This walkthrough from Mastering.com breaks down Logic's ES1, a simpler, retro-leaning alternative to Alchemy with far fewer parameters to manage. It's a solid way to learn subtractive synthesis basics without getting lost in menus.
The oscillator section blends a primary waveform (pulse width, square, triangle, saw) with a subwave that offers even more shape options, plus a dedicated noise source you can mix in or cut entirely. Octave controls sit alongside for quick range changes.
Drive pushes the signal into the filter section, where you choose between filter types ranging from aggressive to smooth, then shape resonance on top.
The amp and filter envelopes both respond to velocity, so how hard you hit a note can shift the attack, decay, sustain, and release, or the output level. Locking the velocity range keeps things consistent regardless of playing dynamics, while opening it up adds expressive variation.