Exploring Modular Synths Episode 0 - Beginner's Mind - Introduction and First Patch

[@gabrielofhousestark93]

best synthesizer tutorial ever.

[@ModularLanding]

Wow, thanks. That's an amazing thing to say! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@munkyusm]

It truly was. Most tutorials I've seen spend either too much time in the details or go straight to the performance. It was the perfect amount of both to really give you an idea of how this works and how easy it is. I must get started on this. He makes me just want to buy one module at a time and slowly build it up. By the time I can afford the next module, I should have mastered the one that I have.

[@christoroppolo8742]

This is definitely one of the best explanations so far of make noise stuff yet too! Of course Kevin has a company that makes a line of Eurorack modules. I wish he would build a semi modular that can run normaled or not (cables or not) but I am sure he is a modular purist. When I saw him play drums in sf with download he was using a nord synth and some rack stuff too.no modular in sight.peace christo

[@ljpimentel]

That was srsly awesome, you just taught me A LOT

[@upthinker2336]

Yes, it is.

[@skipmanghondarg]

+4 years later and he's still liking these comments. What a legend.

[@ModularLanding]

Haha! Your comment really made my day. Thanks for the kind words. Honestly I'm just an amateur hobbyist and I'm still surprised this video blew up the way it did.

[@RaffN1]

Saw about 5 so called tutorials claiming to explain modular synth. First one that explains by showing step by step. First one I understand. 👍

[@ModularLanding]

Thanks. Very kind of you to leave a comment!

[@320846drone]

This may be the first video I've ever seen attempting to explain modular synthesis that actually made sense to me. Great job, man.

[@ModularLanding]

Thanks so much for leaving the comment, I appreciate it! And good luck with your synth endeavors!

[@YanickFM]

This is the first time I've seen a video on modular synths that made me feel like I could get into it without being totally overwhelmed

[@ModularLanding]

Thanks Yanick! It's actually much easier than it looks. The sounds are so neat that you can just fool around, patch, and turn knobs and typically really interesting stuff comes out (especially if you're into synths and sound design, and not just making traditional music). I was very intimidated at first but figured things out quickly once I got my hands on a few modules.

[@sea-saw2654]

I like to think of KZbin videos like this as statues or monuments.. people like me passing by today, stop to admire and appreciate the effort you have gone to, and all the people who have come this way, years before and all those yet to come. People like you are making a difference to people like me so I’ll just take my time to stand back and admire you efforts. Thank you...

[@ModularLanding]

What a beautiful comment. Thank you so much! When I made this video it was for a few friends only. I never dreamed so many people would find it useful.

[@silverfaux8545]

That is as understandable as it gets. I had no idea where to start. Now I can become broke and have fun instead of being frustrated.

[@ModularLanding]

That’s the idea! But you’ll have a ton of fun doing so :-)

[@nathancantwell602]

This has got to be the benchmark for "Intro to modular synth" videos. Fantastic work indeed. Many thanks.

[@ModularLanding]

Thanks so much. I'm amazed people are still watching after all these years!

[@RenegadeADV]

You just cracked something open for me that I wished I had understood for the last 20 years.

[@ModularLanding]

That is wonderful! Thanks for leaving the kind comment.

[@jcortese3300]

Thank you so much for doing this. Most people who make what they call a "beginner tutorial" haven't a clue what a beginner needs to hear. This was excellent. Most people immediately start talking in incomprehensible jargon, and you really define not only the terms but the basic functions that any setup needs to address (tone generation, control, pitch, etc.). It almost sounds like you're describing a hydraulic system -- the VCO is the water tank, the VCA is a valve, the controller is the valve controller, etc. I can actually relate to it. This is really golden. I'll probably still remain in the world of acoustic instruments, but at least now I have a vague grip on the basics of this strange alien planet.

[@ModularLanding]

That is a great analogy! And thanks for leaving the kind comment.

[@csselement]

I am prepared to spend thousands of dollars to annoy my neighbor. This looks awesome.

[@ModularLanding]

You can do a lot more than annoy them with this! You can blow their house up!

