Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (mabian)

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 04:58:09 GMT

Damn... I bought it too thanks to this thread :)

- Mario

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (tls11823)

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 21:10:38 GMT

Chalk up one more sale for Simon due to this thread! " />

After all the good things you folks have been saying about the book, I had to get it for myself. Amazingly, it was on the shelf at a local Border's, so I quickly reserved it on-line to pick it up the next day. To add to the satisfaction of the purchase, I had just gotten a 30% coupon from Borders, so I got a great deal! (OK, since Borders' original price was the actual list price, I still ended up paying a bit more than the Amazon price, but I didn't have to pay shipping, and had it in my grubby little paws for some weekend reading.)

At first I thought it was a little too esoteric for my needs, but then I realized that the background was necessary for me to move forward with the subject matter, and then I started getting to the fun stuff! So far I agree with the positive comments in this thread, and I hope to have a lot of fun playing with this stuff. It's a well-written book, and fills in a nice niche as far as the subject matter.

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (Rain)

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 17:02:21 GMT

You guys finally convinced me to order it. Considering the 2 hours I spend on the bus reading every day, it's totally worth the 30 CDN $.

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (BuleriaChk)

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 12:43:01 GMT

I just acquired this book, and downloaded Triangle II and the course presets.
My problem is that I can't get sound out of the stand-alone version. The VST version works fine (In Live 6, I assume it will work in my version of Sonar 6 PE).

However, the standalone version shows output in my ASIO panel, but not throught the device (VM3100 Pro). I've never had this happen before with any of my software synths.... (Everything in Triangle is set up since I seem to be getting sound to the ASIO interface - and it works fine in VST)...

Any ideas?

UPDATE: I changed the ASIO to another source, and then changed it back, and the standalone came to life. I have to do this often, for some reason, but at least it is working. BTW, it works fine in Sonar as a VST....

Thanks,

Chuck

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (dredd i knight)

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 13:44:59 GMT

i got this book a couple of months ago and am finding it to be a goldmine of useful info!
just the way its helped me get my head around the basic cncepts of synthesis is great, but the tutorials and downloads are the icing on the cake(walk)!" />
anyone that wants go go beyond the presets of their synths without tweaking knobs randomly should take a look.

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (Gamergirl)

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 12:38:52 GMT

ORIGINAL: torhan

What book is it you're discussing, Susan? I'd love to get a copy. I must admit, I find LFO's and cords and all a little bit confusing. I use a LOT of synthwork, since my only instrument is guitar, and guitar controllers are notoriously bad about mistracking. I tend to start off with a template and then edit it to my liking, or I plug the beat in with the mouse in the Piano Roll veiw. I was wondering, is there a faster, better way to do this that you guys know of?

Cakewalk Synths: Presets to Power User

You should check out midi keyboard controllers to make midi input quite faster.

Plenty threads on the forum regarding recommendations. I personally like the Novation SL series.

Yeah, I thought about getting the Edirol single-octave keyboard. Guitar controllers tend to throw out a lot of superfluous data, so that you get little notes that you didn't play... also, they're notoriously unreliable. Not only does it put in notes that I didn't play, it often fails to put in notes that I did play. I don't play keyboards, so I'm a little gunshy, but how hard could a single octave keyboard be? You don't actually have to play it right? You can do step recording, can't you?

A lot of that is supposed to improve with Roland's new VG-99. Now, if I can only save up enough to meet the rather hefty pricetag...

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (Susan G)

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 05:46:31 GMT

Surely Susan will get a nice commission check from Amazon?

Yes, I'm expecting my first any day now!" />

I did let Simon Cann know how psyched I am about this book and told him about this thread. Hopefully he'll see a slight blip in royalties somewhere down the road!" />

I've only had a little more time to spend with it, but it really is very well done, IMO. Very straightforward, clear, well organized, and well written. No fluff.

I'm going through every single audio hands-on example (he tells you how to download these in Appendix B) starting with Triangle II, and this is what I think is really the key for me, since I can hear immediately exactly what each control does. The "Aha!" experience continues!" />

Thanks-

-Susan

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (Susan G)

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 05:26:32 GMT

She is at the pique of spelling proficiency.

" /> But "...wicked" is "Michael", so she's a he!" />

-Susan

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (HeavyTRAFFIK)

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 04:03:10 GMT

I've been considering buying this book for a LONG time. But I never did. At some point I decided that the presets I've been using have been enough. But now . . .

How can one resist all this peer pressure? Sounds like I may be wondering why I waited this long. Now I'm excited. Ordering now. Surely Susan will get a nice commission check from Amazon?

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (droddey)

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 02:27:08 GMT

I bought it today also, but I just want to compliment you ...wicked. You are the first person I've seen on this forum who was piqued rather than peaked.

