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THINK LIKE A SYNTH
$290.00
Included Lessons
1. Course Introduction
Discover the wealth of resources in "Think Like a Synth" and learn how to use them to rapidly enhance your ability to edit presets and create your own legendary sounds for your music.
2. Oscillators
Dive into the fundamentals of oscillators, the heart of sound creation. Learn how they generate waveforms, their role in shaping sound, and how to create a wide range of tones.
3. Waveforms
Master the fundamental raw waveforms and their combinations to create the sounds you envision.
4. Pulse Width Modulation
Explore the power of pulse width modulation to create rich textures with evolving harmonics for more expression.
5. LFOs
Explore the power of low frequency oscillators (LFOs) to change the shape of pitch, timbre and volume over time, creating dynamic movement and evolving rhythms.
6. Tuning
Uncover tuning techniques to develop speed and accuracy along with quick tips for creating a richer sound.
7. Vibrato
Harness the expressive power of vibrato to infuse your sounds with depth, movement, and emotional nuance.
8. Low Pass Filters
Feel the deep impact of the low-pass filter, as you sculpt your sound for a warmer, fatter and more focused tone.
9. Filter Modulation
Use filter modulation to add movement and dynamic variation, transforming static tones into evolving expressive textures.
10. VCAs
Unlock the full potential of the Voltage-Controlled Amplifier (VCA) to shape your sound's dynamics, while also using it for signal coloration, routing, and creating effects like amplitude modulation (tremolo).
11. The Envelope Generator
Learn to effectively adjust the attack, decay, sustain, and release parameters of your patch over time to bring dynamic expression to your sound.
12. Gates & Triggers
Study how gates and triggers control your synth's timing and rhythm, enabling you to fire envelopes, sequences, and modulation sources for more dynamic performances.
13. Single & Multiple Triggers
Understand the difference between single and multiple triggers, and learn how to use them to control the phrasing, repetition, and complexity of your envelopes.
14. Clocks
Explore the concept of clocks, learning how to sync your modules to create precise rhythmic patterns, LFOs, and other time-based elements.
15. The Noise Generator
Use the noise generator to add subtle texture, intense grit and randomization that will add more realism inside your sounds.
16. Sample & Hold
Discover how the sample & hold generator captures and holds voltages to create evolving, unpredictable patterns that add complexity and movement.
17. The Ring Modulator
Create rich, harmonic textures and otherworldly sounds with the ring modulator by combining two signals in unique ways that bring complexity and intrigue to your sound palette.
18. DC-Coupled Ring Modulator
Visit the world of DC-coupled ring modulators, combining original signals with sum and difference tones, including the ability to use it as a dynamic VCA.
19. The Mixer & Output Section
Use mixers and outputs for blending multiple signals to create new colors. Route them effectively to external devices or create a beautiful stereo field.
20. The Multiple
Optimize your signal routing and create complex, layered sounds by using a multiple to send one signal to multiple destinations.
21. The Envelope Follower
Add dynamic movement and expression to your sounds by converting audio signals into modulation with an envelope follower.
22. The Lag Processor
Learn how the lag processor adds smooth, more expressive gradual changes to your sound, creating natural movement and preventing abrupt shifts in modulation.
23. Voltage
Understand the role of voltage and how it controls various parameters, from pitch to modulation, enabling you to create dynamic and evolving sounds.
24. Voltage Control & Keyboard Control Voltage
Explore how voltage control and keyboard control voltage work to manipulate sound parameters, allowing you to create expressive, real-time control over pitch, modulation, and more.
Why I Made This Course
Think Like a Synth represents more than just a collection of synthesizer lessons—it's my way of passing down the knowledge I've gathered over decades of creating signature sounds for some of the biggest records, films, and ads in history.
When I started out, I was incredibly fortunate to have mentors like Quincy Jones, Giorgio Moroder, Jack Nietzsche, Arthur B. Rubenstein, and my gifted synth teacher Clark Spangler. Learning directly from all of them—at the outset of my career— helped shape me into the artist I am today. They shared everything they knew, and now, I feel compelled to do the same for all of you about synthesizers.
