STARTING THE PATCH

This section introduces you to the basic structure of the synthesizer you are going to build, called a subtractive synthesizer. You will also learn how to start your patch by loading and arranging Blocks according to this structure.

What Is a Subtractive Synthesizer?

A subtractive synthesizer is composed of three basic building blocks: an oscillator that generates a constant sound, a filter that shapes the tone color of the sound, and an amplifier that controls the amplitude, or volume level of the sound.

Preparing the Rack

The new Rack includes a default selection of commonly used Blocks to get you started. From these Blocks you only need the Util Note In to continue building the subtractive synthesizer. The Util Note In is useful to play your patch with a MIDI keyboard or sequencer.

Delete the Blocks called Util Clock and Util Level Stereo by right-clicking on them and selecting Delete.

Note: Throughout the guide, you can use the animations as a reference for how your patch should look.

Loading Blocks from the Library

Click the Library tab in the Browser to see all installed Blocks. Then open the Blocks Base folder by double-clicking and go to Bento Box.
Drag and drop the following files from the Browser into the Rack to load the Blocks. Dropping them next to existing Blocks adds them in the same row. The order shown below is typical to a subtractive synthesizer.
  • OSC-Bento Oscillator.ism
  • FLT-Bento SVF Filter.ism
  • AMP-Bento VCA.ism
Tip: To free up screen space, you can hide the Browser by clicking on the magnifier icon in the header.

Arranging Blocks

Blocks can be freely arranged within a Rack to create a clear view of your patch. The order of the Blocks does not have an effect on the functionality or the sound.

Click and drag the headers of the Blocks to move them around. To complete your basic arrangement, move the OUT Block to the right.
NEXT: CONNECTING BLOCKS