The Impact of Jungle Music in 90s Video Game Development

I've recently been into game development, and I needed music which lead me to discovering synthesizers--I was hooked the first time I saw so many buttons, knobs, and flashing lights--and now I've gone off on a huge tangent and am studying music theory instead of making my game. Oh well, it's all for fun.

Does HN have any advice on how to get started with synthesizers, with an eye towards creating a game soundtrack?

I don't have any advice on how to get started, but please take a look at one of the legends of the 8/16-bit era:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Huelsbeck

Maybe I'm nostalgic, but these tunes were amazing. https://youtu.be/7dJrsmt9BOY

Oh, and if you haven't invested 30 minutes of your remaining lifetime listening to Orbital - The Box (Full Version) you are missing a masterpiece.

Here is Orbital's Paul Hartnoll playing with his gear:

https://youtu.be/VjlWypTclec

Ableton has a good free introduction using web audio stuff so no download needed.

https://learningsynths.ableton.com/

For a more advanced set of lessons there is Syntorial, which has a demo including the first 20 or so lessons and the full set of 200 lessons for $120. Syntorial requires a download, but it's a full synthesizer with lessons built into it, so you can use it in your own music.

Aside from that I'd say youtube is the best source. While you're still a beginner I'd recommend avoiding any videos where they don't show the finished result because it's much harder to tell if the video is BS or not.

For free synthesizers, I'd recommend "TAL U-NO-60" as a good beginner one, it's modeled after the Roland Juno 60. And "Vital" for a more complex / less beginner friendly one. Both of those have paid versions with additional features but those additional features are not necessary at all. You'll also need a DAW software capable of loading VST plugins to use them.

You started in the right place with music theory. As for learning synths, you can do it in two ways - just start using them, fiddling and playing (whether its a software synth or hardware synth) or you learning actually the fundamentals by books, video and articles like these: https://www.soundonsound.com/series/synth-secrets-sound-soun...

I started the first way in the early 80s and did the second and have a life long love of synths ( I don't even know how many I have now but probably around 30-40 hardware synths, samplers and drum machines).

Hardware synth route: Korg Minilogue XD is a great box that you'll likely keep forever. For a less traditional but fun experience, Arturia Microfreak or for more $, the Minifreak (which comes with a Minifreak VST!). To save money, see what's available second-hand locally and Google each to see if it's beginner friendly.

Software route: Get a midi controller with plenty of knobs and buttons that is supported for easy use by whatever DAW you want (digital audio workstation). By easy use, I mean that there is a config available within the DAW that will map the controller's buttons/knobs etc.to functions within the DAW. Examples: Push 3 or Launchkey keyboards for Abelton, Komplete Kontrol, etc.

If you want a lighter synth that is paired with a sequencer, drum machine, and effects all-in-one hardware box, for fun on the go or on your couch, you want a groovebox. I like the Novation Circuit Tracks, which has a serious synth under the hood, accessible by PC or a midi controller (Novation Launch Control XL is plug-n-play friendly if you download an addon from their website).

> I was hooked the first time I saw so many buttons, knobs, and flashing lights

I fell down the synthesizer rabbit hole during covid. And the urge to acquire more hardware is real. Resist! Try not to chase synth youtube gear cycles. Remember, synthesizers make sounds, not music. Not that there's anything wrong with enjoying sound design, it is fun. But if your goal is to make music, it can be a trap.

> Does HN have any advice on how to get started with synthesizers.

For me, synthesizers didn't click until I got my first super basic knob-per-function synth. There was just so many things I didn't know, that a VST like Vital had way too many options. Once I figured out most synths are just oscillators -> mixer -> filter -> amp, plus envelopes and LFO's for modulation... I could use pretty much any synth.

Here is Wendy Carlos explaining the above concepts in under 4 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SBDH5uhs4Q

Once you understand those basics, maybe look at videos that show you how to recreate famous sounds. Probably start with simple classic sounds so you get a feel for how the synthesizer controls shape that sound.

Here is Anthony Marinelli showing you the bass sound from Madonna's Holiday in under 8m. He does a good job explaining why you use a certain setting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVedA7H4qpQ

My last piece of advice: the online synth community can be a bit toxic <cough>reddit</cough>. Ignore them and just do what feels fun. It's a hobby after all!

> Novation Launch Control XL is plug-n-play friendly if you download an addon from their website

What does this mean? How is software plug-n-play?

I think it's a rite of passage for every programmer to play with a DAW, contemplate a career in music, maybe even buy an expensive synth, make a bunch of boring beats, find out that it's just not the technical aspect but that you actually need to be musically creative. Then get discouraged when you meet a creative and talented musician who does more with less money and equipment. Like pretty much any guy that has played keyboards at a church service or a wedding using a freaking Casio.

I did this and know other devs who did this in the early 2000s lol.