[@WavetableMetaphysics]

Facts! Me too! I'm sure I already piss mine off with the blofeld lol

[@WavetableMetaphysics]

Facts! Me too! I'm sure I already piss mine off with the blofeld lol

[@brianrodman1033]

A noble pursuit

[@kylehill3643]

@@brianrodman1033 Time to ban modules! They are 'racists'.

[@wrldwideindifference]

i love the disclaimer about GAS and its deleterious effect on your finances. so true. 13 years ago i was making electronic music with daws and midi controllers. then i started learning about circuit bending, and getting into modular synthesis. 12 years and 10s of thousands of hard earned dollars and an entire room in my house dedicated to gear later, CANT STOP WONT STOP hahaha. no regrets. daws and midi just dont have the level of intimacy and control of modular synthesis. i never looked back.

[@ModularLanding]

I totally agree. It's kind of scary when it happens, but well, hardware is just so much more fun. And you don't have to give up software either -- you can still use it for the DAW, effects, editing, whatever. Best of both worlds! Thanks for the comment and for watching!

[@wrldwideindifference]

oh, i still use reason, but, like you said, mostly for effects and mastering or mixing. sometimes its nice to have a reason patch that can allow me to apply effects in real time to an analog loop with the press of a button and the twist of a single or a few knob(s), saving me hours of mapping patches on paper and moving cables around.

[@DarkShroom]

you people are crazy i sorta sorta get it, you have an sort of freedom from my endless save states, and the object becomes more like an instrument, midi controllers and keyboards, they are fun but they do not feel the same as a guitar so i can sorta relate, i guess

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

I agree. As someone who started with DAW and computer soft synths, I just got into a hardware solution using an Elektron Analog 4 box and Octatrack for sampler/sequencer and it is more fun than a computer. Now I want to learn modular but without going broke. I still use my software for recording/editing so it is not wasted and the Elektron can manage the modular devices. BUT I don't have 50-100k to buy modular gear so have to do it on a very basic budget and resist GAS for new shiny toys.

[@Starshine777]

I haven't learned to harness anything close to the full potential of my hardwired synths yet, but I'm already getting extremely tempted to take the plunge in to the modular ocean. (Well, I got some really cool sounds going on a Prophet 6 that I wanted to take further, but didn't have enough mod control to do it!)

[@alexsandoval1139]

My brain usually gets overwhelmed and lost with modular tutorials, but this one is the first one that I was able to follow and make sense of. Thank you for your expertise in elucidating the principles of modular synths in such a way I was able to absorb everything.

[@futur_sunds]

I can’t even describe to you how helpful this video has been to me. I keep coming back to it and each time I understand things a bit better. This is really getting my excited to start my modular journey!

[@ModularLanding]

Wow -- thank you for the very kind words. So glad you've found it to be of some value. Good luck on your journey!

[@rp8564]

5 mins in and this is the most concise intro to modular synthesis I've seen on yt. Thanks so much !

[@ModularLanding]

Thank you for the kind comment!

[@stanwray4070]

All these years I've seen countless pictures of Keith Emerson's rig , and thinking to my self " Christ ! Look at all those plugs and cords ! What's THAT all about ??? Now I understand each one has a specific job to do . It's no wonder modular synth owners forbid anyone to monkey around with the settings . This was a masterpiece demonstration .

[@ModularLanding]

Thanks for the very kind comment!

[@robmichael-phillips6051]

25 minutes and I now actually understand what the hell all the other people doing these sorts of videos are going on about. Unbelievably useful. Thanks. 👊

[@Superspemo]

This is simply great! I've seen a lot of videos where modular systems have been used, but nowhere was it explained as good as in this video. I can see why it is so addictive, when you start off you just got to have another one of this module, another one of that one...just to keep going and exploring the sounds(and your mind /creativity). Long story short: Thank you for this amazing intro into the world of modular systems!

[@ModularLanding]

You are absolutely right. But after a while you'll probably discover that you don't always need a new module to do what you want to do, since modular is so flexible. One module can do many, many things. As I started to slowly realize this, I realized I didn't need nearly as many modules as I thought I did, and I've started to slowly downsize.

[@jonn7291]

I've been watching loads of KZbin vids on modular recently trying to understand it. This is the first one I've seen where it's starting make sense. Thanks a lot for your thorough explanation. You're a good teacher. 👍

[@CrispyBacon11]

Been learning on vcv and seeing the concepts being applied on a real rack gets me so excited! Thanks for this video and explaining all the basics so clearly.

