Sequence Synth

In this project, we will create a bass synth that rocks back and forth between two notes (octaves) while holding down one key on the keyboard. This is very useful for writing bass patterns (that repeat anyway) as once the synth is created, sequencing the song is a breeze. Plus, live performance becomes a real option too (for all of you D.J.'s out there.)

First, let's create the bass sound. We'll start with a default Sytrus.
1. Op.1 set to saw wave.
2. Drop the frequency ratio to 1.999 (more on this later)
3. Set phase to global.
4. Filter 1: SVFx1 (HQ) Env=50%, Cut=100%, Res=66%, Low=100%, Band=0%, High=100%, WS= off. There are some basic settings for a bass synth. You can play with them anyway you want.
5. Make sure everything is mixed into filter 1, and while you're in the matrix, turn on the chorus (order=2 D=29 S=50 everything else=0) and mix in the FX into filter 1.

We will modulate operator 1 with operator 2 to create a thicker sound.

1. Op. 2 Shape 65% everything else=0% Frequency ratio to 0% (Yes, this means that there will be no sound out of Op 2 because the wave will be infinitely long, but since we're modulating operator 1 with this frequency it's okay).
2. Set the frequency offset to 1.00HZ -this will make a big difference in the attack of our synth.
3.Modulate OP 1 with 13% of OP2 (Do this in the OP 1 Row)
4. Now we're going to send our filter 1 settings through filter 2. In Filter 1, crank the next control (It's the last control on the right side of the Waveshaper.) to 100%. This sends the Filter 1 output 100% to the next filter- which is filter 2.
5. In the matrix, set the output of filter 2 to 100%.

Now we have a cool sounding bass synth. Let's sequence it.

1. Go to Operator 1's pitch envelope and clear out the default.
2. Enable tempo mode
3. The origin point should be in the middle. Draw a diagonal line to the bottom two beats over (Right click to put in a point).
4. Play a note. Notice how it drops in pitch.
5. Right click the point you added and select "Hold". Notice how the shape changes.
6. Make a third point two beats later in the envelope back up on the same line that the first beat was on. Now the pitch goes back up. Experiment with different shapes by right clicking the last point. I like stairs.
7. On your last point, set it to "sustain loop end".
8. On the point of origin, select "sustain loop start". You have now established a loop. When you hold down a key, or trigger the synth in the step sequencer, the synth will play your envelope over and over.

This is a very simple 4 bar pattern that shows how useful a synth like this can be. I purposely made this loop short and sweet to demonstrate the seqnence capability of sytrus. Keep in mind I only entered in the drums and 4 notes (E B C# and A) in the piano roll of sytrus. The rhythm and the changing octave is generated by the sequence we programed.