An Introduction to Analog Synthesizers (featuring Moog Mavis)

In this video, I take the all new MOOG MAVIS out for a spin. In the process, I go over how classic analog synths (aka subtractive synths) work.
More info about the Moog Mavis can be found here: www.moogmusic.com/products/mavis
Support what I do on Patreon: / dhilowitz
Find my FILM & INSTRUMENTAL music here: davidhilowitz.bandcamp.com
Find my ROCK MUSIC here: manwomanchild.bandcamp.com

[@zachsanchez587]

every time i watch a video like this my wallet cries

[@shaungreer3350]

same, i can barely afford food never mind a synth lol

[@methaChiba]

just buy a behringer crave, it costs around 100€

[@sampreece3900]

That's why these youtube channels exist.

[@teatime2595]

@@shaungreer3350 more like around 250 for the crave the Moog Mavis is about 300 which is still kinda cheap but there's better ones for the same price like the Berhinger neutron the Korg vokcas are dope too for 200$ the east beast and west pest are great for 250!

[@VictorSteiner]

@@methaChiba 220 €

[@KieranShort]

You are a brilliant speaker and presenter. I'm a lecturer, and your timing and emphasis is perfect. Your choice of when leaving silence when your speaking is just fantastic. 👍 And it is a nice sounding synth too 🤣

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

Aww, thanks!

[@jono6794]

I came to the comment section to express similar praise. Thanks!

[@GrumpyOldGuy777]

I agree. I'm brand new to this subject and found this presentation invaluable. You are a master teacher. Kudos!

[@rosekennedy9744]

Moog should hire you because you’ve sold me on this product.

[@melonycarlson4093]

music production, especially synth music has always seemed like such arcane wizardry to me, ur videos actually make it seem pretty straightforward and easy to understand

[@devildog-]

This video was very thoughtfully put together. It was crisply shot and narrated not to mention very informative, it was exactly what I needed to see. Thank you for creating it.

[@chk_yt3345]

Hello David. This was one of the clearest, most educational and enjoyable walk-through of this type of synth I have watched. It helped me a ton to grasp some of the concepts and interactions. Million thanks for this and your gem of a channel. ❤️❤️❤️

[@andrewbrehaut]

Regarding the tiny knobs, the Mavis’s predecessor, the Werkstatt has the same or similar. I got an adapter kit from Thonk in the UK that contained brass sleeves and appropriately moogy knobs, and it made a massive difference to ease of use. Well worth investigating equivalents for the Mavis

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

Thanks! I’m going to order some.

[@JH-lo9ut]

Very nice introduction to analog subtractive synthesis! Just one thing I would have added: Recording the bassline or lead as a sequence on the keystep, then playing around with the filter cutoff and resonance. Sequencing is such a big part of electronic music, as it frees up your hands to sculpt the sound in real time. This is to me what really sets synthesizers apart from other instruments. Maybe material for a follow-up video.

[@maxverse]

David, you're a very gifted teacher. I'm delighted and captivated by your explanations - a lot of "synth stuff" that "sort of made sense...ish" is a lot clearer when you talk through it. Thank you for taking the time!

[@azzy-551]

Man I wish I watched a video like this a five years ago, I had to teach subtractive synthesis to myself with no prior knowledge about synthesizers. makes me really appreciate the simplicity of synthesizers, even though I didn't really understand anything I could still reverse engineer it by trial and error. would love to get an analog synthesizer one day.

[@DstnLaPres]

Dave, you are a brilliant producer. As others have commented, you are certainly an excellent presenter, speaker, teacher... But beyond that, everything about your videos is simple and IMHO; perfect. I especially like your video/camera work. Each of your videos has a crisp, High definition feel but it's even more than that. Like how the camera is in or out of focus in the perfect places. The sharp colors. The smooth, well put together layout and presentation. Finally, your speaking parts are simple, illustrative, and accessible for everyone from the absolute beginner, to the Musical Genius. I am a published Author & Freelance writer, singer-songwriter, and Guitarist myself, and I find well educated, professional, composers, and creators inspiring. What I'm not, Is a formally trained & educated, full spectrum+composer like yourself...or as I like to call them; Professional Musician. I am not even a patron of the electronic instruments, synthesizers, or any of the other amazing electronic synth type products. Even still, as a consumer; I can watch your videos, and learn new things watching hours of your videos. It is creators like you who make @KZbin Great, and it is people like you who attract amazing new talent to Musicianship. Praying for Fair Winds and Following Seas on your journey my friend--Godspeed.