[@ej2796]

This stuff gives you a whole new appreciation for all the STEM nerds who made our world of electronic music possible. Behind every synthesizer sound we call beautiful or ambient, was/is some geek with a ton of technical know how....and a lot of free time on the weekends Lol. I salute thee, curious nerds! For you are vastly underappreciated! While all the "cool kids" are out dancing at the cool clubs and festivals, and some looking DJ is playing the coolest new EDM song on the radio...they do all in complete ignorance that so much of the "cool" music we love wouldn't exist without the same type of kids they never invite to thier parties. Jokes on you cool kids. You basically have nerds to thank for engineering the entire soundtrack to your glory days! Lol I have love for nearly all music, and more than that all instruments...I cant deny mod synth is a curious endeavor. But it is really just noise. Wich makes you realize that all music is just noise...untill it isnt. It kinda makes learning to play guitar feel like it wasnt quite as much of a challenge or achievement I thought it was. And they say piano is hardest instrument to master lol. I have a hard time believing any person has or could ever master the "mod synth". Moove over Beethoven

[@ModularLanding]

I love your comment! You're so right! I recently visited the Bob Moog "Moogseum" in Asheville, and I was really in awe again at the genius of Bob Moog (who was an inventor of the synthesizer). Sadly, he was actually pretty poor for most of his life, relatively speaking, so the cool kids weren't paying attention... Also, I started on guitar and piano. But when I encountered modular synthesis it blew my mind and made me realize I didn't know much about music and sound AT ALL!

[@epicon6]

THANK YOU!!! I thought modular synthesis was impossible to learn. Now i have confidence i can learn it someday and i can start building a setup now!

[@ModularLanding]

Thanks, Tom! Modular synthesis is definitely not impossible to learn. It's actually quite easy to get started with. Just experiment and you will discover all sorts of cool stuff!

[@kevinagreer]

Thank you so much for this, modular is so complicated and pretty intimidating, so a tutorial like this is a welcome change to the majority of modular content I have seen. I appreciate you helping me to develop a better baseline understanding of this wonderful instrument. Subscribed for sure.

[@bornagainbornagain6697]

I loved it. Very slow and thorough. I had a mono Roland SH-1000 years ago and struggled for months to use the controls effectively. No instruction manual. Your video makes the signal so easy to understand and follow along. Thank you for showing us how it is created and controlled. Keyboard synths are fine, but I bumped into the Buchla lately and now am blown away by modular synths. The possibilities are staggering. The sounds are like candy to the tongue. My ears can hear faster than my fingers, even with both feet on pedals, could ever possibly create the notes with triggers, or pressure pads if you will. I have always loved sequencers and have had music in my brain that I never thought would come out. Now I hear it being created by several artists on KZbin. If Wendy only had these toys back in her day. Once again thanks for shedding some light on this very interesting way of building beautiful patches. 👏👏🎶😊

[@ModularLanding]

Awesome comment! I've never had a Buchla but have played around on them at festivals and such and they are so cool. You're so right about the sounds of modular being like candy! Modular just sounds amazing and the possibilities for creativity are mind-blowing. Wendy is still around, although doing more photography and other stuff than music nowadays, it seems.

[@j.r.g3548]

Dude you explained modular so well, love the comparison to you showed of what goes into a keyboard synth...this made me want to go buy my first module.

[@ModularLanding]

Thank you for the kind comment. Glad you liked it!

[@samuel.langhorne.clemens]

Best explanation of the fundamentals I’ve ever heard! Thank you so much for sharing. You have a gift for teaching.

[@ModularLanding]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@ShakyPr0ducti0n]

Superb! The perfect introduction to modular. It would be great to see further episodes in the series that continue to focus on general concepts rather that focusing too much on individual modules like most other tutorials do. So refreshing to have all the basics explained... I really hope to see more in the series. Thank you.

[@ShakyPr0ducti0n]

... Just stumbled across the rest of the series. Can't wait to check them all out. Thanks again.

[@ModularLanding]

That's very kind of you to say, Noise. If you have any particular requests, do let me know. I'm still figuring things out and also don't know what would be helpful to people. I didn't see many videos like this one, which is why I made it. Thanks for watching!

