ONE SYNTH CHALLENGE #193: DS Thorn

Overview

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#KVROneSynth #SoundDesign

The One-Synth Challenge (OSC) is a monthly event that invites music producers to craft entire tracks using only one synthesizer for all sounds, including percussion. This constraint fosters creativity and deep exploration of the chosen instrument's capabilities. For March 2025, the spotlight is on DS Thorn, a spectral synthesizer renowned for its rich harmonic content and versatile sound design possibilities.

About DS Thorn

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Developed by Dmitry Sches, DS Thorn is designed to be user-friendly while delivering exceptional sound quality. It features three oscillators with spectral synthesis, allowing users to manipulate the harmonic content of sounds in real-time.

​Additional features include FM, RM, PWM, and Hard Sync, providing extensive sound manipulation options. The synthesizer also boasts two multimode filters, a comprehensive modulation matrix, and a suite of nine high-quality effects.

For participants of OSC #193, a special free version of DS Thorn is available for download. This version is tailored for the competition, ensuring all participants have equal access to the synthesizer's features. You can download it directly from the OSC #193: Thorn page.
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Additionally, DS Thorn has been included in past issues of Beat Magazine:

• Beat #182 offered Thorn Solo, a monophonic version of the synth, along with other software.
• Beat #150 also featured Thorn Solo, accompanied by tutorials to help users get started.

Exploring recent or archived issues of Beat Magazine might provide access to this version of Thorn, making it more accessible for producers.

Participation Guidelines

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To participate in OSC #193, please adhere to the following rules:

Composition Requirements:

• Originality: Your entry must be an original composition created specifically for this contest. Cover tracks are not permitted.​
• Single Synth Usage: All sounds, including percussion, must be produced using only DS Thorn. Layering multiple instances of the synth is allowed.

Effects and Processing:

• Allowed Effects: You may use DAW-native effects and third-party freeware effects that are easily accessible to all participants. Commercial effects are generally prohibited unless explicitly stated otherwise.
• Prohibited Tools: No samplers or romplers are allowed. Resampling or rendering audio for further processing is not permitted.

Submission Process:

• Track Upload: Upload your track to SoundCloud, ensuring it is public and downloadable.​
• Submission Post: Announce your entry in the KVR OSC forum thread, including a link to your track, the number of DS Thorn instances used, your DAW, and any additional effects applied.​
• Deadline: Submit your entry by the end of March 2025.

For a comprehensive list of rules and FAQs, please refer to the OSC Rules and OSC FAQ pages.​

How to use DS Thorn?

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Course provided by

After providing an overview of the synth’s architecture, Rob dives into a series of lessons that explore the less conventional aspects, like its harmonic editing and filtering, sampling capabilities and glitch sequencing. He then moves onto the meat of the course, which is a number of step-by-step guides to creating a wide range of patches, helping uncover all the hidden depths of the instrument, whilst providing a wealth of useful sound design techniques along the way

On the course, you’ll learn how complex patches like evolving basses, floaty sequenced pads and arpeggiated leads are constructed, as well as how to utilise advanced synth features such as FM.

Signing up to the course entitles you to immediate access to the 2 hours of streamed tutorials, as well as the 5 presets made on the course and a further 5 bonus presets from Producertech’s Thorn Dance Essentials preset pack.

19€ on PluginBoutique

RemiEXS Tips for Crafting Presets with Thorn

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Here are specific tips from RemiEXS for creating standout presets with DS Thorn:

Percussive Sounds (Drums & Rhythm):

• Use Thorn’s Noise Oscillator for creating snappy hi-hats and cymbals by modulating the noise pitch and using high-pass filters.
  
• Craft punchy kick drums by using a sine oscillator with a sharp pitch envelope modulation and adding subtle distortion using Thorn’s built-in fuzz and drive effects.
  

Bass and Lead Sounds:

• Utilize the "DIRTY LP" filter mode to achieve aggressive bass sounds or edgy leads.
  
• Experiment with the OSC FX modes (FM, RM, PWM, Sync) to add complexity and character.
  

Atmospheric Pads:

• Make use of Thorn’s spectral synthesis capabilities by custom-drawing harmonics in the harmonic editor. Try the “Phaser” and “Shift” spectral effects to create evolving pads.
  

Rhythmic Patterns & Texture:

• Integrate the built-in Glitch Sequencer for rhythmic variety and interest.
  
• Modulate filter cutoff and resonance with LFOs and multi-stage envelopes to create dynamic, evolving textures.
  

​By utilizing these precise methods, you'll craft distinctive presets that highlight DS Thorn's extensive capabilities, enhancing your entry for OSC #193.

Some additional prizes

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• Audio Thing : Outer Space (tape echo reverb)​
• Dmitry Sches : Diversion
• Aiyn Zahev Sounds : Any 2 Soundsets
• KV331 Audio : Bundle of Synthmaster One + Synthmaster 2.x
• ...

How to?

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Go to contest page!

A DS Thorn Beat version should be available there