SYNTHESIZERS: RETRO SYNTH

Retro Synth is a flexible 16-voice synthesizer that can produce a wide variety of sounds.

Retro Synth provides four different synthesizer engines—Analog, Sync, Wavetable, and FM. Each engine can generate unique sounds that are difficult or impossible to achieve with other types of synthesizers.

Retro Synth is very easy to use, with many identical controls found in each synthesizer engine. There are four modes in the Retro Synth:

• Analog Synth (Subtractive Synth Mode)

• Sync Synth (Leader/Follower Synth Mode)

• Table Synth (Wavetable Synth Mode)

• FM Synth (Frequency Modulation Mode)

RETRO SYNTH MANUAL

Key Features

• Four Synthesis Engines: Retro Synth operates in four distinct modes, each representing a classic synthesis type:

  1. Analog: For classic warm sounds like leads, pads, and basses (Subtractive Synthesis).

  2. Sync: For aggressive, edgy timbres, particularly suitable for screaming leads and basses (Hard Sync Synthesis).

  3. Wavetable (Table): For clean, digital, and evolving sounds, including textures, pads, and complex effects.

  4. FM (Frequency Modulation): For metallic, bell-like, and digital piano/clavinet sounds.

• Dual Oscillators: In Analog and Sync modes, two primary oscillators can be mixed and detuned for a fat, rich sound.

• Uniform Interface: The controls for the filter, amplifier, and modulation sections (LFO and envelopes) maintain a consistent layout across all four synth modes, simplifying the learning process.

• Classic Effects: Includes a built-in Chorus/Flanger effect module to quickly add the classic warmth and width of vintage hardware.

• Unison Mode: Creates thick, wide sounds by stacking multiple voices, essential for "supersaw" or thick EDM-style leads.

• Portamento/Glide: Dedicated control for sliding pitch between notes, a staple of classic monosynth leads.

Best Use Cases

• 80s Synth-Pop and Retro: Perfect for recreating the iconic sounds of 80s synth-pop, from the detuned pads of Simple Minds to the digital bells of the Yamaha DX7.

• Warm Analog Bass: Using the Analog mode with a simple square or sawtooth wave and a low-pass filter provides rich, deep basslines.

• Aggressive Leads: The Sync mode is the go-to for cutting, metallic leads and edgy modern synth lines.

• Digital Electric Pianos and Bells: The FM mode can quickly dial in classic electric piano and bell sounds with their characteristic quick-decay envelopes.

• Evolving Pads: The Wavetable (Table) mode, modulated by the LFO, is ideal for creating complex textures and pads that slowly change their character over time.

LISTEN to this POD about the RETRO SYNTH Plugin

Popular Song Examples

• "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" - Eurythmics

• "Tainted Love" - Soft Cell

• "How Will I Know" - Whitney Houston

• "Don't You (Forget About Me)" - Simple Minds

• "Axel F" - Harold Faltermeyer

• "Oxygène (Part 4)" - Jean-Michel Jarre

• "Popcorn" - Hot Butter

• "Stranger Things" Theme - Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein

Workflow Tips

• Switching Modes is Key: Always start by selecting the mode that best fits your desired sound: Analog for warmth, FM for metallic, Sync for aggression, or Table for digital/evolving.

• Mix for Fatness: When in Analog or Sync mode, use the Mix slider to blend Oscillators 1 and 2. Detuning the oscillators slightly (using the Cents dial) is the easiest way to add immediate width and thickness.

• Optimize Intelligibility in FM: For bell or electric piano sounds in FM mode, use a short decay time on the Filter and Amp Envelopes to give the sound its characteristic plucked, percussive quality.

• Modulate the Wavetable: In Wavetable (Table) mode, set an LFO to modulate the Shape parameter. This sweeps through the different wavetable positions, making your sound evolve automatically for pads and textures.

• Filter is your EQ: Use the filter section to define the sound's presence. Use a Low-Pass for warm, dark sounds and a High-Pass to remove mud, especially from basses.

• Unison for Leads: For any dominant lead sound, turn Unison on (usually in the Settings menu) to instantly create a huge, stereo-widened sound often referred to as a "supersaw."