How To Use Synths
From single waveforms to synth ensembles
$99 $49
Lifetime access
includes A free vst - ThinkSynth Pro
Strip synthesis back to the principles that make every synth tick. Across six focused modules, you'll program and deconstruct your own patches every step of the way.
Use ThinkSynth, the synth built into your course, or the downloadable ThinkSynth Pro VST, to move straight into your DAW with zero friction.
Build patches, tackle hands-on projects, review work from other students, and grow alongside a creative community built for learning.
course structure
module 1
Introduction
Get you set up with everything you need: a short shopping list of free software (Surge XT and Vital), a quick tour of ThinkSynth, and a quick history of synthesisers.
module 2
The Basics
Discover the things every synth has in common. Explore them one at a time with hands-on exercises in ThinkSynth, then move into Surge XT to build four usable patches from scratch: a bass, a pluck, a lead, and a pad.
module 3
Advanced Techniques
Multiple oscillators, unison, oscillator sync, sub-bass and noise, mono vs. poly, glide, LFOs, the modulation matrix, MIDI Learn, and the world of internal and external effects. Return to the four patches you built in the previous module and upgrade each one at a time.
module 4
Other Types of Synthesis
Expand into the other styles of synthesis you find in modern synths: additive, wavetable (with hands-on builds in Vital), granular, and the bell-like world of FM synthesis.
module 5
Synthesis In PraCtice
Most working sound designers spend more time bending existing presets than building from scratch. Deconstruct patches in Vital and the u-he synths Diva and Zebra 3, learn a reliable deconstruction workflow, and turn factory sounds into something that feels like your own.
meet your tutors
Guy Michelmore
Guy Michelmore is a multi award-winning film, games, and television composer whose clients include Marvel, Disney, Dreamworks, Lionsgate, and dozens of major TV networks around the world. He has been nominated for an Emmy Award for his score to the series Nature on PBS.
He is best known for his work with Marvel on eight animated feature films including Ultimate Avengers and Thor, as well as hundreds of TV episodes.
His unique and accessible style has made him a popular YouTuber with over 400,000 subscribers.
Blake Troise
Blake Troise (also known as PROTODOME) is an award-winning composer, audio programmer, and researcher. He's best known for his chiptune/jazz fusion music, but also composes for video games, and gained his PhD in 1-bit music composition.
His scores have featured in games for platforms from Xbox to Game Boy, including: Slave Zero X, Crunchyroll's Hime's Quest, Melon Journey Pocket, and Obliteracers.
His PhD won the University of Southampton's Doctoral College and Faculty research awards.
introducing thinksynth
thinksynth lives in your course
ThinkSynth lives inside your course, so you can practice tool-agnostic skills with a stripped-back design as you watch the videos, and try shaping sounds as you're guided by your instructors.
thinksynth PRO lives in your DAW
Download the VST or AU and drop it into your DAW. The same stripped-back design, with a small stylish upgrade to start bridging the gap between total clarity and more familiar interfaces. Same tool, different skin.
Note: This VST/AU is a beta release and some bugs may exist. If you discover any issues, reach out to us at contact@thinkspace.ac.uk.
Practical, hands-on learning
try your sounds against a real track
Fix the "blank page" problem with our MinusONE tasks. These are short, ready-made compositions, and your job is to replace the synths with your own patches. This allows you to focus on crafting the perfect sound without getting stuck coming up with a great theme first!
Downloadable patches for Surge XT and Vital.
Move on from the ThinkSynth to industry-standard free tools like Surge XT and Vital. The course includes tutorials in these synths specifically, with downloadable patches so you can pick up where we left off and deconstruct the sounds made by your tutors on screen.
Understanding ADSR Envelopes
Join the community on Discord
Gain access to our ever-growing community of music makers on Discord. You can chat to other people taking the course, pick up fresh tips, share your music, and grow your network.
Don’t worry if you’ve never used Discord before, it’s simple to get set up, and totally free.
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"It is a holy grail of knowledge that I have never seen in over 35 years in the music world."
“Comprehensive and entertaining, with great teaching materials and a great community in the background.”
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“Guy is an engaging, down-to-earth teacher who explains things clearly with just the right amount of humour.”
“You’re not just there, but right in the middle of the action.”
"It’s all really practical stuff and very likely not what you would think of without guidance."
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Frequently Asked Questions
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