Daniel Dehaan

Week-03

Random Questions

Muse Score and VLC Player

  1. Downloaded VLC Player for correct OS and correct Processor
  2. DnD into Application folder
  3. Attempted to open and it just wont.
  4. Checked System Setting > Privacy & Security and there was no “Allow anyways” options
  5. Now looking into HTTP web interface setting enabled/disabled.
  6. We open VLC player via terminal command or just dragging the executable from app contents into terminal and pressing return
  7. We then opened VLC settings and “reset” all setting. This allowed VLC to Launch via the App Icon.
  8. However, once enabling Web settings for VLC, VLC wont launch via app icon.
  9. We solved this by creating an alias to the executable and placing that on the desktop.

Video Files Remove Music

- We used Logic's built-in Stem splitter (`right-click` on Movie audio file region in Logic and chose `Processing > Stem Splitter` then checked "Other" and "Vocals").

Reviewing MuseScore Sound Installation Options

  • Confirming if content can be installed on an external SSD?
    • Yes! It can! Change content location in Muse Hub Settings

Overview

This session combines synthesis fundamentals with advanced sound design techniques. We’ll review subtractive, FM, and wavetable synthesis, then build on those concepts with layering, complex modulation, and professional processing chains. The goal is to create production-ready sound design elements for media projects.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will be able to:

  • Apply subtractive, FM, and wavetable synthesis to create UI sounds and textures
  • Layer multiple synthesis elements to create rich, complex sounds
  • Apply complex modulation routing for evolving textures
  • Design processing chains that enhance and transform sounds
  • Create professional-quality sound design elements for media projects

Part 1: Synthesis Fundamentals

Review: Synthesis Building Blocks

  • Oscillators and waveforms (sine, saw, square, triangle)
  • Filters (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, notch)
  • Envelopes (ADSR) and their impact on sound
  • LFOs and modulation routing

Subtractive Synthesis

Core Concepts

  • Starting with harmonically rich waveforms
  • Sculpting with filters and resonance
  • Envelope shaping for dynamics
  • Creating movement with modulation

FM Synthesis

Core Concepts

  • Carriers and modulators
  • Ratio relationships and harmonics
  • Envelope modulation of FM amount

Wavetable Synthesis

Core Concepts

  • Wavetable scanning and position
  • Morphing between wave shapes
  • Frame modulation for movement
  • Layering wavetables

Part 2: Advanced Sound Design

Layering Techniques

The Layer Approach

  • Sub layer (low-frequency foundation)
  • Body layer (mid-range character)
  • Transient layer (attack and presence)
  • Air/texture layer (high-frequency detail)

Layering Best Practices

  • Frequency separation between layers
  • Phase alignment considerations
  • Volume balancing across layers
  • When to use mono vs. stereo per layer

Complex Modulation

Modulation Sources

  • LFOs with different waveforms
  • Envelopes beyond ADSR (multi-stage)
  • Envelope followers (sidechain from audio)
  • Random/sample-and-hold
  • Macro controls for performance

Modulation Destinations

  • Filter cutoff and resonance
  • Oscillator pitch and phase
  • Effect parameters (wet/dry, feedback)
  • Wavetable position
  • Layer volumes and panning

Modulation Techniques

  • Serial modulation (modulating modulators)
  • Cross-modulation between layers
  • Tempo-synced modulation
  • Key/velocity tracking

Processing Chains

Creative Signal Flow

  • Order matters: EQ → Saturation → Compression vs. Compression → Saturation → EQ
  • Parallel processing (dry/wet blends)
  • Serial effects chains
  • Send/return configurations

Essential Processing Tools

  • Saturation and distortion types
  • Multi-band processing
  • Transient shapers
  • Stereo imaging tools
  • Creative reverbs and delays

Sound Design Processing

  • Pitch manipulation (granular, formant shifting)
  • Time stretching creatively
  • Convolution with unusual impulse responses
  • Feedback and self-oscillation techniques

Building Sound Design Elements

Impact Sounds

  • Layering sub, punch, and crack
  • Envelope shaping for punch
  • Reverb tail design
  • Creating variations

Risers and Transitions

  • Pitch sweeps and filter automation
  • Noise sweeps
  • Reverse reverb techniques
  • Layering for complexity

Atmosphere and Texture

  • Drone creation
  • Movement through modulation
  • Spatial design with reverb/delay
  • Evolution over time

Resources