Studied by 0 people
Music Tech || MT CA4 - Sound Creation
What is sound synthesis?
A method of sound creation that uses waveforms and controls within a synthesizer to create sound effects.
This method is mostly used to create sounds that are not realistic.
When creating sound effects using a synthesizer, what will you want to start with?
You will generally want to start from an initialized patch. This is the synthesizer in its most basic state:
Usually with only 1 oscillator.
No additional routing or filtering applied.
Why would we want to start from an initialized patch?
Completely original sound.
Easier to understand what routing is affecting the sound.
More control over different parameters.
What are preset patches?
Your DAW will have lots of preset sounds for their synthesizers.
These will be musical and non-musical and will be created by professional musicians.
It may sometimes be quicker to choose a preset patch.
For example, Logic contains sound effect and cinematic preset sounds for lots of its synthesizers.
What is a synth pad?
A sustained chord or note used for atmosphere.
Why are synth pads used?
Synthesizers are commonly used in underscore to create atmosphere.
This is done by creating what is known as a synth pad.
It is called a pad because it ‘pads out’ (fills out) the space in the music.
What are sub drops used for?
A sub drop is an example of a musical or non-musical use of sound synthesis.
This could be used in underscore to create a transition in the music OR
This could be used as a spot effect to add emphasis to an action or moment in the visual media.
