Behind the Music: The ROR Lead Synth

[@AstronautDown]

ADDITIONAL NOTES: 1. Something I forgot to mention was the Envelopes for the Oscillators. You can see their shapes in the video, they are typical ADSR with an immediate Attack, Sustain set at maximum, and a very short Release for both. 2. At 32:23 (CHAPTER 3d) I typed Autotune instead of Autopan. 3. I misspelled "leisure" multiple times, so there's that. Feel free to ask me stuff about this and I'll reply in the comments! If you want to support me you can buy or stream my music on your platform of choice. The best place to buy it is my Bandcamp page: chrischristodoulou.bandcamp.com/ If you use Spotify I would greatly appreciate you "liking" my albums/tracks you enjoy and "following" as an artist, it helps more than you know: smarturl.it/christodoulouspotify

[@lethrahn]

Hey i just wanted to ask, what is the best way to support you directly? Is there a prefered service that doesn't take too much off the top for themselves?

[@AstronautDown]

Bandcamp is by far t he best considering how much of the money you spend actually comes to me (which is almost all of it). But please feel free to listen or buy wherever works best for you, and thank you for the support!

[@Sockpuppet_Salesman]

I desperately want to like the comment but I can’t bring myself to do it

[@maxb9741]

both risk of rain games are not talked about enough in when people talk about great game soundtracks

[@AstronautDown]

Not sure that's true, I talk about them all the time.

[@stan2139]

Because they are not great, they are absolutely incredible

[@brrrkic]

@@stan2139 this is so true

[@SchulzFlorian]

@@stan2139 this 👆

[@RSNathan911]

"Gonna cut it off there, we don't need to listen to the whole thing." You just keep breaking my heart.

[@duwanglover3424]

Me, understanding nothing about synths and music theory: “Very cool, thank you Chris! Rock on you funky music man!”

[@SirDrasticG]

saem man saem, my mind just go "mmm yes the notes goes beeeiiep and booouuuooop"

[@HollyBunnySilly]

@@SirDrasticG Dude, I understand a good bit of what he's saying and I still feel the same way.

[@Merkuse]

tru

[@temesis03]

I really love that synth, it’s the most memorable one I’ve ever heard. Thank you for making some of my favorite video game soundtracks of all time, I look forward to see what you make in the future! Your music always HAS and WILL be electric.

[@Zebo12345678]

As a programmer, I've had people tell me that programming looks extremely complicated and confusing... But then I take a look at you composers and honestly I think you guys are in a league of your own. You're really doing magic. Edit: I love how during the jam, you move the finger that's pressing the key around to mimic the modulation.

[@AstronautDown]

Glad you noticed the finger moving. It's a habit both from guitar playing but also because many times I use keyboard aftertouch to add vibrato (or other modulation). Plus, it's just a natural urge all musicians have, your body has to participate even if it doesn't "technically" affect the sound :)

[@pelop100]

I can’t even imagine the people that program vsts and plug-ins

[@CamelliaFlingert]

check Shpongle and KOAN Sound projects :DDDDD

[@gustavrsh]

What I always liked about your RoR tracks is that they have a "real" vibe to it while sounding techno at the same time, like it could be played live with instruments. Specially the drums. Although the synths aren't guitars, I'm sure it's possible to get a similar sound with them. Very tasteful.

[@AstronautDown]

They _can_ be played by real instruments! I know because I played them! Well, ok, the drums are not technically real, but I am a drummer so all the parts are written with a player in mind :)

[@JCMiniPainting]

You are a legend. RoR1 is still the best OST I have ever heard, and RoR2 did an amazing job with the impossible task of living up to it's predecessor.

[@jacksong8748]

The solo at the end made me feel like I got to experience the original coalescence solo again brand new for the first time. So thanks for that, I wasn't expecting it!

[@itsshypixels]

As someone that's been a fan since the original Risk of Rain the one thing that always stood out to me is how alien you manage to make these sounds. I am swept away and brought to another planet whenever I hear your music. It's so fucking awesome.

[@DiscoFever55]

The synth gives me chills every time. Straight up my spine. The RoR soundtracks (especially 2) are some of my favourite musical content ever, all because of your absolute genius. Thank you Chris.

[@AstronautDown]

You're very welcome!

[@BD-tc6fq]

I just dont know why but everytime I rewatch this video I can't help but think that Chris just slicing a meaty steak in his desk at 9:23

[@ronanbax6102]

The original Risk of Rain soundtrack will be forever engrained into memories of my childhood. Struggling to see and stay on the same screen in 4 player on a shitty laptop and jamming out to these tunes while getting absolutely wrecked by the game was an awesome experience. Thanks!

