Synthesist Masterclass
10 sessions · Tuesdays, Thursdays · 2hr each
Beyond subtractive — the full map of synthesis
The Mix Primer covers subtractive synthesis because it explains how filters and EQ work. This course picks up where that left off and covers every other way to generate and shape sound — from FM and additive through wavetable, granular, physical modeling, and sampling-as-synthesis.
16 chapters of ground covered
- Oscillators, filters, envelopes, and modulation — quick review of subtractive fundamentals before moving on
- FM synthesis — frequency modulation, operators, algorithms, and why FM sounds the way it does
- Additive synthesis — building sound from individual harmonics. The harmonic series as a sound design tool
- Wavetable synthesis — scanning through waveforms, morphing, and the modern wavetable engines in Serum, Vital, and others
- Granular synthesis — slicing audio into grains, texture generation, and time-stretching as a creative tool
- Physical modeling — simulating acoustic instruments and resonant bodies without samples
- Sampling as synthesis — the line between sampling and synthesis, and how samplers became instruments
- Patching, signal flow, and modular thinking — modular vs. integrated architectures, and how routing decisions shape the sound
- Sound design exercises — practical sessions building patches from scratch across different synthesis types
Prerequisites: Familiarity with subtractive synthesis — oscillators, filters, envelopes. Covered in the Mix Primer or equivalent experience.
Already a resident? Just the class fee above. Non-residents add Residency at $85/mo. This 20-hour class typically runs 1–5 months of residency ($85–$425) depending on cohort pace. Total: $535–$875. Final price set with the next cohort.
Share your availability and we'll build the next cohort around it.
The more times you select, the more likely we are to build a class that works for you.
What's a residency?
Residency is your Beat Kitchen membership —$85/mo or $700/yr. It includes office hours, gyms, beat challenges, and a community of producers on Discord.
Non-residents can take any class — residency months are bundled into the price. If you're already a resident, check the box above and you'll see the lower class-only price.
Other start dates and times (1 more)
Looking for this class at a different time? Share your availability and we'll build it.
The more times you select, the more likely we are to build a class that works for you.
Related videos
What students say
- ★
- ★
- ★
- ★
- ★
—Rafael, Seattle, WA
- ★
- ★
- ★
- ★
- ★
—Michael, Seattle, WA
- ★
- ★
- ★
- ★
- ★
—Belén, Los Angeles, CA
- ★
- ★
- ★
- ★
- ★
—Mercedes, Denver, CO
- ★
- ★
- ★
- ★
- ★
—J4de
