Synthesis process evidence

Track 12, 13 (ES1 Synthesizer)

For this synthesizer, I used an ES1 Synth and set the sub oscillator to a random waveform and the wave oscillator to a triangle waveform. I set the cutoff and resonance of the filter to highest setting, to give the synth a more piercing sound. Then I ran those oscillators through a modulator, affecting the pitch and the pulse width, making the synth less melodic. I applied a ringshifter plugin onto the synthesizer and automated the frequency to create this scratching sound, almost like a record is being scratched.

I wanted to create a riser effect with this synthesizer, so I set the sub oscillator to a noise waveform and automated the cutoff, providing me with a transitional effect that I could use for each section of my composition. I applied an echo effect as well, to help emphasize the sound made with the synthesizer.

Track 14 (EFM1 Synthesizer)

With the riser sound I made with the previous synth, I wanted to create another transition effect to coincide with the riser. I used an FM synthesizer, setting the modulator oscillator to one harmonic and the carrier oscillator to twenty-five harmonics, while being fine tuned slightly in order to create a sound similar to that of chimes. I then inputted a random string of MIDI notes that would ascend with the rising synthesizer, acting as a transition piece.

Track 15 (Moog Sub Phatty)

I used an analog synthesizer for this track, and I physically manipulated the sound of the synthesizer as the song progresses. I set the sustain on the filter to the highest amount, making the note ring out until I let go of the key, and the release to about seven seconds. I used a Low Frequency Oscillator and manipulated the filter and waveform of the oscillators, which gave me this pulsating rhythm. At some points of the composition, I would change the cutoff when recording the synthesizer, giving me a dissonant sound depending on where I set it at, while still retaining that pulsating rhythm.

Track 16, 17 (ES2)

I decided to create a keyboard with the ES2 synthesizer. I set the synthesizer to polyphonic, meaning I could play more than one note at the same time. From there, I set the waveform on the oscillators to match the sound of something similar to that of a Rhodes keyboard, but with a more flare and ringing sound. I made sure the envelope followed the parameters that of a keyboard, with notes fading out even if the key was held down.

As well as the keyboard, I created this arpeggiating synth with the ES2. I automated the cutoff on the synth while the notes are being arpeggiated, making the synth phase in and out through a high cut filter, which adds a layer to the composition, filling out any empty space.

Track 18 (ES M)

I created this rhythmic bass synthesizer, with a repeating pattern that pulsates in the background. The cutoff is automated and it brings the synth out more in the song, as the composition progresses in dynamics. It nicely contrasts the bass guitar within the song, as that is playing something more melodic. This synth here is more rhythmic in what is being played.