Benny Benassi - Satisfaction and Kesha - Blow. Please help.

fireincairo82 · Post by **fireincairo82** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 3:24 pm

All righty, I'm definitely a hack at this and I'm learning true synth functions as I go. So my question is, does anyone know what synth function it takes to get that sliding synth sound in both of those songs? Not the sound, the actual function or effect that makes the smooth slide between pitches possible...

Does my question make sense? I hope so. For that matter, if anyone knows the synth function that makes the pitch change in Party Rock Anthem's squeaky lead key part, that would be helpful too.

Thanks in advance!

michelkeijzers · Post by **michelkeijzers** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 4:17 pm

I don't know the songs, but I think you are referring to portamento: if you set a sound to mono and go from one to another, it gradually goes up/down instead of directly to the new key pitch.

What you also could check is LFO settings (for continuous pitch changes) and using controllers (JS, knob) to adjust the pitch.

SanderXpander · Post by **SanderXpander** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 4:46 pm

Definitely portamento, Kesha uses a lot of that.
The Party Rock Anthem one is trickier, I could be wrong but it doesn't seem like portame nto to me. Try to put the ribbon or joystick to affect pitch by +12 and experiment with that?

fireincairo82 · Post by **fireincairo82** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 4:49 pm

Thanks for the quick replies. I will take those suggestions and start reading how to adjust and use them. Like I said, I'm completely new to the synth part of things and am trying to figure it out as I go. Thanks again!

billbaker · Post by **billbaker** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 6:06 pm

FYI - the portamento works best in mono mode but you can use it in poly (but it tends to give less consistent results).

One parameter that's adjustable is the amount of time it takes to move from one note to another. Be aware that that time amount is going to stay the same for 1/2 steps as it is for octaves - - you may need to make some adjustments to your playing style to get the best results.

Finally, you may want to try different rates on the same sound -- you can do this by entering the sound on 2 tracks, then setting different amounts (time) for each.

The classic example of portamento performance is the solo at the end of "Lucky Man" by Emerson, Lake and Palmer -- you'll still see that title used as a reference for that signature synth sound in many keyboards.

BB

SanderXpander · Post by **SanderXpander** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 8:11 pm

Also check out the "fingered" setting of the portamento. In normal non-fingered portamento mode, the note always slides to the next one. In fingered mode (called legato sometimes), it only slides when you play notes legato. I find it much more useful, though it takes a little effort for it to respond exactly the way you want.