3 Ways to Get Started with Modular Synthesizers

In this video I’ll share 3 different ways to get started with modular synthesizers-even if you’re a complete beginner. I’ll talk about the advantages of starting with virtual synths, semi-modular synths, and Eurorack modular synths, as well as the differences between each approach so you can choose the best one for yourself.
I’ll also share tips for planning your first Eurorack modular synth and how to make sure you’re putting together a system that supports your musical goals. Finally, I'll share some resources to help you get deeper into learning synthesis.
Links mentioned in this video:
Free Mini Course “Your 1st Modular Synth Patch”: www.soundandsynthesis.com/fir...
VCV Rack: www.vcvrack.com
Discover Modular Synthesis: Moog Mavis (online course)
www.soundandsynthesis.com/moo...
Free Moog Mavis Patch Bundle:
www.soundandsynthesis.com/moo...
Learning Sound & Synthesis (online course + coaching program):
www.soundandsynthesis.com
Gear mentioned in this video (affiliate links support my channel-thank you!):
Moog Mavis Semi-Modular Synth:
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/...
Make Noise 0-Coast Semi-Modular Synth:
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/...
PWM Malevolent Semi-Modular Keyboard Synth:
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/...
Arturia Minibrute Semi-Modular Keyboard Synth:
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/...
Make Noise Morphagene:
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/...
Make Noise XPO:
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/...
Bastl Ikarie Stereo Filter:
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/...
Make Noise Optomix:
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/...
Joranalogue Transmit 2 Stereo Output:
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/...
Make Noise 0-Ctrl:
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/...
4MS Pod Case:
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/...
Intellijel 4U Palette Cases:
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/...
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro + Overview
1:50 VCV Rack
8:09 Semi-modular synths
14:10 Eurorack

[@joannawhite1841]

Very Helpful ! at 74 years young i find it hard to find anyone with the patience to help me get started on my new journey with modular. Thank You so much for this video. I do not know how i found this but Thank You. Blessings, Joanna

[@sarahbellereid]

You're welcome! I am so happy you find this video very helpful and good luck on your modular journey! Keep patching!

[@jts-jc8jk]

It's never too late to learn new things. I teach computers to older adults for a living, and half of my work is encouraging and empowering them to not be afraid to try learning something new. All the best on your journey.

[@lareinaliu1049]

You’re so inspirational!!

[@jaysgood10]

You should mention that many of the modules in VCV Rack also exist as real world physical modules. This is a great way to ‘try before buy’ in the modular world.

[@sarahbellereid]

yes, absolutely! Definitely a great way to try out different modules + workflows before guying hardware.

[@CarlitoProductions]

Taking the mini course because I want to use virtual modular synth to make music. Been looking for a comprehensive course and came across this video. Thank you so much for making this and making the barrier of entry in modular a lot less for all of us!

[@karmatosed7211]

I really like the way you break things down and explain everything, you have a very welcoming vibe and I think a lot of other content creators of this niche forget what it’s like to be completely new, and they either leave the new folks completely behind or talk down to them like they should be smarter. As a trumpet player myself, you certainly inspired some new ideas for me to try with my guitar pedals. 😊.

[@sarahbellereid]

Thank you for the kind words! Glad to hear you found it inspiring! 💙

[@thomas_dries]

14:50 That recommendation did wonders for me! I started off with just 2 modules, the Winterblooms Castor and Pollux & the ErrorInstruments Loopman. I also managed to find an awesome 54hp portable case with a full 1U rack of utility modules pre-installed. Not only did having such a small setup allow me to get super familiar with my modules, but it also saved me a ton of money! I bought everything (including the case) second hand for just under $600.

[@grahamboyle8846]

Your video is great. So informative and is pretty much what I’ve been looking for. Thanks again

[@tplank216]

I can't say how much I appreciate the content that you are creating. Being a highly improvisational acoustic musician (upright bass/electric bass) For a long time i have been trying to wrap my head around finding a way to create a relatively small, focused, modular system to interact, create, and even duet with. The concepts that you discuss in your electroacoustic videos have been very encouraging and definitely have my wheels turning. I'm going to take your course and then start planning a case, starting with a doepfer A-119.

[@sarahbellereid]

Thank you so much! I am so glad to hear my videos have been helpful to you!

