Choose less abrasive sounds for better cohesion
Problem: harsh or abrasive sound
The speaker avoids overly harsh or 'video game-style' sounds in favor of something more realistic to the track's mood. This is a mindset tip about selecting sounds that align with the emotional tone of the composition,…
Use synthwave-specific samples for authentic texture
Problem: inauthentic texture
The speaker selects a synthwave sample from 'Synthwave Essential Volume 4' to match the track's style. This is a sound design technique emphasizing the use of genre-specific samples to achieve authenticity in production.
Use free synth packs for melody inspiration
Problem: struggling to find a melody sound
The creator recommends using free synth packs like 'Synthwave Essentials' to find melodic inspiration. These packs contain a variety of sounds from Synthpop, Dreamscape, 90s dance, and more. They are available for free…
Experiment with different synth packs to find the right vibe
Problem: not finding the right melody sound
The creator suggests going through various synth packs to find the right sound for the melody. This includes exploring different genres like Synthwave, Chill Vibes, and 2010 EDM. By experimenting with different packs,…
Use existing pluck sounds from previous projects to save time
Problem: time-consuming sound design process
Instead of creating new sounds from scratch, the producer uses pre-existing 'brass and plucks' pad from a previous session. This approach accelerates workflow without sacrificing quality, as the pluck already has…
Base lead melody on existing chord progressions
Problem: incoherent melody-chord relationships
The producer constructs the lead melody using notes from pre-existing chord patterns (pattern 2 and 6). This ensures harmonic coherence without requiring complex melodic composition. The technique is particularly…
Test melody in context early
Problem: melody sounds good alone but clashes in full mix
The producer emphasizes listening to the lead melody within the full track context rather than in isolation. This prevents 'in-the-box' mixing errors where a melody might sound good alone but clash with other elements.…
Embrace simplicity in lead creation
Problem: overcomplicating lead design
The producer explicitly states the goal is a 'very simple kind of lead melody' rather than complex arrangements. This mindset aligns with synthwave's aesthetic where atmospheric simplicity often enhances emotional…
Use vinyl distortion for retro synthwave texture
Problem: lifeless digital synth sound
Vinyl distortion adds warm, analog-style imperfections that evoke 80s synth recordings. This is achieved by applying subtle saturation and noise via plugins like OTT or Love Filter. The result is a 'dusty' character that…
EQ out sub-information from synth layers
Problem: muddy low end from synth layers
Removing sub-bass frequencies (below 60Hz) from synth layers prevents muddiness in the mix. This allows the kick drum to occupy the low-end space without clashing. The technique is particularly useful in synthwave where…
Layer reverb with parallel processing for depth
Problem: flat, lifeless synth sound
Apply a huge reverb (like Valhalla Supermassive) to a parallel bus and blend it with the dry signal. This creates a sense of space without losing the punch of the original sound. The technique is ideal for synthwave's…
Use PWM Junos for retro synthwave leads
Problem: bland, modern synth leads
PWM Junos (a synth module) provides a distinctive 'retro' sound with a gritty, analog feel. Its waveform modulation and filter characteristics are ideal for creating the punchy, glassy leads common in synthwave. This is…
Shape envelopes for plucky synthwave stabs
Problem: sustained, uncontrolled synth notes
Set a quick attack and no sustain on synth envelopes to create the 'plucky' stab sound typical of synthwave. This is achieved by adjusting the ADSR settings on the synth's envelope generator. The result is a sharp,…
Use vinyl and OTT for vintage character
Problem: lack of analog warmth in digital synth sounds
Vinyl and OTT (Optical Tape Emulator) add warmth and analog saturation, enhancing the retro feel of synthwave. This is a common technique to emulate 80s recording aesthetics. The speaker demonstrates this on a bass/sub…
Use white noise for vintage synth texture
Problem: synth lacks character or presence
Adding white noise to saw wave synths creates a gritty, 80s-style texture. The speaker uses this in the 'Chord Splash' pad to emulate analog synths with a 'vintage kind of quality.' White noise adds high-frequency…
Detune saw waves for thick synth pads
Problem: thin or monophonic synth sounds
Detuning saw waves (e.g., +10/-8 cents) creates a wider, more resonant sound. The speaker uses this on the 'Chord Splash' pad to achieve a 'nice kind of tail' and richer harmonic content. This technique is fundamental in…
Use second envelope for decaying synth tails
