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4. SynthMaster ‘s Easy Parameters

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The full SynthMaster software comes with a wealth of features for altering and creating sounds. SynthMaster Player comes with less but each preset still loads with a range of parameters relevant to it, called the Easy Parameters. Each preset has eight parameter knobs and two XY-type Pads. 2

Parameters on offer do vary according to the selected preset and have generally been chosen to show off a part of the sound whereby tweaking them will give dramatic results; this means that they will all generally do something interesting. Here, for example, is a preset with lots of echo effects you can adjust. 3

The X-Y pads on the right are used to control parameters in both of these blocks, although not all presets have parameters assigned to them. In fact some, like the one shown, don’t even have parameters assigned to all eight dials, just the interesting ones!

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As with a lot of synth sounds, it’s the frequency and resonance controls that give you a lot of squelching fun, and the X-Y pads come into their own here allowing you to effectively change both parameters with one drag.

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One great aspect of these controls is that, even though you only get eight rotaries, you can record automation/ movement from each one into your DAW. Here we’ve recorded Easy Control 4 being turned and you can see the results in Logic. This means you can create some very dynamic and evolving sounds.

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The same goes for the X-Y pads. Here we’ve recorded the frequency and resonance parameters moving around with the left-hand X-Y pad and the automation is recorded into Logic.

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You can then go into your automation data within your chosen DAW and edit this recorded information for smoother transitions. Now the filter opens at a much more serene pace but the sound still has movement and interest.

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Finally with the Easy Parameters you can assign each control to a different hardware controller on your external MIDI controller. Simply right (Control) click on the parameter name, click MIDI Learn and then turn the dial on your controller and this will be assigned.