[@dionyzusdj]

Amazing! thank u very much for all the knowledge...

[@gianfrancobianchi1835]

Even if I am a seasoned synth user, i couldn't help to watch the video until the end. You're wonderful (in every sense)

[@lukaswild302]

Amazing video, thank you!

[@robriki2]

After many years learning how to process my accordion with both pedals and computer I bought a Zoia as an effect pedal and ended up discovering and learning synthesis. After many infructuous efforts before in VCV rack, I went back was able to start making some sounds. I then bought the behringer Neutron because it has the biggest patch bay! Having now a few semi-modular I have a wide range of sounds and modulations at hands. All that process occurred over a few years, letting me learn what everything was doing and how it could behave. All that to say that the process was fun and very creative!

[@karmatosed7211]

I just recently acquired the Zoia too, paired it with the mk2 version of the gen loss pedal by chase bliss for some pretty interesting sounds. ^^. Zoia is a lot to learn tho, never seen a peddle so capable.

[@Dillyrhythm]

best vid about same topic to far.. thanks for the clear and slowlay ideas

[@BristlyBright]

Did go through some of the steps in the "your 1st modular synth patch" course an really did love it! Even though I already had the understanding of most of it it was really helpful to go through it! I have a project planned, to make a real, physical modular system. DIY to 100% percent (no buy and solder modules, but CAD and order circuit boards) and this is a really helpful video to just make me understand more of the core concepts of modular synthesis. Thank you Sarah!!

[@sarahbellereid]

You're welcome and thank you so much! Really glad to hear the mini course has been really helpful to you!

[@acidhousetherapy]

Hey Sarah, I find you approach very refreshing, inspiring and wonderful. Thank you for this great explainer.

[@sarahbellereid]

You're welcome! I'm so glad to know you found it inspiring!

[@jvburnes]

Great recomendations -- especially using VCV to learn the fundamentals for free.

[@sarahbellereid]

Yes! I’m a big fan of VCV. Glad you found this helpful!

[@jvburnes]

@@sarahbellereid Yes, modular is amazing because we tend to think of it as just moog-style subtractive synthesis but there are complex modules that do granular synthesis and everything else. Theres a WASP module that was the predecessor to my Imposcar.

[@saggygnaw]

Thanks so much for this extremely informative and helpful video! Double thanks for immediately starting off with useful and powerful free options (and learning resources) and not trying to shill gear to anyone new to the hobby. Best video on this topic by far!

[@sarahbellereid]

Thank you! 🧡

[@chitlun]

Great vid! I started around three years ago with a MiniBrute 2S and a Neutron and was hooked! Augmented that set up with a DFAM, then a Subharmonicon, followed by a Matriarch. I took the dive into full modular last year and, as I had a wealth of oscillators already, I built a case around FX and modulation sources. First modules I bought were a Pam’s New Workout and the ubiquitous Make Noise Maths, along with a 4 channel VCA mixer… Maths could keep one busy for a lifetime! I must echo the request of another commenter here and ask if you would shed some light on the VCV patch @ 3:50 using Simplicitor with an external source, that’s astonishing! Also you look like my friend’s daughter who’s also a musician. My friend’s called Sarah and her daughter’s called Belle! Peace.

[@clubdrippy2672]

I love these videos!

[@renefagermo]

Awesome stuff!

[@LillySchwartz]

Perfect video! I tried to get into software modular for so many years until I understood that it‘s the mode of interaction that just doesn‘t gel with me. Even midi mapping didn‘t help me because the knobs would be in a different spot in each patch and that prevented muscle memory from helping me out. In the end I thought I‘d jump straight in with an AE modular starter system and got super lost because there are already too many modules in there. Made a lot of bleeps and bloops, but it didn‘t really find it‘s way into my music. It was only when I got a semi-modular that it finally clicked and since then Eurorack and modular has been at the centre of how I make music.

[@jsonchicas]

Amazing, thanks for the video 😊

[@sarahbellereid]

you're welcome!

[@EarJuice]

Get a rack with room to grow. I would get Pams workout or something that sends out lots of gates. Then something to make sound, a filter that has cv inputs, Maths or the berhinger clone or some utlity and then a kick drum. With that you can make simple techno and even use maths to (kind of) sidechain the kick. Oh and a mixer n output module. Having lots of cv info/gates can just be a lot of fun and you don't need a sequencer. You could then grow out from that setup with VCAs (four play), more sound sources (BIA, 2hp play, oscilators, etc), a sequncer and more utilities.