[@gr3366]

This is the brilliant, easy to follow video that finally pushed me over the edge. All of it is true, the overwhelming GAS, the eye-watering expenses and the immense FUN! Thank you!

[@ModularLanding]

Awesome! So glad you dived in! My advice would be to take it slow and enjoy things as you go along. I expanded too quickly and got overwhelmed by analysis paralysis. Had to cut down my system after that.

[@monkey76kerr]

You clearly love analogue and appreciate the sounds it creates and the way to manipulate it. It seems to me you also enjoy explaining it. You have spent a long time on this video so I daren't imagine how long you spend creating loops and tunes. I wish I could spend all day everyday making music but everyday life gets in the way of such joys. I guess you could be one of the lucky musicians though.

[@ModularLanding]

Hi Richard, thanks for the kind words. I actually work a pretty busy job, but try to find time for music in the evenings or weekends. I wish so much that I could devote more time to music or even do music full time! Nevertheless, it's a lifelong hobby and I appreciate the time that I do have with it. Actually, working with synths is not that hard, so even if you don't have much time, it's a good type of instrument to explore (unlike, say, violin for example!).

[@TigerClawTV]

I have gone back to this video and rewatched it several times while in the processes of learning modular. Excellent video. Thanks for making it!

[@ModularLanding]

Thanks so much for the comment and I’m glad you found it useful!

[@jayfree3257]

This video was SO HELPFUL and inspiring in every way!! Thank you so much for this!! This was great!

[@ModularLanding]

Thanks for the kind comment!

[@tripslip38]

Been tweaking these things in integrated synths for 30 years and was too focused on the music to ever ask the question: How? And it only just occurred to me why the term "patch." Facepalm! This is such an excellent fundamental tutorial. Thank you.

[@ModularLanding]

Yeah, exactly! Back to the basics :)

[@NimrodScott]

Wow! An extremely clear sequential (pardon the pun) journey through the modules and how they are used in the creation of a patch that creates the electronic music. Thanks for sharing. This could get expensive!!!

[@ModularLanding]

Heheh, yes it certainly does get expensive fast, but then you tend to cool off when you get a usable rig, which is good or we'd all be broke...

[@brightonshalom]

One of the best synth tutorials ever.

[@WokeAssMessiah]

Great, clear descriptions. This was so helpful to me when I was getting started a couple of years ago.

[@ModularLanding]

Thank you for leaving the comment!

[@pojuh645]

lol best video ever! every makes so much sense when listening to you! you explain perfectly! in detail for a total noob. perfect.

[@ModularLanding]

Glad you liked it!

[@station2station544]

Maybe the beginner should be informed that audio and CV are the same thing, not different. This will be an a-ha! moment for them. Otherwise the beginners mind has him trying to figure out where the sound goes and where the control goes. Both are simply voltage. And it's a spectrum. Audio range and much slower, which we use for control, and all speeds in between.

[@ModularLanding]

Yes very true and good point! In hindsight I should have explained that better.

[@station2station544]

certainly not a dig on you. Your series is valuable.

[@ModularLanding]

Station 2Station thank you!

[@kaelinboone9218]

Thank you for this bit of info this helps people like me who are new to this kind of instrument.

[@wallywutsizface6346]

I’ve always wondered how ModSynths operated, and this is the best explanation I’ve found yet. Thanks!

[@ModularLanding]

Thank you!

[@riftmusic5232]

RIP people with perfect pitch nice tutorial

[@thedutchonequestioneveryth4128]

Sl1200 mk2

[@scandalousbeans2591]

Yea really

[@RickRowen]

This is a really well=explained tutorial on modular synths. Thank you for taking the time to do this, and for sharing it! I highly recommend this video to anyone looking to get into it, or see what it's all about.

[@ModularLanding]

Thank you!

[@nicodemosmusic]

thanks so much for making this. its very tough to find this exactly being taught in a proper way. i hope to learn more from you.

[@ModularLanding]

Thanks so much for watching and for the comment, Nicodemo! I'll try to make more videos like this one in future.

[@nicodemosmusic]

(: wow. you're awesome. do you produce/compose?

