Using Weird Synth Sounds (Part 1)

Using Weird Synth Sounds (Part 1)

Today I want to talk about a breakthrough I've had in my creative workflow, specifically when it comes to "weird" synth sounds! I've had the Sonicware Liven XFM for almost a year now, but I've only recently started using it in my music. I had a really hard time using it's weird sounds in my music, until I started thinking ahead during the sound design process, and actually looking at the sounds I was making as leads, basses, ear candy, transitions, etc. This completely changed how I look at the XFM, and really made me appreciate it, I highly recommend trying this mindset out! Enjoy the video :)

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[alitna]

That is some good sounds! I never paid attention the the Live FM as I thought it sounds like a generic FM synth. But I need to look into it more, this is really interesting!

[tworoundrobins]

Nice video Free Beat! One other thing you can use "weird" sounds other than ear candy is a constant texture that really spices up your overall sound. You showcased a lot of really nice preset sounds out of XFM, which have their own groove and can even be used as a full base of a song. Think of laying traditional elements of percussions, bass, leads on top of something "weird" but constant. That might open a whole new world of music making possibilities and overall sound :)

[RobG]

Here's a Liven XFM technique I just stumbled upon.

1. Use the XFRM for synth engine.
2. Have neither pitch or envelope tracked.
3. Now modify envelope to be 0 or delay before the envelope to 127 so it's all one sound or another.
4. Changing the transition between sounds introduce the atonalities.

[wiegraf]

I've been using some samples from this weird machine lately and it definitely has its uses!

[SumDumChum]

I'm so glad you're exploring the soniceware hardware. I know you are drinking the smpltrek Kool-Aid, but nice to see you exploring their other series 😀

[rayderrich]

Honestly if you want weird sounds try that FM stuff, where the slightest change in parameters results in big sound changes. Do not be scared about it, just turn knobs and learn.

[Drygon]

XFM is a great synth. You can get some good ear candy out of it. If you want more useable sounds (leads, bass, drums) I find starting with the LFO set to 0 helps. LFO is cool but can make otherwise solid sounds very weird.

[wiggesobk]

Very inspiring video! My weirdest Synthesizer is the MMXX T-APE. Do you know that synth?

[Behringer]

Bro, you're not helping my gear lust

[LilHoss]

I just wrote a long comment and it disappeared within a minute... WTH?

[Dr_Nuclear-sloth]

I just had this synth pop up in ads today. . . Weird