Ableton Wavetable Synthesizer Video Survival Guide Part 1+2

Name: Ableton Wavetable Synthesizer Video Survival Guide Part 1+2
Rating: 4.3 (43 reviews)

Learn how Wavetable works and then get hands on with a tried-and-true sound design methodology

Created byMusic Chef

Last updated 4/2018

English

What you'll learn

First, learn how wavetable works feature-by-feature
Second, learn how sound design works best with wavetable synthesis
Design "other-worldly" sounds using wavetable synthesis
Design drums, bass, pad and lead sounds

Course content

7 sections • 58 lectures • 3h 18m total length

Introduction to the Course1:55
Discover the range of topics that we'll cover in this course!
Hands On: Patch Design in Minutes!3:52
Making awesome sounds is the main point of learning synthesis. So, lets see some of the things we can do with Wavetable.
Instructor Introduction3:02
I have dedicated the last 2 decades to music, teaching and audio engineering. Let me further introduce myself and my unique background.
Wavetable History Lesson2:44
From Depeche Mode to the Access Virus TI, it is very helpful to understand how wavetable synthesis came to be (and how it is used).
What is Wavetable Good/NOT Good For?1:05
Discover that wavetable synthesis has unique sound design capabilities.
Is Wavetable Just Sampling?1:46
Find out what a wavetable is and how wavetable is (and is not) related to sampling.
Wavetable vs. Subtractive Synthesis2:54
Many people have experience with subtractive synthesis. So, let's talk about how wavetable uses similar features, but is capable of different timbres.
Wavetable vs. Additive Synthesis2:31
Understanding how additive synthesis works will help you make sense of wavetable's "unnatural" sound design capabilities.
Wavetable vs. FM Synthesis3:29
Ableton Wavetable is capable of FM synthesis because it has an oscillator effect that performs frequency modulation. Learn that this can be used to apply FM sound design principles within Wavetable.
Quiz #1: Wavetable Synthesis Basics

Full Screen Expanded View1:08
Learn how to access and use Wavetable's expanded view to work more easily with all this synthesizer's features.
Wavetable Oscillators & Positions2:41
Learn how wavetables and wave positions are organized. Also, develop an understanding of how and why Wavetable's oscillators allow dynamic timbral changes.
Sub Oscillator Explained3:20
Learn about the 3rd oscillator - the sub. Also, learn how to shape the sub's waveform.
Introduction to Dual Filters5:01
Learn to recognize Wavetable's different filtering capabilities, filter circuits, filter routing and more.
Introduction to Envelopes1:59
Review how envelopes function in sound design. This lecture is a critical prerequisite for our later discussions of shaping sounds.
Envelope Time and Slope2:22
Learn the difference between envelope time and slope values. Plus, uncover a useful tip for optimizing your patches using slopes.
Envelope Loop Mode2:51
Envelope loop modes can add valuable performance capabilities to rhythmic sounds.
Introduction to LFOs4:32
Prepare yourself to make the most of the 2 Low Frequency Oscillators (LFOs) by understanding Wavetable's LFO attack, shaping and rate variations.
LFO Shape Control2:20
Get a better grasp of how LFO shapes will expand your LFO waveform choices.
Quiz #2: Wavetable Overview

Designing Timbre with Filters7:32
Learn about what timbre is - Both intuitively and mathematically. Timbre is essential to understand when doing synthesized sound design.
Designing Shape with Envelopes3:25
Learn to plan your sounds based on 3 shapes: Sustained, Staccato or Rhythmic.
Designing Genre and Authenticity2:28
Determine the best wavetables to use for your sound design purposes. Check out the downloadable "Sound Qualities" PDF for a description of wavetable groups/collections in Wavetable.
Designing Texture with LFOs and Modulation7:31
Designing texture is so much fun! Learn what texture is and how the modulation capabilities of Wavetable are your best friend when designing texture.
Hands On: Envelope Modulation4:53
Texture modulation is also very effective with envelopes. Expand your comprehension of Wavetable's powerful destination-based modulation.
LFO Modulation and Review3:04
Wavetable is LOADED with modulation features. This lecture builds on the last 2 lectures by adding even more modulation options such as LFO shaping.
Quiz 3: Sound Design Workflow

Oscillator Effect Overview2:04
Gain a clear understanding of when and why to use 3 powerful oscillator effects.
Hands On: FM Oscillator Effect4:19
Learn how Tune and Amt values work inside the FM oscillator effect.
Hands On: Classic Oscillator Effect4:29
Learn how pulse width modulation and hard sync can be achieved in Wavetable.
Hands On: Modern Oscillator Effect4:58
Learn how to use Warp and Fold. Plus, learn how these features support phase distortion synthesis.
Filter Circuits Overview1:59
Learn which classic synths/filters have been modeled in Wavetable's 5 filter circuits.
Hands On: Clean Filter Circuit Explained1:03
Learn about the unique and important advantage behind the design of the "Clean" filter circuit.
Hands On: OSR Filter Circuit Explained1:44
Learn about OSR's self-oscillating effect and more.
Hands On: MS2 Filter Circuit Explained1:34
Learn about the limitations of the MS2 filter circuit and also, its unique (and beloved) tonal character.
Hands On: SMP Filter Circuit Explained2:25
The SMP is the only filter circuit based on multiple classic synths. Learn how and when to use this well-balanced filter circuit.
Hands On: PRD Filter Circuit Explained1:34
Learn about how to take advantage of this filter's classic Moog capacity for self-oscillation.
Filter Routing Overview1:01
Clarify the functional difference between Wavetable's 3 very different filter routings.
Hands On: Serial Filter Routing2:15
Learn how to A/B filter settings with serial filter routing.
Hands On: Parallel Filter Routing1:41
Get some tips on when to use parallel filter routing to intuitively sculpt the frequency response of your sounds.
Hands On: Split Filter Routing3:18
Discover how to use split filter routing to create layered sounds.
Quiz #4: Sound Design Tools

