How Synthesizers Work (part 2)

This video is part 2 of a miniseries that attempts to describe the basic features of synthesizers, making them accessible to beginners or laymen, whether they just want to play around, explore, do sound design, produce tracks or beats, or transition from a traditional instrument into electronic synths for stage performance and recording.

Overall topics discussed in part 2: filter, resonance, LFO, and effects

Timestamps are in the pinned comment within the comments section below.

This series will have 1 more part on how synths work and conclude with an episode on "how to buy a synthesizer" in a few weeks just in time for the holiday season! Whereas part 1 was the basic components, part 2 is all about shaping sound, and part 3 will be about rhythm and utilizing synths in the space of time.

The video contains all original music (or synthesizer interpretations) and sound effects performed/arranged by me:
Bach Minuet in G major
AI Jungle
Satie Gymnopedie no. 1
EDM demo track
Original opening and closing theme

This channel is rapidly rotating through content types (between actual music and education) for the remainder of November 2024. Subscribe and check out the community posts from October for more info!

Looking for music where I use some of this gear? Check out the music videos on my channel!
The hottest latest music videos were here:

The following synths were used in this video:
#Elektron Model:Cycles

#Korg NTS-2 Oscilloscope

*Affiliate links of gear I own and use (commission on every sale is earned but you get to support this YouTube channel at no extra cost to you!):*
Synths:
(I use the original Korg Monotron here on this channel, but it is discontinued...)

Misc:

Microphones & mic gear:

Audio interface:

Cables:

Camera mounts and video recording:
(I just use a Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ for video recording - Samsung phone cameras are usually fantastic for everyday recording)

A sound treated room with bass traps and monitors would be ideal for music production, but at minimum decent headphones that can reproduce sound sources with clarity are necessary. These are the headphones I use that help me create these types of recordings and other recordings on my channel:

Headphones:

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[jngl-jim]

Feedback, comments, and especially questions are welcome! Part 1 link and timestamps:


0:00 Intro and flashback of part 1
0:13 Overview of features covered in this series
0:17 What is a filter?
0:31 What is a frequency spectrum?
0:50 What is a pitch in music?
0:59 How do low pitches differ from high pitches?
1:18 What is A-440? What is its significance?
1:37 What is a Fast Fourier Transform (or FFT)? (it's a very surface level description/explanation)
1:43 Visual comparison of time-based waveform graphs and frequency-based waveform graphs
1:58 How do music producers typically work with frequency spectrums?
2:09 What is a common example of hearing a filter used in everyday real-life?
2:33 What does a filter sound like on a synth? (audio demonstration)
3:22 What is resonance?
3:37 What is resonance in physics? How does it relate to synths?
3:52 What are harmonics (or overtones)?
4:00 What is a fundamental frequency?
4:28 What does resonance sound like on a synth? (audio demonstration)
5:26 What is an LFO?
5:41 Frequency range of an LFO vs. frequency range of human hearing
5:54 How are LFOs typically used onboard synths?
5:59 What is modulation?
6:02 The history of "modulation": what is it in classical music? How does it relate to keys and tonal centers?
6:29 The history of "modulation": what is it in electronics?
6:53 What is modulation in synthesizers?
7:06 What are the typical features and controls of an LFO?
7:34 What are some sounds of an LFO modulation on a synth? (audio demonstration)
9:20 How many LFOs can synths have?
9:37 What are effects on a synth? (typical are delay and reverb - shown with demonstrations)

Addendum:
1) For clarity: the LFO speed controls the rate mentioned - e.g. 0.1-20 Hz - and LFO depth is usually just the amplitude of the LFO waveform onboard all synths.

Music heard:
Bach Minuet in G major
AI Jungle
Satie Gymnopedie no. 1
EDM demo track
Original opening and closing theme

[trollfishxd]

Incredibly well communicated video! These first two parts have explaing a lot tyat i struggled to grasp when it came to filters, frequenicies, and so on with Synths!

[paradockz]

fantastic series, looking forward to the last section :)