analog isn't really doing it for me..

[jsn]

Do not forget that careful use of the different filter saturation modes can be used to smooth or warm up filter output...or simply add character and presence to one layer of a two-layer sound.

god, this is the part I always forget! analog is even more feature-rich than I manage to remember while using it; i repeatedly space out the existence of the filter drive modes, but yes, they can really add some serious grit to sounds when you kick them in.

the signal path of Analog reminds me of the Yamaha CS-80, because of the two-divided channels approach, where you basically take an osc--filter-amp-env-lfo path and then just duplicated every part of it for a second row of goodness right beneath the first -M

Yes, it is in fact quite easy to forget things about Analog because it is not as straight-forward an interface as you might find in other popular software. Careful adjustment of saturation modes/amounts combined with a final mixing adjustment of the two filters can result in providing a layer rich in presence or easy and warm. Also each layer has own volume(mix). A saturated layer need not always stand on top of a patches mix and be distorted. It can sit 'under' another layer and provide some nice harmonic content as well.

I can see what you mean about the CS-80 signal flow. The slightest change in the mix amounts within signal-route into/out of the filter (or osc output to the filters) can really add presence and movement to an already layered sound. The many various signal mixes can of course also be macro- and midi- controlled for even more dynamics within a single patch or phrase of music.

[anybody human]

and that it can achive something when doing complex stacks with fx? that statement apllies to any plug on the market..

I'm aware that you can rack VST's in Live but I know what you mean. Just pointing out something the OP might try with Analog, which obviously integrates well with Live so setup is easy. Plus it's just a good vid.

Analog is not my favorite but you can get results with it. The best thing about it is the integration w/Live I think. Not thrilled with using soft synths these days, there's only a couple I use anymore but that's just a personal preference thing.

Edit: Agree about the filter sat. & filter mix etc. Also, with any synth I have to start a sound from scratch to get into it.

[casiblake]

3phase, what do you not like about the "sound" if you do not mind explaining in a bit more detail?

You might be asking the impossible, JSN. Thankyou, though, for an insightful post wrt Analog. Having spent time with it myself, I too had to go through that initial GUI hurdle. It is ultimately a very unique and well-designed little synth, small touches on the LFO, filters and filter mix goes a long way. THEN there's the formant filters and saturation modes (as you said)... oh yes.

[jsn]

3phase, what do you not like about the "sound" if you do not mind explaining in a bit more detail?

You might be asking the impossible, JSN. Thankyou, though, for an insightful post wrt Analog. Having spent time with it myself, I too had to go through that initial GUI hurdle. It is ultimately a very unique and well-designed little synth, small touches on the LFO, filters and filter mix goes a long way. THEN there's the formant filters and saturation modes (as you said)... oh yes.

I just try to state some things that should not be discounted before one decides to move on to the next piece of software. That is easy to do when one is buying a lot of different software and not taking time to learn and appreciate what one already owns. I also fear that a large majority hesitate to use the instrument mainly due to the unique interface. Of course this is a valid reason, but it really does not take much time to get familiar with it after building a few patches. There are global signal flow algorithms one can use as well to make routing a bit more user-friendly. Of course it helps tremendously to have an understanding of subtractive synthesis in general, yet that is definitely not imperative. It helps to have the Live manual open in front of you to keep referring back to different features and get a better understanding on them. I have had to do this with a few of Live's instruments. They are not always simple to understand when one opens the device for the first time.

Yes, the formant filters are great fun, esp when Fil2 formant interval slaved to follow Fil1, but many possibilities exist with signal mixing and filter env while using various combinations.

[anybody human]

Actually I don't mind the GUI, except that some things are a bit too small, such as Filter envelope value etc. Agree though it's odd at first.

[Lazos]

Actually I don't mind the GUI, except that some things are a bit too small, such as Filter envelope value etc. Agree though it's odd at first.

Make it bigger with the ZOOM function!

[jsn]

Actually I don't mind the GUI, except that some things are a bit too small, such as Filter envelope value etc. Agree though it's odd at first.

I am usually dragging the handles on the envelope display instead of inputting exact values (with exception of Sustain Time), but yes the numbers are small depending on your resolution. I sometimes use Live 8's new zoom function while working with Analog, Operator and other native instruments.

[condra]

I find Analog a bit of a pain to use. I do think it sounds good, but needs more coaxing than some other synths.

[jsn]

I find Analog a bit of a pain to use. I do think it sounds good, but needs more coaxing than some other synths.

Hi, would you say what you mean by a 'pain to use'? What is it that frustrates you about it? I ask because I also thought it was odd programming it in the beginning, but after programming several patches and racks everything started to work out much easier. Have you used it to build a bank of patches yet?

[rasputin]

Although everyone has given you good tips for getting more out of Ableton's Analog(ue) this is the synth you want: http://www.acesynth.com/

Damyaz! I'm trying so hard to keep zebra and ace a secret but it keeps getting out there...

[condra]

Hi, would you say what you mean by a 'pain to use'? What is it that frustrates you about it? I ask because I also thought it was odd programming it in the beginning, but after programming several patches and racks everything started to work out much easier. Have you used it to build a bank of patches yet?

Yeah I've built plenty of patches.

I find the GUI fiddley and cumbersome. It takes more mouse clicks and more eye-squinting than most other VAs. For building quick and easy VA patches, I quite like Linplug Alpha, though I use Sylenth for most of my VA needs.

Sometimes I even use Operator for basic VA stuff.

[selthym]

Anyone care to post their effects rack that they place after Analog?

Would half of these post's be here if Analog had a few effects built into the GUI and the presets sounded "phat"???

[Machinesworking]

I like Analog, but I don't think it sounds very analogue.
There's a brittle edge to the high end that simply doesn't exist in my analogue synths, the filters respond in a clinical way as well.
it's more like a virtual analogue to my ears. That's not a bad thing, but it's a deceiving name IMO.

[Synthbuilder]

but it's a deceiving name IMO.

Perhaps deception is a little overstating it but the name certainly led me to be somewhat disappointed. I was expecting it sound so much more analog than other VSTi. But I don't think it does much better than the super freebie that is Synth1.

Right now for me the most analogue VSTi have is VAZ Modular - but it's PC only.

OP-X's sound demos sound rather good but with VAZ I rarely see the need to go elsewhere for that sort of sound in a VSTi.

[leedsquietman]

Damyaz! I'm trying so hard to keep zebra and ace a secret but it keeps getting out there...

erm ... a bit late for that friend. Zebra especially is owned by just about everyone !