She is at the pique of spelling proficiency.

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (droddey)

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 02:26:07 GMT

I went ahead and ordered it also. Every time I sit down to do a really synthy part with something like Pentagon, it turns into a frustrating search for a sound by the '10 million monkeys in a room with synths will eventually find the right sound given infinite time' method. It'll be nice to actually get some understanding of Pentagon so that I can whip up the sound I want myself.

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (Platano)

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 00:45:46 GMT

Aw'ight Susan.... I now have to jump on this. My brother Charlie knows how to tweak synths, as he messed around with early Moogs and ARP's. When he visits, I show him my software synths, and he automatically starts to create his own patches and test the stuff the softsynths claim to replicate... This book sounds like the place for me to start.. Thanks for the recommendation!

Joe

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (b rock)

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 00:25:29 GMT

Be sure to snag the Cakewalk Synthesizers: From Presets to Power User - Update#1 May 2007.
There's some new material, addendums, and corrections in it. Like this reply has. " />

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (efin)

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 21:44:45 GMT

Thanks for mentioning this, Susan! This is just what I need.

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (jungfriend)

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 19:35:07 GMT

I bought it today also, but I just want to compliment you ...wicked. You are the first person I've seen on this forum who was piqued rather than peaked.

Paul

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (aaronk)

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:23:09 GMT

quote:

ORIGINAL: Gamergirl
I must admit, I find LFO's and cords and all a little bit confusing.

The best way to learn about this stuff is to get your hands on a pure modular analog synth (like the one in my avatar ) One that doesn't have a keyboard--let's stay purist. Unfortunately, these days it's getting pretty hard to play with one of those. So at least the "Cakewalk Synthesizers" book walks you through the basic concepts and gives some tutorials.

There are 3 components in a synth: Generators, Processors, and Modulators. Generators make the sound, Processors change the sound, and Modulators change how the Generator or Processor behaves. You run a cable out of a Generator into a Processor, and you run a cable from a Modulator into a Generator or Processor. That's it in a very small nutshell.

It's much easier to understand with a real analog synth that you can patch up manually. And it can be hours of fun.

Agree 100%. In lieu of tarsier's gear, modular synths like Tassman and Reaktor let you do the same thing, building synths from scratch. Plus they can't (usually) short out, catch fire, or explode. Both include tutorial sections that do a good job setting you on your way.

Are there any good general references on ADVANCED synth programming? It only takes a few minutes comparing my own efforts with some of the better ones in the Reaktor user library to see that the gap between understanding the basics and knowing how to build a really GREAT synth is large.

One way I've found works pretty consistently in learning any synth is to spend a chunk of time, usually starting out from a preset, manipulating each and every knob, alone and in various combinations, until I've understood the synth well enough to be able to PREDICT its sound in advance of actually turning the knobs. (This was a necessary skill with my old analog synth, which I played live regularly and which did not have any presets or even any way to store them.)

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (tarsier)

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 16:57:15 GMT

ORIGINAL: Gamergirl
I must admit, I find LFO's and cords and all a little bit confusing.

The best way to learn about this stuff is to get your hands on a pure modular analog synth (like the one in my avatar " /> ) One that doesn't have a keyboard--let's stay purist. Unfortunately, these days it's getting pretty hard to play with one of those. So at least the "Cakewalk Synthesizers" book walks you through the basic concepts and gives some tutorials.

There are 3 components in a synth: Generators, Processors, and Modulators. Generators make the sound, Processors change the sound, and Modulators change how the Generator or Processor behaves. You run a cable out of a Generator into a Processor, and you run a cable from a Modulator into a Generator or Processor. That's it in a very small nutshell.

It's much easier to understand with a real analog synth that you can patch up manually. And it can be hours of fun.

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (aaronk)

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 16:00:16 GMT

So, how does it come out? Does Harry live? Or does Voldemort triumph?

But seriously, thanks for the tip.

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (Infinite5ths)

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 15:25:39 GMT

...not likely. I've looked. You MIGHT find it at a GC or SamAsh; but it's a bit too specific for a B&N or Borders. Now, it it suddenly becomes a best-seller (like the "Introduction to Character Animation in Blender" book that was recently released...), then B&N and Borders will suddenly take interest & stock it. So C'MON all you Cakewalk synth fanatics! TIME TO MAKE THIS A BEST-SELLER " />

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (Lost Souls)

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 14:57:39 GMT

ORIGINAL: Susan G

Susan,

This is exactly what I need! Thanks!

You're welcome!

It's only $18.71 at Amazon.com now!

