Finally straight to the point. Thank u
You are a humble, intelligent and gifted teacher… I have adored 80s synth music such as Japan and Eno and have daydreamed about a Prophet 10 for years. Might need to just dive in with your guidance! ✨✨✨
🙌🥰
You are an excellent teacher... Your style and approach is super easy to understand. You dive right in without unnecessary babble which most can appreciate. Thank you and I appreciate you. I actually learned the theory behind what I was already doing now I have the technical theory, thank you!
Awesome video. Right to the point. I have had many a synth and you are so right that as soon as you know the main sound design controls you can approach any synth. And I love Brussels. Croque Monsieur....yum.
I just wanted to play around with synths and electronic music. But the more you talk about it. The more i wanna dive into it
You sir changed my life in 20 mins god bless you
I aim to please haha 🤘😁
The best music production tutorial so far. Thank u👍
Thanks for this video I just started synthesis and this is the best video I’ve found for the basics and how to expand from there
At last a tutor who say's it how it is. Awesome explanation of the basic workings of a Synth that has greatly increased my knowledge and understanding of the way a Synth works.10/10.
Jesus loves yall, died for us, and rose again! Jesus calls for all of us to repent! He's coming back
The Roland MC 505 Groovebox was the first synthesizer I owned at 15 years old over a decade ago. I wish it was still functional but it fell apart after move after move after move and it was an absolute godsend to learn the basics and advanced fundamentals of analogue production. An absolute unsung hero of a machine
You are an excellent teacher, it’s like you presume we know absolutely nothing so just very refreshing when I don’t know some things you speak on & you explain everything perfectly. 🙏
Thanks! I think it's thanks to teaching so many bootcamps, with total beginners, it's very refreshing to take on the absolute beginner perspective :)
@@OscarUnderdog could you ever do more videos like your breakdown of Kaast hell on earth, that is in my top 10 techno tracks of all time and was amazing to see you teach us how it was made, could you do TRUDGE ctpactb? That’s my number 1 favourite of all time!!
Thank you for this! I immediately used your exercise to properly reintroduce myself to my gear. Influential to my growth is an understatement. You're the best, Oscar!
Great tutorial. Many thanks. Lee
Amazing teaching capacity! Clear, no repetition, straight to the point and an amazing knowledge! Thank you very much
This is HQ free content for beginners, I refreshed my basics so good.
Your ''Intro to Subtractive Synthesis'' video and this one are the most useful presentations of how synths work that I have watched since I began my exploration a few months ago! Clear explanations, concrete visual illustrations, etc.
The courses of your online school must have an over the top usefulness.
I love the telling name of your RUclips channel. No need to be a superstar musician, producer or a millionaire to love and play electronic music.
Like André before, since all the years I have watched YT videos, I never clicked the bell button, but I did it for your channel today.
Thanks a lot for convincing me to do it by the quality of your content! 👍 👍
Wow thanks Marcus! This is such a sweet comment. ❤ really appreciate the support!
Simplicity at it's best. I've only had my DSI rev2, 5 days. 12mins. into your video I'm wanting to dive in and create. Thanks!
I started my discovery of these principles with your video and thanks to your straightforward explanations I'm now having a lot of fun trying every possible sound. Thanks a lot I'm not sure there are many videos giving these basics efficiently and quickly :D
You just unlocked a whole new world for me. At last, an explanation of subtractive synthesis that makes sense first time 💪
Wow wow wow. Yes this is the way to learn it, principles first, specific implementations second. Very nice.
This guy is a god in teaching things.
Allover, the best channel in techno tutorials for me.
Really enjoyed this. Thanks for the info
Oscar explains things so well.
thats how any tutorial or lecture on any topic should be
Hey Oscar, Oscar here. Good stuff -- this came up as an automatic recommendation so I watched this vid while reading instruction manuals for some new bits of gear and had an all round good time.
From one Oscar to another, cheers! 😁🙏
I would say "this is the easiest way to learn a synth" Thanks Oscar - this helped a lot
When you talked about the ‘VCO, VCF & VCA’s the first two Letters ‘VC’ used to confuse the heck out of me, until you pointed out ‘Oscillator’ which is the Sound Generator, the F for Filter and A for Amplifier. ‘VC’ stands for ‘Voltage-Controlled’.
Alot of Developers & Manufacturers of synths frequently forget I think about people who are completely new to Basic Synthesizer Concepts. The way their products are marketed can be confusing too….. at least it was to me a little while ago!
These days I am playing with ‘Phaseplant’ from Kiloheartz, Serum & Massive, Massive X from Native Instruments and know their workflows & basics well now. I’m not an advanced sound designer, but at least I know the fundamentals, even FM Synthesis!
Brilliant, complexity simplified.
This video is changing my life. Thank you so much Oscar !
Amazing how you resume rather complex seeming processes to make them understandable.
My god, this is top notch content. Thank you so much for this!
This is valid you can learn damn near any synth if you take the time and have the dedication.
Very nice of you! Without dragging and focusing to the point is highlight! Also it is very informative. Thanks lot.
This is fantastic. Great teaching. I will buy a course just because you deserve my money! 😅
In 17 minutes this guy explained how to use a synthesizer. Valuable.
Jesus loves yall, died for us, and rose again! Jesus calls for all of us to repent! He's coming back
@@highestpeeqs9532 Yes I agree. What does this have to do with synthesizers?
That was awesome. Im a guitar player and just bought a Minibrute2 for Pads/drones and I was completely lost. Cheers
Brilliant video, this is the most straight forward and understandable explanation of how synthesizers work I have ever heard ! Bravo Sir !
Cheers Mark!
Absolute amazing introduction! Is there any way I still can get "The Synth Basics image in HQ" since the WeTransfer link has expired. Would absolutely love to get them as a reminder to use as a reminder since I am a very visual person. Thanks a lot in advance!
Your videos are like learning from a friend and not from a "teacher" ... well done and congrats to the well earned 30k !
So true, I feel the same way
This is great, love how clear and well explained everything is
Your method of explaining and educating is so satisfyingly to-the-point and trimmed of all excess fat - yet without losing a friendly tone and pleasant pacing. I thought I knew my way around the knobs and wheels, but I retained more actual knowledge from this single video than I've managed to amass from the - sampling, if you will - of a plethora of sources of information both in books and online.
Thank you kindly for this, keep bottling that choice electronic sonic tonic.
That sonic tonic ❤🤘