[@LoyalTreeFriend]

i was craving for this from the start explanation since a while. thanks i finally understand how analog synths work... at least a bit ;)

[@einatom]

it is utterly INSANE how this dude manages to just throw me into a complete new world every time he produces some music in those videos. I really really enjoy it!

[@circlemover]

Few bother with first principles these days...and that's where the magic begins. Bravo.

[@CraigRodmellMusic]

Yes, David, I DID like this, I DID enjoy it, and I gave a big thumbs up. An interesting little synth, and your explanation of how it worked was clear, concise & understandable. I won't be getting one myself (the lack of MIDI is a deal-breaker for me), but that doesn't make it any less interesting. Thank you!

[@Drinkyoghurt]

My best investment was a Korg Minilogue xd as my first synth. The display is really useful in understanding what I'm actually doing when I turn the knobs. You could have your DAW open and use a spectrum analyzer but this synth has it built in. On top of that it's not just analogue but also digital (Reverb and Digital oscillator is amazing) and having automatic tuning is a blessing. Price wise it's the same as the Moog Mavis but imho it offers a lot more to someone learning synthesis.

[@teatime2595]

The moog Mavis is 350$ the XD is 600$ right now

[@Drinkyoghurt]

@@teatime2595 Damn, I got my minilogue xd used for 390 euros and it was practically new.

[@eldipi8313]

Just recently got into synths. Thanks for this, made my learning process a lot easier

[@Jack-up1sb]

I don't really know anything about synths, electronics or music production but your videos are so calming to me, everytime I hear the end piece of music you make with the kit it's so satisfying to me, this is like my version of ASMR 😂

[@zoranznidaric4518]

it is simple ... sound from analog synthesizer in more natural, then digital effects used now.

[@zoranznidaric4518]

majority of Goa Trance music was generated with analog synthesizers.

[@static-san]

I'd heard about the Mavis and I'm sure I'd seen someone else look at it, but this is the first time I'm seriously tempted! I already have a KeyStep, and a MicroFreak, and a Deluge - three things that already know how to CV! Sounds like a perfect next-step device..

[@mynameisarji]

I believe you can create insane bass patches with that one

[@i1a2159]

I know nothing about synths, this video was my first introduction to how they actually function. Despite this, I've been watching your other videos and have been absolutely loving them! I really do enjoy hearing about the history as well as the music you make out of the devices. Whether synths, violins, or a bicycle wheel, I've been finding that you're style of music is just incredible. I'm quite happy to find that you have quite a lot of music you've made on SoundCloud, it will for sure become a staple to my music listening

[@astrOtuba]

That's a bit sad people don't watch this video as active as synth reviews. It's both informative and relaxing. I'm totally new to this world, I have only seen Mick Gordon's videos on creating the soundtrack for DOOM and, probably, one or two more but there's something special about it. Damn, I need to use my tuba as input one day. Also your cloudy synth (may all pros forgive me my inexperience and misused terminology) gives me vibes from the soundtrack to Pixar's “Soul” which I need to relisten like immediately. And also thank you for everything you do. You deeply love the subject and it feels in every second of your videos.

[@Dom2Wan]

What a superbly thought-out class. Clear and concise.

[@dashrando7892]

This is the exact kind of breakdown of synthesis I was looking for. Thank you.

[@tasty4644]

Awesome video, thank you for this beginner rundown. I was recently gifted a mavis and I'm very intrigued by modular synths.

[@scowy69]

Thank you. I'm a singer, guitarrist and I'd learn piano when I was a kid. This is the first time I understand how synthesizers works. It blows my mind.

[@JamesCoyle95]

This looks like an excellent product to get started with actual physical synth hardware. If I ever have the time to get back into music I definitely think I'd pick one of these up with a suitable MIDI keyboard.

[@JerryGartnerPersonal]

You'll want a keyboard that supports CV. Mavis and Workstatt do not have MIDI. Aurturia Keystep has MIDI and CV support.

[@dekoningtan]

Just want to say how happy I am for you! I remember when I first subscribed you were around over just over 1000 subs? Can't quite remember, but it was a more humble amount and now you're at 55k :D Keep going, love all your videos!

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

Aww, thanks. And thanks for the support!

[@daveapple205]

Pretty cool....but my little AE Modular by Tangible Waves can do everything this can do and more....and a lot more at that. This would be an excellent unit to teach new students of synthesis though.

[@rick98765]

I want one of these so bad now. These videos are mesmerizing to watch!

[@JamesVytas]

You gave the clearest and most succinct explanation I’ve heard for beginners about the parameters and elements of a synthesiser.

[@filmismorefun]

This was so absolutely helpful! Thank you for putting this video together. As a lifelong musician that is new to the world of synthesis, your clear explanations and examples are exactly what I needed. Thanks again! 🙂

[@alanthompson5639]

Excellent video David. Thank you for explaining the architecture of analog synthesis and educating us all about the moog Mavis unit. It definitely looks like a useful tool for music creation. I am an old soul with analog gear ( Juno 106 ) but I recently have added another more complex synth into my collection which sadly is far beyond my comprehension of what I thought analog is, because it's virtual analog. A totally digital 8 voice synth that turns everything you thought about analog synths upside-down. ( Modal Cobalt 8X ) and so I have some more Learning to catch up on. I wish you all the best David as you explore whatever inspires your creative mind, and thank you for sharing that with us all. Cheers

[@mojophonic]

Brilliant. Love the engaging, knowledgeable and enthusiastic approach you have to your content. Keep it up!

[@Snowsea-gs4wu]

Thanks for the video David! Very soothing voice, excellent edition and presentation.

[@Buddy_Holly]

your videos are so calming to me, its almost like asmr ig. my mind just feels at ease when watching your videos and you explain things so well. thank you so much, keep it up!

[@LaminarSound]

Very much enjoyed your vid. You do a great job of giving all the needed info, none of the stuff you dont need, and you do it without being boring somehow.

[@justinupchurch1773]

Best music tech channel, filmed beautifully, extremely informative without at all being boring.. bravo

[@andrewprichard1896]

Thank you so much! I've been learning synthesizers on logic just from messing around and I loved how you simplify so much of the terms as well as giving a demonstration

[@athko]

i think its funny how moog only makes synthesizers that sound like the original 60s moogs, even when they add new stuff (wavefolding, or the subharmonic stuff on the subhamonicon, etc) - ive never heard a mother32 composition which sounded like it wouldnt fit in a wendy carlos composition

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

It's true. It's a very distinctive sound.

[@matiascastrocomposer]

David, you're awesome, as always. Thank you for this amazing video!

[@MykiVonFerro]

I packed my Mavis randomly for a trip to Europe. This video made it a heck of a lot of fun as I had only spent a little time with it to-date. Thank you for such a detailed breakdown.

[@Furyflow]

I am not an engineer even though I had many natural science disciplines during my studies (I am a health scientist) and a couple of things are just mindboggling for me. The first one is how these universal laws of nature pop up in the most random places, the second one is how music is really just math and physics and the third one is how similar brains operate to music and how we have used many concepts that are introduced here in this video for example for brain imaging technologies like EEG.

[@etfoltz]

This was such a calming video. I love it

[@TDRKB]

I leant a lot from this video including solving a problem which was explained so clearly in this video. Great video and intro to the Mavis. Loved the composition.Thanks!

[@nathanallen9291]

Hey thanks! Going to dive in with a mavis and a keystep 37, and seeing this setup just further convinced me I am on the right path. Great stuff! Killer graphics too

[@DeepCrossing1]

This is such a fantastic overview and scratching-the-surface of the type of theory required to explore synthesis, fantastic resource for educators, thank you so much 🙏

[@jononymous81]

Your explanations and editing are super easy to listen to! Thankyou for your talent! :)

[@Cooperativity]

I am SO stoked on this! Really awesome and clear explanation for someone (me) just scratching the surface learning about synths in general. Hope to play around with a Mavis someday in the near future. The little songs you construct are fun, and seeing you be creative and having fun with this in the video is a little nugget of inspiration to get back into making music

[@mitchyyy18]

This is the best KZbin channel ever. AudioHaze is very good too, but this guy has incredible content for music nerds. Thank you, sir! 😊

[@JHsp-mx6tz]

I really enjoy watching your videos.

[@Gusrikh1]

Very, very interesting and educational.

[@juanocordoba]

Awesome video! Already knew most of what you taught but you explained it so well that i stayed for the full vid

[@crittercamproductions]

Hi David, I'm glad I found your video about the Moog Mavis. I'm just getting started with synthesis, learning what I can online, while trying to decide what I may want to eventually purchase to use here at home. I was intrigued by the Mavis--by it's power, and rich Moog sound, and your presentation has helped deepen my understanding and appreciation for this little module. Thanks!

[@isaiahfuenzalida8615]

Super super helpful video! Thank you.

[@wightwulf]

I'm so glad I got this video in my recommendations. Great video

[@rubendpc]

Probably one of my favorite channels currently.

[@diggyonutube]

This is very well done!!! love it

[@Realneoweed]

Superb! Brilliant! Thank you!

[@billybobjoe444]

Really has to be one of, if not the best intros to understanding synth around

[@stevenpetrillo9527]

Okay. Built it and fooled around a bit today. Will come back to this tomorrow.

