Dave Smith Instruments SYNTHESIZERS

eduartem said  on 7/1/2005 10:30 PM:
> Where/how did you learn to program synths?
> 
> Because I the more i try the more i want to quit. I found the default
> patch in my micron and start trying to make some pad... I suck even on
> that. I ended with a mess that could be useful maybe in a 50's sci fi
> movie!! :(
> 

The only way to learn is to do it.  I learned my programming by 
programming synths for the last 15 years.

I think the most helpful instruments in this regard were my Juno 106 and 
later my Korg Prophecy (which I still have). The Juno 106, in 
particular, had a very simple architecture and a one slider per function 
interface.

A good approach is to start with an 'initialized' patch, and then just 
play with different subsets of parameters to get a feel for what they 
do.  Once you feel comfortable and get your head around what, say, the 
filter cutoff and resonance controlls do, you move on to the LFO's and 
play with PWM a bit.

Good synthesis takes time - 99% of the sounds a synth is capable of 
producing will be crap - particularly if you go overboard with 
modulation (which is how you get those 1950's sci-fi sounds).   Start 
small, and build from there.   look at existing sounds you like, and try 
to edit from them.

that said, I am not suprised your having trouble with the micron.  its 
UI is about as crap as they get IMHO.  the Ion is MUCH MUCH better in 
this regard.


Tony