If you’ve been a music producer for even a second, no doubt you’ve at least seen a modular synth at least once. Most people’s first reaction to seeing a big setup is, ‘What the hell am I looking at?” Seemingly buttons and knobs with a mess of cables that are almost painful to look at. But, with some research, you’ll find that modular synthesis is essentially Legos for music producers. That being said, and much like the cables mentioned earlier, there are a seemingly infinite number of ways to get started. Fortunately, the internet provides. We’ve teamed up with California-based artist and Eurorack wizard David Castellani to bring you an easy and fun guide to getting started with modular synthesis.
Intro
UNDERSTANDING SYNTHESIS & SYNTH VOICES
One of the biggest challenges you may face when first starting your modular journey is the lack of presets or pre-provided signal flow – but this is what it’s all about, having control to explore and architect your unique voice. Luckily, synthesis isn’t that complex. And once you start to learn the individual parts that make up a “synth voice”, you can re-apply that same method over and over. The first, and most common, type of synthesis architecture is subtractive synthesis and so it’s key to learn how it works. Here are the main components:
Oscillator (generates the tone) > Filter (filters out frequencies from the tone) > Amplifier (increases or decreases the volume of tone) > Speaker Output.
Generally, in the example above, the Amplifier will turn the tone completely down, then striking a keyboard or sending a Gate Signal to the Amplifier, it will turn up, allowing sound to come out of the speakers.
Many times, you will also have an Envelope Generator between the Gate Signal and the Amplifier, so you can shape the Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release of the sound.
Oscillator > Filter > Amplifier > Speaker Output.
Gate Signal > Envelope Generator ^
You can find lots of information online on how this works and it’s a must to understand if you wish to get into modular synthesizers.
BUYING YOUR FIRST CASE
Choosing your modular system’s enclosure & power is the first step to making some noise.
The things which are important to consider are:
Size – how big do you want your system to be? You may want a smaller case which will be easier to travel with or instead a larger studio case in which you can grow ino. A helpful tip – cases can be expensive and changing to a new case can be tedious. Imagining an enclosure that will work for you long term now, can help you save time and money later.
Power Supply – the power boards that drive all your modules are housed inside your enclosure. A power board will generate voltages at +12V, -12V, and +5V. Checking the power needs of your modules, and making sure you always have ample voltage feeding your modules from your power supply, is important. If you overdraw power from your supply, you risk shorting the power supply and ruining your modules. More affordable enclosures tend to have lower power outputs.
Cost – Eurorack enclosures come in all shapes, sizes and prices. There is a rich and wonderful culture or artist strictly focusing on creating modular enclosures. Take a good look around and explore what’s best for you. I recommend Erica synths, Doepfer & ADDAC (to name a few). And if you’re on a budget, consider purchasing a used case or even building your own!
WHAT ARE ALL THOSE CABLES?
If you have ever seen a modular rig before, I’m sure you’ve noticed the heap of cables all over the place. What is that tangled mess?
If you think about synthesis and the main components a synth voice consists of (Oscillator, Filter, Envelope Generator & Amplifier) – the electrical current needs to travel from one module to the other until reaching your speakers at the end of the chain. This is done via the 3.5 mm Patch Cables and is what allows you to realize the sound. It also dictates the order in which the components (modules) are placed. This is called the Signal Flow.
Having the freedom to arrange your signal flow as you desire, is where your creative boundaries have no limits and you are able to endlessly experiment, creating your original sound.
It also helps to remember that you only have a range of -12 to +12 volts going through the cables. Which means the whole system runs on this voltage and almost every module can play together.
Another way to look at it is – some modules create voltage, other need or process voltage. Learn what your module wants to do, and it’s ready to come be part of your chain.
WHAT SOUND SOURCES MAKE SENSE FOR YOU?
There are seemingly endless options when creating a synth voice. What types of oscillators or sound sources work with your sound and the music you wish to make?
A good way to start is by thinking about specifics – words like percussion, leads, bass, physical modeling, granular and sampling come to mind. Building your own individual modular collection is what makes this so rewarding and gives you the opportunity to create, manipulate and sound in a truly personalized and unique way.
Some people choose to make drum machines on steroids, others have ever-evolving effects processors. There really is no limit to what you can achieve short of your creativity and intent.
Do your research on your modules, watch multiple videos, and try to understand the basic functions before purchasing.
But most of all… have fun!
PURCHASING A FULL VOICE vs BUILDING ONE FROM SCRATCH
As mentioned above, a traditional synth voice consists of 4 modules – Oscillator, Filter, Envelope Generator & Amplifier. Mixing and matching these modules from different manufacturers can be an endless joy. Do your research and find the modules that most attract you. Remember that all eurorack format modules play together so be creative and find your path.
Another great way to get started is by purchasing a Full Voice module that contains all four of the aforementioned components (Oscillator, Filter, Envelope Generator & Amplifier) all in one! This can be a more affordable first-step and a great way to start learning the details of modular synthesis.
There are thousands of modules, made by hundreds of amazing companies. Remember that a huge part of this process is digging and enveloping yourself into the incredible modular community. You won’t be disappointed.
Check out his latest release here
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