Tutorial: Programming a Synth - How To Take Your Preset To The Next Level [11/12]

Welcome back to our series on "How to Program a Synth" with our synthesizer SkyDust 3D! If you’ve been following the series, you already know the essentials: oscillators, envelope generators, LFOs, filters, and more. But today, we’re going to move beyond the basics and talk about How To Take Your Preset To The Next Level.

From Static Sounds to Dynamic Presets

Let’s say you’ve designed a synth patch you really like. The tone is good, the envelopes are smooth, and everything feels polished. But when you play it, it always sounds the same—no matter how soft or hard you hit the keys. That’s where velocity comes in.

MIDI velocity is essentially how hard you press a key. In many synths, this only affects volume—so if you play softly, the volume is low; play harder, and the volume increases. But what if you used velocity to do more than just control loudness?

MIDI Velocity as a Creative Tool

In an orchestra, playing softly doesn’t just reduce volume — it changes the timbre. You might hear just the strings at first, and then gradually brass and percussion as the dynamics increase.

The same principle can be applied to synths. By layering oscillators and using MIDI velocity to trigger them selectively, you can create presets that evolve with your playing:

• • Soft touches = warm and subtle tones
  • Harder hits = brighter, more aggressive layers emerge

This turns a static patch into something dynamic and responsive.

The Power of the Matrix

To implement this, we use something called the Modulation Matrix—often feared, but incredibly powerful. Think of it as the control center that lets you assign input sources (like velocity, aftertouch, mod wheel, etc.) to control any parameter in the synth.

Let’s walk through an example:

1. 1. Start with a soft, basic patch.
      
      
      
   2. Add a new oscillator (e.g., with a square wave for brightness).
      
      
      
   3. Use the Matrix to assign MIDI velocity to the gain of that oscillator.
      
      
      
   4. Adjust the curve, so the oscillator’s volume increases only when you play harder.
      
      
      

Voilà! Now, your patch has built-in dynamics.

Going even Deeper

Some synths let you fine-tune these interactions using curve editors, which let you shape how much influence velocity has over parameters. You can even invert the relationship — maybe you want brightness at soft touches and dullness when played hard. It’s unconventional, but hey, creativity has no rules.

You can also route other MIDI data to shape your sound:

• Key tracking – trigger layers only at high or low notes.
  
  
  
  

• Mod wheel or aftertouch – add effects or bring in new layers mid-performance.
  
  
  
  

• Note Off velocity – rarely used, but some synths support it.
  
  
  
  

Mastering Presets

By using MIDI velocity (and other modulators) to control layers, timbres, or effects, you unlock a new level of performance potential. Your preset becomes an instrument that responds to you—not just a loop that plays the same every time.

Whether you’re performing live, composing in the studio, or just exploring sound design, these techniques will give your synth patches more emotion and dimension.

Happy synthesizing!

Stay tuned and join the revolution!