How to Make Synth Sounds: A Beginner's Guide to Synthesis

Updated May 24, 2026

Learning how to make synth sounds is one of the most rewarding skills in music production. This guide walks you through the fundamentals of sound synthesis and shows you how to create your first patches.

What Is Sound Synthesis?

Sound synthesis is the electronic generation of audio signals. A synthesizer creates sound using oscillators generating raw waveforms: sine, sawtooth, square, and triangle. These are shaped by filters, envelopes, and effects. Modern software synths like Serum, Vital, and Massive X make synthesis accessible.

The Four Main Types of Synthesis

Subtractive: Start with rich waveform, remove frequencies via filter. Bass example: sawtooth + low-pass filter at 200Hz + envelope on cutoff + resonance.

FM: One oscillator modulates another's frequency. Bell example: sine carrier 261Hz + modulator 14:1 ratio + quick decay envelope.

Wavetable: Morph between waveforms. Pad example: morphing wavetable + slow envelope + LFO on filter + reverb.

Granular: Break audio into tiny grains. Best for ambient and cinematic textures.

Terminology

Oscillator (VCO): Generates raw waveform.

Filter (VCF): Removes frequencies.

Envelope (ADSR): Shapes parameters over time.

LFO: Cyclic modulation source.

FAQs About Making Synth Sounds

What do I need to start making synth sounds? You need a synthesizer (hardware or software), a DAW to host it, and basic knowledge of synthesis. Free VST synths like Vital or Surge XT are great starting points.

What is the difference between subtractive and FM synthesis? Subtractive synthesis shapes sound by filtering harmonically rich waveforms, while FM synthesis creates sounds by modulating one waveform with another. Subtractive is more intuitive for beginners.

How do I create a bass sound from scratch? Start with a sawtooth wave, apply a low-pass filter with moderate resonance, add an envelope with quick attack and medium release, and finish with subtle distortion for harmonics.

What are ADSR envelopes? ADSR stands for Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release — the four stages that shape a sound over time. Attack controls how fast the sound starts, Decay how it drops, Sustain its holding level, and Release how it fades.

Best Synths for Learning

Serum — Visual wavetable synth, huge community.
Vital — Free, three oscillators. Compare
Pigments — Combines analog, wavetable, FM, granular.