Comparing synths

Comparing SynthsEMMANUEL LÓPEZ-PINTO

Introduction

In the last week, Loudon showed us how a basic synthesizer works and what are its different parts. We basically learnt that synthesizers are divided into Oscillator, Filter, Amplitude envelope and LFO.

In this presentation, I’m going to compare this synth with one from FL Studio in order to find some interesting differences. But first let’s remember how Loudon’s synth looked like.

Harmless

This is the synth I have chosen.

Oscillator and Amplitude envelope

This synth is divided in 4 parts horizontally. This first part has the basic parameters of the sound. Timbre selection (with harmonic mask), ADSR envelope in the middle and an equalizer on the left as well. There are some new parameters like “pluck” which is basically sustain but made easier to create plucked sounds if desired. There is also some pitch parameters including LFO adjustment but no really complex. There will be another section for LFO later.

Filter

This is the filter section. In which we can chose what kind of filter we want. The “FREQ” big knob is the Cutoff frequency and on the left we can see parameters to establish the inclination of the filter ant its amount. On the right we can make the sound plural instead of mono and arrange it (the little grey box show a number if it’s poly but now it’s mono)

LFO

Here we can still change the timber with the harmonizer and then finally create the LFO effect. On the left there is also a Phaser with its own parameters

Effects

Finally we have some basic effects available for our new sound. However we can only choose some presets instead of fix it as we want it. That’s why sometimes it’s better to still use the effects placed in “insert” of the mixing board. On the right there is also a basic compressor working with presets as well, same advice.

Reflection

I noticed that each synth has different add-ons or bonus parameters that make them unique. Sometimes they have the same ones but with a different appearance and that can make them harder to understand. Hope you enjoyed the presentation and learnt something.