Signal Fundamentals & Sound Design
- Over 2 hours of tutorials
- Streamed videos
- Accessible 24/7/365
- Presets from the course included
Master Output’s powerful new Instrument, Signal, with this in depth course from senior Producertech Tutor Rob Jones.
Signal is a Kontakt instrument that combines synthesis with organic sampled sounds, feeding them through its two unique pulse engines, allowing for a mind-bending array of sound design possibilities. With a range of modulation options such as LFOs, Arpeggiators, step sequencers and loopers, as well as a host of onboard FX, Signal looks set to take the electronic music world by storm.
On the course, Rob guides you through the fundamentals of the instrument, explaining not only the theory behind it, but giving continual practical examples as well. Throughout the course, he constructs a range of patches, including a detuned bass, an evolving, multi-layered pad and a looping FX preset. All the patches fully explore the capabilities of Signal, so once you’ve finished the course you’ll be able to apply the knowledge you’ve gained to create your very own unique and cutting edge sounds.
The course is available to stream directly from the site after purchase, and is accessible 24/7/365. Included with the videos are the presets that Rob creates on the course, so you can deconstruct them yourself. For more information, check out the module descriptions and free sample module on the media tab.
Intro to Signal - Sample Mod from Fundamentals and Sound Design Course
Modules in this course:
Module 1 - Deconstructing a Factory Preset
Rob kicks off the course by taking a look at a factory preset, showing how elements such as the sound generators, pulse engines, and inbuilt FX work.
Module 2 - Creating a Simple Patch
This module teaches you how to create a simple, wobbling sawtooth sound, featuring filter cutoff and rhythm modulation.
Module 3 - Creating a Simple Patch 2
Rob creates another evolving patch, this time a short burst of sound that is fed through the pulse engines where parameters such as filter cutoff and resonance are modulated.
Module 4 - Saving Presets
This quick video shows how to save and tag any presets you've made for future use.
Module 5 - Designing a Detuned Bass
In this module, Rob guides you through the creation of a gritty, heavy bass sound, by copying one layer over to another and adding detuning.
Module 6 - Processing the Detuned Bass
Delving deeper into the global effects section, the bass sound from the previous module is processed further with EQ, phasing and a low pass filter.
Module 7 - Creating an Evolving Pad Sound
Rob shows you how to build a pad sound with two contrasting layers. This module focuses on creating a soft-string like layer with a slow attack.
Module 8 - Creating an Evolving Pad Sound 2
Leading on from the previous module, Rob adds the second layer, which is an arpeggiated plucked guitar sound.
Module 9 - Processing the Pad Sound
Rob concludes the creation of the pad by adding effects such as reverb and delay, adding to the ethereal nature of the patch.
Module 10 - Creating an FX Patch
This module shows you how to synthesise your own FX patch, making use of the pitch envelope and rhythmic pulse engine.
Module 11 - Creating an FX Patch 2
Rob continues working on the FX patch, adding filtering to further shape the sound. He also experiments with various synths and instruments, and adds a second modulator to create different textures.
Module 12 - Assigning Macros
This lesson teaches how to assign macros to a range of parameters within Signal, allowing for vast modulation and automation possibilities.
Module 13 - Installing Presets
This quick video shows you how to install any new presets into the Signal library.
Bonus Module - Creating a Lead Patch
This course is rounded off with this bonus module, a step by step guide to creating a pulsing lead patch. Along the way, Rob explains the key sound design decisions that have to be made, and how they can affect the overall sound.
Rob Jones
Rob is a classically trained musician, with piano as his primary instrument, and obtained a degree in music and sound recording (the prestigious Tonmeister course) from the University of Surrey. Having honed his skills both at University and in the studios in London where he worked in a technical role, he began releasing music on labels like Lot49, Dead Famous and Erase, under the artist name Anarchy Rice. Rob has been at the forefront of music software training since the very beginning, having kicked things off at Focusrite back in 2006. With both classical music and technical sound qualifications, as well as a wealth of presenting experience, he is ideally suited to the role of an online music trainer, and is 100% dedicated to sharing his knowledge and assisting others with what he believes to be one of the most rewarding things in life - making music!