The Journey Begins
I have now assembled the minimal bits to begin really learning to make music with my computer, it is time to quit procrastinating, and really learn what I am doing.
Pads. Presets. Patches. Subtractive. FM. LFO. VCO. Resonance. Filters. These and many more terms are things I am beginning to wade into.
As I have mentioned before, I have long been a fan of electronic music, getting first into ELP and the big, bold, expansive sounds that came from Keith Emerson’s wall of Moog Modular synthesizers, full of patch cords that look like spaghetti thrown against the wall to see what sticks.
That confusing word salad makes it daunting to even get started.
I bought a simple 25 key keyboard that has a bunch of features, knobs, and access to several “free” apps, including a simple set of lessons.
Then I needed something that would make noise. The VIP application I got with my keyboard purchase was the first entry. I figured out that I needed a plugin, so I found a simple, “free” (as in beer) upright piano, and that got me making noise.
But that was pretty boring. So, I found a software based analog synthesizer plugin, Sylenth1 from a Dutch company, Lennar Digital. $139 later I was the proud owner of a pretty cool, fully functional analog synth. It came with 500 patches or presets, including the arpeggiator from the soundtrack of Bladerunner. Really cool.
So, I am able to make sound, I have access to a software synth that seems fully functional.
I have purchased a Udemy tutorial on how to use Sylenth1, $13.99, their perpetual 85% off sale. So I will get a foundation of the functions and basics of creating sounds.
The first step in the process.
Once I get somewhat proficient, it will be time to dive into the use of a DAW to arrange, create and play music.
The journey has been joined!