Subtractive Synths - Comparing Modulation Options

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Usually modulation options in subtractive synthesizers have more to do with ease of use than it does with sound shaping capabilities but that’s not always the case. Some instruments will only allow you to modulate certain things with a limited number of modulators (1 ADSR Envelope and 1 LFO). For example only a few synths offer Multi Stage Envelope Generators (mseg) or LFO’s where you can draw in custom shapes.

As you’ll see in this lesson the digital domain allows you to setup modulation routings really fast thanks to the drag and drop architecture. That being said some instruments still employ the old school mod matrix. This is interesting because regardless of the instrument working with a classic mod matrix is time consuming and can be frustrating. This leads me to believe that such instruments (like Dune 2) are more about working with the oscillators, filters, and FX where an instrument like Massive or Serum is really all about getting creative with modulation. Ones not better than the other, just different.