Customer reviews

Rick Roberts

10-12-2024

Hi Rob. I want to take a moment to appreciate you for the 4ES training you created over 10 years ago. I'm just now discovering it and am only up to Element 3. I appreciate the way you simplified subtractive synthesis down to 4 basic elements, and that you continually repeat and drive home how simple the basic elements are. You seem to be a true "educator", and I'm happy to be led along by your presentation. I'm speaking as a retired Computer Engineer who is just now getting interested in synthesis and sound exploration when I say that this basic training is very helpful. I wish more people had your communication skills! Thanks again!

Rino Kristiansen

31-10-2023

Bought the hardcover book with CDs and my oh my.... Now I can finally start doing justice to my Syntesizers.com Studio 88 system : ) !!

Michael Favila

03-12-2021

The new edition of the book is excellent, with all the necessary resources either at the Hal Leonard online library, or on Rob's site. I had struggled for years trying to put the complete picture together, and the book alongside the videos finally helped me really understand the basics of synthesizer design. I would highly recommend this to any beginner or intermediate user looking to level up.

Andrej Westermann

29-09-2018

If you want an easy but in-depth explanation of synthesizer elements, this is is. When all the words were alien to me, modulators, controllers, oscillators and the different filtertypes, this book made it clear. It is very clear and well written. the pace is mindful but the content is intense. The grafical layout and the pictures allow you „to grasp and see“ what rob is talking about. although limited to subtractive synthesis, this is no loss as the general physics of sound are treated well, including difficult topics like ring modulation. this book is one of a kind, it now sits next to all my other synth books. its a refreshing starting point when wanting to understand synthesis with all your senses.

Jeff Buet

10-01-2018

The most clear comprehensible book on substractive synthesis. I liked Rob before it but now I understand more the man he is. A love sharing knowledge man. Buy this book, you'll need it often even if you're not a beginner.

Gernot

01-04-2017

I ordered the book to learn subtractive synthesis and have to admit that the book and the videos are great and easy to understand. I think after finishing I am ready to buy my fist analog synth. Thank you Rob for taking me to the next level!

Jo

23-11-2016

My first impression: a beautiful book, made with love! Very concise and clear. I'm looking forward to working through and the DVDs. Thank you!

Mark

12-12-2015

This is a absolute must to have... Especially when you want to understand all about synthese and making sounds with synthesizers... I loved it... Awesome job done Rob.

Bart Luyckx

12-12-2015

Just received the book and DVDs. Looks gorgeous and first impression: very thorough. Will be having lots of fun with this and my trusted 32 year old MS20!

Owen Thomas

10-03-2014

I watched all 4 DVDs over the course of a couple weeks last Spring. Before watching them, if you asked me about the myriad of software synths I own, I'd have said "I don't really understand most of what they do, and they're all totally different". Now, not only do I understand the individual instruments much better, but - crucially - I can see how it all fits together, and how they all basically follow the same pattern, whether it's a slavishly reproduced Arturia vintage synth, or the latest of Rob's incredibly line of instruments (hell Blue II)! Added bonus, not only is the material incredibly comprehensive and great at reinforcing its principals the more you watch, but the book itself is a retro work of art in and of itself. If you need/want to understand how synths - real or virtual - work, and how to make them work for you, there can be no better investment than this book & DVD combo. A perfect combination, then, of form and function - like everything else this company makes.