What if I want to control my modular from my keyboard or my DAW?
Think of it like two people who speak different languages. An interpreter can be the point of mediation to solve the issue. In the same way, modular synths speak CV, while other pieces of gear and software speak MIDI. A MIDI-to-CV converter is essential to make the signals coming from your laptop or keyboard turn into a message that your modular can decipher. It sends Pitch CV and Gate information to your modular so it sounds exactly as you want.
How do I create a modular synth patch?
Unlike hardware synths, the modules in your modular communicate and work only if you make physical connections. This is referred to as patching and consists of uniting modules’ inputs and outputs via patch cables.
Creating your first patch may be a little daunting if it’s your first foray into modular synthesizers. It’s a good idea to outline the plan for the signal flow before you get started, so you don’t feel lost under a mess of patch cables!
There are millions of ways to create a patch, which is why people love modular synths. But ultimately it depends on what modules you have available and how creative you’re feeling. Here’s a simple example of signal flow.
The VCO creates a waveform, the VCA controls the amplitude of that waveform, and the mixer adjusts that signal to line level and sends it out ready to be recorded.
Excellent, so we can create a continuous sound, now what? Let’s look at one more example but this time with a few more modules to give us greater control.
In this example, we’ve added a sequencer, envelope, and VCF. The sequencer sends pitch information to the VCO, and gate information to the VCA via the envelope which shapes the character and length of the note. If you’ve heard of the term ADSR, this is what the envelope achieves, essentially telling the VCA how to open and close for each note. The pitch information from the VCO feeds the VCF before the VCA. A VCF is used to tonally shape the sound, somewhat similar to an equaliser on a hi-fi or guitar amp.
These two patches are some simple examples, and ultimately there is no right or wrong way to create a patch as long as you like the end result, so experiment!
If you need a visual guide to get going with your modular system, we crafted a unique tutorial to help you take your first steps, from setting up your modules to creating your first patch: