![]() The demo version of Syntorial includes 22 free lessons (there are 199 lessons in the full version) and this should be more than enough to get you started with synthesis. On the other hand, if you’d like to learn to program your own synthesizer patches, this instrument could be used as a great starting point. I wouldn’t recommend getting it if you’re experienced with programming synthesizers. It is used to demonstrate the basics of subtractive synthesis and servers as a great beginner’s tool for people who would like to learn about programming synthesizers. Primer is essentially a simple virtual analogue synthesizer which is intended as a learning tool. The plugin version (both VSTi and AU) of Primer is included with the commercial version of Syntorial. To get the standalone version of Primer for free, launch the free demo of Syntorial (linked above) and select Options > Launch Standalone Synth in the menu. Primer is available for free download via Syntorial (165 MB download size, ZIP archive, available for Windows & Mac). Created by Audible Genius, it is an exact replica of the synth used in their flagship synthesizer training app, Syntorial. Primer is a synth equipped with the most essential controls and nothing more. ![]() Syntorial, the superb computer-based synth sound creation teaching course just got even better.Audible Genius has released Primer, a free virtual analog synthesizer which is included in the demo version of their Syntorial learning software. We return for another look at the new features. Syntorial is the inspired creation of Joe Hanley, the CEO of and creative force behind Audible Genius. We reviewed Syntorial in our July 2016 issue. We are back for another look, because since that time Joe Hanley has added some valuable new features that make what was already a great product even more attractive. This will be a somewhat short review, but don’t infer from the brevity that the new features are of limited value. The new features simply don’t take very long to explain.īefore we dive in, though, here’s a brief recap of what Syntorial was at the time of the earlier review and why the earlier version excelled at what it set out to do. Syntorial is a computer-based teaching course in how to do sound-design/programming with a basic subtractive synth. Syntorial includes an integrated full-function, albeit basic, subtractive software synth. Using a carefully planned exposition, Joe Hanley takes the student through all the key stages of synth sound design using a combination of audio lectures and challenges. The challenges include “pop quizzes” in which the student answers multiple choice questions, sometimes based on a sound being played.īut the real learning experience is driven by challenges in which the student must match an unknown preset with one the student programs. These challenges can be quite … well, challenging. Using the embedded software synth, they involve switching between a preset, the programming of which cannot be seen, and a blank canvas preset upon which the student must select parameters to match the challenge preset. More and more of the Syntorial synth is exposed as the course progresses. Initially we see only very basic synth modules like a pair of oscillators with only four waveforms (saw and pulse of three different widths) and a basic low-pass filter. As the course progresses, we get more and more functionality in play: modulation sources, effects, audio-rate modulation options like FM, etc. Like many things, subtractive synth sound creation can be learned through self-teaching (as opposed to a formal classroom experience), but like most such experiences, one must apply the knowledge for it to be retained. Doing nothing but reading a text tutorial or watching a video tutorial will not result in long-term retention of the subject matter. Syntorial has two key things going for it. ![]() ![]() ![]() First of all, the teaching mechanism using an embedded synth with formal programming challenges is highly effective. The other is that Joe Hanley is a natural when it comes to teaching. The lessons are exceedingly well planned and Professor Hanley is a gifted lecturer. These two qualities are carried over in the new Syntorial features we’ll discuss below. What’s new (currently) is the inclusion of one real-life hardware synth and three software synths as extensions to the course. These extras are called Lesson Packs, and they are included in the basic price of the product – they do not need to be purchased separately. The hardware synth is a Minimoog Voyager. Audiable Genius have released Primer 2 Synth, a subtractive synth for iOS, available as a FREE download. The software synths currently include Z3ta+ 2, Sylenth1 and Massive. At least one more lesson pack (Serum) is in the production stage. The Lesson packs consist mainly of a series of video tutorials, the total lengths of which vary from just under three hours to nearly five hours in the case of the Massive Lesson Pack. ![]()
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