Synth Design Podcast

Synthux.Academy // Roey
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Learning the ins and outs of electronic instrument design from some of the best makers and manufacturers in the world

  1. Stijn Kuipers - This is Not Rocket Science // Designing the Fenix

    06/03/2023

    Stijn Kuipers - This is Not Rocket Science // Designing the Fenix

    Synth Design Podcast is back! Special edition with This is Not Rocket Science in Amsterdam. I actually went to visit them and see where the Fenix IV was designed and manufactured. It's by far, one of the most insightful episode I've released to date! We cover the design process, engineering, manufacturing and custom toolchain that had to be built for the Fenix. In the video we show the workshop, so if you can, it's worth your time to watch. Available on YouTube as well. The Fenix IV is the fourth edition in the Fenix family of synthesizers. Unlike other synthesizers, the Fenix does not conform to the usual divide of tonal versus experimental or additive versus subtractive synthesis. Instead, it offers a wide range of options for the user to create their unique sound. One of the key features of the Fenix IV is its multiple types of oscillators, filters, LFOs, envelopes, and effects to use in patching. This allows for a great deal of flexibility in sound design. Another unique aspect of the Fenix IV is that it bridges the analog versus digital divide. There is no longer a need to choose between the two, as the Fenix IV offers the best of both worlds. This "yes, and" mentality allows for even more creative possibilities and sonic exploration. Overall, the Fenix IV is a powerful and versatile synthesizer that offers a unique approach to sound design. With its multitude of options and features, the Fenix IV is a must-have for any musician or sound designer looking to push the boundaries of their creativity.

    2h 7m
  2. Sam Battle- Look Mum No Computer //Solder therapy, with Look Mum No Computer

    13/11/2022

    Sam Battle- Look Mum No Computer //Solder therapy, with Look Mum No Computer

    Sam Battle AKA Look Mum No Computer is one of the most active synth makers/hackers online. Last January I had the opportunity to invite him to chat with my students during the International Synth Design Hackathon, and a few weeks ago we had the opportunity to chat one on one. As a teacher I can really appreciate Sam's delivery of educational content, so in this conversation we talk about teaching, learning and failing. We also talk about perfectionism, and the challenges of being a professional (productive) creative. Join our community: https://www.synthux.academy/join-discord Check out the website for prototype images and extra content: https://www.synthux.academy/blog/look-mum-no-computer

    51 min
  3. Justin Van Slembrouck- Modern Sounds // Interfacing generative synthesis

    06/11/2022

    Justin Van Slembrouck- Modern Sounds // Interfacing generative synthesis

    What is the right amount of controls? Knobs? Switches? When designing an instrument this question can get many answers. There is no right or wrong, and that's what makes it complicated. Pluto, from Modern Sounds, is an interesting instrument to study on that front. it combines various sound engines, two sequencers, effects and a generative composer into a little (yet quite spacious) package. The process of making it was full of iterations. Paper prototypes, various controls and testing - striving for a balanced instrument that's simple, yet full of surprises. Bringing generative composition and modularity into a small standalone instrument. Join our community: https://www.synthux.academy/join-discord Check out the website for prototype images and extra content: https://www.synthux.academy/blog/modern-sounds

    45 min
  4. Ciro Caputo Viglione- Unknown Devices // Start with the interface, then figure out the rest

    30/10/2022

    Ciro Caputo Viglione- Unknown Devices // Start with the interface, then figure out the rest

    When architect Louis Sullivan coined the phrase Form Follows Function he set the foundation for good design in just three words. In the world of musical instruments, especially electronic ones, designers and engineers who follow the principle stand out of the crowd. In this episode of the Synth Design Podcast, I talk to Ciro Caputo from Unknown Devices - a synth designer and engineer from Italy. Ciro's approach appeals to me in particular because he starts formulating his concepts directly in Adobe Illustrator. Giving his ideas a clear visual representation helps cut down to the core functionality, which is then being realized in various techniques, both digital and analog depending on the need. Moreover, there's an evident love for detail in Ciro's work. Not only in sound and function, but also in motion graphics and brand identity. Altogether making it quite an interesting company to learn from, especially considering it is not only 2 years old. Join our community: https://www.synthux.academy/join-discord Check out the website for prototype images and extra content: https://www.synthux.academy/blog/unwn-devices

    1h 6m
  5. Loki Davison- Poly Effects // Screen, yes! Menu diving, no!

