Modular Synthesis with Reaktor
Lesson 23 of 26
Granular Synthesis

Modular Synthesis with Reaktor
Lesson 23 of 26
Granular Synthesis
Lesson Info
Granular Synthesis
Class Description
Let’s be real: Native Instruments’ Reaktor can be intimidating at first glance. But behind the complexity is an incredibly powerful modular synthesis environment that can create anything from synthesizers, grooveboxes, and sequencers to sample transformers, sound generators, and effects.
In Reaktor Modular Synthesis with David Earl, you’ll learn how to tweak Reaktor’s 70+ included instruments and make your own from scratch. David is Native Instrument’s product specialist and he knows the software inside and out. He’ll teach:
Reaktor Basics:
- Working with Ensembles, Instruments, Macros and Modules
- Oscillators, filters and amplifiers
- Parameters like pitch, wave type, filters, resonance and cutoff
- Linear and event messages
- Creating a partial with math modules
- Working with amplifiers and modulators
- What IS FM synthesis and how does it work?
- Changing partials into operators for FM synthesis
- Creating an approximation of the FM 8 using a mod matrix
- Different types of samplers: FM, Loop, Grain
- Creating sample maps
- Creating hybrid synths
Lessons
- The Structure of Reaktor
- Interface Overview and Creating a Basic Synth
David Earl takes you on a tour of the Reaktor interface and shows you how he sets up an Ensemble.
- Adding Modulation
- Filter Envelopes
- Setting up an LFO
- Using Macros
- Detuning Oscillators
- Saving Macros and Instruments
- What is Additive Synthesis?
- Building an Additive Synth: Harmonic Series
- Building an Additive Synth: Pitch and Amp Envelopes
- Building an Additive Synth: LFO
- Building an Additive Synth: Combining Partials
- What is FM Synthesis?
- Changing a Partial into an Operator for FM Synthesis
- Mod Matrix and Mixers
- Troubleshooting Complex Macros
- Mixing and Modulating Operators with Mod Matrix
- Organizing Macros and FM Synth Review
- Working with a Basic Sampler
- Sampler FM
- Sampler Loop
- Granular Synthesis
- Grain Pitchformer
- Grain Cloud
- Closing Thoughts and Final Review
Reviews
a Creativelive Student
This is a GREAT class. I highly recommend it. Reaktor can be intimidating, but little by little he breaks it down. I feel like I have gotten practical use out of it from watching these videos. There is so much to learn here. I have come back multiple times to watch. David Earl is a superior instructor. You will enjoy him. I hope he will do more here.
a Creativelive Student
David Earl (he doesn't care what you call him) is the best! I watched so many tutorials on Reaktor and by his second video I already learned more than the other ones. Thank you!