Problem: harsh or abrupt synth releases
Employing a second envelope to control the decay of a synth's tail creates a natural, organic release. The speaker uses this on the 'Chord Splash' pad to achieve a 'nice kind of tail' that fades gracefully. This…
High cutoff for bright synth pads
Problem: muddy or dark synth pads
Setting a high cutoff frequency on filters emphasizes brightness, crucial for synthwave's retro aesthetic. The speaker uses this on the 'Chord Splash' pad to achieve a 'nice bright sound' that complements 80s-style…
Use LFO automation on wavetable and cutoff for movement
Problem: static, lifeless synth patches
Automating LFO modulation on wavetable position and cutoff adds dynamic movement to synths. The speaker uses this on the 'Chili Evening' synth to create a 'ton of movement' and evolving texture. This technique is key for…
Balance sub and upper frequencies in bass
Problem: thin or muddy bass
Combining a strong sub-bass (around 40-80Hz) with a defined upper midrange (1-3kHz) creates a full, punchy bass sound. This approach avoids muddiness while ensuring the bass cuts through the mix. Common in synthwave for…
Use saw wave with controlled distortion
Problem: bland or lifeless synth leads
Layering a clean saw wave with subtle distortion (10-20% saturation) adds harmonic richness without overloading the mix. This technique is effective for creating bold, retro synth leads in synthwave. The distortion…
Cut very high end with basic EQ
Problem: harsh high frequencies, digital artifacts
Removing extreme high frequencies (above 15-20kHz) prevents harshness while preserving the synth's character. This is done using a simple high-pass filter or shelf cut. The result is a smoother, more professional sound…
Use minimal reverb to fill space
Problem: dry, lifeless sounds
Adding subtle reverb (even as little as 5-10%) can significantly enhance a synth's spatial presence without losing clarity. This technique works particularly well for pads and ambient textures in synthwave. The reverb…
Adapt presets to different contexts
Problem: rigid, context-inappropriate sounds
The same preset can be used in various musical contexts by adjusting processing levels (e.g., reverb, EQ, compression). This flexibility is key in synthwave production, where presets often need to fit different song…
Reduce bass envelope sustain to avoid low-end rumble
Problem: muddy low end from over-sustained bass
A fully sustained bass envelope creates continuous low-frequency energy that can muddy the mix. By shortening the sustain (e.g., reducing from full to partial sustain), the low end becomes more controlled while retaining…
Adjust bass octave for tonal balance
Problem: bass competing with kick in mid-low frequencies
Lowering the bass octave (e.g., from C2 to C1) shifts the fundamental frequency to a deeper range, creating more space for the kick drum in the 60-120Hz range. This prevents frequency masking and allows the bass to sit…
Experiment with octave shifts for tonal exploration
Problem: inadequate tonal exploration during sound design
Testing different octaves for the bass (e.g., shifting from C2 to C1) helps identify the optimal frequency range for the track's mood and instrumentation. This iterative approach is key to sound design in synthwave,…
Use macros for dynamic envelope automation
Problem: static, lifeless bass tones
Serum 2's built-in macros allow real-time control over parameters like resonance and attack, enabling dynamic shaping of the bass sound. Automating these macros adds movement and expressiveness, which is crucial for…
Create chords by moving up a perfect fifth
Problem: lack of harmonic progression
To build harmonic interest, the speaker moves a melody up seven semitones (a perfect fifth) and adjusts the chord quality (major/minor) based on the key (A minor). This technique creates tension and resolution while…
Use multiple patterns together to build cohesion
Problem: incoherent arrangements from isolated elements
Starting with isolated sounds can lead to incoherent arrangements. By layering patterns early, you ensure elements complement each other from the beginning. This approach helps identify clashes or gaps in the sonic…
Iterate through multiple pad sounds for texture
Problem: inappropriate pad texture
The speaker tests several Serum stock pads ('1970s string machine', 'analog butter', 'astralink', 'dark space') to find the right texture. This workflow emphasizes experimentation rather than settling on the first sound,…
Embrace experimentation with sound design
Problem: creative block, fear of failure
The creator explicitly states that not all experiments will work, but this is part of the creative process. This mindset encourages producers to try unconventional approaches without fear of failure, which is crucial in…
Use reverb to place sounds in the background
Problem: sounds competing for space in the mix
