From the original SynthMaker forum (2004–2014), with its members’ names and dates.
vokal ·
I'm new to both synthmaker and any kind of electronic music in general. I have limited background knowledge of programming, but as of now, the programming aspect of synthmaker isn't my greatest obstacle. What I am have trouble is finding resources to understand basic, key concepts that are required to using the program.
First of all I have not yet been able to understand how a lot of the low level modules, or components work with one another. High level modules are no problem at all but when I use the lower level ones I consistently get unexpected results. For instance, when doing the "The Simple Sine Osc" tut I can easily follow each step, but I don't understand the reasoning behind it. Also, after completing this particular tutorial I cannot figure out how to actually implement it.
So, in short, what is the best way to learn how to use this in your experience? I've tried doing the tutorials, but they aren't quite what I'm looking for. I've also taken various projects from the example forum and tried to pick them apart, still, I haven't been able to learn to much from that.
Any help, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated... Thanks...
infuzion ·
Welcome to SM vokal!
Most of us old-timers didn't have tutorials, nor a manual. We had to learn by reading all the forums, downloading OSMs, & simply trial & error. We mostly had programming experience elsewhere which is essential. If you don't know other programming languages, it will take 2-6 months to be proficient in low-level programming of SM.
vokal ·
infuzion wrote: Welcome to SM vokal!
Most of us old-timers didn't have tutorials, nor a manual. We had to learn by reading all the forums, downloading OSMs, & simply trial & error. We mostly had programming experience elsewhere which is essential. If you don't know other programming languages, it will take 2-6 months to be proficient in low-level programming of SM.
Alright, Im surprised that a program this expensive as well developed doesn't have thorough documentation, id think that the company that made it would do a better job of it haha. Well regardless, I do know a bit of coding in a few different languages, but I am not very well versed in any one single language.
So, I guess the best way to learn is to simply do what I am doing now. Alright, haha Ill keep on persevering. :P
infuzion ·
vokal wrote: Alright, I'm surprised that a program this expensive as well developed doesn't have thorough documentation, I'd think that the company that made it would do a better job of it...
I think that way also, but SM has been more or less a 1-man show for the last few years, to deal with SM C++ programming, SM-FL, dealing with customers, website, etc.
trogluddite ·
Welcome to SM 🙂 ,
Don't forget to check out the Wiki links to other resources out there - understanding SM is only half the story. It's really worth understanding the basic principles of sound synthesis to get the most out of it - the tools may be very different, but the principles behind synthesis will apply whether you use SM or solder together a synth on a circuit board.
SM is a fantastic environment for putting together any synth architecture that you can imagine, but you will still need a grounding in how and why different architectures are able to produce different kinds of sound, or different ways of controlling a sound - even just a glossary of the technical terms used in synthesis will go a long way to helping you understand the advice on the forum and Wiki.
It's a bit like cooking - knowing how to use your knives, pans, oven etc. won't tell you how to make a meal that tastes good.
The Luddite
infuzion ·
trogluddite wrote: Don't forget to check out the Wiki links to other resources out there - understanding SM is only half the story. It's really worth understanding the basic principles of sound synthesis to get the most out of it - the tools may be very different, but the principles behind synthesis will apply whether you use SM or solder together a synth on a circuit board.
Good advice!
Start here:
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