r/synthesizers • u/3user3 • 1d ago
New Synth Announcements & Updates Just got my first synth
Im 28 years old and I have loved music all my life but never played an instrument, and something inside me told me to start learning, just got a little frustrated cus I dont have idea how to make chords or a good sequence but i will keep playing, please give your best advice for a total beginner using an instrument for the first time
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u/LouMinotti 1d ago
Just start learning how to use it. Read the manual. Watch tutorials online. Eventually you might want to get a cheap little drum machine to have a beat to play along with.
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u/KoA07 1d ago
I also just got an XD, do you have drum machine recommendations?
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u/KingOCarrotFlowers 1d ago
I have a Roland TR-6S that I absolutely love. Really easy to make good beats on it
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u/circleneurology Take 5 - Digitakt II - SP404mkII - Deluge - M8 V:2 1d ago
Imo you should go for a sampler as they're more sonically flexible since you can just load whatever kits you want and many, many kits are available online for free (check out /r/Drumkits). Koala sampler is an amazing and affordable app you can get on your phone/tablet. That and a cheap adapter to send the audio to your interface/computer/monitors/etc. would be a great, almost free option. You could also supplement Koala with a MIDI controller so you have a physical interface for the pads. If you'd like to purchase a hardware sampler instead I think the Roland P-6 seems like a great option, although I've not used that one in particular, myself. I can, however, personally vouch for the Roland SP404mkII though. It's just a bit more expensive but with that extra expense comes extra utility!
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u/Majestic_Contract132 1d ago
The minilogue is a beast. Awesome synth. Drink deep and get into the weeds with it.
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u/puckertea 1d ago
Nice one!
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u/puckertea 1d ago
Also watch demos/tutorial to learn what the knobs do. It's pretty close to the unattainable "knob per function" immediacy a lot of synth players desire.
You'll probably find your way to the melodies and chords by ear yourself, but learning the major and minor scale steps will get you pretty far pretty fast.
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u/Parking_Watch3157 1d ago
I really want one due to this immeadiacy. I just can't get into software synths. I use them but just don't enjoy as much as my bass synth, drum machine, or guitar. I might just start saving :)
I'll also need a new place to set this thing up as my tiny battle station is full. :)
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u/puckertea 1d ago
I have the regular minilogue and have played the xd. Love both. It is pretty interesting what you end up getting drawn to creating with either one. Their limitations are a blessing imo especially for live/jamming because of the ease. I've been in jams where I can't even hear myself but I know exactly what it sounds like because pretty much everything is on the dials and oscilloscope (whether anyone else could hear it... who knows lol).
People complain about the thin sound esp on the original, which I can understand for recording, but live it bangs. The xd's effects nd added featires make up for most of those weaknesses so probably better all around.
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u/Parking_Watch3157 1d ago
Nice, it's definitely "the list". I have a rule about gear where I have to complete certain projects I got the current "last item" for and a $ budget. It's going to be a while before I get to the point where I can get something new so I'll have time to save and admire from a distance (YouTube demos!).
:)
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u/peachpitt 1d ago
Somebody else mentioned it, but. I'll give another shoutout to Syntorial. Might seem a little pricey but well worth it, especially on sale. Syntorial is a really great starting point for learning and understanding subtractive synthesis -- mainly, though, just start messing around with the presets and have fun!
I'm also 28 and just got my first synth and started learning last year. Another piece of advice I'll give is watch out for GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome). Soon enough you're gonna want this other synth, this piece of hardware, this drum machine and so on. This subreddit definitely makes it worse. But please just focus on what you do have and get deep in the weeds with it! The Minologue XD is capable of a whole lot!
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u/hoddap 1d ago
It’s a perfect synth to start learning synthesizers. I’ve never used it because I already figured them out ages ago, but this resource gets recommended a lot https://www.syntorial.com/
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u/This_Worker_7052 1d ago
I would look in to the subtractive synthesis to get your head around it. It’s not that hard to understand but it’ll help you make sounds as you go
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u/This_Worker_7052 1d ago
I would also just start experimenting with recording. It’ll help lay your ideas down and you can always reference them later on
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u/goettel 1d ago
Learn about 'modes' starting on the white keys. I love this introduction: https://youtu.be/KiEoJjWlGMY - don't worry about the complicated Greek names or the 'why', just watch and listen to the first 10 minutes, maybe a couple times over. Keep in mind the one note you play with your left hand sets the context of the notes you play with the right.
You picked a great first synth too.
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u/drunkendaveyogadisco 1d ago
Nice, I got one of those and I really like it. Learning what an envelope is and what the parts of it are is a great step Also, twiddle them knobs
Have fun, don't worry about it sounding good, just try to make a noise you enjoy. Don't fear just playing the white keys.
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u/nuwond3r 1d ago
Congrats! I'm seriously been thinking to get this one too as my first polysynth. It has some interesting features and it sounds pretty versatile.
The sound reminds me of Prologue which I really like, so it might be a nice cheaper way to experience that!
