Sequential PRO 3, User Manual

Page: 117 / 168

105 Pro 3 User’s Guide Synthesis 101: Synth Bass
Long Version with 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 and Oscillator 3
levels are set to zero.)
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
).
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.
• On Oscilllator 3, 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 classic 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 turn the
shape
knob to step through
the various waveshapes.
2. Select the sawtooth waveshape.