My goal is to distill everything I've learned—every technique, tip and insight—into an affordable, fun, hands-on synth course that anyone can immediately apply to their music. As you progress, you'll develop the unwavering confidence to know what every knob does before you turn it, empowering you to create any sound in your imagination and set your music apart!
- Anthony Marinelli
I'll teach you how to...
- confidently design signature patches from scratch
- quickly modify presets to fit your track
- know which knob to reach for, no guessing
- make fat bass sounds and soaring leads
- layer sounds to create warm analog textures
- ask the right questions to make any sound you imagine
- use my quick tips to increase confidence & speed
- add expression & imperfections that will bring your sounds to life
- create convincing emulations of acoustic Instrument
- design distinctive sound effects for any genre
- process external signals like drums, guitars and voice
- understand signal flow & block diagrams
- exploit harmonic distortion & saturation
- replicate human vocal formants
- tune oscillators quickly with optimal hand position
Taught by
Anthony Marinelli
ANTHONY'S SOUND as composer, performer & programmer is credited on works by some of the most influential creative minds in records, films and advertising over the last 40 years.
READ MORE:
Anthony Marinelli's contributions to the music industry span some of the most iconic projects over the past 40 years. He's worked with artists like Michael Jackson on Thriller, the best-selling album of all time, Lionel Richie, Van Halen, Supertramp, James Brown, Afrika Bambaataa, Kenny Loggins, Julio Iglesias, Chuck D, Shock G, The Crystal Method and many more. His ability to blend electronic sounds into mainstream hits has made him a key figure in shaping modern music.
In film, Anthony has composed and conducted over 80 original scores, including Young Guns, Internal Affairs, Planes, Trains & Automobiles, 2 Days in the Valley, 15 Minutes, American Gun, and The Man From Elysian Fields. His work extends to major box office hits such as The Color Purple, War Games, Stand By Me, Leaving Las Vegas, Stake Out, Never Ending Story II, Cat People, and Starman, where he contributed as a writer, arranger, programmer and performer. His versatility across media has led to live performances for global events like the Super Bowl, the Olympic Games, and the FIFA World Cup, and Los Angeles Philharmonic commission to compose a large-scale orchestral work premiered at the Hollywood Bowl.
Additionally, Anthony has composed music for over 1,000 television commercials including award-winning campaigns for Apple Computers, every major car brand, big global brands and the unforgettable "This Is Your Brain on Drugs" campaign, showcasing his lasting influence on pop culture.
Credits
Think Like a Synth
Written, Performed & Produced by Anthony Marinelli
Directed, Performed & Produced by Dante Marinelli
Edited, Motion Graphics & Produced by Beau Bonetti
Recorded, Mixed & Assoc. Produced by Ben Rachlis
Content Consultation by Dr. Manny Fernandez
Camera by Will David & Alex Ho
Photography by Aaron Heck
Special Thanks to Aaron Heck for his contributions and
generosity in the making of this course.
Website Design by HeckArt
Creative Direction by Aaron Heck
Web Design & Coding by Erick Martinez
"Think Like a Synth" FAQs
Is this a membership or a one-time purchase?
It's a one-time purchase.
Who should take this course?
Anyone wanting to take their synthesizer skills to the next level
Is this a physical or digital product?
It's a browser-based course.
What forms of payment do you take?
We accept VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, Apple Pay and most other major credit cards.
How do I access the course after purchase?
Login to Teachable with the verification you receive in your email (for more see above "How to Access").
What topics and concepts are covered?
See above "I'll Teach You How To" section.
Is this class live? Do I have to login at a specific time?
The course is always waiting for you, just log in and learn.
When does this class start and finish? How long will it take to finish this course?
You can complete each lesson at the pace that best suits your learning.
Do I have lifetime access to the class?
There is no time limit to complete the course and you can review to it at anytime.
Can I take this class from anywhere?
You can stream this course from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.
What's the refund policy?
Please review the course descriptions before purchasing as we are not able to offer refunds. However, please
feel free to contact us if any issues should arise.