[@EarJuice]

Pams workout is easy to learn and you will work it out pretty quick having all 8 outputs sending all sorts or info. So with just that you can clock ur devices, kick a kick drum, send a loop to an oscilator and bang little techno machine. Only issue is it doesn't like input info from many sources so it has become the brains of my setup. It should work, but it just goes crazy from other input/clocks sources so I'm having trouble trying to get hardware n modular to work together. We will get there one day.

[@jts-jc8jk]

Thanks so much for making modular less mysterious and more accessible! Right now, I'm just learning synthesis in general and am really happy and content with software emulations of pre-patched classics, but maybe, just maybe, one day I might have to try VCV rack!

[@sarahbellereid]

Thank you, that's great to hear!

[@andrij.demianczuk]

For external control, I love using the Novation Launchpad Pro. It’s my clock, sequencer input and performance controller. I use an Intellijel case that does a great job handling midi and has a couple of buffered mults built in. Then my modules basically break down to sound sources, LFOs (Maths mostly) VCFs and VCAs. For effects I’ve repurposed some cheap guitar pedals to save room in my case. My first modules I ever got started with were an ALM busy circuits MCO oscillator, Make Noise maths, an intellijel VCF+ and a small 2-channel VCA. This is still the mainstay of my rig to this day

[@galacticom]

thank you teacher.

[@DIMI.MUSIC_]

Amazing video 👏

[@alejandrodmsosa]

following you on fb since few years ago. congrats😉

[@gipi4649]

13:35 "That doesn't have to be the case" I see what you did there. Silly stuff aside, great video as always!

[@squidman97]

My goal and the music I want to make are ambient soundscapes that I can score with and also resample for dance music. I've just ordered my first modules Pamela's, 4ms ensemble osc, MI Beads and some utilities vca's etc. Really excited to get started

[@arturoborrull94]

Hey there! I have this idea running on my mind long time ago but im kinda lost about the modular thing. Do you recommend me any site to get clear info? Thanks a lot

[@squidman97]

@@arturoborrull94 usually just a bunch of youtube vids and seeing other peoples set ups, modulargrid is a good website for planning it all out and looking at popular modules

[@anonymoushuman8344]

VCV Rack is wonderful, especially with a control surface that gives you plenty of assignable knobs.

[@abel_7799]

I didn't even start the video but the trumpet thing in the beginning was sick!

[@DrReinerHutwelker]

The first thing I learned today in Sarah's VCV course is: modular is not only modular, but veery modular and modular can also mean moladur. - Excited looking forward to the next course to start.

[@saggygnaw]

You forgot radomul.

[@grahamboyle8846]

Thanks

[@paulmeldrum7805]

Rarely actually comment on KZbin, but that was the most perfect video for someone just getting into modular I've ever seen! 💯

[@paulmeldrum7805]

Some awesome sounds in there too 🤘

[@sarahbellereid]

@@paulmeldrum7805 thank you!

[@dentsdesciesynth]

I want to say, if you don't vibe with VCV rack, don't give up. I could simply not get into it, yet I did not have this problem with my own physical modular synths. I think one question to ask yourself, beyond "what kind of music do you want to make" is "what role do you want your modular to play for you ? Is it going to be for sampling ? A fancy midi mono synth ? A noise box ? A complete instrument ? I think also that one thing really worth considering are pre-built system. Doepfer for example has several available, most with empty spaces you can fill later. Pre-built systems are thought out and very rewarding because they make sense. I also really recommend looking at the AE modular format, it's an awesome modular format which is very affordable. There are 2 starter systems available which have so many possibilities by themselves.

[@israelCommitsGenocide]

What a relaxing voice.

[@zurulloazabache5304]

This is a really helping introduction to modular world. Thanks Sarah for making easy!!!

[@sarahbellereid]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@Seekthetruth3000]

Good info.

[@sarahbellereid]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tristonplante5419]

You’re the best.

[@jakub_zawadzki]

Could you do a tutorial of how a setup like the one at 7:00 is made? Or maybe just show a screenshot the modules. It sounds amazing!

[@letmefeelthevibes]

You're very kind and sweet. I'm an absolute noob, i know nothing about music in general, music synthesis, electronics... And I'm not super intelligent overall either. I've always felt attracted to creating electronic music and the sounds i hear in my head, but also always felt like i just wouldn't be able to, even if i tried my very hardest. This video pushed me to try VCV Rack, and after an hour or so i already managed to create a drum kick sounding synth with sequencer module on enveloppe on vca for rythm, and vco on an other enveloppe to shape the sound. It blows my mind! But i'm still scared things would get too complicated past a drum kick and a bass line very quickly for me.... In any case, VCV Rack is mindblowing, allowing you to pratice with all these modules for free, it's just incredible, and it's also very intuitive to use, even for noobs like me. I really dislike DAWs in general, using Ableton is as enjoyable as filling my taxes paperwork, so I didn't want to try VCV Rack before because of that, but I have to say i was very pleasantly surprised by how intuitive and fun to use VCV Rack is. Thank you very much Sarah *hug* I'll keep watching the rest of your content, you do interesting and beautiful things :)

[@sarahbellereid]

Congratulations and thank you for sharing, that's awesome -- you've totally got this! If you're interested, the free mini course linked in the description uses VCV Rack to introduce some fundamental concepts of patching and playing modular synthesizers. Keep playing, keep exploring!

[@alessandrofavale782]

Super interesting video! I was considering getting a Volca Modular as my first modular synth, is this a viable option?

[@alchemist.D]

nice job

[@wernerhaider2338]

Hello Sarah, I have been a fan of you since your in depth video about the Hydrasynth. Although the instruments on your videos are very thoughtfully presented, I think your looks top them all. I did a solo program on my tuba, including electronic sounds. I never thought it would lead me from my home town to Cape Town. If you plan a tour to Europe, please let me know and I'll try to set up some gigs in Vienna, Austria. Best greetings and keep it up! Werner

[@sarahbellereid]

Thank you!! ☺🙂

[@markgriskey3055]

You just inspired me to buy a cheap trombone ;} because of your demonstration with the trumpet as a sound source. I am not a brass player at all, but never thought of using something like that for a sound source.

[@MelonSprout]

would you be generous enough to share your vcv patch with the delay, simpliciter, and horn you demonstrated in the vcv section? thank you!

[@yaqstar]

I hadn't worried aboutt causing damage to my gear from lack of knowledge, but I will now (; about to do some investing.

[@LordWiggle]

Cheap options for semi-modular systems with infinite possibilities: Behringer Crave (225 euros) and Neutron (330 euros). Hands down my all time favorites. Neutron is eurorack size, so can be extended when you want to buy more modules in the future. Why spend loads of money on something new when you don't know if it's for you? Behringer is cheap, but a keeper on the long run.

[@sarahsounzcave]

I've had many failed attempts at getting my head around VCV Rack. It wasn't until late spring to early summer of 2021 that it all started to click and I started really sinking my teeth into generative ambient creations. At almost 2 years in there are some days I feel like I know nothing and still drinking from a fire hose. I wouldn't trade the experience for anything else in the world though. I'm hoping at some point to make the jump to hardware and will be reviewing this video for more hints and ideas as I get close to making that leap.

[@dreamabyss5423]

@sarahbellereid Hi Sarah, as always I enjoy your informative creative videos! Would you mind posting the midi controller you are using at 7:20? It's hard to tell but I'm thinking it's the KORG nanoKontrol2? I've been looking for something other than my keysteps and sequencers so that I can have knob control. If you put an affiliate link below I'll click if I decide to buy. Btw...love your channel!

[@sarahbellereid]

hey! Yes it's the nanoKontrol :) It's a simple controller but super flexible if you're looking for extra knobs + sliders!

[@bobschrei2029]

Thanks for all you do and offer . Due to time constraints I haven’t been able to join your classes but even your short videos have helped me with the small ragtag system I have. I was pulled into this world when a friend built a small 44hp system for me with a morphogene , a wogglebug bug and function to accompany the O-coast I already had. Then I got lost obtaining a few modules I don’t really use that much. So very good advice about small is beautiful!

[@sarahbellereid]

you're welcome! I'm happy to hear you find the videos helpful :)

[@PatrickC-jt1eg]

Can you teach is to mod our synthesizers with new components and soldering?