[@ModularLanding]

A bit yeah. My experimental modular synth stuff is at modularlanding.bandcamp.com/

[@moodmonkeymusic]

i am 7 minutes in and this is already the best modular synth video for beginners I have ever seen. Thanks for making things more understandable. :D

[@ModularLanding]

Thanks so much for the kind comment!

[@phantomheadlightsmusic]

This hobby is amazing!

[@georgegalamb7523]

He warned us about GAS-(Gear Acquisition Syndrome) at the very end of the video; by that time I was already exposed myself to the temptation of modular fever, and so I have been reinfected once again a thousandth time. Great video for beginners.

[@m0rte42]

congratulations, you have infected me! I have no background in electronic music, and now I want a modular rack to fry my brain... but seriously, really well explained, now I have an idea what the hell a synthesizer does. thanks a lot :)

[@ModularLanding]

Hey thanks so much. I hope you end up having a ton of fun!

[@gr4phic3r]

i was looking for a long time for such an instruction video - perfect one, i finally got different sounds out of my virtual modular synth with the infos out of your video

[@ModularLanding]

Awesome! Glad it helped a bit. Thanks for the kind comment!

[@joeellis2471]

I've been waiting for a guide like this thanks!

[@robertdale2964]

I've played with soft synths for years now. Always wanted to dabble in modular. This is a great tutorial and has given me a good idea of what I need for a basic set up. Thanks for the work you put into it 😁

[@ModularLanding]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@AlphaMachina]

I always took an overhead polaroid of my patches back in the day and hung them on a board above my work area. Made for quite the eccentric looking backdrop.

[@bahr2104]

you my friend, are a gift to society. thank you for the priceless knowledge.

[@ChiefSosa067]

I've always wondered how Pink Floyd got such signature and foreign sounds and now I know. My journey begins👍🏽

[@ModularLanding]

Yes! They did some wonderful things with synthesizers, such as on Dark Side of the Moon.

[@YoniFogelmanMusic]

This is easily the best explanation of modular synths I have ever seen. I am finally starting to understand these beasts. Thank you so much!

[@LeoPerantoni]

Dude! I absolutely love this channel! Thanks a lot for this!

[@LeoPerantoni]

Abou the Pressure Points, is it possible to interrupt the sequence before it finishes? Making it a 3 step sequence for example.

[@ModularLanding]

Thanks so much for the kind words and for watching, Leonardo!

[@ModularLanding]

Yes, if you have Brains (an add-on module featured to the left of Pressure Points) then you have complete control over PP. There's a clock input, reset (start the sequence over), and direction input (change direction, like from right to left instead of left to right). Since these are all CV controlled you can change these on the fly -- they don't have to be static -- so there's a lot you can do.

[@elliebluesialia5596]

haha I was just looking for some new music out there while learning something new, and put the first video I found searching for "synths". MAN those loops have made me happy today!.. daZzling! thank youuu

[@ModularLanding]

Elisa González Verdejo thank you so much for watching and leaving your comment. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@CraigWedd]

this is soo freaking informative, i learnt a lot

[@ModularLanding]

Thanks for watching and for leaving the comment!

[@nathanmabry2991]

Thank you so so much, nobody else will explain it like this on the internet. So good. Thank you thank you thank you

[@ModularLanding]

Thank you for the kind comment!

[@nellevw2950]

This video is just amazing. I’m french and I had no trouble understanding it at all, it’s super clear ! Thanks for that, now I’m dreaming about building one :)

[@ModularLanding]

Merci beaucoup et bonne chance!

[@googlepigs7027]

You're the first person l've heard "teach" about this, that seems to actually want to clearly explain it. Thanks for that.

[@MrBaxterrify]

This is so educational. I love the music of modular synths but wanted to know how they work and this is a great peak into the process.

[@Microtonal_Cats]

Great video, and very intersting. But I mis-read the title as "Exploding Modular Synths." I assumed that might be possible, with the varying voltage / current requirements, and units being made by everyone anywhere.

[@ModularLanding]

Umm... I certainly hope not! Or if so, hopefully it would be a very small explosion that only destroys a single module (which can happen). Although when using modular synths, I often do feel like I'm commanding a spaceship and "exploding" things (along with "exploring"!).

[@acatisfinetoo3018]

This is the absolute best introduction to modular synthesis.

[@XanderEwald]

22:34 „So one of the things modular synthesizers really love is...“: Meow!

[@ModularLanding]

Ha, so true!

[@donavonmarshall2641]

I am finding that I get bored of making music because I lose sight of the fact that before music is made, there must be sound. I think you have opened my eyes to the analog world and that is very important to me because instead of using something digital or using someone else's drum kits or presets, I can now start my journey to find my own true sound with full control. Thank you for this video, I will be making my own synths from now on.

[@ModularLanding]

I'm very glad to hear that. To me, working with synths in this way just feels much more fun, organic, raw and creative than working with software synths. I know soft-synths are useful, and I use and have used them, but it's a different experience for me. I like the tangibility and the creativity... and I like the SOUND!

[@henryhill92]

Fuck, I thought that was my cat meowing the whole time

[@cathbuck2870]

Henry Hill 9 likes!!? Not bad, not as good as mine of course... Is it?

[@unkuu417]

There aren’t too many tutorials like this out there. I gave up on it for a while but you explained this really well. Thanks!

[@WiredSpaceWizard]

You should have ended the vid with a list of bankruptcy lawyer recommends. :D Great work on the video!

[@ModularLanding]

Indeed. Thanks for watching!

[@dennisjonker7113]

Thank you for this amazing intro, I've been looking for a good Modular explanation for a while and this did it for me! Now lets dive into the rabbit hole called Modular synthesis

[@robertsyrett1992]

Are you alluding to Zen Buddhism with this video's title?

[@ModularLanding]

Yep! Modular and Zen have a lot in common!

[@iNuchalHead]

Does an unpatched modular make a sound?

[@ModularLanding]

Not if there's no one there to hear it.

[@robertsyrett1992]

Modular Landing There is no operator and no carrier, there are only waves in your mind.

[@shkwave99]

I am proud of this

[@bexlynn5204]

This is the first video I have seen that truly flipped a switch in my brain! I have played guitar my entire life so this is a totally new world for me. I have an entirely different understanding of patching and how modules work with one another after this explanation. It is still a bit confusing for me but I can’t wait to immerse myself! There is so much to learn here. I can see now that modular offers an infinite amount of possibilities.

[@ModularLanding]

It truly does. I came from a guitar (and piano) background too. Very different approach to sound generation, design and experimentation. You’re going to have a blast I’m sure!

[@Emilioh888]

Thank you Reason for making me learn already a lot on modular plus countless hours messing with VST synths! Still it’s the first time I see a sound being made from scratch with modules. It looks really fun, especially the fact that it’s actual physical knobs you are turning instead of mouse clicks. Plus all the wiring is neat. I so much want to try this now !!!

[@ModularLanding]

Yes, the feel is different and the sound is different too. Try it!

[@Vitonolable]

feed your cat, he is hungry.

[@spyrom.1086]

did you just assume the cat's gender?

[@impreza9726]

😾Vito VN Its a good thing cats haven't let humans domesticate them, they will leave and get food on there own. 🐈👌 Since I always let my cats go in or out whenever they want, my cats didn't eat the cat food I had for them. I live in the sunniest place on Earth in the desert of Yuma, AZ, so my cats would catch roadrunners, lizards or jackrabbits. 😻

[@danhedonia]

@@spyrom.1086 I did not look at the cat in the video, but cats have gender-based differences in skull shapes. Males have more triangular face shapes with more elongated snouts; females are more rectangular in their face shape. It's fairly easy to "see" a cat's gender.

[@bookslug2919]

@@spyrom.1086 Cats don't care what their servant's think

[@1967mdavis]

@@danhedonia "It's fairly easy to "see" a cat's gender." yeah pick them up and check the undercarriage... generally pretty foolproof method as well. :-)

[@jonathanmiller7374]

Nice job! Thank you 🙏

[@ashleyhaak3487]

amazing. thank you so much

[@ModularLanding]

Thanks for watching Ashley, and for the kind comment! Rock on!

[@matthewjones517]

This is the first time I felt like I understood modular. Thank you.

[@NyakzOTSD]

this was great. thanks so much

[@ModularLanding]

Thanks for watching!