[@TacoBoyVR]

that classic Risk of Rain synth at 1:46 that is in basically heard in almost EVERY Risk of Rain 1 and 2 song always just gets me so excited, i love the entirety of every Risk of Rain game OST. and i couldn't be more excited for Seekers of the Storm and that OST, Chris you have made my favorite music ever, your so talented and i'm so happy your the composer for this legendary franchise

[@staswalle]

You've gotta be my favourite musician. Not only you made ROR's soundtrack, you also show behind the scenes how it was made and teach people. I've learned a lot from you, and I'm looking forward to part 2 ♥️

[@AstronautDown]

I was trying to understand what you mean by part 2 and then realized that it had to be because if the 1/2 in the thumbnail. I just meant that it applies to both RoR1 and 2, but I'll probably update it to something less confusing :)

[@staswalle]

@@AstronautDown yeah, I noticed that later on too :) Still, waiting for more videos of this series. I'm loving it.

[@The-Uh]

Leaves with the experience of seeing a mini indoors concert and feeling funny inside.

[@gluon3434]

This is amazing, love the educational approach to the sound design!

[@mstir115studios]

Can’t wait for the RoR2 expansion music!!! Ok here’s an idea for a song, Dew Point mixed with a little Precipitation to create Dew Drop Overload…I think it would be electric

[@Rincewindl]

As someone who frequently gets moved by music, I adored your commentated albumn of RoR2's soundtrack. This video seems really interesting, love listening you talk about music. Editing is good too.

[@AstronautDown]

Thank you :)

[@PMtoAM]

What i would fucking give to have this synth and just be able to mess with it

[@derpothemagnificent]

I absolutely adore these videos! I barely understand what's going on most of the time, but it's still so interesting to see. I wish more composers would make videos like these. If you were ever to do a breakdown of The Raindrop that Fell to the Sky, I could die happy. It is without a doubt one of my all times favorite pieces of music ever written.

[@koolcatthemartian]

Oh looks it's derpo. I started playing risk of rain 2 because of you.

[@derpothemagnificent]

@@koolcatthemartian pog

[@mimisaiko]

I like how you seems to enjoy editing the video a lot😆

[@AstronautDown]

I do, against my own sanity :)

[@svartsjokolade]

I barely played the games but I always come back to the OST in ROR1, fantastic music that stands on its own. Thanks Chris!

[@fungling7982]

I think you should give the games another chance Mr Black Chocolate :)

[@Seeker_of_Truth_and_Beauty]

I needed this to unwind, it's been a very strenuous day. Cheers bud, I appreciate the distraction.

[@Poke1236ok]

I wish I could subscribe more than once, you are quickly becoming my favorite musician

[@CassyDaBean]

I LOVE sound design videos, and seeing one of the iconic RoR/RoR2 lead is just so fascinating to me! Can't wait to see (and for that matter hear) more videos like this!

[@AstronautDown]

I hope to do it on a more regular basis with the new year :)

[@GaussSpirit]

The editing and explaining just keep getting better and better, can't wait to see the next one, even if we've gotta wait a while for it. Very fun and interesting as usual!

[@AstronautDown]

Thank you for saying, I try to get better at the whole presentation thing!

[@caz1428]

I don't really know a lot about making music. But every piece you make has its own personality; Every piece has its own esthetic as well. Each piece gives meaning and tells you a lot about the environment, and this gives you just as much credit as the developers should get in the building of games. I play ROR almost daily, and everytime I get on to play I'm astonished, your music gives life and meaning to each area (especially mithrix area). Everything you do is magic. Thank you for giving me hours of fun and enjoyment for me and my friends.

[@michaelschulte1896]

ive wanted to know this shit forever!

[@AstronautDown]

Well, now you know :)

[@DapperNurd]

I've never bought a soundtrack for a game before, but I'm thinking about buying the RoR2 one. Just so good.

[@HollyBunnySilly]

About a year ago, I made a Coalescence remix and man, this video helped a lot in recreating the lead synth sound for the end. (Even if it was a little bit scuffed because I was using Serum instead of Omnisphere.) Even though that remix doesn't hold up well compared to what I'm capable of now, I'm still proud of how close I got the sound. Thanks, Chris!

[@PotatoGodzilla]

Πολύ καλή δουλειά, λατρεύω και το game και την μουσική έχω φάει ατελείωτες ώρες να τα ακούω!

[@crckrbrrs]

this is the first "behind the scenes" video i've watched of yours, despite listening to your music religiously for years and trying to analyze them. your presentation is honestly excellent, i genuinely did not expect you to be a video editing genius on top of a musical one, but i certainly am not complaining

[@scooterman9058]

I still remember playing first risk of rain that was such a great game with such a great music and i still play it sometimes and after so many years risk of rain 2 came out with even better gameplay and insane music too... well done, i love you for making such a great music (such a huge nostalgia)

[@Godwars23]

God yes! I was always a fan of the sound design on the soundtracks, ty!

[@Ranthos1]

The RoR2 OST is probably one of the main things that really pulled me into sound design and making music. When I got my Korg Minilogue XD, this lead was among the first of patches I made! I don't know why I didn't find your channel sooner, but it's so damn fascinating to hear how your iconic tracks were made. Thanks so much for the inspiration! You're incredibly talented!

[@aburak621]

Waiting for this video since you mentioned it in the album commentary thanks a lot!

[@aburak621]

Can't wait for the DLC tracks!

[@LimpForASimp_]

I dunno why but the example at 8:05 made me think of synth blues, which, now that I think about it, depending on the kind of blues you play, could go crazy hard.

[@cyvan9759]

Really? Nobody commented on the awesome new DLC song in the outro? This is the second most outrageous thing besides Chris hasn't won every award possible on Earth!

[@AstronautDown]

My friend, I put that there to confirm that no one watches until the end of the video and my hunch was overwhelmingly verified. Of course, KZbin stats already told me that, but it was still a fun experiment :)

[@Vitae_]

i've always wanted to know! ty

[@AstronautDown]

Enjoy :)

[@Vitae_]

@@AstronautDown I’m totally gonna try and incorporate this somewhere in my music if I can

[@CoyoteWildfire]

Getting to see the mind behind the design, as well as the design process itself is incredibly insightful to me. When playing ROR in 2014 for the first time, the very first thing I said was "Holy crap, the music is SO good." I've been hopelessly addicted to Risk of Rain (2) ever since, and wondered what you did to achieve the tonal quality you did. You break things down by key, by filter, by frequency, and everything you did to achieve your intended flavor and feel on this. Absolutely brilliant, from a sound engineering standpoint, and really pleases my inner audiophile.

[@CoyoteWildfire]

Also, when demonstrating note bending, I kept looking over my shoulder for Reaper. Blood on the Dancefloor anyone?

[@randomhuman5535]

ror2 is one of, if not THE best videogame OST i have ever had the pleasure of hearing. you truly are a musical inspiration

[@mmcallery]

Once in a lullaby is my favourite track of survivors of the void, i see what you did there in the outro

[@singinceil]

Dunno if you ever gonna read this, but thank you for this and coalescence. I've been listening to it on loop as a fall asleep for the past few days and im drifting through space and time with it. You really nailed the expressive qualities of your lead synth. I cannot describe how intense that solo is for me. :)

[@VictorAndScience]

This guy is adorable. Love the RoR soundtrack so much!

[@kelvinferreira3767]

Just gotta say, even if I don't really understand much of the process, I greatly appreciate the insight on one of, if not the best soundtracks I've ever heard. I can't put into words how impressed I am with the process and results, or how much I wish great success for you.

[@kemal_ozturk]

Sir, thank you very much for making this amazing tutorial. I love your work and your humor, such an inspiration 🤩

[@AstronautDown]

Thank you for watching!

[@NyakahanaOfficial]

I would KILL for a version of Coalescence that has a section where it's JUST the lead synth, it sounds so ominous and foreboding. I *loved* the section where you slowly ramped down the other instruments & we were left with the lead by itself before the other instruments fade back in.

[@bary_music]

This is actually amazing to watch.. Knowing how to produce music like this was my dream from the very start itl take a while for me to get good at this but this helps a ton

[@dragondenuit8845]

It's so perfect... I'm crying

[@143Al]

Nobody does it better than Chris… Thank you😁

[@zachirl4885]

Thank you for this video, when I watched your album commentary for the ROR1 album I really liked the idea of synth leads having that electric guitar sound to them however most guides I've seen before weren't as good to follow or as in-depth as this one so the most I could do was to look at presets and to ask around.

[@AstronautDown]

You're very welcome, glad to know this helps!

[@bluvius515]

As someone who never really understood how people made such good music and how time consuming it can be, I have really appreciated these behind the music videos. Especially because they cover such a great soundtrack!

[@jonasvendlermusic]

Wow I greatly appreciate this video. Great insights.