Sound Design Overview1:07
Identify the topics covered in this section, so you can get right to the topics that matter most to you!
Using LFO Attack1:54
Watch a hands on demo of using Wavetable's LFO attack feature.
Using LFO Sync3:47
Discover one of the best ways to implement a rhythmic effect into your sounds by syncing with the metronome.
Using LFO Retrigger2:44
Developing rhythmic patches can be made easier by understanding the LFO retrigger feature.
Hands On: A "Subtractive" Patch5:22
You can create familiar subtractive patches in Wavetable - learn how in this hands on demo.
Hands On: An "FM" Patch4:48
Learn how to perform FM in 2 very different ways within Wavetable.
Hands On: Wavetable Drum Rack10:24
Drums are essential! While Wavetable isn't great at recreating real acoustic sounds, we can still create a compelling drum rack. Watch this walkthrough creating a kick, snare, open/closed hat and ride.
Hands On: Wavetable Bass Patch3:46
Watch as we create a bass patch from wavetable selection to filter envelope.
Hands On: Wavetable Pad Patch7:30
Creating a rhythmic pad is easy with Wavetable! Watch this walkthrough using filtering, the modulation matrix and LFO1.
Hands On: Wavetable Lead Patch5:06
Watch this demo of creating a lead patch by reusing MIDI from our harmonic 3-voice clip (in the pad channel). This automates our lead line based on the pad's harmony.
Quiz #5: Sound Design Tutorials

Modulation and CPU2:39
Get a firm grasp of the relationship between modulations and CPU optimization. This means understanding both additive and multiplicative destinations.
Defining Texture With Modulation3:59
Revisit texture design principles, but in the context of Wavetables incredibly capable modulation matrix.
Initial, Peak and Final Envelope Control4:24
Envelopes 2 and 3 allow much more control than the standard amp envelope. Here, we'll walkthrough the specifics and get up to speed.
More LFO-Based Modulations5:58
Learn about using LFOs as basic envelopes and how to create more advanced modulation structures using LFOs and Envelopes to influence each other.
Realtime Control Using MIDI4:45
Learn how MIDI can be used to make our sounds MUCH more performable - by using Velocity, Aftertouch and more! This is key aspect of designing synth patches for more expressive, live performances.
Quiz #6: Modulation Matrix

Requirements

Learn the features of Ableton's Wavetable synthesizer and how to use them in sound design.
Students should own Ableton 10 with Wavetable (Suite)

Description

Wavetable synthesis is the best type of synthesis to use for designing other-worldly, unnatural drums, pad, bass and lead sounds. Ableton's newest synthesizer opens the door to unrivaled timbres! This course will lead you through all the features AND provide hands on demonstrations so that you can learn the synth and then get to work design the sounds that you need.

Inject New Inspiration Into Your Electronic Music By Learning To Sound Design Using Ableton's Wavetable Synthesizer.

Learn how Wavetable works, feature-by-feature
Unlock Wavetable's unique sound design potential
Recognize wavetable patches more easily when listening
Build drums, pads, basses and leads in hands on lessons

Ableton has created a unique, powerful (and CPU-efficient) wavetable synthesizer that is capable of completely unique sounds.

Cut to the chase!.. Get a solid understanding of how Ableton's Wavetable (and wavetable synthesis in general) can play a role in helping you make your music stand out with unique sounds. There are some types of sounds that you can only really make using wavetable synthesis. Wavetable's intuitive "Destination Based Modulation" also makes evolving pads, grooving basses and lively leads easier to program (and a lot of fun to play)!

This course will bring you up to speed on the the history of wavetable synthesis, its role in electronic music and then show you how to get started with sound design on your own.

Quickstart projects to download
Hands on walkthroughs
Understand how and why Wavetable is a need-to-know synth

Course Overview:

This course kicks things off with a solid introduction to wavetable as a synthesis platform. You'll learn about how it is different from subtractive, FM and additive synthesis. Plus, you'll get a birds eye view of what wavetable IS and ISN"T good for - so that you don't waste any time reinventing the wheel.

That's followed by a break down of Wavetables features and components. There are the staples - oscillators, filters and envelopes. But, you'll also learn how the sub oscillator, LFO shaping and envelope looping works.

But, features aren't enough - you'll need a method for making cool sounds in Wavetable. So, you'll get 3 sections, containing 28 video lessons explaining how EXACTLY to use the features of Wavetable to make sounds. You'll learn how to think about sound design AND then see it done, step-by-step.

As the course concludes, you'll learn how the modulation matrix in Wavetable empowers you to make evolving, atmospheric sounds - one of the most interesting ways to use wavetable synthesis!

Find out what Wavetable can do - this course puts everything on display and makes it easier to learn. By the end of the course, you'll feel at home with Ableton's Wavetable synthesizer and you'll be ready to design your own patches and make music!

Who this course is for:

Beginners to wavetable synthesis and/or sound design
Students with prior experience with other types of synthesis (subtractive, FM, etc.)
New owners of Ableton 10 who want to use Wavetable
Anyone interested in sound design using wavetable synthesis

Ableton Wavetable Synthesizer Video Survival Guide Part 1+2

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction9 lectures • 23min

Ableton Wavetable Overview9 lectures • 26min

Sound Design Workflow6 lectures • 29min

Sound Design Tools14 lectures • 34min

Sound Design Tutorials10 lectures • 46min

Modulation Matrix5 lectures • 22min

Conclusion5 lectures • 18min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: