Don’t forget about this old trick - Audio rate amplitude modulation (AM)

AM stands for Amplitude modulation. You’re using it all the time when modulating a VCA to control the volume of a synth voice, or the amount of modulation. But audio rate AM is a less common trick that can lead to interesting dynamic waveshapes, as well as FM, ring-mod and sync-like sounds, using only simple tools. In this video I explain what AM is in a beginner friendly way and demonstrate a series of patches for single and dual oscillator setups.
Patreon: / monotrail
Generic Affiliate links:
Perfect Circuit - US - bit.ly/3xX7ASi
Sound of You - EU bit.ly/3DzdFYi
Clockface - AS - bit.ly/3YkDJ1B
Follow my channel ‪@Monotrailmusic‬ if you are interested in my music!
Timetable:
00:00 - Intro
01:29 - Audio rate Amplitude Modulation
03:58 - Single oscillator patch 1
05:13 - Single oscillator patch 2
06:36 - Single oscillator patch 3
07:05 - Single oscillator patch 4
07:54 - Dual oscillator patch 1
09:27 - Dual oscillator patch 2
10:33 - Dual oscillator patch 3
11:05 - Dual oscillator patch 4
11:55 - Dual oscillator patch 5
12:46 - Dual oscillator patch 6
13:42 - AM in filter voice patch 1
14:41 - AM in filter voice patch 2
15:35 - AM in filter voice patch 3
Special thanks to Legendary & Crazy Patrons:
Michael Rutchik
Wayne Cowan
Steve Williams
Glnds
Kickroot
Christoph von der Heyden
Giorgio Festa
Sebastijan Semiz
James thompson
Redheart/Freak Nasty
Quinn Fahey
Let’s connect!:
Instagram: / monotrail
Facebook: / monotrailmusic
Soundcloud: / monotrailmusic
Bandcamp: monotrail.bandcamp.com
KZbin: / monotrailmusic
#eurorack #amplitudemodulation #synthesis

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hello everyone! Back to some valuable modular basics with the Nano voice :) Nano/Generic Affiliate links: Perfect Circuit - US - bit.ly/3xX7ASi Sound of You - EU bit.ly/3DzdFYi Clockface - AS - bit.ly/3YkDJ1B

[@linewizard]

I love that your videos focus on teaching new ways to use basic modules, rather than just showing off cool things that I don't already have (most of the time :p)

[@GeorgeLocke]

Totally. I enjoy learning about new modules and stuff in part because it can suggest ways to use gear I've already got, but advice focused on techniques will always trump gear reviews.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Good to hear! I have to admit I enjoy working with a new module every now and then, but want to move forward with a heavy focus on widely usable patch ideas and tricks :) All the best!

[@waivestate3783]

Basic concepts in a musical context. This was super valuable, thanks!

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hey thanks! Very happy it's working! Cheers :)

[@solonganyway]

Very helpful and inspiring, especially since nano modules are free to toy with in VCV rack

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Glad you liked it! And indeed, think it's great they did that :)

[@NEVERSLEEPmovies]

Wow - these are great ideas! Especially when you have enough VCAs in your case but lack the space for another filter.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Always have enough VCAs in your case :) Cheers!

[@decapitateallcops3214]

It’s hard to think a video suggestion but one I do just popped in my head. Sending wet fx into a vca with uncommon envelope shapes, it can really very unique.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Ah, yes nice idea! Really fun to re-sculpt effects like a heavy delay or reverb with a VCA :)

[@decapitateallcops3214]

@@MonotrailTechTalk you could have one blast of the dry sound followed by a choppy bouncing ball vca of the wet, a sound I havent the ability to create with the modules I have. Cool man!

[@ChristopherOrth]

Great walkthrough, thanks!

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@EdEditz]

Excellent video!!

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Thank you very much!

[@jessehardy7332]

My system has gotten decently sized by now, but I have yet to get anything I can do ring modulation with. However, it’s given me a chance to play with AM via my vcas. Grown to love it.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

If you have two VCA's and a signal inverter (attenuverter), you can patch your own ring-modulator!

[@jessehardy7332]

@@MonotrailTechTalk Thanks for that! I have more than enough resources for that patch. I'll look up how to do so.

[@quantumcadillac4748]

Inspiring as always. Thanks.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

My pleasure!

[@cidst8]

Haven’t messed with AM much in a while. Just got a Spectraphon though so I guess I’m automatically back into AM, lol! Should revisit these techniques along with the Spectraphon.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Ah nice, congrats on the new module :) But sounds like a good combo to explore!

[@effiksmusic]

I think I have to experiment more with AM and VCAs.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hi there! Sounds like a good idea to me :) And hope you're well. Was nice to meet at SB23!

[@effiksmusic]

@@MonotrailTechTalk I need to set up a case for experiments. Yes Superbooth was great and it was great to chat with you. Really nice to meet you in person.

[@drydessert4198]

0:54 5:50 9:46

[@temporoboto]

💙💙

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Haha, thanks :)