You don't need [insert synth here] to make that sound

Hey music producers,

Last week, I shared with you why I believe YouTube is a terrible platform for learning synthesis.

There's one aspect of that view that I didn't touch upon that I'd like to discuss with you now.

And, to be clear, that isn't a typo in the title.

There are a lot of different synths out there

Ever feel like every synth tutorial you watch is using a different synthesizer?

One video, it’s Serum (or Serum 2!). The next it’s Diva. Then it’s Vital. Massive X. Pigments. You name it.

The problem isn’t the plugins—it’s the message they send to beginner synthesists:
You need this synth to make that sound.

I don't blame anybody for thinking that way. For most instruments, you can only get a particular sound with that particular instrument. A marimba will never sound like a saxophone and vice versa.

While different synthesizers will employ different kinds of synthesis, most synthesizers can create nearly any sound. But if you've only ever worked with presets, you have no way of knowing this. What you'll end up with is $1000s of dollars of plugins that you don't know how to use.

Learn using the tools you have.

You don't need another synthesizer. What you really need is understanding.

Because once you actually know how synthesis works—oscillators, filters, envelopes, modulation—you can translate what you're learning across devices.

You can absolutely follow along with a Serum tutorial in Ableton's Wavetable or a Diva tutorial in Drift or Analog. You can only do this if you actually understand what's happening. If you understand the common components found in synthesizers, the principles of signal flow, and the power of modulation then designing sounds becomes a breeze.

That’s why I created Beginner Synthesis in Ableton Live. It’s a new course that teaches synthesis using the tools already built into Live—Drift, Simpler, and Drum Sampler—so you can stop worrying plugins and start creating your own sounds with confidence.

You’ll learn:

• How synthesis really works (without getting overwhelmed)

• How to build your own patches step-by-step

• How to use your Ableton Live's stock instruments to make professional sounds

The course isn’t open yet, but if you want early access, a launch discount, and a special bonus, you can join the waitlist now:

No more collecting synths. Let’s learn how to use the ones we already have.

Til next time,
ZW