#wavetable synthesis

[neuro-chaos]

Space Waves

7 track album. 7 years to complete. https://on.soundcloud.com/QLHcs

[eraseer]

Waldorf Microwave XT Shadow Edition

images courtesy of Vintage Gear Collector on reverb.com

[coral-reefer-420]

have been sound designing again, gonna post a couple of these. the patch screenshots are the main event in the audio. i made a sequence to modulate the fm on both osc 1+2, and an lfo to to bounce filter 1 up and down at a different rate.

[spiralfucker]

where should i look to learn the basic of ableton? it overwhelms me so much but there's nothing more i want to do than making music or at least trying to and I'm terrible depressed bc of that

Hi anon. I’ve been in the same position as you and I know what it feels like to have all this creative energy and emotions pent up that you can’t express in the way you’d like to. This is a long one but I’m really passionate about this so here:

Basically I learnt the basics of logic at my uni and I got lessons/mentoring from my bandmate who encouraged me to switch over to ableton (I much prefer it now).

I know it looks overwhelming at first but I promise with some practice it’s really not too bad (it’s def easier than pro tools lol) Music production is one skill that is really easy to self teach because there’s just so many free resources online. I’d really recommend finding an in depth introduction to ableton video on YouTube and kind of just following along. Start trying to learn the keyboard commands early on if you can because they’ll make your workflow so much faster in the long run.

Izotope has some really great articles that go into the basics of production techniques in really easy to understand terms. Sound on sound has some great articles too. Making a big google doc with every you learn can be a great resource to have so you can go back and reference it.

Alongside that I’d recommend trying to learn some basic music theory because I honestly think it essential to know for production (many people would disagree lol). If you haven’t already, try to get your head around the circle of fifths and the harmonic series.

As well as this, I think it’s important to understand the basics of synthesis because that terminology will keep coming up in VSTs and it’ll help to have some context of where these terms came from. Look into the basics anatomy of a subtractive synthesiser to start. From there id recommend looking into FM, additive and wavetable synthesis. This book was written in the 80s but I found it really helpful for grasping these concepts: https://archive.org/details/SynthesizerBasicsDeanFriedman600dpi_201608/page/n70/mode/1up

I’d also recommend grasping the basics of EQ and compression because it’s something you’ll probably use on every single track you ever make. Also learn what phase cancellation is because that’s an issue that come up a lot when you’re a beginner.

If you’re able to, I’d recommend making it a goal to try to a learn new thing about music or production every day. Even if that’s just something as simple as what synth was used on a song you like or what a particular mic is good for or a neat trick you do with a stock plugin, all that knowledge adds up and complements each other.

I’ve found that trying to listen to your favourite music with an analytical frame of mind and even trying to get a hold of the multitracks can be a great learning tool. Find out what kind of hardware they used, what plugins they used, what mics etc. There’s no shame in copying your favourite producers until you find your own voice.

In terms of gear, I’d recommend picking up a midi keyboard and an interface if you don’t have one already. If you’re finding you keep running into CPU issues with your computer (ableton isn’t great for this) you can try resampling your midi track and turning off the plugins then freezing the track (I wish I started doing this sooner). Otherwise you’ll just get frustrated and stuck and not want to keep working on your tracks.

If money is an issue, ableton comes with a lot of great stock instruments and effects + samples and drum racks but expensive plugins are always going on sale so maybe have a look on plugin boutique and see if anything that looks cool is within your budget.

Keep in mind that I’m saying this as someone who still considers themself a beginner/intermediate in this area and I still have a heap to learn too. Good luck and make cool stuff.

[pixelfireplace]

Apple IIgs - 1986

The most powerful of the Apple II series with the look and feel of the Macintosh. Notable for its backwards compatibility with the large Apple II software library thanks to the Mega II chip, in addition to its own 16-bit capabilities and library. The "GS" stood for Graphics and Sound referring to the enhanced multimedia hardware including the first ever wavetable synthesis chip to be used in a personal computer.

source: archive.org

[thumpypuppy]

for the isat soundtrack, did you use pre-existing soundfonts, make your own, or didn't use soundfonts? i don't know much about music production so bear with me. also, if the first option, which ones did you use?

Fantastic question!

So there was exactly one song that used sound fonts (the SNES strings), otherwise it's entirely softsynths, multisamplers, and some recorded guitar and bass for a few songs.

