Modular Synthesis: Thinking Outside the Box
Spaghetti With A Purpose
Modular synthesis looks intimidating—a wall of blinking lights and tangled cables. But it operates on a very simple logic: Control Voltage (CV). Every cable carries either Audio (sound) or CV (instructions). Mastering this teaches you how sound truly works.
The Basic Patch (East Coast Style)
To make a sound, you usually need a specific signal path. Memorize this:
📋 VCO → VCF → VCA
- VCO (Oscillator): Generates the raw buzz/hum (Pitch). It's annoying and always on.
- VCF (Filter): Shapes the tone. Usually controlled by an Envelope (ADSR).
- VCA (Amplifier): Controls the volume. Controlled by an Envelope. Without a VCA, the drone never stops.
Everything Modulates Everything
The beauty of modular is that any output can plug into any input.
Try this: Take an LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator).
- Plug it into the VCO Pitch = Vibrato.
- Plug it into the VCF Cutoff = "Wub Wub" filter sweep.
- Plug it into the VCA Level = Tremolo.
- Plug it into the LFO Rate of another LFO = Chaos!