Output SIGNAL Fundamentals and Sound Design

Master Output’s powerful new Instrument, Signal, with this in depth course from senior Producertech Tutor Rob Jones.

Signal is a Kontakt instrument that combines synthesis with organic sampled sounds, feeding them through its two unique pulse engines, allowing for a mind-bending array of sound design possibilities. With a range of modulation options such as LFOs, Arpeggiators, step sequencers and loopers, as well as a host of onboard FX, Signal looks set to take the electronic music world by storm.

On the course, Rob guides you through the fundamentals of the instrument, explaining not only the theory behind it, but giving continual practical examples as well. Throughout the course, he constructs a range of patches, including a detuned bass, an evolving, multi-layered pad and a looping FX preset. All the patches fully explore the capabilities of Signal, so once you’ve finished the course you’ll be able to apply the knowledge you’ve gained to create your very own unique and cutting edge sounds.

The course is available to stream directly from the site after purchase, and is accessible 24/7/365. Included with the videos are the presets that Rob creates on the course, so you can deconstruct them yourself. For more information, check out the module descriptions and free sample module below:

Sample Modules

Module 1 - Deconstructing a Factory Preset 

Rob kicks off the course by taking a look at a factory preset, showing how elements such as the sound generators, pulse engines, and inbuilt FX work.

Module 2 - Creating a Simple Patch

This module teaches you how to create a simple, wobbling sawtooth sound, featuring filter cutoff and rhythm modulation.

Module 3 - Creating a Simple Patch 2

Rob creates another evolving patch, this time a short burst of sound that is fed through the pulse engines where parameters such as filter cutoff and resonance are modulated.

Module 4 - Saving Presets

This quick video shows how to save and tag any presets you’ve made for future use.

Module 5 - Designing a Detuned Bass

In this module, Rob guides you through the creation of a gritty, heavy bass sound, by copying one layer over to another and adding detuning.

Module 6 - Processing the Detuned Bass

Delving deeper into the global effects section, the bass sound from the previous module is processed further with EQ, phasing and a low pass filter.

Module 7 - Creating an Evolving Pad Sound

Rob shows you how to build a pad sound with two contrasting layers. This module focuses on creating a soft-string like layer with a slow attack.

Module 8 - Creating an Evolving Pad Sound 2

Leading on from the previous module, Rob adds the second layer, which is an arpeggiated plucked guitar sound.

Module 9 - Processing the Pad Sound

Rob concludes the creation of the pad by adding effects such as reverb and delay, adding to the ethereal nature of the patch.

Module 10 - Creating an FX Patch

This module shows you how to synthesise your own FX patch, making use of the pitch envelope and rhythmic pulse engine.

Module 11 - Creating an FX Patch 2

Rob continues working on the FX patch, adding filtering to further shape the sound. He also experiments with various synths and instruments, and adds a second modulator to create different textures.

Module 12 - Assigning Macros

This lesson teaches how to assign macros to a range of parameters within Signal, allowing for vast modulation and automation possibilities.

Module 13 - Installing Presets

This quick video shows you how to install any new presets into the Signal library.

Bonus Module - Creating a Lead Patch

This course is rounded off with this bonus module, a step by step guide to creating a pulsing lead patch. Along the way, Rob explains the key sound design decisions that have to be made, and how they can affect the overall sound.