MusicInclusive LLC

The course will cover the basics of analog synthesis - from psychoacoustics to waveforms, from oscillators to filters, from envelopes to patches.
Training will consist of live 2-day classroom events with hands-on analog synthesis sound production using real synthesizers alongside instructor-led tuition. Students will learn how to generate, modify and shape waveforms to produce all kinds of sounds - from emulating natural instruments to grungy synth basses and sparkling synth leads - from sound effects to "space music"!

See the sound samples near the bottom of the page for examples of the sounds that you will learn how to develop in the class.

Who is it for?

The course is is designed to teach you how to make the best use of your analog synthesizer or VST® or RTAS® plugin, iPad® synthesizer application such as Animoog® or the the Korg iMS-20®, or any rack or patch-based digital or modeling or keyboard synthesizer based on an analog foundation.

You will be introduced to the principles that underpin your synthesizer's fundamental inner workings and learn how to go beyond the basic patches to create truly unique sounds.

Created and taught by musicians for musicians, “Analog Synthesis (1.25V)” is focused on firmly establishing you in the core elements of analog synthesis so that you will be able to use the same knowledge over and over again after the class to generate new sounds from your synthesizer.

Details

In this course you will learn how to:

Understand how sound is created from waveforms and how sound is transmitted and perceived Make your own sounds using analog synthesizers Choose and combine appropriate waveforms to create specific sounds Alter frequency, harmonic content and phase to enrich your sounds Distinguish between additive, subtractive, FM, PCM, wavetable and granular synthesis Effectively use oscillators (VCOs) to generate sounds

	Deploy low-frequency oscillators (LFOs) to alter sounds
	Manipulate amplifier stages (VCAs) to change sound levels
	Program and apply ADSR envelopes
	Apply ring modulation, noise and sample and hold to generate specific sound types
	Analyze and visualize the waveforms you create so as to better synthesize in the future
	Emulate real instruments and design and create new unique sound patches of your own!
	Dynamically modify sounds in real time during performances

Hands-on exercises will include:

Learning about waveforms: Choosing among sine, square, triangle, sawtooth, pulse, and noise sources Learning to identify and generate basic sounds Using and modifying pre-built sound patches Altering sounds with filters Modifying sounds with envelopes Creating specific sound types including: Real instrument emulation: String, Brass, Wind, Plucked, Keyboard, Bells/Chimes and Percussive Synthetic leads, basses and PADs Voicings and sound effects

Who should come on the course?

	Anyone who uses a synthesizer - whether analog or not. You will learn how the internals of synthesizers work. All of today's synthesizers - analog, digital, virtual, or some combination - are based on the principles of analog synthesis in some shape or form.
	Anyone who has purchased a synthesizer or virtual synthesizer or is staring with bewilderment at a VST or RTAS plugin or iPad app and needs to better understand what all the knobs, dials, sliders and patch cables do
	Anyone who has some experience in using or playing synthesizers but who wishes to begin to create their own new sounds
	Seasoned musicians who wish to begin to explore the wonderful world of analog synthesis

What level is the course aimed at?

MusicInclusive LLC is pleased to offer the Analog Synthesis course to anyone from senior high-school level through to professional musicians.

Authors and instructor

Derek Jones Derek Jones (Interplekt) is a musician, performer and synthesizer programmer and player. He has been working with keyboards and synthesizers (among other instruments) since the 1970's. He is also an electronic engineer and a experienced educator, course designer and instructor, having written classroom and online training material and has professionally taught age ranges from 7 to 70+ over a period spanning 30 years.

To secure your seat, click here to book a course place now

Book Now!

Here are some sound samples illustrating a few of the patch types that attendees on the course will learn how to make from scratch.

All these patches except the "LPSII 1st Improv" are made with the iMS-20 on the iPad.

No effects were used in any DAW for the iMS-20 examples. Some of the built in iMS-20 reverb was used on most of the iPad samples and the iMS-20 flanger and chorus effects on a couple.

They demonstrate what it's possible to get the iMS-20 to produce that mimic real instruments, voicings, effects and synths purely from the instrument itself.

The "LPSII 1st Improv" sample is a demonstration of the Moog Little Phatty Stage II we will also have in class

Background requirements While every effort will be made to fill in any gaps in knowledge during the course, MusicInclusive recommends that the following minimum requirements be met in order to obtain the most satisfaction from the event:
	A basic understanding of math principles covering: ratios, geometric shapes, elementary trigonometry (sine waves and sin/cos functions), linear vs. logarithmic scales – needed to understand dB graphs – exponential units
	A basic understanding of general science principles including: force, power, energy, frequency, amplitude, voltage, current You will not need to do any math involving these in the course!
	An elementary understanding of music theory including: pitch, tunings, keyboard/piano notes and scales, intervals, key signatures, major and minor keys, melody, harmony and chords You do not have to be a proficient performer nor be able to sight read music.