[@trackaholic]

Finally an actual video explaining how modular synthesizers work.

[@TheSlenderman]

this was all alien language to me till i watched this.

[@ModularLanding]

Thanks for leaving the comment. I'm glad it was helpful!

[@TheSlenderman]

no problem my friend. u got me looking online for mini moog setups :P

[@ModularLanding]

TheSlenderman Cool. You might want to check out the Behringer Model D. It’s a Minimoog at a very affordable price.

[@brdrake765]

Dude. This is the single most amazing video I’ve ever seen in my life. Thank you. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@ModularLanding]

Wow, thanks for the awesome comment! If there are things you'd like to see in future videos, please let me know.

[@davidk2616]

Thank you this one helped me so much :-) now I just need more money :D

[@ModularLanding]

David Kalhöfer thanks man!

[@ru8605]

Fantastic demonstration of modular synthesis.

[@zynapze4757]

Very useful. A question if I may. VCO output goes to Clouds. What is Clouds going to? (Top right module) And what is its function? Thanks.

[@ModularLanding]

Clouds is turned off (blend is at zero) and its output is going to an Azimuth by Intellijel. The Azimuth has two inputs and allows CV control over panning, stereo width, etc, to create interesting panning effects for stereo mixes. But the Azimuth isn't being used to do any of that in this patch. Basically I have my modular set up so that the Azimuth is always at the end of the chain going out to my monitors, and Clouds is right before that, since they are both stereo modules. So those are always patched that way. Then I can route whatever I want into Clouds and it automatically goes to the Azimuth and out to the monitors. And if I want to do panning stuff or widening of the stereo image I can choose to do that with the Azimuth.

[@chrismaister721]

​@@ModularLanding Hi, Thank you very much for this tutorial. Indeed it is very informative video for anyone who's new to the modular wolrd. I would like your opinion as I'm thinking to get the Doepfer A-100BS2-P9 PSU3 as my first modular system. Do you think it is a wise move to start learing by using this device or it's better if I start build my own case. Best, Chris

[@ModularLanding]

Hi Chris, if you are relatively new to modular and synthesis, then I think starting with a system like that one makes a lot of sense. You will have a really good foundational set up that can do a ton of things. You also have the advantage that you know all the modules will play well with each other and with your power supply. And someone has already done the work of thinking through what modules are needed to make basic patches. You may also save money, since Doepfer is cost-effective. The great thing is that as you gain more experience and confidence, it is completely easy to switch out modules and expand your set-up in future.

[@chrismaister721]

Modular Landing Thanks for your quick reply. Indeed one of the benefits would be the fact that I could later start switching out different modules depending on my taste and my skills. I’ve seen your comment about saying that you started into the modular world by getting the mother 32 (if I’m not mistaken). Would you recommend to get 1 or 2 semi-modulars plus a sequencer instead of getting this case? The thing is that mostly I produce electronic music (techno-experiment) and I’m not sure if the case could be the best thing for this purpose.. any thoughts?

[@ModularLanding]

I think if you have the ability to get a full modular system, then you should do that. Semi-modulars are a great way into modular for those who (a) can't afford a full modular system or (b) are cautious because they have never done patching before. But actually patching is quite simple to get started with. You will learn faster on a modular system (rather than a semi-modular) because you are forced to make all the patches yourself instead of having hidden connections and routing. Also you have much more flexibility. In my opinion, you can be much more experimental on a fully modular system rather than if you had two semi-modulars and a sequencer.

[@gregruddell1225]

Extremely lucid introductory indoctrination into the key concepts of modular. I liked how the gate on each channel could be cut shorter or left longer to fully realize ( or not realize) the full envelope.

[@abcdef.fedcba]

That cat sound is nice ;)

[@cho03]

Really enjoyed the video. I had a basic idea on modular synthesis, this makes it very easy to understand. And the delay! As soon as you plugged it in I was in bliss.

[@ModularLanding]

Thanks for watching and thanks for leaving this kind comment! Good luck on your modular adventures!

[@SwishaMane420]

Cant even imagine the cost of this.

[@ModularLanding]

If you bought all the modules new, with case and power supply, around $3500 for the bottom rack (the one I'm using in the video). I got most of it used over the course of a year so maybe between $2000 and $2500.

