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Think Like a Synth
Think Like a Synth
Think Like a Synth
Think Like a Synth
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Think Like a Synth
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Think Like a Synth
Think Like a Synth
Think Like a Synth

Think Like a Synth

Now includes Cherry Audio’s CA2600 synth.

20% offSale ends October 1
  • $359.20
  • $449.00
NEW Two new lessons just added!
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Cherry Audio CA2600
Includes Cherry Audio's CA2600 soft synth.

Cherry Audio's CA2600 is a powerful, self-contained duophonic virtual synthesizer inspired by the groundbreaking ARP 2600 synthesizer. Every detail of the original has been meticulously modeled with thoughtful updates made to enhance flexibility.

How to redeem: After purchase, you will receive a separate email from Anthony Marinelli Music with a unique purchase code that allows you to redeem and install the CA2600 virtual synthesizer.

Start learning with a free lesson.
Video 1

What students are saying. 😊

I made a preset just like you imagined from taking the course. You Miyagied me just like from Karate Kid. Meaning, I learned more then I understood I was learning... I could have never imagined I could do this just a few months ago. I am patting myself on the back.
Michael C.
Your channel is a big mentor for me. And going through your Think Like A Synth course has been amazing!
@OlKeyzer
I've found the course very enjoyable and would like to thank you for creating it so I could better understand the essentials of synthesis.
Thomas M.
I’ve learnt absolutely loads - way more than I thought I was going to when I purchased this course! My own patch creation on my synths has immediately [taken] a huge leap forward in quality and I’m also making much more use of the full capabilities of the synth I’m using to obtain more interesting and evolving, complex yet musical sounds than I’ve ever done before.
Andrew N.
I'm really enjoying Think Like A Synth and learning a lot. It is still the best synth course I've done so keep up the good work! It’s really helping me with my other (non-2600) synths too.
Glyn B.
Included Lessons
Lesson 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.

Lesson 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.

Lesson 3

Tuning

Uncover tuning techniques to develop speed and accuracy along with quick tips for creating a richer sound.

Lesson 4

Waveforms

Master the fundamental raw waveforms and their combinations to create the sounds you envision.

Lesson 5

Pulse Width Modulation

Explore the power of pulse width modulation to create rich textures with evolving harmonics for more expression.

Lesson 6

The Noise Generator

Use the noise generator to add subtle texture, intense grit and randomization that will add more realism inside your sounds.

Lesson 7

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.

Lesson 8

Filter Modulation

Use filter modulation to add movement and dynamic variation, transforming static tones into evolving expressive textures.

Lesson 9

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).

Lesson 10

Tremolo

Unravel the secret of undulating sound waves, "tremolo" (aka amplitude modulation) to create rich, pulsating textures that transform your synth creations into living, expressive soundscapes with dynamic energy.

Lesson 11

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.

Lesson 12

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.

Lesson 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.

Lesson 14

Inverted Envelopes

Inverted envelopes unlock an entirely new realm of sonic shapes. Transform traditional synthesizer sounds into their mirror image by making one simple change.

Lesson 15

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.

Lesson 16

Clocks

Explore the concept of clocks, learning how to sync your modules to create precise rhythmic patterns, LFOs, and other time-based elements.

Lesson 17

Sample & Hold

Discover how the sample & hold generator captures and holds voltages to create evolving, unpredictable patterns that add complexity and movement.

Lesson 18

Vibrato

Harness the expressive power of vibrato to infuse your sounds with depth, movement, and emotional nuance.

Lesson 19

The Preamp NEW

Learn how to amplify and distort external sources or internal waveforms, creating effects that add thickness or can feel like compression, filtering or even phase shifting – plus see the envelope follower in action.

Lesson 20

Distorted LFOs

See how distorted LFOs reshape your synth’s modulation palette, transforming pitch, timbre, and volume into unconventional textures, shapes and rhythms. This lesson is your gateway to a world of sonic alchemy.

Lesson 21

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.

Lesson 22

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.

Lesson 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.

Lesson 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.

Lesson 25

The Multiple

Optimize your signal routing and create complex, layered sounds by using a multiple to send one signal to multiple destinations.

Lesson 26

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.

Lesson 27

The Envelope Follower

Add dynamic movement and expression to your sounds by converting audio signals into modulation with an envelope follower.

Lesson 28

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.

