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Prophet X User’s Guide
Synthesis 101: Synth Bass
Long Version for Those Who Like Explanations
Here’s a more detailed version that provides insight into the process.
You’ll start with the Basic Program, then learn how to choose an appro-
priate oscillator waveshape, how to use the filter, how to use the enve-
lopes, and how to use Unison to fatten things up.
In the Basic Program, only Oscillator 1 is audible. Its waveshape is set to
sawtooth and its level is 127 in the
mixer
. (Oscillator 2 level is set to zero
and Instrument 1 and Instrument 2 don’t have an instrument selected.)
To start with the Basic Program:
1. Press the
global
button.
2. Use Soft Knob 1 to navigate to the
basic
program
command, then press
Soft Button 1 (
write
now
). As a shortcut, hold down the front-panel
transpose
down
button and press the
hold
button.
Each of the waveforms have their own unique sound:
• The sawtooth waveform is a good starting point for sounds because it
has plenty of harmonics. This gives you a lot to work with in terms of a
raw sound that you can filter and modulate.
• The Pulse (square) wave is a good starting point, too, but sounds differ-
ent than the sawtooth, because of its different harmonic content. The
sawtooth has even-numbered harmonics and the square wave has odd-
numbered harmonics. (Google this if you want to learn more.)
• The sine wave has no harmonics. It’s useful used alone for its pure
tone, or in combination with another oscillator or sample(s) to reinforce
the fundamental pitch of a sound and add weight.
• The super sawtooth is a stacked version of the sawtooth and sounds
very thick when you use the
shape
mod
knob to detune it. It’s great for
brass, strings, and dance music sounds.
To listen to the various oscillator waveshapes:
1. In the
oscillators
section, the Sawtooth waveform is selected by
default. Play and hold a note, then press the
shape
button to step
through the various waveshapes. Notice that is it possible to select no
waveshape at all.
2. Select the sawtooth waveshape.
Summary of Contents for Sequential PROPHET X
Page 1: ...Samples Plus Synthesis Hybrid Synthesizer...
Page 2: ......
Page 12: ......
Page 151: ...139 Prophet X User s Guide Appendix D Troubleshooting and Support...
Page 169: ...157 Prophet X User s Guide Appendix E MIDI Implementation...
Page 170: ...158 Appendix E MIDI Implementation Dave Smith Instruments...
Page 171: ...159 Prophet X User s Guide Appendix E MIDI Implementation...