If you're just getting started in making music there are a lot of free synths available from Native Instruments, and the Spitfire Audio LABS series has loads of cool free stuff as well. (You can also find bunches of free VSTs online!)

I have a lot of stuff in the studio, but I'll list out some of my current favs:

Xfer Records Serum - It's an absolutely incredible modular synth that has two channel AM/FM/RM modulation, wavetable synthesis, a bunch of really cool built-in effects, and there's so much automation you can do to create really amazing sounds.

Toontrack Superior Drummer - I have v2 + Metal Foundry, but they have a v3 now and loads of libraries available. Super customizable, absolutely the next best thing to just mic'ing up a kit yourself.

SubMission Audio Eurobass III - Honestly such a precise bass multisampler that has really detailed velocity and articulation control. Features heavily in our last album, DOOMTROID.

So to answer your question, a lot of things are either custom-designed in the studio or are built off of multisampling engines and then further modified and EQ'd to have a very particular sound.

I would just like to say that composition is FAR more important than having fancy plugins and experience with sound design and mixing, so go find yourself a bunch of free VSTs and focus on your composition first and learn the engineering part second.

[bestofmidi]

Now im curious, if you could, would you ever play these through actual like. Midi hardware? Old sound cards with wavetable synths, actual opl3 cards, etc?

that's the thing about it. this software and soundfonts perfectly duplicates the output from the hardware I actually have - and the other soundfonts are for hardware that costs hundreds to thousands of dollars lol. or they're things that do not actually accept arbritrary midi input (genesis, sm64, earthbound, undertale, the one that attempts to perform synthesis of instturments using samples of things an NES can play)

like i could force my isa sound blaster to ignore its wavetable card and do opl3 synthesis for general midi - but I already have a soundfont produced from sampling what the sound blasters do for opl3 synthesis for those instruments and it sounds identical lol. the only thing I'd get out of going through the trouble of moving stuff to the 486 to play through it would be a bit of extra noise incurred via the patch cable and the kinda mediocre line in on my modern laptop! and that thing can only play in real time while the timidity software renders out the uncompressed audio roughly ~5x to ~30x realtime playback speed, depending on complexity of the midi & the soundfont used

though hey if someone wants to donate all the cash/actual hardware to get weird with it and hook all the now quite rare and pricey modules and cards up i wouldn't mind. but i'd need a second 486 desktop just to fit them too!

[donjuaninhell]

Fuckin' around with DOSBox and some abandonware games this morning, and man that wavetable audio synthesis went hard.

[kalaplugin21]

Free download U-he Hive 2 Synthesizer Plug-in

Product Description: U-he Hive 2 Synthesizer Plug-in

Unlock boundless sonic possibilities with the U-he Hive 2 Synthesizer Plug-in, a versatile and powerful tool designed to elevate your music production to new heights. Crafted by acclaimed developers U-he, Hive 2 is the next evolution in virtual analog synthesis, delivering an unparalleled combination of cutting-edge features, intuitive design, and exceptional sound quality.

At the heart of Hive 2 lies a robust synthesis engine that effortlessly blends analog warmth with modern digital precision. With its extensive oscillator section, users can create rich and dynamic sounds ranging from classic analog tones to futuristic textures. Dive deep into sound design with multiple wavetables, wavetable scanning, and advanced modulation options, allowing for endless experimentation and creativity.

One of Hive 2's standout features is its innovative modulation matrix, which offers unparalleled flexibility and control over sound shaping. With over 16 modulation slots and a variety of modulation sources and targets, users can easily sculpt sounds with precision and finesse. Whether you're tweaking parameters in real-time or automating complex movements, Hive 2 empowers you to unleash your creativity like never before.

In addition to its powerful synthesis capabilities, Hive 2 boasts a wealth of built-in effects to polish and enhance your sounds. From lush reverbs and pristine delays to gritty distortion and analog-style saturation, Hive 2 offers a comprehensive suite of effects to add depth, character, and polish to your productions.

Designed with usability in mind, Hive 2 features a sleek and intuitive interface that streamlines your workflow and inspires creativity. Its resizable UI adapts to your screen size, making it perfect for studio setups of any configuration. With comprehensive MIDI learn functionality and extensive preset browsing capabilities, Hive 2 ensures that you spend less time navigating menus and more time making music.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a budding producer, the U-he Hive 2 Synthesizer Plug-in is an indispensable tool for unlocking your sonic potential. With its unparalleled sound quality, innovative features, and intuitive design, Hive 2 empowers you to create music that stands out from the crowd.

