In this tutorial you will learn the fundamentals of how synthesizers interact with different aspects of sound, and how to manipulate synths like Serum for specific sounds.

Learn how to use and manipulate different oscillator wave shapes in synths like Serum in this foundational lesson from our synthesis masterclass.

Learn about the different types of filter shapes in synthesizers and how to implement them in this lesson which is part of our masterclass on the foundations of synthesis.

In Part One of this three part series, Eric covers the fundamentals of modulation features native to any synth. Working in Serum, Eric discusses how to utilize envelopes and LFOs on certain oscillator and filter parameters to sculpt the sound in different ways. Producers looking to explore more advanced means of achieving unique sounds can add modulation tools to their arsenal for success.

In the last part of this series, Eric explores auxiliary modulation and vibrato techniques. He shows how envelopes and LFOs can be used as modulators to an existing modulation envelope or LFO. Likewise, he also shows how this can be used within the context of vibrato offering producers the ability to emulate a human like feel to their music. Lastly, Eric takes all the elements of the three part modulation series together and experiments with applying all the advanced modulation techniques to achieve unique sounds. Producers interested in advanced level sound design methods can find a lot of use in understanding auxiliary and vibrato modulation.

For Part Two of the Alternate Methods series, Eric uncovers the velocity parameter in serum and how to achieve different dynamics within a melody or chord purely within the serum controls. Likewise, he also discusses how to use serum’s mod wheel and pitch bend wheel to effect as well as provides some nice examples of how the wheels can take a sound to the next level. Producers utilizing all synths can find great use in better understanding how to create more dynamic capabilities in their sound design via this tutorial.

Starting off this three part series, Eric takes a look at how simple oscillator adjustments can go a long way in taking sounds to the next level. He varies between examples of oscillator volume and tuning manipulation and then ties it all together with a demonstration of how these moves can create very unique sounds. Producers looking to better harness the full utility of their synths can find great value in this video.

In the last of this three part series, Eric uses ableton’s built in wavetable synthesizer to create new sounds to his on-going creation of a song in this series. Furthermore, he dives into serum to uncover the different warp modes on oscillators producers can utilize to add more movement to their sounds. This tutorial is great for producers looking to apply their synthesis knowledge to ableton native synths as well as experiment to a greater level with oscillators using warp modes.

For part two of Advanced Synthesis, Eric moves onto Granular Synthesis. Working with Ableton’s stock granular synthesizer, Eric demonstrates how to drag in audio samples into the synthesizer and start manipulating the sound via the parameters commonly available on most granular synthesizers. He then incorporates granular synthesis into a live demonstration of a song. Producers looking to expand their sound design repertoire would find great results with learning granular synthesis from this tutorial.

In the first of this two part series, Eric uses Serum to recreate Lost Capital’s “Livin’ Without Maybes” and uncovers the different sound design elements present in the song. He dives into Serum to show how the song was constructed and explains the reasoning behind synthesis decisions in the song.