Modular Synthesis: Beginner's Guide
Synth expert Sami Rabia presents a comprehensive modular synth video tutorial guide designed for beginners! If you want to learn the important basics of modular synthesis these video tutorials cover all of the core components needed for a modular synth setup. In the videos Sami uses the free VCV Rack software that emulates a modular synth setup, but all of the info applies 100% to their hardware equivalents. These videos are for those who are brand new to modular synthesis.
Videos
• Introduction (01:53) - Sami Rabia welcomes you and outlines who this course is aimed at and what you can expect from it.
• Ins & Outs (05:39) - See how to set up VCV Rack as well as setting up the controller inputs and audio outputs.
• Navigation (05:18) - Learn how to efficiently navigate the VCV Rack and software, as managing a big patch will involve serious navigation. Sami also gives you helpful keyboard shortcuts to make things easier.
• Gates & VCAs (11:13) - For a newcomer, learning how to get a sound out of modular synths is the first step. In this video Sami breaks down Gates and how to use them with VCA's to produce a controlled signal.
• Intro to CV (05:50) - Control Voltage is a fundamental part of all modular and semi-modular gear. Sami goes over the different types of CV control typically used in synthesis.
• Oscillator Shapes, Phase, & Sync (12:41) - Ready to start creating sounds? Sami shows you how to start with the oscillators, as well as goes through the different wave shapes, phase behavior and Synchronization options.
• Oscillator Frequency Modulation (12:50) - Now it's time to go more in-depth with Frequency Modulation! Sami gives you an overview of the basic FM structure, from wild noise to musically harmonic results.
• Oscillator Cross Modulation (10:15) - In this video, Sami teaches you how Frequency Modulation, Cross Modulation and Sync can all be combined to create a huge variety of tones.
• Filters (11:15) - Filters have important roles to play, and Sami demonstrates the power, sound and waveshaping capability of VCV's filter.
• Sequencing (16:59) - In this video, Sami explains how to set up a sequencer in VCV, which works much the same way in hardware. He then shows you how to chain sequencers to get more than the default 8 steps, how to use quantizers, and how to create polyphonic sequences.