The speaker notes that a particular sound fits best in the background when paired with heavy reverb. This technique creates spatial separation, allowing the sound to sit behind other elements without clashing. It's a…
Use quiet arps for subtle background texture
Problem: overloading the mix with too many elements
The creator mentions using a 'really quiet kind of arp' to add texture without overpowering the mix. This technique is effective in synthwave for creating ambient layers that support the main melody without drawing…
Use root and fifth intervals for harmonic safety
Problem: dissonant or unstable harmonies
The speaker suggests using the root note and fifth above it as a 'safe' harmonic choice. This is a music theory principle that ensures consonance, which is particularly useful in synthwave for creating stable, pleasing…
Add transients to pads for dynamic interest
Problem: lifeless or static pads
The creator recommends adding 'some sort of transience at the beginning' to a soft pad to make it more engaging. This technique prevents pads from sounding lifeless and adds rhythmic interest, which is key in synthwave…
Select specific presets for brass stabs
Problem: inappropriate timbres for the track
The speaker chooses a specific Serum 2 preset ('bright octaves synth brass') for a brass stab. This highlights the importance of selecting presets that match the desired timbre, which is critical in synthwave for…
Organize tracks by renaming and unmuting
Problem: cluttered or confusing session
The creator renames a brass stab track and unmuting it, emphasizing the importance of track organization. This workflow practice ensures clarity in complex synthwave arrangements with multiple layers.
Start with simple lead ideas and refine later
Problem: overcomplicating lead melody early
The speaker avoids overcomplicating the lead melody early in the process, emphasizing that developing a full melody takes time. This approach prevents premature attachment to a single idea and allows for flexibility as…
Use existing sounds from previous sessions for efficiency
Problem: time-consuming sound design
The speaker references sounds from a previous video to save time, demonstrating a workflow strategy for rapid prototyping. This avoids redundant sound design and leverages pre-existing assets that already fit the…
Prioritize sound selection over early mixing
Problem: incompatible sounds causing mixing issues
The speaker emphasizes choosing compatible sounds first before focusing on mixing, arguing that poor sound selection cannot be fixed by processing alone. This concept challenges the common beginner pitfall of…
Genre-appropriate sounds self-align in context
Problem: incohesive sound choices
The speaker demonstrates how synthwave-specific sounds naturally complement each other when chosen strategically, reducing the need for heavy mixing. This concept underscores the importance of understanding genre…
Group sounds together and use them to your advantage
Problem: inefficient sound selection, incompatible sound combinations
Organizing sounds into cohesive groups helps streamline the creative process. This approach prevents wasted time experimenting with incompatible sounds and allows producers to focus on building a unified sonic identity.…
Save and organize sounds in playlists for future use
Problem: time wasted searching for sounds, inconsistent sound selection
Creating playlists or folders for curated sound selections ensures quick access to proven combinations. This practice saves time during production and maintains consistency across projects. It also helps develop a…
Start with the correct sounds rather than fitting them later
Problem: inefficient workflow, excessive editing
Selecting appropriate sounds upfront avoids the need for extensive editing and rearrangement. This mindset shift reduces frustration and keeps the creative process focused on refinement rather than fundamental changes.…
Use ADSR to control how much space a sound occupies in a mix
Problem: sound lacks presence or clashes in the mix
Adjusting ADSR parameters can dramatically alter a sound's presence without changing the pattern. By increasing sustain, a pad can fill more frequency and time space, while shortening sustain creates a plucky, punchy…
Use multi-sample oscillators for complex arp textures
Problem: static or flat arpeggiator patterns
The 'cascading etheric paths' preset utilizes Serum 2's multi-sample oscillators to create evolving, layered arpeggiator patterns. This technique allows for more dynamic and textured synthwave arps compared to…
Leverage built-in chorus for vintage synth brass tones
Problem: thin or digital-sounding brass patches
The 'bright octaves synth brass' preset demonstrates how Serum 2's internal chorus effect can create a warm, vintage synth brass sound without needing external plugins. This is particularly useful for Synthwave tracks…