Synths & Sound Design

Tutorial | Oct 17, 2012 by Gary Hiebner

Sometimes one sonic element in a song really stands out, and you may want to re-create it for fun on your own tracks. Learn how to create synth sounds like those heard in Rihanna's We Found Love.

Tutorial | Oct 15, 2012 by Darren Burgos

Ultrabeat is more than a drum pattern sequencer , sample playback engine and drum synth creation plugin... Darren Burgos shares this incredible tip on using it as an effects sequencer!

Tutorial | Oct 09, 2012 by G.W. Childs IV

Don't be fooled into thinking this article is for Ableton users only... If you want to manually create glitch and stutter effects in any DAW, check out this concise guide by G. W. Childs.

Tip | Sep 26, 2012 by Mo Volans

Learn how to titillate your listeners by creating tension using classic strings in Propellerhead Reason. Mo Volans creates exciting buildups and breakdowns.

Tutorial | Sep 25, 2012 by Mike Watkinson

Take a look inside Avid's Instrument Expansion pack for Pro Tools 10 and you'll find some succulent software instruments to get your teeth into. Mike Watkinson uncovers the luxurious Velvet.

Tutorial | Sep 19, 2012 by Mo Volans

Reason now has more processors and cool devices than you can shake a stick at but sometimes it's good to go back to basics and use some more traditional methods to enhance your sounds.

Editorial | Sep 11, 2012 by Toby Pitman

Toby Pitman reveals the process behind creating sound-a-likes and re-records of popular songs for TV, DVD, stage and '¦ a huge event we can't talk about...

Tip | Sep 10, 2012 by Gary Hiebner

Learn how to get some crazy pitch modulation effects going in Logic Pro with this step-by-step tutorial by Gary Hiebner. Traditionally used on guitars, who can apply them any type of sound you wish!

Tip | Aug 28, 2012 by Toby Pitman

Are you a Native Instruments Massive user? Need some good transitional FX sounds? Got 2 minutes to spare? Follow this sound design tip by Toby Pitman...

Tip | Aug 23, 2012 by G.W. Childs IV

Want to breathe more life into your sampled synths in Ableton Live? Do they lack that certain something? G. W. Childs takes you on a super journey where big is better!

Tutorial | Aug 20, 2012 by David Earl

What's that? FM8 is one of the synths in Native Instruments' Komplete you've not played with yet?!? Drop what you're doing and follow this step-by-step sound design tut with the FM8 by David Earl...

Tutorial | Aug 15, 2012 by Toby Pitman

Toby Pitman explores NI Guitar Rig 5's new container modules. You can use them in all sorts of rack-based ways which, as he discovers, makes them versatile for studio and performance musicians.

Tip | Aug 13, 2012 by Mo Volans

If you tuned in and downloaded the FREE ES2 patches by Mo Volans back in July 2012 you'll have come across a lovely distorted synth bass. Discover how to program this patch from scratch in Logic Pro!

Tutorial | Aug 09, 2012 by Toby Pitman

There's only one thing better than a free lunch... MPV Free Stuff!! This time we've got a delicious & edgy collection of Logic synth settings for you. Simply log in (or sign-up for free) to download!

Tip | Aug 06, 2012 by Hollin Jones

Padshop is Steinberg's new instrument in VST and AU formats that uses granular synthesis to build pad sounds. Follow along with Hollin Jones in this step-by-step synth workshop.