Hello all!  My name is Carlos Chica.  I live in Medellín, Colombia.  I think it’s pretty great here.  For Week 6 I’ve chosen to select four different synthesizers and compare the graphical interfaces.  Synthesizers can

have drastically different interfaces, but most of them contain the 5 modules we’ve discussed in class.

� � As my DAW is Logic Pro X I have selected two

synthesizers that come included with the software, and I have also included two additional synthesizer that were recommended by the Professor in the course materials section.

� Alright! On with the show.

Introduction

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Retro Synth (Logic Pro X)

� � This synth looks the most similar to the simple synth

that was used during our video lectures.  It has a few additional features in the Oscillator Module, and it also includes a glide and an effect module.  Please note that the oscillator contains two different shape, and you can choose to mix between the two of them.  For the purpose of our class, I would suggest experiment with Shape 1 only, and setting the mix to Osc 1.

Retro Synth (Logic Pro X)

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I feel like this synthesizer describes the modules fairly well, but I’ve labelled each module in the following

image:

� �  This was the most confusing interface to me by far.  But I think

it’s a good example of how Synthesizers can be incredibly different from one another.  This synth does not have any visualizers, and is set up to look “futuristic”.  While that was a little confusing, I was able to reference the manual and easily determine the different modules.  This synth includes a glide module, as well as a router.  This is a synth that is highly customizable, and can create a wide range of sounds.  It also has dual oscilators, and many parameters can be set to a “range”.  The amplifier, for example, has an upper and lower parameter. For the purposes of our class I advise to use only the Wave oscillator.  Set the sub oscillator to “off”.  I’d also recommend limiting the range on the amplifier.  Setting the high and low parameters to the same setting will eliminate the range.

ES1 (Logic Pro X)

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ES1 (Logic Pro X)

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ES1 (Logic Pro X)

� � I found this Synth to be really straight forward.  The

interface is simple and to the point.  You’ll note it also includes an additional “Glide” and “Chorus” module.  It also features 2 oscillators, and envelopes for both the filter and the amp.  Again, I’d recommend using Osc 1 at first, and then adding a second oscillator as you start to get a good feel for the synth.

LinPLug Alpha 3 Free Alpha

� LinPLug Alpha 3 Free Alpha

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I’ve labelled the 5 most important modules of this synth and included an image here:

� � The most surprising thing about this synth is that it

does not include all 5 of the modules we learned about.  I think this makes it a great example of how varied synths can really be.  It includes additional modules in the form of “Tune”, “Phase”, and has an entire effects tab you can modulate.  Additionally, it has a wide variety of waveforms, many of which we hadn’t discussed in class.  These can be further tweaked by the user with a simple point and click.

u-He Zebralette

� u-He Zebralette

� � It is worth noting, however, that the Zebralette has

no filter.  This could make it difficult to use in all instances, as it may be too bright.

� I have labelled all 4 of the most important modules on this synth in the image below:

u-He Zebralette

� u-He Zebralette

� � I find the concepts to be really challenging, and I’ve

already started playing around with my DAW to understand better.  I really recommend downloading free synths to compare interfaces.  I’ve never worked with synthesizers before, so I feel like there’s a really steep learning curve.  It was good to see that most synths really do include the same modules and parameters, though.

� I hope you like!

Refletion