In conclusion, U-he Hive 2 Synthesizer Plug-in is a must-have for musicians and producers looking to push the boundaries of electronic sound design and production. With its powerful synthesis engine, flexible modulation system, and comprehensive effects suite, Hive 2 offers endless possibilities for sonic exploration and creativity.

[andronicmusicblog]

Unleash Your Creativity with These Top Free Plugins and Freeware for Black Friday 2023

Music production tools are continuously expanding, providing a vast range of tools and techniques to create exceptional soundscapes. Although premium plugins and software often grab the attention, numerous freeware gems can elevate your production to new heights. This month, we have compiled a list of fifteen outstanding free tools that offer exceptional versatility and value, catering to a diverse range of musical needs.

We have compiled a list of the best online deals for Black Friday.

1. Tape It - Denoiser: Restore Clarity to Your Recordings

Background noise and unwanted artifacts can often hinder the pristine quality of your audio recordings. Tape It - Denoiser, a web-based tool, tackles this issue head-on, employing advanced algorithms to remove noise while preserving the integrity of your original signal. Its intuitive interface and straightforward workflow make it a breeze to use, ensuring that your audio shines through with newfound clarity.

tape.it

2. Outobugi - Dynastia: Multiband Compression Mastery

Multiband compression is an indispensable tool for achieving balanced and dynamic mixes. Outobugi - Dynastia, a free multiband compressor, provides exceptional control over your audio, allowing you to refine the dynamics of specific frequency bands with precision. Its flexible parameters and intuitive design make it a powerful addition to your mixing arsenal.

outobugi.com

Outobugi Dynastia free multiband compressor

3. BFD Drums - BFD Player: Unleash Realistic Drum Sounds

Drum sounds are the backbone of countless musical genres, and BFD Drums - BFD Player delivers a wealth of authentic and impactful drum samples. This free drum instrument features a vast library of meticulously recorded drums, cymbals, and percussion, offering a wide range of grooves and fills to enhance your productions. Its intuitive interface and versatile features make it a valuable tool for drummers and producers alike.

bfddrums.com

4. Ohm Force - Frohmager: Sculpt Your Soundscapes with Low-Pass Filtering

Low-pass filters play a crucial role in shaping the tonal characteristics of your audio. Ohm Force - Frohmager, a freeware low-pass filter, provides a versatile toolkit for crafting the desired sonic atmosphere. Its diverse range of filter types, modulation options, and customizable parameters enable you to create unique and evolving textures, adding depth and dimension to your sounds.

www.ohmforce.com

5. Samplab - TextToSample: Transform Words into Sounds

AI-powered tools are revolutionizing music production, and Samplab - TextToSample is a prime example. This innovative freeware application allows you to generate audio samples directly from text, transforming your creative ideas into unique sonic elements. Its simple interface and powerful algorithms make it an inspiring tool for experimentation and exploration, adding a touch of magic to your sound design process.

samplab.com

6. Surge: Wavetable Synthesis Versatility

Delve into the world of wavetable synthesis with Surge, a freeware wavetable synthesizer that offers a vast array of sounds and features. Its intuitive interface and comprehensive editing options empower you to create a wide range of textures, from classic analog emulations to futuristic soundscapes. With its extensive library of wavetables, oscillators, and modulation options, Surge provides endless possibilities for sonic exploration.

surge-synthesizer.github.io

7. Vital: Additive Synthesis for Unique Sounds

Embrace the power of additive synthesis with Vital, a freeware additive synthesizer designed for crafting unique and evolving sounds. Its intuitive interface and powerful synthesis engine make it easy to create a vast array of textures, from shimmering pads to complex lead sounds. With its extensive modulation options and comprehensive editing tools, Vital offers a versatile tool for sonic experimentation and sound design.

vital.audio

8. Tyrell N6: Warm Analog Emulation

Relive the warmth of classic analog synthesis with Tyrell N6, an emulation of the iconic Roland Juno-60 synthesizer. This freeware instrument captures the essence of the original hardware, delivering authentic analog sounds that evoke a sense of nostalgia and sonic richness. With its intuitive interface and emulation of the Juno-60's iconic chorus and arpeggiator, Tyrell N6 adds a touch of vintage charm to your productions.

u-he.com

9. Spitfire Audio - LABS: High-Quality Orchestral Sounds

Expand your sonic palette with Spitfire Audio - LABS, a freeware orchestral instrument that features a wide range of high-quality samples. This collection includes a variety of string, brass, and woodwind instruments, meticulously recorded in world-

labs.spitfireaudio.com

Have Fun!

