• Duration: 50 minutes
  • Software: Vital
  • Objective: Listen closely to several short synthesized sounds and recreate them as accurately as possible using Vital. You’ll use your ear to identify waveforms, filter shapes, envelopes, and modulation techniques.

Setup (5 minutes)⌗

  1. Open Vital and start with a blank/default patch.
  2. Make sure your DAW is ready to record or save your patch.
  3. Have paper or a notes document open to jot down your synthesis choices.

Round 1 – Bright Filtered Lead (10 minutes)⌗

Concept: Filter envelope modulation in subtractive synthesis.
Listen:

Your task:

  • Identify the waveform shape (saw, square, etc.)
  • Notice how the brightness changes over time — is there a filter sweep?
  • Recreate the sound using one or two oscillators, a low-pass filter, and an envelope.
  • Adjust resonance and cutoff movement until it feels close.

Guiding questions:

  • What kind of attack and decay does the sound have?
  • Is it wide or mono?
  • How bright or dull is it compared to your patch?

Round 2 – Modulated Bass (10 minutes)⌗

Concept: Using LFOs to create rhythmic movement.
Listen:

Your task:

  • Identify the modulation pattern. How often does the filter open and close?
  • What type of waveform might produce the core tone?
  • Recreate the sound using an oscillator, a sub oscillator, and an LFO controlling the filter.
  • Try syncing the LFO to your DAW tempo.

Guiding questions:

  • Is the modulation shape smooth or choppy?
  • How heavy is the low end?
  • How much distortion or drive is in the tone?

Round 3 – Evolving Pad (10 minutes)⌗

Concept: Slow modulation and layering for depth.
Listen:

Your task:

  • Identify how many layers or oscillators you hear.
  • What kind of motion happens over time — subtle filter movement? pitch drift?
  • Recreate the pad using at least two oscillators, some detuning, and slow modulation.
  • Add space with chorus, delay, or reverb.

Guiding questions:

  • How does stereo width affect the sound?
  • What kind of envelope controls the amplitude?
  • How fast or slow is the modulation cycle?

Bonus Round – Percussive Pluck (5 minutes)⌗

Concept: Short envelopes and transient shaping.
Listen:

Your task:

  • Focus on the attack and decay — it’s quick and bright.
  • Try using a fast envelope on both amplitude and filter cutoff.
  • Experiment with morphing waveforms or using FM for extra brightness.

Guiding questions:

  • Is the pluck pure or complex?
  • How does reverb change the spatial feel?
  • Does it sound more like a string, bell, or synth pluck?

Reflection and Discussion (10 minutes)⌗

After completing the recreations:

  1. Play your patches for classmates.
  2. Discuss which parameters had the biggest impact on accuracy.
  3. Share one strategy that helped you get closer to the target sound.