Dave Smith Instruments SYNTHESIZERS

The Evolver is not really a beginners synth.  I've had mine for two 
years and have just started to gain some control over it (but same 
goes for most of my soft-synths to an extent).  I hate to say it but 
most synthesis tutorials are way too academic (or broad) to be of 
any use to a newbie.  I study these things and understand them then 
sit down with a synth and get nowhere fast in terms of results. I 
think it's because synthesis is the practical application of many, 
many parameters in concert utilizing modultions, lfo's, envelopes 
and good sound designers know how these hundreds (or thousands of 
combinations really) of parameters work together to acieve results. 
Without a firm grasp of how ALL the parameters effect eachother, 
changing one parameter may not even make a difference in sound! This 
makes it so hit or miss for a newbie and so easy to get off track 
and frustrated.   
 
Specific tutorials for specific synths make all the difference for 
me.  Like when someone finally broke down here and offered a 
walkthrough on how to completely change an Evolver patch.  It's like 
having a friend or teacher sitting over your shoulder and saying 
this is how you do it!    
            




--- In DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com, "breakfaster11" 
<breakfaster11@m...> wrote:
> 
> Some recommended links for the beginner:
> 
> http://www.computermusic.co.uk/tutorial/a_sforbeg/a_sforbeg.asp
> http://www.reasonstation.net/tutorials/subtractor/
> 
> Most of the techniques are going to apply.  The basic structure in 
a 
> Subtractive synthesizer is the same, with various differences.
> 
> 
> Basic EVO tute:
> 1) Start with a basic patch.  No modulations, LFO, delay, 
distortion, 
> filter env=0, mod env=0.  Open up the filter all the way.  
> 2) Play with the just the oscillators and the Amp Env. for awhile.
> 3) Slowly add in one thing at a time, and listen to the change in 
> sound.  Once you get a feel for what the control does, put it back 
to 
> zero, and then try another thing
> 4) Refer back to the Evolver signal flow often.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> > Has anyone 
> > considered maybe writing a beginner's user manual specifically 
for 
> > the Evolver? I wouldn't need a whole introduction and background 
on 
> > all synthesizers out there, just the use of the Evolver from a 
> > beginner's point of view.