Producertech - Designing Leads with NI Massive

Module 1 - Short and Rhythmic Lead Sound
This first lesson walks through the creation of a short, percussive lead sound, inspired by the styles of EDM and Hardstyle. The patch makes use of many of Massive’s features, such as phase modulation, and effects such as parallel tube distortion.

Module 2 - Filtering the Lead Sound
Continuing on from the previous module, Liam explains his choice of oscillators, envelopes and filter modulation.

Module 3 - Thickening the Short Lead
The short and rhythmic lead patch is rounded off with some thickening and widening using the voicing, FX and Massive’s on board EQ.

Module 4 - Long and Modulated Lead
This module teaches how to program a sustained lead synth patch, which will make extensive use of modulation and macros enabling you to switch between two distinct timbres.

Module 5 - Adding Macros
Liam further shapes the sound by adding one of Massive’s filters as well as some phase distortion via the modulation oscillator. He also begins to add macros to enable movement between two distinct timbres.

Module 6 - Shaping the Tone
In this lesson, the tone is tweaked by use of vibrato, LFO and some more of Massive’s insert effects such as the frequency shifter.

Module 7 - Adding FX and EQ to the Modulated Lead
Liam moves to the FX section of Massive to add some more finesse to the sound ,with the addition of some distortion, reverb and chorus. He also shows how to EQ the sound to fit into the mix.

Module 8 - Creating a Nasty Broken Lead
This lesson focuses on the creation of an FX like lead patch, making use of pitch envelopes and heavily resonant notch and scream filters.

Module 9 - Thickening the Broken Lead
Liam rounds off the patch by adding macros, changing the voicing settings and adding a flanger and chorus effects.

Bonus Module 1 - Choosing a Musical Key
In this module, Liam teaches you some tips and tricks for working out the key of a track, and choosing the right notes to compose a melody or bassline.

Bonus Module 2 - Jamming with Reference Material
After working out the correct key and scale, Liam jams over the beat to create some melodic phrases and ideas.