Glide (portamento) makes synth notes slide into each other for a live-performance feel

Glide, also called portamento, is a synthesis parameter that causes a note to slide smoothly from its starting pitch to its target pitch over a set time rather than jumping instantaneously. In a Synthwave solo, glide mimics guitarists and vocalists sliding between notes and makes programmed MIDI parts feel performed rather than typed. The effect is clearest on monophonic patches where successive notes overlap. Glide time is a continuous parameter: short values give a quick slur, long values a slow glissando. Combined with vibrato and expression, glide is a primary tool for injecting humanity into synth solos.

Examples

OB-Xd: enable Portamento and set a small value (~20-40ms). Play a monophonic MIDI solo — transitions now slide instead of jump. Increase the value for dramatic glissando.

Assessment

Enable glide on a monophonic synth patch and record two bars. A/B with glide off vs on and describe how glide affects the perceived expressiveness of the performance.