Expanding on the basic concepts, this post will be further investigating modular synthesis by exploring the functionality of the remaining fundamental modules of VCV Rack; VCF, Delay, Sequencer...
VCF - Voltage Controlled Filter
In order to assist the sculpting of a sound (subtractive synthesis), one of the most commonly utilised modules is a VCF. With the capabilities of the standard HPF or LPF (respectively high pass- and low-pass filter), it can be used to either remove unwanted bottom end, leaving a sound with higher frequency content, or the opposite (ie: creating a bassline). Though as it too is voltage controlled, its frequency, resonance, and drive parameters can also be controlled by, you guessed it, an LFO (though as I've mentioned over and over the possibilities are endless). When the filter parameters are modulated, it can lead to interesting results (particularly when the controlling signals for resonance or frequency are stacked).
You can see in the screenshot below, that compared with the last SHARPEN UP post, I have implemented the patch between CV of the MIDI module and V/OCT on the VCO to control the pitch my keys make. You may also notice that I have used a different amplifier (VCA-2); the only difference being there are two combined into one module. Finally, I have incorporated a MIXER; it enables me to easily control the overall level, check what my overall waveform is, as well as future-proofing my patch for expansion.
DELAY
Another creative tool commonly employed in synthesis is a delay module. This particular one features four controllable parameters: TIME, FDBK, COLOR, MIX, whereby:
Time is the time for the delayed sound to occur
Feedback is the amount of signal fed back into the delay (therefore controlling its fade-to-silence time)
Color can control harmonic content in the delayed signal
Mix controls the level of the delay in the overall mix (similar to a wet/dry option)
Below is an example of it in sequence. Note that I have taken the signal from the VCF, into the other section of the VCA, and then into the Delay unit; this provided me with more clarity on the delay, but is just one such routing possibility:
SEQUENCER
Sequencer modules contain three rows of eight sequential controls. Each of these controls can be manually adjusted for preference, depending on what the sequencer is being used to control. The CLOCK dial affects the speed with which the sequence is run through. The STEPS function controls how many of the eight control parameters you want incorporated in your sequence. Unsurprisingly, both of these functions can also be modulated. Once appropriately set, the signal can then be taken from either of the three rows (or it's possible to have all three controlling separate parameters).
[TIP: by right clicking in the sequencer module and selecting randomize, each of the parameters will be randomly positioned, which can be great when beginning. It is then necessary to rest the number of steps back to how many of the eight control you want incorporated in your sequence. It is also usually helpful to reset the clock to a reasonable rate.]
The Sequencer module also features a RUN button, which will turn the sequencer on / off, as well as a RESET button, which will reset the sequencer to the beginning when pressed. Additionally, at the bottom of each of the eight columns is the ability to patch out. This could be useful to trigger a particular instance every time this part of the sequence is triggered (could be helpful to: patch into a retrigger option of a module, such that it restarts at a certain point each sequence; patch into the voltage control of a module, so that it only has signal 'released' every time this part of the sequence is triggered; once again, endless possibilities). In the below example, I have routed the output of ROW 1 to control the voltage which modulates frequency on the original oscillator.
Finally, you may notice the NOTES module. This is another module that comes with the fundamental package in VCV Rack, and I imagine could become quite useful when the patch becomes more complex and you are trying to remember your process.
With just these basic concepts understood, an incredible variety of sounds can be synthesized. Moving forwards, by stacking LFO's or sequencers to control numerous parameters, much more complex textures can be created; especially once third-party modules are incorporated (rather than just the 'Core' or 'Fundamental' packages demonstrated so far). I hope to investigate further soon, keeping you up to date as I progress with my understanding of the modular world. In the meantime, here is a short sample of what the above synth patch results in. To my ears it would make a good start to a Techno song, or perhaps a Sci-Fi soundtrack...
Stay Tuned
- TA
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