I have a good enough grasp on the fundamentals of synthesis like most bedroom producers.

Oscillators, filters, envelopes, LFOs, I get it. It makes sense.

If there’s a basic synthy sound I want to emulate or create, I can get it done.

But I really want to take my sound design abilities to the next level.

Is it worth investing the time to learn the math and science of electronics and sound design? Or programming?

I hated math in high school, and I couldn’t even get through Synth Secrets. Let alone Computer Music Tutorial by Curtis Rhodes or Electronic Music by Allen Strange.

As soon as I see formulas and numbers or complex diagrams, it’s like everything fun about making music suddenly disappears.

But I’m willing to put in the effort if it really means it will be worth it.

I’m sure it’s helpful to be theoretically knowledgeable, but how?

If I spend the hours going through these books will I be able to create sounds that’s experimental, creative, and musical like Aphex Twin, OPN or Sophie? Will I be able to hear Scifi film sound effects and know how to create it from scratch?

Or should I rather spend those hours experimenting with Serum?