Level: Beginner
Platform: Xfer Serum
Description: The core elements for synthesizing the 90s “West Coast” hip-hop lead popularized by Dr. Dre and others in the mid-90s. The “PORTA” parameter is the key to making it fit your track. Further adjustments can be applied via changing filters, and adding effects like delay and reverb.
Download Link to Preset: Watch+Learn_SerumPreset_WestCoastLead
Level: Beginner
Platform: Xfer Serum
Description: Iconic lead sound, based on the interval of a Fifth (+7 semitones), reinforced by a sub-bass element. Great as a starting point for original variations.
Download Link to Preset: Watch+Learn_SerumPreset_BigFifth
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Platform: Phase Plant
Description: Rhythmic preset using two oscillator groups tuned to a fifth with independent sawtooth LFOs applied to filters.
Download Preset: Watch+Learn_PhasePlant_3over4Fifth
Level: Beginner
Platform: Xfer Serum
Description: Classic pluck/arp sound used in multiple electronic genres. Based on supersaw and filter with enveloping. Easy adjustments include Env 2 decay, cutoff, and resonance.
Download Link: Watch+Learn_SerumPreset_Superpluck
Level: Intermediate
Platform: Ableton Operator
Description: Recreation of one of the famous Yamaha DX-7 Marimba presets using FM synthesis in Ableton Operator.
Download Preset: Watch+Learn_AbletonPreset_DXMarimba
Supersaw starting points on four different softsynths: Serum, Phase Plant, Operator, and Wavetable.
Level: Beginner
Platform: Xfer Serum, Ableton Operator, Kilohearts Phase Plant, Ableton Wavetable
Description: The starting point for creating Supersaw chord stabs. Filter and effects are areas for customization.
Download Serum Supersaw: Watch+Learn_SerumPreset_Supersaw
Download Operator and Wavetable Supersaw: Watch+Learn_AbletonPresets_Supersaw
Download Phase Plant Supersaw: Watch+Learn_PP_Supersaw
Same sound, two different softsynths
Level: Beginner
Platform: Ableton Operator, Kilohearts Phase Plant
Description: The basic format for emulating tonewheel organs like the Hammond B3. Adjustments can be made by changing the volume of the first eight harmonics.
Download Operator Preset: Watch+Learn_AbletonPreset_B3
Download Phase Plant Preset: Watch+Learn_PhasePlant_B3
Level: Beginner
Platform: Phase Plant
Description: Classic pad consisting of Piano layered with filtered sawtooth. Long releases with reverb added for fullness. Experiment with the sawtooth filter and envelope times.
Download Preset: Watch+Learn_PP_PianoPad
Level: Beginner
Platform: Ableton Operator
Description: Iconic analog string sound used in many R&B, new wave, synthwave, funk, soul, and disco tracks.
Download Preset: Watch+Learn_AbletonPreset_AnalogStrings
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Platform: Xfer Serum
Description: A simulation of the architecture and processing for the Roland TB-303, created using Serum.
Download Preset: Watch+Learn_SerumPreset_Acid303
The adventure begins…
In this Music Radar masterclass, we’ll look at some interesting sounds you can create using the MiniBrute 2’s patchbay. But first, we’ll look at ways to overcome a few of the instrument’s idiosyncrasies.
For example, the MiniBrute 2 lacks a dedicated mult/splitter, making it impossible to route certain modulation sources to multiple destinations—a requirement that is a staple of many common sounds—without additional gear. A simple fix is to use a stackable 3.5mm cable, such as the Tiptop Audio Stackcable or the Modular Addict Stacking Eurorack Patch Cable.
Despite lacking a few features from the first Mini-Brute (such as the sub-oscillator), the MiniBrute 2 has a more advanced set of synthesis tools. Recreating familiar patches from the original model, however, requires an altered approach. This tutorial covers the essentials for configuring both the sounds of the original and a few iconic analog standards.
Link: https://www.musicradar.com/how-to/how-to-master-the-arturia-minibrute-2