Sound Design COMPLETE course - EVERYTHING you need to know to craft any sound.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Sound Design

• Purpose: Introduction to a series on sound design theory, diving deeper into sound creation and manipulation tools.

• Objectives:

  • Not about recipes for particular sounds but exploring tools and effects.

  • Understanding how effects like saturation process sound and how to apply them effectively.

• Structure of Upcoming Videos:

  • Types of sound synthesis (e.g., oscillator, filter, envelope).

  • Exploration of various effects (e.g., saturation, delay).

  • Sound exploration where viewers can create a sound together.

Understanding Sound Waves

• Natural Sound vs. Sine Wave: Real-world sounds contain multiple frequencies called fundamentals and overtones.

• Overtones:

  • Harmonic Overtones: Frequencies that are multiples of the fundamental and contribute to musical notes.

  • Inharmonic Overtones: Non-multiplicative frequencies that affect the tone but do not define musical notes.

• Example: Guitar strings vibrate producing all related harmonics; natural harmonics can be isolated at specific points on the string.

Basics of Sound Sources

• Main Sound Source Components:

  • Audio samples or oscillators generating sound.

  • Processed through effects.

  • Controlled by control modules (LFOs/envelopes).

• Oscillators:

  • Key to synthesizers (including VCOs - voltage control oscillators).

  • Waveform Types: Sine, triangle, square, and sawtooth, each with unique sounds.

Waveform Discussion

• Sine Wave: Smooth sound; good for sub-bass.

• Square Wave: Hollow sound with more harmonic content; can produce metallic tones through pulse width modulation.

• Triangle Wave: Intermediate between sine and square; softer sound.

• Sawtooth Wave: Aggressive, rich in harmonics, suitable for aggressive sounds.

Layering Oscillators

• Stacking Oscillators: To create richer tones or achieve specific sound textures.

• Detuning: Slightly detuning multiple oscillators creates a phasing effect, thickening the sound.

• Multitimbral Sound: Each oscillator can play a different note to create chords, e.g., using one oscillator per voice.

Types of Sound Synthesis

• Additive Synthesis: Starting with sine waves, adding harmonics to shape complex sounds.

• Subtractive Synthesis: Begins with a rich sound, removes harmonics using filters.

• Wavetable Synthesis: Involves morphing between waveforms.

• AM (Amplitude Modulation) Synthesis: Varies the amplitude of a carrier wave with modulation.

• FM (Frequency Modulation) Synthesis: Modulates the frequency of a carrier wave for richer harmonic content.

• Grain Synthesis: Uses small segments of sound (grains) for complex sound textures.

• Bit Crusher: Reduces sound quality for lo-fi effects.

Understanding Filters

• Purpose: Filters shape sound by cutting or boosting certain frequencies.

• Types of Filters:

  • Low Pass Filter: Allows low frequencies, cuts high.

  • High Pass Filter: Allows high frequencies, cuts low.

  • Band Pass Filter: Cuts extremes, boosts a specific range.

  • Notch Filter: Cuts a specific band; useful for removing unwanted frequencies.

Filter Techniques

• Cutoff Frequency: Determines the frequency where the effect begins.

• Resonance (Q): Boosts frequencies at the cutoff, affecting sound richness.

• Comb Filters: Create phase notches for unique rhythmic effects.

• Using Filters: Shape sounds effectively without sacrificing overall clarity.

LFOs and Envelopes

• LFO (Low-Frequency Oscillator): Modulates parameters to add movement.

• Envelope: Controls amplitude over time.

  • Four stages: Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release (ADSR).

  • Critical for shaping notes and effects.

MIDI Controllers and Sequencers

• Types of MIDI Control Signals:

  • Gate, Triggers, Velocity, Pitch – essential for determining how notes are played and processed through synthesizers.

• MIDI Controllers: Include keyboards, pads that send control signals.

• Step Sequencers & Arpeggiators: Automate note sequences, allowing for creative rhythm generation.

Audio Effects Overview

• Starting with Distortion: Includes saturation and various forms of overdrive.

  • Introduces harmonic content through clipping of waveforms.

  • Different styles of distortion serve various genres and sound textures.

• Reverb: Emulates the reflections of sound in a space, used to add atmosphere.

• Delay: Repeats sounds at set intervals, can thicken or space out sounds without cluttering.

Conclusion of Chapter 1

• Emphasizes the understanding of tools, effects, and synthesis types as vital for sound design.

• Encourages viewers to engage with upcoming videos for deeper exploration.