Beginner's Guide to Sound Design on the Sonicware Liven Ambient Zero

Overview

• Introduction to sound design on Sonicware Liven Ambient Zero.
• Key topics covered:
  • Wave tables
  • Initial parameter values
  • Voice mode options
  • LFOs
  • Six structures of the Ambient Zero (Drone, Pad, Atmos layers)
  • Noise player

Understanding Presets and Raw Sounds

• Ambient Zero comes with presets; default sounds are raw to allow customization.
• Default sound serves as a starting point for sound design.

Wave Tables and Waveforms

• Default synth layers use a Sawtooth waveform.
• Wave tables contain variations; select using the Harmonic knob.
• 32 wave tables available; each has 128 variations.
• Different layers can use different waveforms (sine, triangle, square).

Noise Layer

• Sample-based rather than waveform-based.
• To be discussed later in the guide.

Initial Parameter Adjustments

• Use 'Latch' function to understand current parameter values.
• Adjust filter cutoff to soften raw sounds.
• Reverb mix value initially high; no reverb sent to layers by default.
• Adjust attack and release for dynamic sound development.

Voice Mode Options

• Polyphonic, Monophonic, Legato, and Unison modes.
• Unison mode amplifies notes by playing multiple voices.
• Monophonic and Legato modes allow for smoother transitions without overlap.

Creating Movement with LFOs

• LFOs automate parameter oscillations (e.g., volume, filter cutoff).
• Each layer has two LFOs, independently controlled.
• LFO settings include assignment, rate, depth, shape, and trigger.
• LFOs can create effects like tremolo and vibrato.

Using Structures

• Six structures: Drone 1, Drone 2, Pad 1, Pad 2, Atmos 1, Atmos 2.
• Structures determine how synth components are organized.
• Key parameters: Balance, Pitch, Detuning, Modulator

Drone Structures

• Drone 1: Two oscillators, focus on detuning modulation.
• Drone 2: Two oscillators, harmonic modulation.

Pad Structures

• Pad 1: Three oscillators, harmonic modulation.
• Pad 2: Similar to Pad 1, with different balance and modulation focus.

Atmos Structures

• Atmos 1: Ring modulation, simple oscillator setup.
• Atmos 2: Frequency modulation (FM synthesis).

Practical Tips for Using Structures

• Use detuning and Unison mode to enhance sound strength.
• Experiment with pitch intervals to create richer harmonics.
• Use harmonic modulation for dynamic and evolving sounds.

Noise Layer

• Includes eight sample-based sounds; custom samples possible.
• Controls for looping, blending with white noise, pitch/speed modulation.
• Modulator affects sample playback pitch.

Final Adjustments and Fine-Tuning

• After initial design, fine-tune layers by adjusting filters, levels, and effects.
• Consider adding Reverb, Delay, and other master effects.

Conclusion

• Sound design on the Ambient Zero involves layering and adjusting various elements for desired outcomes.
• Future video will cover sequencing on the Ambient Zero.