Learn the fundamentals of subtractive synthesis using Logic Pro’s Retro Synth

Subtractive synthesis is one of the more common means of generating sound with a synthesizer. You’ll find that a lot of vintage hardware synthesizers employ subtractive synthesis to create rich pads, gritty basses, piercing leads and more. Fortunately, we don’t have to dive into the past to get hands-on with subtractive synthesizers – there’s one built into Logic Pro.

• READ MORE: All you need to know about subtractive synthesis 

In this Logic Pro Tips video, Jono Buchanan explains the principles of subtractive synthesis. You’ll learn the five modules used in subtractive synthesis, including the oscillator, filter, amplifier, LFO and envelopes, and the vital roles they all play in generating sound. You’ll then see how these principles are applied to Logic Pro’s Retro Synth, and how you can use them to create and manipulate new sounds.

Throughout our Logic Tips series, MusicTech Logic guru Jono Buchanan explains the music production process using Apple’s professional DAW. We have over 70 episodes covering topics such as:

• Autosampler Explained
• Embellish a Beat Using Found Sounds
• Transform an Apple Loop into a pad
• Introduction to Alchemy
• Record Capture
• Using Groups
• Adaptive Limiter
• Parallel Compression
• Channel EQ tutorial
• Understanding Compression
• Alternative sidechain compression
• Sidechained gates
• Slicing audio with EXS24
• Tuning audio with Flex Pitch
• Using the Evoc 20 Vocoder
• Modulation effects
• Articulation mapping
• Low Latency Mode
• Gated kick and bass triggers
• Creating your templates
• Remove spill between tracks
• Sidechain compression on vocal reverb

For more expert advice, interviews, news and reviews visit musictech.net. And, subscribe to the MusicTech YouTube channel now for new DAW tutorials every week and more.