Hear how a synth begins

Step 1: Use one oscillator

1. Open FirstTrack.
2. Choose Add›, then 3x Osc.
3. Turn the mix levels of oscillators 2 and 3 down.
4. Play a copy of your melody through it.

With 2 and 3 down, you hear oscillator 1 alone.

Listen for: oscillator 1 on its own, playing your melody.

Step 2: Compare two shapes

1. Switch oscillator 1 between its sine and triangle selectors.
2. Keep them at similar listening levels.
3. Use the same notes for both.
4. Choose a sound for one role in this piece.

Listen for: the extra upper tone in the triangle.

Step 3: Save and check

1. Save FirstTrack with your choice.
2. Mute the new instrument if the original serves the song better.
3. Later, for an acoustic-style sound, try FLEX›, then Library.
4. Choose one installed or free piano, bass or plucked preset.
5. Audition only three sounds, using the same phrase.
6. Adjust one macro and keep a choice.
7. Stop after ten minutes: sound browsing eats into making time.

Learning a sound doesn’t oblige you to add it.

Listen for: the song with your choice in it, or without it if the original serves better.