[@diarrhea_splatter]

This is such a great video. Very happy my friend shared it with me. 👍

[@DIMI.MUSIC_]

Learning so much. Thank you a lot.

[@4wheelwarrior]

Finally clear on what all those VCx sections actually do!! Thank You.

[@mr.zeitmaschine6878]

Actually my Moog one came without a manual. I had to call and get one separate but didn’t pay for it. They were nice enough…

[@morganravy]

excellent video thank you for this !

[@socaseinpoint]

you are doing amazing job, thanks a lot

[@paulnix8443]

Thank you David, you are clearly the pretty Patrick of music. Keep up the good work!

[@terrellworrell8005]

Great video. I feel like i understand a lot better now!

[@juxty3102]

Really enjoyed this video. 👍

[@thesadwolf]

17:45 You almost played the State Farm theme. At least I think that’s what it is.

[@FrozenLonesome]

Excellent video. I’m not a synth newbie, just wanted to watch you do an introduction to analog synthesizers. Thanks

[@EposVox]

Great job

[@99xara99]

As someone who knows a fair bit about acoustic music and instruments but nothing about synthesizers, modulator or digital music, this is a dive into a whole new world. Although I must say I did not understand much let alone can I fathom how this could possibly function without computers. Architecture? Lines? What does any of that mean? 😂 I'll gladly learn a little more about it but this seems completely beyond me at this point!

[@distractionpool]

Dave, you are my favorite

[@billcosgrave6232]

Great video!

[@mcmoozack]

This is awesome! Just found your channel today.

[@mcmoozack]

A year later, and I am the proud owner of a Mavis!

[@NazzaYKTL]

Thank you! ❤

[@CandyLemon36]

This is a collection of gems. I read a matching book that was a tidal wave of new perspectives. "A Life Unplugged: Reclaiming Reality in a Digital Age" by Theodore Blaze

[@zoranznidaric4518]

they say music was better in the 1990s and 2000s because DJs used Analog synthesizers. In the last 3 years, young people are returning to the music of this era.

[@MAXIMBOARD]

Спасибо, очень информативно и наглядно!

[@hizitefery]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[@LucasSzczepaniki]

informational and therapeutic at the same time

[@delscoville]

I got my start with subtractive synthesis with the Commodore 64 and it's SID 6581 chip. But I went with Yamaha FM from there, then AWM2 and AWM2+FM-X with a MODX+. But I find myself wanting to mold sound with knobs. I looked at digital synths that have "wired by software". But I want to get more wild with it than those synths can do. So now looking at the Moog Studio 3. The Mavis looks really teamptibg, but I do want to use a keyboard with it, but don't have anything with CV/Gate, I do really like the wave folding of the Mavis, It makes it amazing.

[@j-pastel-yellow]

as a guitarist, i feel completely out of my depth here. the world of electronic music is so vast and complex that it’s dizzying. huge respect to those who can wrap their heads around all this

[@jakubolszewski8284]

Thank Yeeee, kind sir!

[@Morthwyl]

If you KZbin for Wendy Carlos BBC interview, she beautifully explains how early analogue synths worked

[@wtfgrooves3268]

This was great:) however it might cost me a new Mavis.. not sure where I stand on that😅 (also, I loved how you've incorporated the Mavis sounds as background music🌸 pretty sneaky)

[@mobial]

Perfect.

[@TonyDupre]

Oooo I need one

[@RetiredDog]

This is ASMR for my eyes!

[@TheBestBoyyeeehehe]

nice video

[@jonjermey]

For just a second there I thought we were going to get a rendition of 'New Holy Ground' by OMD.

[@Ramk0sh]

Magic and waves

[@AndrewUnruh]

Excellent! I wonder why they call it subtractive synthesis, though. Looked at in the time domain, filters are convolutional and the most of the other effects are multiplicative.

[@sasross6455]

thats kinda the mario 3 music. im new here but your gold

[@Ben-yg2wj]

13:35 That sounded like a noise at the end of Pink Floyd’s Welcome to the Machine

[@hen2333]

Excellent work! Curious who makes and sells the exact cv(yellow) cables connected? Thx David

[@noisepuppet]

Moog Mavis sounds like a DC supervillain

[@LouieTaylorMusic]

Hey David, awesome video as always. I've seen this unit can go into a eurorack case, and I'm curious, do you happen to know about how it might be powered in this instance? From what I can tell it has a 9 volt power socket, so I'm wondering how it could be connected to a eurorack power system. Do you think it might be need special soldering? Thanks so much for your help!