Synths shape the sound of almost every modern genre, from pads and leads to basses and arpeggios. This hub collects our synth tutorials: choosing the right sounds, synthesis basics like oscillators, filters, envelopes and LFOs, using synths in FL Studio, Logic Pro X and Ableton, sound design in Serum, modular synthesis, and mixing synths so they sit well in a track.
It’s for producers who want to stop scrolling presets and start shaping sounds that fit their music, as well as anyone deciding between a keyboard and a synthesizer. Start with How To Choose The Right Synth Sounds, then the guide for your DAW. When you’re comfortable, try building a future bass patch in Serum or your own Ableton instrument rack. Finish with the mixing guide so your synths sound full and defined.
Start here: the best Synths guides
- How To Choose The Right Synth Sounds
How genre, mood and arrangement should guide your synth sound choices. - Should I Get a Keyboard Or Synthesizer
Keyboard or synthesizer? A comparison of budget, sound and genre fit. - How to Make Synthesizer Sound Better
Signal flow, oscillators, filters, envelopes and modulation for better synth sounds. - How to Use Synths in Fl Studio
Using FL Studio’s synths, setting up a MIDI controller and designing basslines. - How to Use Synthesizer in Fl Studio
Loading and configuring synth plugins in FL Studio, plus synthesis basics. - How to Use Synths in Logic Pro X
Logic Pro X’s built-in synths, how to set them up and explore their parameters. - Creating Your Own Synth In Ableton Instrument Racks
Building a custom synth with Ableton Instrument Racks and macro controls. - How To Make A Future Bass Synth In Serum Beginners
A beginner’s walkthrough of a future bass synth in Serum: oscillators, modulation and effects. - How To Make Synth Pad Sound More Interesting
Effects, envelope and modulation tricks to make synth pads more interesting. - Which Synth Has the Best Arpeggiator
Synths with standout arpeggiators, compared by price, interface and sound. - Best Way to Get Started With Modular Synths
How modular synths work and how to choose your first modules. - Mixing Synths and Keyboards Techniques for Fullness and Definition
Layering, panning, EQ and dynamics for full, defined synths and keys.
Synth parts locked in? Order a Solar Heavy master to finish the track, or browse all tutorials.
All Synths articles
- Creative Sound Design TipsCreative sound design tips involve understanding the intended audience and creating a unique sound that stands out and enhances the project's message.…
- Arturia Mini V3Arturia Mini V3 is a software synthesizer that emulates the vintage Minimoog. It offers a wide range of features and allows users…
- Sylenth1 Sound DesignSylenth1 is a powerful software synthesizer that allows for extensive sound design. With its user-friendly interface, advanced modulation options, and vast library…
- How To Play Piano On TimeTo play piano on time, practice with a metronome and start slowly, gradually increasing speed. Begin playing simple rhythms before moving onto…
- Humanizing Midi DrumsMidi drums can be humanized by adjusting their timing and velocity. Humanizing drum tracks makes them sound more natural and less robotic.…
- Slate Vocal PresetsSlate vocal presets are software plugins used by music producers to optimize vocal recordings. They offer a range of tools that can…
- How To Play Scales PianoTo play scales piano, place your hand in a comfortable position and play each note one after the other. Playing scales is…
- Serum Tutorial BeginnerSerum is a popular software synthesizer used by music producers to create digital sounds. With its intuitive interface and powerful features, even…
- Serum Preset BundleThe Serum Preset Bundle is a collection of custom-made presets for the Serum synthesizer. It contains a variety of unique sounds and…
- Keys On The PianoThe keys on a piano consist of both white and black keys arranged in a specific pattern. Playing the piano involves striking…
- How To Draw Midi ChordsTo draw MIDI chords, select a chord type, choose a root note, and create the chord by adding other notes. Drawing MIDI…
- Top Free Vst Piano PluginsSome top free VST piano plugins include LABS Soft Piano, Iowa Piano, and Keyzone Classic. These plugins offer high-quality piano sounds and…
- Top Best Drum Synth PluginsSome of the top best drum synth plugins include Superior Drummer 3 and Addictive Drums 2. These plugins offer a wide range…
- Phase Plant Vs SerumPhase Plant and Serum are two powerful and versatile software synthesizers for music production. Music producers need a modern tool for crafting…
- Arturia Audiofuse ReviewIn a nutshell, the Arturia Audiofuse is an outstanding audio interface that is equipped with a wealth of features and options. This…
- Wurlitzer Piano How MuchA Wurlitzer piano can cost anywhere from $500 to $50,000 depending on the age, model, and condition. The Wurlitzer piano company has…
- Yamaha Montage ReviewThe Yamaha Montage is an outstanding synthesizer with exceptional sound quality and versatile features. This synthesizer is great for professional musicians looking…