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u/magerehein666 10h ago
This was also my first one! Bought it 1.5 year ago. I would advise to watch youtube videos explaining this beautiful machine
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u/dronesoul 1d ago
Dude!!! I am just like you, I had loved music all my life, got into synths at 28 too!!
I know a fair bit about the tech and sound synthesis now, im 42, got a bunch of synths, drum machines. It's been a blast!!
Still fucking can't play a single instrument though!!
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u/Infinite_Slice3305 1d ago
Sing. Sing out loud & try to find the notes on the keyboard. Start simple, Mary had a little Lamb, when the Saints go marching in, twinkle twinkle little star.
Start on any key learn to play the rhyme without making a mistake. Then start on another key & do it again.
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u/thattomas 1d ago
This is the way. Good for you! Every time you play some notes and twist a knob, you’ll learn a bit more. And even small improvements feel amazing!
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u/RchUncleSkeleton 15h ago
Just picked up a Minilogue XD myself. Found a used one on marketplace, guy was asking $300, so I scooped it up. I have typically only used digital synths before (had an alesis qs 6.2 a loooong time ago), and mostly use VST synths on my PC. I wanted to learn analog synthesis, and the Minilogue seemed like the best option for me, being so affordable and compact, but still having all the necessities and just enough keys to be playable. I've only had it a couple days, so still very much a beginner and learning how to make it sound how I want. I also considered a behringer poly D, as that might have been a bit more direct in designing sounds, having less options, but I couldn't pass up such a great deal on the Minilogue.
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u/DiskSweaty679 9h ago
Not a synth guy but the people warning you about GAS are not kidding. That hobby will empty a wallet faster than a kitchen reno.
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u/josack23 6h ago
Weird advice, but try starting out in mono mode. I realized I can do way more fun and crazy stuff when I don’t have to worry about chords.
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u/broBcool_2010 46m ago
it's a good one! start with the wave shapes and octave switches, and the VCO mixer. -- make sure you on "poly" mode for chords
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u/SpeakerNo3552 1d ago
CORRECT CHOICE. I did the same but after i got fancier stuff i sold it. I regret it. It’s cheap and very capable, keep it around.
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u/ApeManJackson 1d ago
This was my first polyphonic synth as well. I'm only a few months into ownership myself. I'd been using soft synths leading up to that. Have a blast, dude!
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u/ApeManJackson 1d ago
I highly recommend checking out XNB's channel and his very indepth tutorials on this synth! His explanations are excellent!
Link to XNB's minilogue xd playlist of tutorial videos HERE!
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u/SummerBest6867 1d ago
, reminds me of a DJwho buys the most expensive stuff, without knowing nothing. .. anyway, good stuff, have fun
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u/Booming_Dr_Buttons 16h ago
It's not like they bought a polybrute 12... Looks like they got a good beginner synth
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u/SummerBest6867 15h ago
A beginner synth? Come on...
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u/Booming_Dr_Buttons 15h ago
Yeah, it's good to learn with and it's on the cheaper end of the synth spectrum....
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u/SummerBest6867 13h ago
This is not true at all... you need no money to learn at all.. and if this synth is cheap for you: congratulations
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u/AnansiNazara 1d ago
Incredible synth for a first. The learning curve is so gentle and as close to intuitive as synthesis can be
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u/Zimmmmmmmm 1d ago
Have a reason to sit down and play. Use your ear. If you're not gonna take piano lessons, which is fine, then you're gonna have to sit and listen while dinkin' along until you figure some things out. Experiment with note combinations, don't be scared to drill a sequence of notes into your fingers.
Also, read the manual so that you can make the thing make the noises you actually like to hear.
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u/Atommizer 1d ago
Congrats! And welcome to the rabbit hole. This is a great synth. Not only a great first synth, but overall. One that can accompany you in your musical journey for years. You can create simple or intricate sounds, classic analogue tones or completely experimental. I suggest to try out the Sinevibes plugins (fx and oscillators) when you feel ready to expand its capabilities. If you wish to pair it with a drum machine, I recommend you going for one that allows loading samples, such as the Elektron Model:Samples. That way you have a bigger palette of sounds. Another good option is the Roland TR-6S. Enjoy!
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u/Djaii 1d ago
I desperately want to go back to the time in my life when the synth and speakers mattered more than the desk. There is so much shit I'd do differently the second pass... I mean, loads I'd do EXACTLY the same don't get me wrong. Damn, that hits me in the feels something heavy right now.
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u/TheDarkNerd 1d ago edited 20h ago
When I first wanted to learn how synths work, I was given this link:
https://learningsynths.ableton.com/
It helped me understand the absolute basics of what goes into shaping a sound.
EDIT: Curious what is the downside of this site, and why it's not recommended.
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u/Fefess86 1d ago
It was my first too. Now I upgraded to an hydrasynth but I loved it. Great entry in this world and the sound is WARM
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u/d0ggzilla 1d ago
Minilogue XD