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Take 5 User’s Guide
Synthesis 101: Synth Bass
Long Version with Explanations
Here’s a more detailed version that provides insight into the process.
You’ll start with the Basic Program, then learn how to choose an appro-
priate oscillator waveshape, how to use the lter, how to use the enve-
lopes, and how to use Unison to fatten things up.
In the Basic Program, only Oscillator 1 is audible. Its waveshape is set to
sawtooth and its level is 127 in the
mixer.
To start with the Basic Program:
1. Press the global button.
2. Use the select knob to navigate to the basic program command, then
press the write button to set the synth to the Basic Program.
Each of the oscillator’s waveforms have their own unique sound:
• The sawtooth waveform is a good starting point for sounds because it
has plenty of harmonics. This gives you a lot to work with in terms of a
raw sound that you can lter and modulate.
• The pulse (square) wave is a good starting point, too, but sounds differ-
ent than the sawtooth, because of its different harmonic content. The
sawtooth has even and odd-numbered harmonics and the square wave
has odd-numbered harmonics. (Google this if you want to learn more.)
• The sine wave has no harmonics. It’s useful used alone for its pure
tone, or in combination with another oscillator or sample(s) to reinforce
the fundamental pitch of a sound and add weight.
To listen to the various oscillator waveshapes:
1. In the oscillators section, the Sawtooth waveform is selected by
default. Play and hold a note, then turn the shape knob to step through
the various waveshapes.
2. Select the sawtooth waveshape.
Next, you’ll use the lter to shape the raw sound of the sawtooth wave.
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