Francis Preve is a synthesist, journalist, and educator, amongst other things. He is one of the industry's most in-demand sound designers. In fact, it seems like every time I investigate the names behind some of my favorite synths, apps, and plug-ins, I find Francis Preve. His writing can be found in popular magazines such as Keyboard, Computer Music (UK), Future Music, EQ, and Music & Computers. Francis is a college professor in Austin, Texas. He also creates some of the finest sound packs on the market for Ableton Live via his company SympleSound.

I've admired and learned quite a lot from Francis' work over the years. He's even been kind enough to allow me to use some of his samples to build Ableton Live Packs. It was a real pleasure talking with him. His depth of understanding of sound design is incredibly impressive and a joy to explore. As this conversation will show, it is all fueled by an undying curiosity and love for sound and music. Enjoy!

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Show Notes:

Official Web Page
Scapes - Synthesized recreations of natural environments
SympleSound - Preve's sound design creations for Ableton Live (use the code AFRODJMAC2017 by Nov. 30, 2017 to save 25%!)
Francis' Apple News Channel
Facebook
Twitter
Revisiting FM - Keyboard Magazine article on FM synthesis
The Friendly Sine Wave - Another great example of Francis Preve's synthesis tutorials
The Haunting Scape - Write up and video about Francis' The Haunting Scape
The Haunting - 1963 movie
Adam Neely on 432Hz
"Arrow Through Me" by Wings
Moog Minitaur Madness - Free Ableton Live Pack made with samples of Francis' Moog Minitaur

#38: Francis Preve - Sound Designer, Journalist, Educator