Foundations of Synthesis Series by The Bob Moog Foundation

Published on Feb 11, 2013 moogfoundation·82 videos

Featuring Marc Doty, aka AutomaticGainsay

http://moogfoundation.org

Playlist:

1. The Synthesis of Synthesis - "This is the introductory video for the Bob Moog Foundation/macProVideo series "The Foundation of Synthesis." In it, Marc Doty sets the stage for the intent of these videos, which is an integrative instruction which not only describes synthesizer function and operation, but also gives a historical foundation for the functionalities and their implementation."

2. The Synthesis of Synthesis- Sound - "No instruction in synthesis would be complete without some explanation of the physics of sound! This video is one of several videos which outline the physical principles upon which synthesis is based."

3. The Synthesis of Synthesis- The Hammond Novachord - "The progression of devices which led to the modern synthesizer is diverse and interesting. The Foundation of Synthesis covers a number of them which portray a progressive development. One of these synthesizer precursors was the Hammond Novachord, a tube- based keyboard device whose groundbreaking technology is still present in some synthesizers today. More than most, this proto-synthesizer resembled what we came to think of as the modern synthesizer."

4. Foundation of Synthesis- Oscillator Introduction - "The Foundation of Synthesis dives into synthesizer technology with the Oscillator— the origin of sound in synthesis! Marc leads us through the history of this device from its beginning— as a lightbulb!— to its implementation in electronic musical instruments."

5. Oscillators- Pulse Width Modulation - "Pulse Width Modulation is a pleasing aural effect generated by the voltage-controlled adjustment of the width of a square wave. In this Foundation of Synthesis video, Marc demonstrates this function on several classic synthesizers. The video includes an oscilloscope, which shows you exactly what is happening when the width of the square wave output of the oscillator is changed!"

6. Filter- Introduction - "In this part of the 3rd Tutorial of the Foundation of Synthesis, Marc outlines the history of the filter from its origin in the telephone to its application in electronic devices in order to give a firm understanding of how the filter came to be an important part of modern synthesizers. The filter is a function which removes harmonics from a sound. Since harmonics define the timbre of the sound, this is a fast and easy way to create new timbres."

7. Filter- Cutoff Control - "Adjustment of the cutoff point of the filter is such a popular process that it has spawned whole genres of music. In this video, Marc shows the sound and functionality of this particular aspect of the most popular module in the modern synthesizer."

8. Filter-Voyager Serial Resonance - "The Moog Voyager design of Bob Moog includes some unique and useful functionalities. In this video, Marc explores the dual-filter nature of the Moog Voyager by demonstrating some unique ways to apply its filter arrangement."

9. Control Voltage Explanation Part 1 - "For the average musician, control voltage is an abstract concept. Of all the aspects of synthesis, it seems to be the most confusing. In this video, Marc gives a straight-forward and easy-to-understand description of the functionality using concrete examples. With a firm grasp of control voltage, synthesis becomes considerably easier and fun!"

10. Control Voltage Explanation Part 2 - "Here is part two of a video where Marc gives a straight-forward and easy-to-understand description of the process and application of control voltage. With a firm grasp of control voltage, synthesis becomes considerably easier and fun!"

11. The Amp Introduction - "In this video, Marc gives us a basic history of what can be the least-exciting module in the modern synthesizer, but then goes on to show what can be done when this module includes a fair amount of functionality. The Amp is the last step in the synthesis process, and can give you a variety of power over the timbre you create!"

12. The ARP Envelope Follower - "The Envelope Follower is one of the most fun control functions to exist. It takes the amplitude of a given signal and converts it to a voltage. As the amplitude rises, the control voltage rises. This can be used to control any function in the synthesizer which can be controlled via control voltage... which, in an analog synth, is most of them! In this video, Marc gives a demonstration of this under-implemented synthesizer function using the ARP 2600."

13. Designing Timbres- Introduction - "This video introduces the "Designing Timbres" tutorial by explaining exactly what is going to happen within it. It features some of the music and synthesizers used in the rest of the tutorial."

14. Designing Timbres: Major/Minor Chord - "'It doesn't play chords!' -This is the complaint most heard in regard to monophonic analog synthesizers... but wait... if you have three oscillators and some awesome functionality like the Moog Voyager, there is an answer to this complaint. In this video, Marc shows you how you can generate a sort of controllable polyphony using the monophonic Moog Voyager!"

15. Designing Timbres: Duality - "In this video, Marc demonstrates the the functional benefit of a synthesizer like the Yamaha CS-15, which is essentially two different synthesizers stacked together. By altering settings in each division, interesting timbres can be created."