So I just finished Rob Papen's course on subtractive synthethis, and I think it was a pretty good course. The first two DVD's REALLY covered the basic stuff, which is great if you need a good foundation. But the second two really got into sound design and modulation. I think I really picked up some stuff on pitch and pulse width modulation, and using hard synch. Plus a lot of great stuff on envelopes, and LFO's. - - - - - In the course he used a variety of synths, but his main focus was on predator. So I picked that up, and I really liked it. Also picked up Punch, which I think could become my goto for drums. Now that I know how to make my own kick sounds, I think that will prove super helpful, say in getting things just right. - - - - Anyway, depending on your skill level, I recommend the course, and definitely check out the synths. Thanks,

Is this the $15 Groove3 Tutorial special they're having?

http://www.groove3.com/str/Predator-Explained.html

No, it's this course right here http://www.robpapen.com/dvd-sound-design.html It's focus is much more than just predator, but it does use predator for a lot of it's sound examples.

No one else a fan?

I remember when RP first announced this project back in 2005, then he strung us along for a couple of years implying that it was imminent and that it would cover all sorts of synthesis.  I was excited then, because I really wanted to learn more about additive, FM, spectral, granular, etc. synthesis, and I was frustrated as hell that it was taking so long to finish it, eventually turning to other resources and completely losing interest in this DVD series.  So, it's kinda hard to get excited about an overpriced commercial DVD only covering subtractive synthesis in 2013, when there are countless (legally) free and cheap tutorials and other sound design resources available all over youtube and the web covering the same topic and more.  It's unfortunate for Rob, but I think he missed the mark by limiting it to subtractive synthesis and missed the prime window of opportunity for tutorials in DVD format by a long shot.