20 minutes of class

 

Synthwave Overview

Synthwave music involves a blend of retro futuristic sounds from the '80s with modern production techniques. Nostalgia at it's finest, Master the essential elements, from recreating classic drum machine sounds like the Linndrum to crafting 80's chord progressions and melodies using Ableton's versatile instruments and MIDI tools..

1. The Essence of Synthwave: Uncover the heart of the genre—vintage synthesizers, lush pads, and iconic drum machine sounds—all within the seamless environment of Ableton Live.

2. Emulating Classic Drum Machines: Learn to recreate the punchy and warm drum sounds of iconic machines like the Linndrum using Ableton's powerful sampling and drum programming tools.

3. Capturing that '80s Vibe with Gated Reverb: Master the art of using gated reverb to achieve that distinct, tight sound that defined the era.

4. Groove and Sidechain Mastery: Elevate your tracks with the quintessential 'pumping' effect using Ableton Live's sidechain compression, ensuring your beats drive and groove flawlessly.

5. Crafting Nostalgic Chord Progressions: Discover the secrets behind those dreamy, evocative chord structures and melodies that defined the era, all while using built-in synths like Wavetable & Drift versatile instruments and MIDI tools.

6. Melodic Movement and Synth Guitars: Dive into creating captivating melodies and even simulate the sound of electric guitars using Ableton's synthesizers and dedicated guitar emulation plugins.

7. 80's Arpeggios and Irresistible Basslines: Unleash the power of arpeggiators and iconic basslines, bringing that vintage vibe to life in your own productions using Ableton Live's vast array of tools and effects.

These are some of the tools included in this session:

 

Mixing Classic Drum Machines 

First we'll check out how to use and mix Ableton's own Drum Machines Racks. Which drum patterns work for the style and how to create tom fills.

 

Gated Reverb

We'll explore how to create and customize your own gated reverb effect that can be used on kick, snare, toms and anything else that need a controlled huge space.

 

Fat Line Bass

Included in these session is a custom Wavetable Instrument Rack that is inspired by the classic Polysix preset Fat Line that is synonyms with the style. Pair it with an Arp and you got a synthwave track going.

 

Synth Guitar

Also included in the session, this preset is taken from the Wavetable Presets Vol. 1 pack. Don't forget to use the pitch bend wheel!

 

What's Included with this session

• 2+ hours of Ableton Certified Training Video
• Synthwave Ableton Project Template
• Synthwave Bass Pluck Instrument
• Lofi Pad Preset
• Synth Guitar Preset
• Best Free Plugins for Synthwave List
• Style Overview PDF

 

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ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Yeuda Ben-Atar, a world renowned Ableton Certified Trainer, hails from Los Angeles, California. Originally from Israel, Yeuda’s passion for music led him to the United States, where he discovered his true calling with Ableton Live in 2007, embarking on a journey of mastery.

He approaches Ableton in a unique way; producing and performing with video game controllers under the moniker Side Brain.

One of Yeuda’s most remarkable qualities is his exceptional knowledge and speed, combined with his unparalleled ability to explain complex concepts in a simple and engaging manner.

With years of experience as a music production instructor and educator, Yeuda has contributed his expertise to prestigious institutions throughout the United States, including USC, UCLA, UCSD, Colburn Music School, Berkley School of Music, Cal Arts, NAMM, Skywalker Sounds, Bedrock LA, Sonos Studios, Sweetwater Headquarters, 1500 or Nothing studios, Grammy U, Pensado’s Place, Vintage King, Museum of Making Music, Lynda.com (now known as Linkedin Learning), and Perfect Circuit Audio, among many others.

His projects have included working with and teaching artists such as Timbaland, Ludacris, Lavel Kali(Beyonce, Drake) DJ Numark and Jurassic 5, Beck, Skrillex, Flying Lotus, Ed Sheeran, Rick Rubin, Giorgio Moroder, Simi, Bootie Brown (Pharcyde), Dave Pensado, Madison Mcferrin and countless others.