Okay, synth chain junkies...

TheWoodShed · #1 07-27-2010, 11:01 AM

I need your help.

So, let's get this out of the way: I have done various searches in the forum, I come across a ton of junk threads, and once you filter through them by the time you get to page 15 you get a little weary.

I am beginning to dabble in setting up various synth sounds using my Supercollider, My Goose (using the gated fuzz) my Octron and my Prometheus. But I am a neophyte. I played metal when I was gigging.

Part of the issue is that I am learning about filters, as the Prometheus is the first one I have owned so I don't fully understand it yet.

So, can you point the way to some of your fav synth chains threads that you may have subscribed to? Any other input here is welcome as well, such as standard setting on the filter to achieve classic synth sounds.

markjazzbassist · #2 07-27-2010, 05:28 PM

octaver - just low octave or equivalent low and direct signal
fuzz - normal unity gain fuzzy tone (gated or straight on)
filter - up setting, peak/q to max (wettest setting)

that'll give you a nice synthy tone. stevie wonder esque or pfunk type thing.

Jake of Bass · #3 07-27-2010, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markjazzbassist

octaver - just low octave or equivalent low and direct signal
fuzz - normal unity gain fuzzy tone (gated or straight on)
filter - up setting, peak/q to max (wettest setting)

that'll give you a nice synthy tone. stevie wonder esque or pfunk type thing.

I have no idea but with the fuzz+filter+octave would it get anywhere near the sound in this track by The Presets? Go to 2:50 to hear that synth sound I'm talking about -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1ufW2INWmM

TheWoodShed · #4 07-27-2010, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markjazzbassist

octaver - just low octave or equivalent low and direct signal
fuzz - normal unity gain fuzzy tone (gated or straight on)
filter - up setting, peak/q to max (wettest setting)

that'll give you a nice synthy tone. stevie wonder esque or pfunk type thing.

Thanks Mark.

The enigma for me is the Prometheus. I am getting a few really good tones with it, but I don't think I am utilizing it correctly. Maybe it is because I don't completely understand it yet....

BigOldHarry · #5 07-27-2010, 06:22 PM

I just dialed in my setup - and am very happy with the sound

Bass > MicroPOG > VT Bass > EBS Bass IQ > Boss CEB3

I just add a little overdrive and touch of high octave... sounds *quite* funky!

TheWoodShed · #6 07-27-2010, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

I just dialed in my setup - and am very happy with the sound

Bass > MicroPOG > VT Bass > EBS Bass IQ > Boss CEB3

I just add a little overdrive and touch of high octave... sounds *quite* funky!

Right now I am at Supercollider-->Octron-->Prometheus.

I am the least funkiest man on the planet. I couldn't slap a baby awake in a delivery room. I am primarily going for synthy textures.

Mudfuzz · #7 07-27-2010, 07:19 PM

Here is few...

Moog: Freqbox > Ringmod > LPF > Phase....

LAL Hachihachi shiki kebadate hizumaseki SUPER OSCILLO FUZZ" (88) > moog LPF and or 00funk

Guyatone TF-2 > Chuck 00funk

MXR M-88 > Q-tron > Rotovibe [actually this gets you kind'a a B-3 staccato sound if you use a pick]

Sovteck: BMP > Bassballs > Small stone

M-88 > Freqbox > LPF > Phase 45

markjazzbassist · #8 07-27-2010, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheWoodShed

Right now I am at Supercollider-->Octron-->Prometheus.
I am the least funkiest man on the planet. I couldn't slap a baby awake in a delivery room. I am primarily going for synthy textures.

first common misconception, slap = funk. that is incorrect. you can funk fingerstyle my friend (i don't slap at all).

also, try going octaver - fuzz - filter. that's a better setup for synth tones.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudfuzz

Here is few...

Moog: Freqbox > Ringmod > LPF > Phase....

ringmod before the LPF? why? i have mine after my freq and LPF.

Fishyfan · #9 07-27-2010, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markjazzbassist

ringmod before the LPF? why? i have mine after my freq and LPF.

i use the ringmod pre filter so that i can do expression pedal controlled filter sweeps and have the ringmod/tremelo before it.

TheWoodShed · #10 07-27-2010, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markjazzbassist

first common misconception, slap = funk. that is incorrect. you can funk fingerstyle my friend (i don't slap at all).

also, try going octaver - fuzz - filter. that's a better setup for synth tones.

ringmod before the LPF? why? i have mine after my freq and LPF.

Okay, when I get a chance I will change the order.

I was just using my Goose-->Prometheus. Sometimes with the Octron

The Oscillation knob on the Goose was yielding some very, very cool synth sounds when the Prometheus was in Step mode.

warwick.hoy · #11 07-27-2010, 10:20 PM

Different filters yield different sounds.

I've been through 3 filters:

ToneFactor 442 Red (DOD 440 clone "optimized for bass"); really squelchy
3Leaf Audio Groove Regulator; really smooth
Source Audio Soundblox Tri-Mod; bubbly but can do squelchy and smooth. It's a versatile filter and so far my favorite since it also has an LFO control on it.

I'm interested in the Iron Ether Xerograph as well.

Mudfuzz · #12 07-27-2010, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markjazzbassist

first common misconception, slap = funk. that is incorrect. you can funk fingerstyle my friend (i don't slap at all).

also, try going octaver - fuzz - filter. that's a better setup for synth tones.

ringmod before the LPF? why? i have mine after my freq and LPF.

So I can keep a handle on the hi freqs. Also so the filter adds more chewyness to what the mod is doing.

Mudfuzz · #13 07-27-2010, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fishyfan

i use the ringmod pre filter so that i can do expression pedal controlled filter sweeps and have the ringmod/tremelo before it.

Oh that totally reminds me.

A octave into a trem on hard square into a filter is one of the coolest synth sounds there is!

Fishyfan · #14 07-27-2010, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudfuzz

Oh that totally reminds me.

A octave into a trem on hard square into a filter is one of the coolest synth sounds there is!

absolutely! practically everything sounds brilliant when you hit it with enough Moog modulation and filtering in my opinion, but thats just me.

Mudfuzz · #15 07-27-2010, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fishyfan

absolutely! practically everything sounds brilliant when you hit it with enough Moog modulation and filtering in my opinion, but thats just me.

True-dat!

TaySte_2000 · #16 07-28-2010, 03:49 AM

I have the Prometheus and was messing around with it the other night, it's about as flexible as you are going to get in a filter for synth sounds, I just love it.

My M13 will be here soon so I can mess with trem sounds and some sample and hold settings. But at the moment Octave, Fuzz and Filter are my synth sounds but I am learning the importance of modulation in these setups particuarly pitch and volume modulation.

You'll hear me here building a synth sound it goes clean bass, then OC-2, then Tomato, then Proteus, then Prometheus, then Echobox set for just modulation, so at this point all 5 are turned on, then I take the Proteus out, then the Proteus returns set as a low pass filter and the Echobox and Prometheus are turned off.

http://www.ourinnocencelost.co.uk/fx...effect_jam.mp3

This is one of the things I was talking about with doing Tone Factor fx lessons I think some people would find it very useful to learn how you set a filter.

I do think the Prometheus (Or Meatwad) is possibly the worst filter to own if you are new to filter fx however once you master it you'll be able to take on anything.

I'd start with an Up filter, ^ wave shape and LP and then it's just a 2 knob filter and you listen to the envelope and cut offs as you turn the knobs and it will become very easy to set.

Hope this helps