How to make a Subscape-style square lead in Sylenth1

Easy but emotive

Step 1: This is one of the easiest types of lead sound to program, but also potentially one of the most emotive. Start by selecting the Init patch from the end of Sylenth1’s preset banks. Now, change the Oscillator A1 Waveform to Pulse.

Going with the flow

Step 2: As you begin to play with the raw square wave, you’ll notice it doesn’t quite have the flow of something that Subscape would come up with. Activate Mono Legato in the bottom right-hand corner of the interface, set the Mode to S (Slide mode), and push the Portamento dial up to about a third of the full range.

More movement

Step 3: To give the sound even more movement, push the Attack on Mod Envelope 1 all the way to the top, then set it to modulate LFO1 Gain by 1. Set LFO1’s modulation destination to Pitch A and push its Rate all the way up to 1/16. This will give your melody some extra subtle excitement.

Liked this? Now read: How to sound like a pro artist in your DAW

Connect with MusicRadar: via Twitter, Facebook and YouTube

Computer Music magazine is the world’s best selling publication dedicated solely to making great music with your Mac or PC computer. Each issue it brings its lucky readers the best in cutting-edge tutorials, need-to-know, expert software reviews and even all the tools you actually need to make great music today, courtesy of our legendary CM Plugin Suite.