[@rayderrich]

I already bought my first items for a modular system so my G.A.S. can not be stopped anyways, so I might as well watch all your videos. Thanks.

[@huilee1056]

2016: wait 2017: just wait a bit more 2019: *NOW* *IS* *YOUR* *TIME* *RECOMMENDATION*

[@wardbox]

Very good explanations, breaking it down in a way that makes sense with minimal technical jargon.

[@ModularLanding]

Thank you!

[@chriszanf]

Is that a cat yelling @ 22:38 & @ 23:00?

[@ModularLanding]

yep :)

[@ed_1092]

I'm for sure going to always come back to re watch this! Had been introduced to someone who owes a eurorack and does modular lessons on the side. We had our first session not too long ago where I did my first patches and made some very ambient sounds and gnarly beats. But I still had no idea what I was looking at. Always had an interest in eletronic music. Both the band silver apples and the record of silver apples of the moon, kraftwerk, Mort Garsons Plantasia, Wendy Carlos, Eno, Cluster, tangerine dream, etc etc. Your video made it so much more understandable. Can't wait to use what I learned here on my next session!!

[@ModularLanding]

Thanks for the kind comment. I’ve been doing this about 7 years maybe and I still get dumbfounded when I step up to a modular system that’s not my own!

[@EdvardHansson]

i may have GAS

[@ScottofOakland]

What a great little system. Its inspiring dude. I can see how everything is going to be used and everything has a function and nothing is wasted or extra. Gives me some ideas on how to build my little 6U system.

[@ModularLanding]

Thanks, man. I personally like 6U. It's enough room to do some really creative stuff and have a ton of options, and not too big to get totally overwhelmed with. Good luck with your system!

[@hmoy24677]

Mat I ask why is the top right part of your set up covered/hidden?

[@ModularLanding]

Just a post-card to hide an empty slot so that nothing falls in there and short-circuits the whole thing!

[@time4acid303]

awesome introduction to the modular world. thank you so much. learnt a lot!

[@ModularLanding]

Thank you!

[@emanonmax]

Cant spend all my money on gear if I don't have any money to begin with.

[@izaacwilson7339]

Peter Müller modern problems require modern solutions

[@brrrgin]

How does it compare tho the real thing though?

[@JackFirneno]

Thank you for this fantastic beginner tutorial. I've been looking into modular synths for a few months now, and this is the first video I've found that really spells out the basics. Seeing how even these rudimentary elements come together make the music I'm finding much more enjoyable. Speaking of - I'm digging The Modular Expedition album on Bandcamp. I downloaded in FLAC to get as much out of it as I can. Great stuff.

[@ModularLanding]

You're very welcome. I'm so glad you're listening to the album and enjoying it -- people who don't like modular don't seem to "get" it... I'm glad some people do!

[@JonathanDFielding]

That sin wave was NOT pure. Look at that on a scope, it had lots of harmonic distortions

[@DarkShroom]

what is "pure" unless it's digital, and by that i mean the equation itself, it's never really pure i think analogue guys tend to celebrate the weakness like this

[@jyryhalonen4990]

Yeah I noticed too, It sounded awesome tho

[@stinkymart3173]

I mean it's being pumped through a) his PA, b) his camera/ phone mic, c) KZbin compression and d) your speakers so it's not gonna be smooth as a baby's ass

[@DrewMarold]

This was super helpful. I've been playing around with VCV Rack but with no idea what I was doing. Now I'm starting to understand the process.

[@ModularLanding]

Thanks!

[@pesto12601]

$5000 worth of equipment to do what you can on a freeware phone app ... amazing!

[@MitchGurowitz]

I keep returning to this video as I know it is a very easy to digest explanation of a potentially complex subject. I revisit it along the way to see if there is anything I missed and if there is a better way that I can explain modular synthesis to others. (I think I’ve been buying Eurorack gear for 6 or 7 years now, but still feel like I’m still in the turn until happy phase of learning). Thanks for this resource!

[@ModularLanding]

Thanks for the kind comment, Mitch. I've only been doing it for about the same amount of time as you, and I still feel like a complete beginner. So many things that I don't understand! It's really deep and powerful.