![]() ![]() For the lesson packs, integrated interactive exercises are not an option, so full video presentation is used instead, an example screenshot of which can be seen above.Ī lesson pack can be used “inline” as part of the initial Syntorial learning process, or the student may take the basic Syntorial instruction and return later for training devoted exclusively to the synth featured in the lesson pack. Note: the core Syntorial lectures are videos with which interactive exercises are seamlessly integrated. At the time I’m writing this, I have just completed the full Massive lesson pack and will describe how the lesson packs work based on my experience with that one (but I have every intention of going through the full Z3ta+ 2 Lesson Pack when time permits). The Lesson packs consist mainly of a series of video tutorials, the total lengths of which vary from just under three hours to nearly five hours in the case of the Massive Lesson Pack. At least one more lesson pack (Serum) is in the production stage. The software synths currently include Z3ta+ 2, Sylenth1 and Massive. The hardware synth is a Minimoog Voyager. These extras are called Lesson Packs, and they are included in the basic price of the product – they do not need to be purchased separately. What’s new (currently) is the inclusion of one real-life hardware synth and three software synths as extensions to the course. These two qualities are carried over in the new Syntorial features we’ll discuss below. The lessons are exceedingly well planned and Professor Hanley is a gifted lecturer. The other is that Joe Hanley is a natural when it comes to teaching. First of all, the teaching mechanism using an embedded synth with formal programming challenges is highly effective. Syntorial has two key things going for it. Doing nothing but reading a text tutorial or watching a video tutorial will not result in long-term retention of the subject matter. Like many things, subtractive synth sound creation can be learned through self-teaching (as opposed to a formal classroom experience), but like most such experiences, one must apply the knowledge for it to be retained. As the course progresses, we get more and more functionality in play: modulation sources, effects, audio-rate modulation options like FM, etc. Initially we see only very basic synth modules like a pair of oscillators with only four waveforms (saw and pulse of three different widths) and a basic low-pass filter. More and more of the Syntorial synth is exposed as the course progresses. Using the embedded software synth, they involve switching between a preset, the programming of which cannot be seen, and a blank canvas preset upon which the student must select parameters to match the challenge preset. These challenges can be quite … well, challenging. The challenges include “pop quizzes” in which the student answers multiple choice questions, sometimes based on a sound being played.īut the real learning experience is driven by challenges in which the student must match an unknown preset with one the student programs. Using a carefully planned exposition, Joe Hanley takes the student through all the key stages of synth sound design using a combination of audio lectures and challenges. Syntorial includes an integrated full-function, albeit basic, subtractive software synth. ![]() Syntorial is a computer-based teaching course in how to do sound-design/programming with a basic subtractive synth. The new features simply don’t take very long to explain.īefore we dive in, though, here’s a brief recap of what Syntorial was at the time of the earlier review and why the earlier version excelled at what it set out to do. This will be a somewhat short review, but don’t infer from the brevity that the new features are of limited value. We are back for another look, because since that time Joe Hanley has added some valuable new features that make what was already a great product even more attractive. We reviewed Syntorial in our July 2016 issue. Syntorial is the inspired creation of Joe Hanley, the CEO of and creative force behind Audible Genius. We return for another look at the new features. Syntorial, the superb computer-based synth sound creation teaching course just got even better.
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