[charmabrasion]

1st time listening to Dariacore: this is just zoomer Girl Talk

4th time: Dariacore is not only distinct in its sound design and use of wavetable synthesis but – if you can excuse the occasional off key moments – may also be some of the most layered and creative samplework of our moment

1000th time: (mind expanding) this is zoomer Girl Talk

[sauceaud]

Best Pro VST Synth Plugins in 2025

Now, if you’re ready to invest in professional-grade tools, these best synth plugins are dominating the scene this year:

Airlift by Sauce Audio– One of the most anticipated releases of 2025, Airlift by Sauce Audio is a next-gen synth plugin designed for limitless creativity. Blending granular synthesis, spectral morphing, and traditional subtractive techniques, Airlift offers a unique approach to sound design. Its intuitive interface makes complex sound manipulation easy, while its deep modulation matrix allows you to create evolving textures and intricate sequences effortlessly.

Best for: All genres — a true sound designer’s dream

You he Diva- Still a heavyweight champion, Diva captures the spirit of vintage hardware synths like the Minimoog, Juno, and Jupiter-8. Its authentic analog emulation continues to be unmatched, making it a top pick for producers craving warmth and depth.

Best for: Deep House, Synthwave, Pop, Orchestral Scoring

Arturia Pigments 5– Pigments 5 fuses wavetable, granular, sample-based, and virtual analog engines into one stunning instrument. Its intuitive layout, colorful visual feedback, and mind-bending modulation capabilities keep it a favorite among professional producers.

Best for: Electronic, Trap, Soundtracks, Ambient

Spectrasonics Omnisphere 3– Omnisphere is still the holy grail of synths, and the 2025 version is even more powerful. It now includes AI-assisted sound generation tools, letting producers craft mind-blowing patches faster than ever.

Best for: Film Scoring, EDM, Chillout, Orchestral.

Special Mention: Best Vocal Synth VST

Sometimes you need a plugin that specializes in vocals, and 2025’s options are better than ever.

iZotope VocalSynth 3- VocalSynth 3 offers insane flexibility for vocal processing. You can transform your voice into a robotic entity, an ethereal choir, or even a percussive instrument. Its modular setup and creative effects make it a must-have vocal synth VST.

Best for: Pop, Hip-Hop, Experimental, EDM

Guitar Synth Plugin You Shouldn’t Miss

Guitarists are no longer limited to traditional amp sims. If you’re looking to blend guitar tones with synth sounds, check this out:

MOK Wave razor Guitar Edition- Built specifically with guitarists in mind, the Waverazor Guitar Edition allows players to morph their guitar signals into slicing, aggressive synth sounds. Think Nine Inch Nails meets Daft Punk. Best for: Rock, Industrial, Experimental

Exploring Granular Synth Plugins

Granular synthesis is no longer niche — it’s a must for modern sound design. Here’s a 2025 standout:

Granulizer 3 by Inertia Sound Systems

Granulizer 3 continues to push the boundaries of granular manipulation. It allows musicians to chop audio into tiny grains and rearrange them into haunting pads, glitchy textures, and shimmering atmospheres.

Best for: Ambient, Experimental, Film Scoring

Analog Synth VST That Feels Like Hardware

If you’re after the richness and organic quality of real analog synths but want the convenience of a plugin, here’s the best pick:

Softube Model 84

Softube’s latest, Model 84, captures the essence of a vintage Roland Juno-106, offering lush pads, iconic choruses, and fat basses that feel alive.

Best for: Retro Pop, Funk, House, Indie

Synth Plugins for Ableton Users

Ableton Live users will love these synth plugins, especially tuned for workflow synergy:

Wavetable (Built-in Ableton Instrument)

Don’t overlook Ableton’s own Wavetable synth! In 2025, it’s still one of the most versatile native plugins for complex sound design without needing third-party software.