[@123456789tube100]

What is the controller in this video at miniute 7:50 ? looks perfect for vcv rack

[@flexeos]

Things change and things stay the same! 45 years ago I was making strange noises with a Korg MS20 while listening to Klaus Schultze and Tangerine Dream while radios were playing all day long a new song: "staying alive" !. The MS20 was not that different from the current semi-modular synths...

[@gyulailles3650]

Hi, can I ask : What controller do you use for the vcv rack ? Thx to share Best Regards GYula

[@on_drwej2093]

In my opinion, I tried doing both vcv rack and a semi-modular, but none of them did anything for me. I decided to jump to eurorack and it changed a lot of things, I understood so quickly what I failed to understand with vcv or a semi modular. Now I'm kind of sad I traded my semi-modular synth haha.

[@rae-everything]

I'm a total amateur with music. With a VCV program and midi controller all you'd need is a good stereo? No other additional tools or application? I want a semi-modular synth but I can't figure out what folks mean by a power supply honestly.

[@izbavitelj1464]

Bruce Haack would love you.

[@NoSky84]

which midi controller do you use for VCV?

[@EE-bl3zr]

You rock 🤘

[@EE-bl3zr]

@sarahbellereid.... I ♥️💐thanks 🙂

[@draft74draft65]

❤

[@smashedapples]

Unfortunately, I'm here after letting the extra HP in my case that I bought with "room to grow" and now I'm neck deep in "cool" modules that I can't figure out what to do with...

[@rayderrich]

I would love to start a small Eurorack system but am afraid nothing will come out except the bleeps and bloops you showcased. I have no use for them in my music. Am I the wrong person to start this adventure? Also, your voice is awesome.

[@sarahbellereid]

Absolutely not! Anyone can get started, and you will be surprised at what you're able to do. And VCV Rack is a great way to dive in without a big investment -- give my free mini-course a try (link in description) and have fun!

[@rayderrich]

Okay I will give it a go! Thanks.

[@battledj2933]

VCV Rack 2 is amazing, following Omri Cohen now for 3 years has been a very nice inspiration. You can get lost in all the modules so i narrow them all to around 20-30 max, 'basically' i just use now only the big brands, Surge XT, Instruo, Vult, impromt, bidoo..... and of course the (paid) default VCV rack modules. So easy now to integrate with the DAW.

[@redhotchilliprawn]

wow, it's like being tutored by Cote de Pablo but only better, I'm learning beginner synth without Jethro slapping behind my head 🎶

[@jeffhammel4305]

"What modules to buy first?" Maths :P

[@jeffhammel4305]

What module to buy second? Well, that is debatable, but possibly more Maths :P

[@PeaceDub]

You really like Make Noise Modules I can tell

[@dysamoria]

You thought you "weren't smart enough" to learn this stuff?? I mean, did I not just read in your bio that you have two masters' degrees in music and technology...? Those are quite technical things that take a lot of commitment, self-discipline, hard work, and technical "smarts". There are certainly reasons why a person might struggle with a particular area of focus (learning disabilities come to mind), but it still surprises me when I encounter comments like this from people who I feel have a lot more "smarts" and ability than myself. Clearly you got over that moment, but, still, it kinda got my attention when you said that (obviously, because I'm typing on about it).

[@PatternMusic]

I've come to the conclusion that semi-modular synths don't make the transition to Eurorack well. Many semi-modulars are great mono-synths. And it's great that they are signal-compatible with Eurorack. But once they are placed into a rack with other modules the normalization gets in the way for beginners. And many semi-modulars lack sufficient CV-able patch points. You really want everything in a Eurorack CV-able (including the filter resonance and the envelope).

[@illiqual]

+_ 06:30 min ❤ 🤘🏾😋

[@EBMZEQUENZER]

first order of business : get 2 more jobs : because there's a reason they' call it Euro Crack : 😁😁 Cheers 🥂

[@bruhzooka]

I like that Sarah is a real woman.

[@iloveACID]

🤷‍♀️

[@kleonholiday]

isn't helping at all. but thanks for the afford of making a video.

[@dejangaletic7884]

Don't start with eurorack. It's just a bullshit hype with tons of overpriced modules.

[@hal7112]

It's for sound design

[@MikeUIibarri]

Good stuff!