[@I-Am-L]

Wtf, I came to your channel earlier today to look for something like this so I can build a preset. Thank you so much

[@AstronautDown]

You're welcome!

[@stefanokodmar8110]

Everytime I hear your songs while playing I think about Pink Floyd . You give me alot of Pink Floyd vibes ❤️ best wishes and thanks for your work

[@NemixMusic]

I'm late to the party but thanks so much for this tutorial, it's very well taught and we can see you really try to cover the full details of the sound while also emphasizing on the few elements making the core of it. Thank you for this video

[@porpoiseful253]

Definitely one of my favorite OST's I've ever heard, only barely being beaten out by persona.

[@Pvezin]

Hi, always nice to see the face of someone you like (well i dont know you that well but i really like the stuff you make). Im buying a keyboard after not playing for over a decade. I didnt find any cover of 'Reaper (and) Blues' on youtube, so me and a couple of friends decided to remedy that situation. Cheer mate, love your music.

[@kelianregis]

I KNEW YOU WOULD USE TREMBLING

[@SJPlays_]

this man's a LEGEND

[@Shaded_Monarch]

This is amazing I love this thank you I can finally show people why I love the sound track

[@fabclippers2632]

I learnt a lot from from this. Very in depth and easy to understand.

[@AstronautDown]

Glad to hear!

[@NmbSeVVeN]

This is great, i love the ror music

[@zachfaulkner5371]

I wish I could go back to the first time I ever heard the original Risk of Rain sound track. Such a beautiful piece of art. Thank you so much Chris for all of the amazing pieces you have brought to the gaming and music community. I am beyond excited to hear the work you have done for Risk of Rain Returns!

[@AstronautDown]

Thank you so much!

[@dexty112]

this is awesome, thank you for making this video (and the music aswell it is probably my favourite game soundtrack ever, risk of rain 2 would not be the same without it)

[@brianthomas7417]

I feel like a whole genre could be created out of the style of the ror soundtracks

[@teodorstenlund8970]

Thanks once again Chris for an awesome tutorial! Will definitely try out Omnisphere myself! Tried to think of something to ask but you covered just about everything I needed to know. Love the sound of the triangle wave you use!

[@AstronautDown]

Glad to hear! Thank you for watching!

[@Vagabond_Manny]

Really loved that guitar solo!

[@lookatthetree978]

Really liked the effort of the editing, keep up the great work

[@Nurriek]

That synth that sounds like a passionate 80s guitar lead, and I friggin love it.

[@Nurriek]

Seriously. It's so good dude. I cannot get enough of it.

[@gonderage]

thanks! i dont know what's going on, but it all looks cool as hell! im glad youre getting paid for knowing how to make music good.

[@zanshin9204]

what an awesome lesson. Thank you very much!

[@AstronautDown]

You are very welcome!

[@챙랴노]

Didn't expect both RoR1 and RoR2 breakdown at the same time, true gift for me

[@vcjg287]

Damn. The video was interesting and pleasant even for a non music creator, but the end jam with Coalescence was great.

[@AstronautDown]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lucaswatts2141]

I could listen to your thought process on your music for hours; oh wait- I have

[@elsudowoodopollo4041]

The music of this game is absolutly bonkers, thank you Chris.

[@aladdinzuhair5902]

One day, I will witness you on top of that mountain and see many musicians seeking to learn more of what you do. Thank you for changing my life with your music!

[@AstronautDown]

All shall love me and despair!

[@aladdinzuhair5902]

@@AstronautDown Do more similar music and impress the world!

[@campustechfr]

Hi Chris and sorry for your loss. Thanks for this amazing video, it's really cool to see how a music I love is made ! And I would immediatly buy extended freestyle 34mn long solos versions of your tunes. Especially Into The Doldrums :) AND WHAT A FAT JAM

[@AstronautDown]

I've thought of alternate solo versions many times, and sometimes I can barely restrict myself to a finite number of bars :)

[@jarpened]

Great video! Very cool to see a behind the scenes on these soundtracks. genuinely couldn't imagine risk of rain without your work :) PS: I was wondering, do you have any particular thoughts on people using the lead / a recreation of the lead in their own works? Gonna be honest I'm mostly just asking because it's a great sound and I kinda want to use it lol

[@AstronautDown]

I don't mind if they do, this is why I did the video showing how it's done :)

[@jarpened]

@@AstronautDown thanks for the reply! just thought i'd make sure lol :)

[@AstronautDown]

To me, all this comes down to being creative. It's a fine line between copying someone's style/sound and transposing it into your own, but it's always very clear. Taking what other people have done and making it into something new is how art has evolved for centuries :)

[@LvnarNeko]

When Chris uploads behind the scenes videos, its a good day

[@EzekielLancaster]

Never considered using chorus for extra movement to feed into distortion, now what's the most incorrect way I can use this knowledge... Seriously though, your work is beyond inspiring! RoR 1 and 2's OSTs have got me through many long days at work.

[@thesaviour242]

I was wondering when you'd make another one of these, thanks for taking the time to break down your methods

[@AstronautDown]

Thank you for watching!

[@Princy99PL]

I'll be brutally honest: I have no clue what is going on, but I like these anyway, even if I'm just as clueless as a toddler. You have a great way of explaining things without sounding like a mad scientist.

[@EliteNz3]

It's funny you release this today because yesterday I had finally started to get back into synths with FM8

[@AstronautDown]

FM synthesis is awesome!

[@methyl5682]

Thank you Chris this is great

[@AspieOld]

I love your editing.

[@AstronautDown]

Thanks!

[@tsuobachi]

The music is as good as the game, which is saying a lot. I'd never have guessed it was omnisphere making that lead sound. I really thought it was an udo super 6 because it's very good at making sounds like that. I use omnisphere a lot and I guess I just underestimate how good it sounds because I don't often think a vst is a hardware synth, but this time I did.

[@Forkontheleft]

Love your work in both risk of rain games

[@Jadty]

I wonder if Chris has listened to Computer Eyes by Ayreon. That song sounds straight out of Risk of Rain.

[@draconocor]

I was convinced this synth was a theremin for the longest time. When I figured out that it wasn't, I've since wondered what it could sound like with one.

[@nickrl113]

this is entirely unrelated to the soundtrack itself but the split second guitar pictures when you start mentioning people confusing the synth for a guitar absolutely killed me i was not expecting to laugh this hard at this kind of video.

[@Smalllbuddy]

On spotify wrapped I'm in your top 2% of listeners!

[@AstronautDown]

Eh... I had a few people who were 0,05% and a couple of lunatics who were 0,001%! So you know, thanks for listening and all, I guess... but perhaps try harder next year... :P (I'm just kidding of course, thank you!) (But I really did see those stats, so you know, 2% means nothing to me) (Kidding again... Or am I?) (I am) (Not)

[@Smalllbuddy]

@@AstronautDown damn chris maybe i just wont listen at all!! Maybe we should start a boycott until the top 2% of us get the appreciation we deserve!! Honestly though, that other 1- .001% was probably just you listening to your own songs because you have a a desire to gaslight your top listeners like this!! Anyways ill try harder next year and ur welcome :p

[@AstronautDown]

@@Smalllbuddy I did end up being my favorite artist for the 2nd year in a row, so maybe there's something in your theory... :)

[@Smalllbuddy]

@@AstronautDown don't blame you, how else would you be anyone's favorite artist? kidding lol, you're my favorite, even above myself (I draw and paint and stuff) I'm actually going to do a painting of ROR2 if ur interested in seeing the final thing lmk if you have any suggestions!

[@jimblonde2523]

Can't wait for [REDACTED]!!

[@bary_music]

9:17 This is gold

[@Lorefunder]

he said crowdfund (epic reference)

[@graysonwilson3343]

I like the cataloguing of sounds idea, I should really do that. I feel I write and produce some very solid tracks with good melody, but it takes me so long to finish anything because I am dreadfully unorganized and basically start from scratch almost every song

[@AstronautDown]

I did this for a long while until I started getting very organized. Of course now I'm at the point where I update my organization method with each project, so the time I would gain is wasted there :p

[@graysonwilson3343]

@@AstronautDown lol, I can understand that level of obsessiveness. Just an idea to toss in the void, but a video going over a few examples of how you approach that organizing would be neat- I’m a person that needs a framework for that sort of thing before I can make it my own

[@hagaibenyehuda7990]

Love you work!

[@AstronautDown]

Thank you so much!

[@jimhrelb2135]

If it quacks like a duck, flaps like a duck, walks like a duck... It's a duck. Same thing with your synth, doesn't matter the underlying implementations, it's a guitar synth!

[@AstronautDown]

The thing is, there's no duck with infinite sustain and portamento, or this type of vibrato, or custom pitch bend, or such a wide range with a consistent tone across it. But the most important difference is the actual playing, which sounds nothing like a duck because of the inherent peculiarities of performing on a cat. The fact that your ears are prejudiced to expect a solo played by a duck is something that you can change by listening to more music with cat solos.

[@aydenclair9467]

What do you call this genre?