- Why Do Synths Sound So GoodSynths sound so good because they have the ability to create complex and unique sounds, thanks to their electronic components and advanced…
- Piano EqPiano EQ is the process of adjusting the sound frequencies of a piano to achieve a desired tonal balance. Piano EQ enhances…
- Yamaha Reface ReviewYamaha Reface Review: The Yamaha Reface series is a set of compact keyboard synthesizers that pack an impressive punch for their size,…
- The Theremin ExplainedThe theremin is an electronic instrument that is played without any physical contact. It produces sound by sensing the movement of the…
- Serum Presets UltraSerum Presets Ultra offers a diverse collection of presets for the popular virtual synthesizer, Serum. This collection includes over 1,400 unique presets…
- Novation Audiohub 2X4Novation Audiohub 2X4 is a compact audio interface that offers high-quality sound and connectivity options. The Novation Audiohub 2X4 is a must-have…
- Waves Vocal PresetsWaves Vocal Presets provide ready-to-use sound settings for vocals in music production. These presets are designed to enhance and optimize the vocal…
- Which Synth Has the Best ArpeggiatorThe Korg ARP Odyssey is widely considered to have the best arpeggiator among synthesizers. Its arpeggiator offers multiple patterns, customizable modes and…
- Best Way to Learn Piano Music TheoryThe best way to learn piano music theory is through private lessons with a qualified piano teacher or through online courses and…
- Additive Eq Vs Subtractive EqAdditive and subtractive equalization are two different methods of adjusting the frequency response of an audio signal. Additive EQ increases specific frequencies,…
- How To Choose The Right Synth SoundsTo choose the right synth sounds, consider the genre, context, and sonic palette. Here’s a guide on how to pick the ideal…
- Most Popular Vst SynthesizersThe most popular VST synthesizers are Serum and Sylenth1. These two synthesizers are widely used in the music production industry due to…
- What to Do When a Piano Key SticksTo fix a sticking piano key, clean under the key with a soft cloth and use a key leveler to adjust the…
- How To Convert Midi To AudioTo convert midi to audio, use a digital audio workstation or online midi to audio converter. With the rise of digital music…
- Sound Design Tips Xfer SerumSound Design Tips for Xfer Serum include using the LFO, noise oscillator, and wavetables creatively. Serum allows for precise sound shaping and…
- How To Create Default Midi TrackTo create a default MIDI track, simply go to the track menu and click "Create Default MIDI Track." This will create a…
- Top Synthesizer Vst PluginsThe top synthesizer VST plugins are Serum by Xfer Records and Omnisphere by Spectrasonics, due to their vast sound libraries and advanced…
- Is It Ok to Use Synth PresetsYes, it is perfectly fine to use synth presets. It can save you time and effort in designing your own sounds, and…
- Tutorial For Sound Design In SerumIn this tutorial, you will learn how to do sound design in Serum. Serum is a popular soft synth that is known…
- Amazing Free Vst Synth PluginsThere are numerous Free VST Synth Plugins available that could enhance your sound production. With just a few clicks, you could download…
- Subtractive Eq Cutting Tips TricksSubtractive EQ cutting involves removing frequencies instead of boosting them, resulting in a cleaner and more natural sound. To master this technique,…
- Massive Wavetables For SerumMassive Wavetables for Serum is a comprehensive collection of high-quality wavetables for use in the popular music production software, Serum. This library…
- Is It Safe to Put a Piano UpstairsYes, it is safe to put a piano upstairs if certain precautions are taken. Pianos are heavy instruments, so it's important to…
- Best Midi Keyboards Under 500The best MIDI keyboards under $500 are the Akai MPK Mini MK3, Novation Launchkey Mini Mk3, Arturia MiniLab MkII, Native Instruments Komplete…
- Sound Design Tips Arturia Mini V3To achieve groundbreaking sound design with Arturia Mini V3, explore the modulation options and experiment with the oscillator modes. Arturia Mini V3…
- Can a Piano Be Used As a BassNo, a piano cannot be used as a bass. The piano has strings and hammers that produce different tones than a standard…
- How to Make Synthesizer Sound BetterTo make a synthesizer sound better, adjust the EQ, experiment with different effects, and consider layering sounds. As a musician or producer,…
- How Much is a Synthesizer KeyboardA synthesizer keyboard can cost anywhere from $100 to $5000 or more. Synthesizer keyboards are a popular tool for musicians, producers, and…
- Subtractive Vs Additive EqingSubtractive EQing reduces unwanted frequencies while additive EQing boosts desired frequencies in an audio signal. Subtractive EQing involves cutting down specific frequencies…
- Is It Hard to Play the SynthesizerPlaying the synthesizer can be challenging, but it is not necessarily hard. With practice, anyone can learn to play the instrument effectively.…
- Best Place to Put Piano in HouseThe best place to put a piano in a house is in a room with minimal temperature and humidity changes, away from…