The latest course from Cubase Guru, this comprehensive, 8-hour synthesis programme will give you the expert skills, know-how, tricks and tips you need to become a sound alchemist. Starting with the basics of subtractive synthesis, we take you through eight main sections – primarily using Zebra 2 – covering everything from sound sources and oscillators to modulation and FX modules. The tuition moves from the beginner level to some pretty advanced stuff in Zebra 2: all delivered in the relaxed, straightforward tutorial style you’ve come to expect from Cubase Guru.
As ever, we’ve included all the patches and presets you’ll need for the course; and all videos are supplied in high resolution mp4 format which can be viewed on Mac and Pc with
VLC Player but still at relatively small file sizes, perfect if your internet connection isn’t as eager as you are. With the majority of the videos, we also supply a PDF file with notes consolidating all the main points.
Check out the course overview below for a bit more detail, or
CLICK HERE to see the promo video for an idea of what to expect. You can also read what others think of this course if you
CLICK HERE.
Section 1 – Synthesis: The Basics
First up – six short videos giving you a quick overview of what’s to come in the rest of the course, and advising you on how to get the best from it. We start by introducing you to the audio path, modulation, modulation sources and lots more in the course’s main software, Zebra 2, moving on to look at basic sound-generation in other synths – namely Reaktor 5 and Predator (these 2 synths are only used in this section).
Section 2 – Sound Sources
This section is split into two videos – basic waveshapes and complex waveshapes. We start off by covering sign-wave harmonics, sawtooth and pulse-wave harmonics, triangle-wave harmonics, square-wave harmonics and, of course, dodecahedron-wave harmon...OK, only kidding! We do, however, go even further in the second video, covering oscillator phase and polarity, hard sync, detuning oscillators, multi oscillators and combining waveforms. Phew! And that’s just section two!
Section 3 – Zebra 2 Oscillators/Sound Sources
Here’s where it gets funky, as we delve into the oscillator module and its parameters. So that’s wave, tune, detune, vibrato, wave selection and mix effects. And more where that came from in the FMO video, including key scale, modes, tuning and vibrato. The third and final video in this section looks at noise sources – white, pink and digital noise and crackles.
Section 4 – Filters
Now it’s onto the fine-tuning, as we take you through low, high and band-pass filters, as well as notch (band reject), peak, formant and comb filters. You’ll learn about filter parameters and slopes, and how to use specific parameters to control others, rounding off with Zebra 2`s comb filter and XMF (cross-modulation filter).
Section 5 – Control & Modulation
In this section, we move on to cover envelopes – specifically, the MSEG (Multi-Stage Envelope Generator), in Zebra 2. Next, we take you through the ins-and-outs of both global and voice LFOs (Low-Frequency Oscillators), finishing with a look at real-time controls – the X/Y pad, midi-learn and automation, to be precise.
Section 6 – Other Control Parameters & Modules
If you’ve got some brain-room left, we’ve got more stuff to fill it with in section 6 – starting with polyphony, portamento and legato. We also check out Zebra 2’s other features and modules, such as channel and modulation mixers, global effects, the modulation matrix and ARP/SEQ – the arpeggiator.
Section 7 – FX Modules
By now, you’ll be a virtual synths specialist: all that remains is to add the cherry on your cake of sound. We show you how in the effects section. At first, an explanation on Insert FX and Send FX, then we cover specific Zebra 2 FX modules. And just in case you were wondering, that’s the effects grid, modulating FX parameters, the compressor, delays, the equaliser, modFX, shapers, the ring modulator and reverb (comprising the reverberator and diffuser).
Section 8 – Putting It All Together
It’s not over ’til it’s over – and it’s not over yet. Here you’ll find a juicy two hours’ worth of videos on patch construction in Zebra 2.3/2.5, covering bass, leads, pad, arp, strings (bowed and plucked), SFX, percussion and Theremin. And there you have it – subtractive synthesis in just over eight hours!
PLUS...special bonus software discounts included when you buy this course:
- 20% off U-He Zebra 2.5
- 15% off Rob Papen’s Predator
- 10% off Blue Cat Audio
- 10% off Ohm Force
All software discount coupons listed above are contained within the first file download of Section 1 of the course.