    23/10/2022

    Loki Davison- Poly Effects // Screen, yes! Menu diving, no!

    Endless possibilities can lead to a horrible user experience, and when it comes to musical instruments in particular it can be hard to find the balance between functionality and how cumbersome is the interface is. What might have been a nightmare in synths like the DX7 can be avoided today, thanks to touch screens and large screen interfaces. In this episode, I'm discussing the topic with Loki Davison from @polyeffects. We cover a lot of ground, from his creative process, failed experiments, and a brief dive into convolutional reverb all the way to the screens of Beebo and Hector. Join our community: https://www.synthux.academy/join-discord Check out the website for prototype images and extra content: https://www.synthux.academy/blog/screen-yes-menu-diving-no

    1h 15m
  6. Jason Lim- Instruo // What makes Instruo synthesizers so exceptional?

    16/10/2022

    Jason Lim- Instruo // What makes Instruo synthesizers so exceptional?

    It's the 20th episode! And I was waiting for this one since my first post on Instagram (it's been almost a year!). Instruo is in its own league when it comes to innovation. And I'm not talking only about the design, the interface, and aesthetics. From the naming of modules to how the company operates, they seem to be doing things in their own unique way. I talked to Jason Lim, who founded the company from a spare bedroom in Glasgow around 2016. They are currently 22 designers and engineers, and the company operates more like a music label than a conventional synth manufacturer. This is a deep dive conversation with lots of insight into design. Jason shares his techniques for interface design and goes through the various iterations for different modules. We also talk about future products (3 more VCOs!), module naming in Scottish Gaelic, MosCoW (a feature prioritization technique), and a pretty unconventional business model (to say the least!). Join our community: https://www.synthux.academy/join-discord Check out the website for prototype images and extra content: https://www.synthux.academy/blog/instruo

    1h 32m
  7. Thea Flowers- Winterbloom //Why should you open source your synths?

    09/10/2022

    Thea Flowers- Winterbloom //Why should you open source your synths?

    Should you open-source your work? Giving away your IP and all the hard work you put into a project might seem unreasonable to many of us, and yet for some makers, it's a no-brainer. In this conversation, I'm learning how Thea Flowers of @winterbloom designs and engineers her modules. She talks about her learning process of analog electronics, which is not a very straightforward path at all, even for a seasoned software engineer. She shares her creative vision and why making knowledge accessible is such a core element in it. We also talk about her modules, of course, and how one might tackle the challenge of adding features to products after their interface is settled. Check out the full conversation below and scroll for some images of prototypes and notebook sketches. Join our community: https://www.synthux.academy/join-discord Check out the website for prototype images and extra content: https://www.synthux.academy/blog/winterbloom

    1h 7m
  8. Emmanuel Galvan- Bocuma Synths // design, build, test learn. rinse & repeat

    02/10/2022

    Emmanuel Galvan- Bocuma Synths // design, build, test learn. rinse & repeat

    Designing a complete stand-alone synthesizer is no joke. It can take years to research, experiment, design and build your grand vision. But can you start smaller? Build just the oscillator, or the filter, test them out with musicians and performers, and slowly acquire all the knowledge and experience you need to realize your master plan [insert Pinky and the Brain gif animation here]. Emmanuel Galvan from Bocuma Synths came to the synth industry from a sound engineering background. He quickly started building open-source instruments as a way to learn and fund his research into electronics and interaction. His goal is to create his own semi-modular synth, and he realizes it incrementally. Instead of investing years in research and building, not knowing if the instrument is of any interest, he releases sections of his grand vision as modules and small synths. Bocuma Synths are played by his friends in test parties where he can learn from musicians and producers what works, and what doesn't, so he could improve his work. Join our community: https://www.synthux.academy/join-discord Check out the website for prototype images and extra content: https://www.synthux.academy/blog/bocuma-synths

    58 min
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About

Learning the ins and outs of electronic instrument design from some of the best makers and manufacturers in the world

Information

  • Creator
    Synthux.Academy // Roey
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2023
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Synthux.Academy // Roey
  • Show Website
    Synth Design Podcast