Lesson 29

How to Get Sound to the Outputs NEW

Learn good patching habits to ensure your sounds reach the outputs – testing as you build, tracing steps, and checking key settings to avoid problems and stay focused on making music.

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 beginning 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 how I approach synthesis.

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

Industry perspectives.

I consider Anthony to be probably the greatest living sound designer synthesist on the planet. You're gonna learn a lot from his course, so listen to everything that he says.
Billy Childs
Jazz, Classical & Opera Composer, Keyboard virtuoso
6x Grammy winner
No matter what it sounds like, even if it sounds like a frog, he can get it, because he's Anthony Marinelli.
Greg Phillinganes
Keyboardist, Music Director
Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Quincy Jones
Few people can both make music history and teach their method effectively. Anthony does both with rare clarity and impact. He continues to teach and inspire me.
JR Rotem
Producer, Songwriter, Label President
Rihanna, 50 Cent, Nicki Minaj, Jason Derulo
Anthony’s synth course opened my eyes to the capabilities of synthesis. I’ve read many books, but the way he breaks down the language of synth was actually worth it to me!
Honorable C.N.O.T.E.
Producer, Songwriter
Metro Boomin, Gucci Mane, Travis Scott, A$AP Rocky, Future, Ne-Yo
He knows about stuff that I never even thought of. If you wanna learn something and stand on the edge, work with Anthony, you'll learn a lot!
Robert Margouleff
T.O.N.T.O. | Visionary producer & synthesizer pioneer
Stevie Wonder, Devo, Jeff Beck | Grammy winner
Watching you work on some of your early movies and the way you mastered the technology was just wonderful. You could apply it right away to the emotional content of the music.
Cameron Jones
Synclavier inventor
Digital synthesis & sampling innovator
If you own a synth or want to own one, you should not miss the opportunity to learn from Anthony's incredible mind. It's his rich legacy that is available for you — and to me!
Dr. John Chowning
Stanford Emeritus Professor | CCRMA Founder
Discovered FM Synthesis | Yamaha DX7 developer
Anthony is a true pioneer in the use of synthesizers. If you have an opportunity to learn from Anthony, do it.
Stephan Schmitt
Native Instruments & Nonlinear Labs Founder
Revolutionized modular systems & software synthesis
With his calm and relaxed manner [Anthony] can show you a very simple and understandable way how you can make your own great sounds that fit perfectly into your own songs.
Ruben Tilgner
Elysia co-founder | Innovative audio processing
Mpressor & Alpha Compressor Creator
Anthony is an encyclopedia of synthesis and sound and truly if you're trying to know what any of these knobs do, he's the guy to teach you because he thinks like a synth, and so can you.
Rob Rosen
Rosen Sound
Bruno Mars, Lenny Kravitz, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd

What you'll learn.

  • 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 and speed.
  • Add expression and imperfections that will bring your sounds to life.
  • Create convincing emulations of acoustic instruments.
  • Design distinctive sound effects for any genre.
  • Process external signals like drums, guitars and voice.
  • Understand signal flow and block diagrams.
  • Exploit harmonic distortion and saturation.
  • Replicate human vocal formants.
  • Tune oscillators quickly with optimal hand position.
Think Like a Synth

Course FAQs

Think Like a Synth is a one-time purchase.

Think Like a Synth is designed for anyone wanting to take their synthesizer skills to the next level.

It is a browser-based course.

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Shop Pay (where available).

Log in to Teachable with the verification you receive in your email. For more info, please see the above ACCESSING THE COURSE tab at the top of the page.

See above Included Lessons section and the What you'll learn section.

The course is not live, it is always waiting for you – just log in and learn!

You can complete each lesson at the pace that best suits your learning.

There is no time limit to complete the course and you can review to it at anytime.

You can stream this course from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.

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.

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The Team

THINK LIKE A SYNTH

Featuring
Anthony Marinelli
Dante Marinelli
Written by
Anthony Marinelli
Directed by
Dante Marinelli
Produced by
Anthony Marinelli
Dante Marinelli
Beau Bonetti
Edited & Motion Graphics by
Beau Bonetti
Recorded & Mixed by
Ben Rachlis
Camera by
Will David
Alex Ho
Associate Produced by
Ben Rachlis
Content Consultation by
Dr. Manny Fernandez
Photography by
Aaron Heck

Website Design by HeckArt

Creative Direction by
Aaron Heck
Web Design & Coding by
Erick Martinez

Special thanks to Aaron Heck for his contributions and generosity in the making of this website.

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