Best for: Any genre inside Ableton Live

Pro Tip: Combine Airlift by Sauce Audio with Ableton’s native devices for mind-blowing sound layering and live performance setups!

Final Thoughts: How to Choose the Best Synth Plugin for You

Choosing the right synth plugin depends on a few factors:

Genre: EDM producers might love Vital and Pigments, while film scorers might lean toward Omnisphere and Airlift.

Budget: Start with free synth VSTs like Surge XT if you’re new, then invest in high-end plugins like Diva or Airlift when ready.

Workflow: Some synths are complex beasts (Omnisphere), while others (Vital, TAL-NoiseMaker) are simpler and faster to use.

The most important thing? Experiment. Most synth plugins offer demo versions, so you can try them out before committing.

Where to Explore the Best Synth Plugins

At Sauce Audio, we believe in empowering artists with premium tools that don’t just sound good—they inspire greatness. Whether you’re looking for the next big analog synth VST, a cutting-edge granular synth plugin, or a game-changing vocal synth VST, we’ve got your back.

Ready to take your sound to the next level? Explore Sauce Audio’s collection today and experience the future of music production. Visit Now: https://sauceaud.com/best-synth-plugins-in-2025-free-pro-vsts-for-all-music-styles/

[psitrend]

Arturia MicroFreak Review

Hybrid synthesis meets portability in the MicroFreak Stellar Edition A minimal control surface packs multiple engines and effects The Arturia MicroFreak Stellar Edition is a compact hybrid synthesizer that combines a digital oscillator section with an analog 12dB/oct low-pass filter. It features over 20 oscillator types, including wavetable, harmonic, superwave, Karplus-Strong, granular, and…

[goldenarkbeats]

Introduction to the basics of Sound Design

Sound design is the art of creating, modifying and manipulating sounds to adapt them to a specific context: music, film, video games, theater, advertising, etc. In music production, sound design is at the heart of modern musical creation, whether it's inventing new textures, creating immersive atmospheres or sculpting customized virtual instruments.

What is sound design?

Sound design encompasses several practices:

Creating sounds from scratch (often using synthesizers).

Manipulation of existing sounds (sound effects, samples, recordings).

Processing sound to give it a particular character (effects, modulation, spatialization).

It's as much a technical skill as a sensory art.

2. Basic tools

To get you started, here are the main tools used in sound design:

Synthesizer

A synthesizer is used to generate sounds from electronic waves. There are several types of synthesis:

Subtractive (filtering out harmonics from a rich sound)

Additive (addition of single waves)

FM (frequency modulation)

Granular, wavetable, etc.

Sampler

The sampler reads and manipulates sound extracts (samples). They can be played at different pitches, sliced, looped or processed.

Audio effects

Effects are essential for shaping a sound:

EQ (equalization): adjust frequencies

Compression: manage dynamics

Reverb & Delay: create a sound space

Distortion, chorus, flanger, phaser, etc.

Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)

This is the main software for composing, editing and mixing (Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, Reaper, etc.). Personally, I use FL Studio, but it won't make much difference.

3. Technical basics

Frequencies

Every sound is made up of a frequency spectrum. The sound designer needs to know where bass, midrange and treble lie, and how to balance them.

ADSR envelope

Every synthesizer (and sometimes effect) uses an envelope:

Attack: sound arrival time

Decay: decay after peak

Sustain: level maintained

Release: time after release

Modulation

Modulations are used to create movement in sound: LFOs, envelopes, automation...

4. Creative approaches

Sound design is also an artistic exploration:

Experiment with textures (organic vs. digital sounds)

Capture sounds around you (field recording)

Recycle unexpected samples (white noise, human voices, everyday objects)

Create original presets on your synthesizers

Sound design objectives by area

Area Sound design objective

Cinema Realism or emotional impact (FX, ambiences)

Video games Reactivity and immersion (dynamic sounds, 3D)

Music Sound identity, unique textures, memorable hooks

Apps / UI Clarity and intuitiveness (audio feedback)

Sound design is a fascinating field, at the crossroads of art and science. To get off to a good start, we recommend :

Practice sound reproduction

Analyze professional productions

Explore different types of synthesis

Develop a critical ear

Remember: listening is your main tool. The more you practice, the more you refine your perception of sound.

A few videos to help you get started with sound design:

-Sound Design Complete Course :

- Playlist to learn Sound Design on Serum 2

- Playlist to learn Sound Design on Vital