-Susan

Can it be found at a Barnes and Noble (or local big book store)? I want to go out and buy it today!" />

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (Susan G)

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 14:40:43 GMT

Susan,

This is exactly what I need! Thanks!

You're welcome!

It's only $18.71 at Amazon.com now!

-Susan

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (Lost Souls)

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 14:30:29 GMT

Susan,

This is exactly what I need! Thanks!

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (karhide)

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 13:32:06 GMT

After reading the thread I've just ordered the book from Amazon" />

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (torhan)

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:13:26 GMT

ORIGINAL: ...wicked

Is there a link for this magical tome? You've piqued my curiosity.

See my post above.

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (...wicked)

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:12:22 GMT

Is there a link for this magical tome? You've piqued my curiosity.

EDIT:
Link to the book

Sorry, should do my own homework. " />

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (torhan)

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:09:18 GMT

What book is it you're discussing, Susan? I'd love to get a copy. I must admit, I find LFO's and cords and all a little bit confusing. I use a LOT of synthwork, since my only instrument is guitar, and guitar controllers are notoriously bad about mistracking. I tend to start off with a template and then edit it to my liking, or I plug the beat in with the mouse in the Piano Roll veiw. I was wondering, is there a faster, better way to do this that you guys know of?

Cakewalk Synths: Presets to Power User

You should check out midi keyboard controllers to make midi input quite faster.

Plenty threads on the forum regarding recommendations. I personally like the Novation SL series.

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (Gamergirl)

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 11:49:20 GMT

ORIGINAL: Susan G

Hi everyone-

Wow. I've just started reading this (I'm on Chapter 2) and working with the download examples, and already I have to say -- what an eye-opener! It's making things I just vaguely understood after all this time so much clearer. The author (Simon Cann) explains what every type of sound modulator actually does, so it can be applied to FX as well as synths.

I know lots of this stuff is well known by many members here, but I think I've found my go-to reference for shaping sounds.

I'm really excited about trying out all the examples and going through it synth-by-synth with those I have, but as I said I'm sure a lot of it can be generalized as well. I know some of you have recommended it -- do you think it's as good as I do after having gone further with it than I have" />?

Thanks-

-Susan

Hi, everyone; my name is Courtney Patricia Parsons, I'm a noob to this forum but I've been making music with computers since 1990. My first sequencer was Cakewalk and I had a copy of Ballade, and I used ballade to plug in notes with the mouse and I final-edited them with Cakewalk. Back then, we didn't have Digital Audio recording so I ran my D-110 (a hardware synth sort of like an MT-32, a bit like an external soundcard) through a 4-track tape recorder and recorded myself playing along with Cakewalk. Boy, those were the days, weren't they? It took me months just to do one song, since I'm such a perfectionist!!

Now, I just did a cover of the Pink Floyd song, Mother, an instrumental which I'm going to post for download shortly. I did a song I was already familiar with just to get used to my recent upgrade to SONAR 6.2 and my new TASCAM FW-1082 audio interface/control surface, cuz I thought it'd be easier than an original. Actually, it wasn't, it was harder, cuz when you redo someone else's song, you have to live up to a lot, particularly when one is as radically different as this one is.

What book is it you're discussing, Susan? I'd love to get a copy. I must admit, I find LFO's and cords and all a little bit confusing. I use a LOT of synthwork, since my only instrument is guitar, and guitar controllers are notoriously bad about mistracking. I tend to start off with a template and then edit it to my liking, or I plug the beat in with the mouse in the Piano Roll veiw. I was wondering, is there a faster, better way to do this that you guys know of?

Thanks,
Courtney Patricia "GamerGirl" Parsons

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (cryophonik)

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 11:00:28 GMT

ORIGINAL: bermuda

I have powertools for synths, but never got into it...

I have that book as well. It's a nice in-depth reference book for synthesis at a conceptual level, but has limited utility for putting concepts into practice. The Cakewalk Synths book, on the other hand, shows you how to apply that knowledge to make sounds using synths that you have in front of you and it introduces some new technology (e.g., sfz). I think you'll be happy that you have both - the Power Tools book is nice if you want a more detailed or different explanation of the concepts discussed in the first few chapters of the Cakewalk Synths book.

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (harmony gardens)

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 10:17:07 GMT

you've convinced me ,,,, I have to check this book out.

RE: Cakewalk Synthesizers: From presets to power user (Infinite5ths)

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 09:53:31 GMT

Yup, it definitely does a lot of eye-opening. The way it's organized by synth makes it a terrific reference manual; but Simon also did a good job of documenting similarities & consistencies between the various instruments. So you don't spend a ton of time re-reading the same info with every synth. Rather, you appreciate the similarities AND differences between synths (for example: Rapture vs. Dimension Pro), both of which are spelled out pretty clearly.