Why you can never have too many VCAs

Don't forget to hit Subscribe! // Being a short quest to explore the ways one can inject a little more interest into your sequences, and a good excuse to go over one of the most important building blocks in modular synths. VCAs. You need em. INTERESTING LINKZ BELOW M8
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⚡ / mylarmelodies ⚡
The VCA I'm using in this:
www.abstractdata.biz/products/...
(Which we discuss in this podcast BTW: www.whywebleep.com/whywebleep... )
Further Reading:
web.archive.org/web/2002122515...
www.muffwiggler.com/forum/vie...
Shoutout to Edcidic and Muffwigglerz and Steve Dunnington @ Moog for the inspiration x
/ ebcidicmusic
www.moogmusic.com/sites/defau...
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[@agincourtdb]

"VCAs are the animation lane of modular" omg. That was a lightbulb moment for me, thank you so much. /computer musician

[@scamlikely1442]

Automation lane

[@benwilson7332]

thank u. saved a minute of overthinking.@@scamlikely1442

[@michaelkonomos]

I LOVE the discussion of variance and subtlety. This comes up a lot in visual arts as well. The human heart LOATHES perfection. So when 3D artists create something too clean they have to grime it up. Give it imperfections. Digital ANYTHING is too clean, and the more variation, the more interest and character. Thanks for the lesson! Love this.

[@casadelamusicadekarlsanmar3366]

HUMAN HEART LOATHES PERFECTION ? Holy heaven ...This is the most imbecile comment I've ever read in my life.

[@brmbkl]

The way to stop anyone from calling out analog defenders / purists as snobs is this: Digital is a model. Analog film has infinite resolution. And in those details, there is a great degree of variance. A simple model is unnatural because it ignores that randomness. Digital sound only comes close to analog, in so far as it can model the pleasing irregularities of real life. Which can require some heavy processing/maths.

[@parkerault2607]

"huuh... nice." -mylarmelodies 2018

[@stefanbirkmosemeier]

Right. Love this. He's totally surprised :-D

[@sub-jec-tiv]

‘Huuh... nice’ is one of the reasons i get happy when he posts a new video.

[@switchyard2456]

Again, excellent hands on explaination. I've followed your journey, thanks for bringing us along.

[@XYtoTheDoubleG]

Seriously man.... Thank you for this great lesson! I have been so boring when it comes to my envelope use! been yearning for new ideas for the pair I have and you really inspired me! Fantastic!

[@the_real_redx]

BRILLIANT. Thank you so much. Understanding this all so slowly...but it's videos like this that are taking me there....

[@paly4x4]

I am so happy to see this video. I just finally got a 2nd VCO and discovered modulating a VCO with another VCO/LFO Your VCA trick is the next step. Thank you!

[@sssss3750]

Finally a modular video with sounds that are cool, and not boring and annoying/obnoxious. Keep up the good work dude!

[@barlobarlo303]

Been working on a patch since yesterday wondering what to do next - then this popped up! Just in time - many thanks.

[@MaashuCookiemonster]

Finally understand VCAs, thanks! Loved how you explained and showed exactly what was patched into what. p.s. Your set at Moogfest was phenomenal!!

[@ebcidic]

Nice vid Alex, great to get the idea of modulating the modulator out there! Thanks for the shoutout too 👍🏻

[@jasoncaldwell4239]

thanks for what you do! I only have a small Make Noise sysytem cartesian and the Karp odyssey module but you always show me new ways to approach them and get interesting results

[@unkyherb6505]

Beware when purchasing: The A in VCA can either stand for amplifier or attenuator. I would also not overlook the importance of mixing and offset or straight inversion. I personally can't get enough of all three

[@xadnight]

I really enjoy your vids because they are not just informative but also a pleasure to watch.

[@mylarmelodies]

thanks m8 x good to have ye on board!!

[@dillipphunbar7924]

The timing of this video content is uncanny. Late last night I was playing with the vca and lfo in my b.neutron, desperately trying (and failing most of the time), to create subtle changes in order to liven up my boring sequences. This was very helpful. Thankyou

[@josiahshaver9423]

Fantastic video mate. You just simultaneously answered like 5 questions I hadn't yet thought to ask. Insta-subscribed.

[@stephenstinnett493]

The BEST explanation of VCA's and their use I have seen. Thanks so much.

[@ricardopalacios5968]

I was trying this on an Alesis Micron yesterday. This is amazing. You have blown my mind...

[@PaulMadddox]

Another awesome tutorial video! Particularly valuable as I've just bought a couple of 0hp VCAs from Mystic for my tiny rack!

[@unclemick-synths]

Great video 👍. I was just looking for VCA reviews and happily the algorithm shared this video to me. I'm building a wind synth sound engine and figured out that I'd need VCAs to make best use of the expression capabilities of the motion sensors in the Roland AE-30. This video gives me more thoughts - not least of which is I need more VCAs than I thought! 😀

[@MisterNiles]

Great video, as usual. I always love your videos and end up watching them more than once. I have no true VCAs in my euro system. I have a Moddemix and an Optomix. I should probably buy a standard VCA. I'm considering buying an Intellijel or building one of the Befaco VCA's. Your video taught me a lot and gave me some great ideas. I was of the opinion that VCAs can end up being a crutch, because with a little practice, I've learned to turn knobs up and down with the accuracy and speed of a cycling Maths or DUSG. The first time I ever got fast and accurate enough with my manual knob turning to get into the audio rate, I was very impressed with myself and thought I might be the Steve Vai of modular synthesis. Then I realized, that those bullying frat boys, who kidnapped me and made me drink radioactive cheetah blood, had changed me on a biological level. I think they turned me into some sort of superhero. Unfortunately, being slightly misanthropic and self centered, I have decided to use my powers for synthesis (and possibly yo-yo) only. Sorry world. The real life equivalent of the Flash wouldn't be very useful anyway. Also, you wouldn't believe how fast I can go through a pair of shoes when I use my powers to run around! And... I don't know an elderly, philanthropic materials scientist, with a messianic complex, and fashion design experience, who is willing to make me a special suit, take me under their wing, be my wise benefactor and slightly sarcastic, moral compass. But seriously. Looking forward to your next video is always exciting. I've never been less than pleased with your output, even if you are demonstrating a module I have no interest in. Thanks again.

[@leanderlumen1868]

This helped my understand my Quad VCA much better. Instead of just using it to throw envelopes on my VCOs I can take the next step into modulation now. Thanks alot!

[@walrtbstudios5430]

As I’m just about to pull the trigger on a quad vca, this was a timely find. Thanks!

[@geraldwebb3437]

Masterclass! Straight foward concepts explained for everyone...

[@wonkyrobot]

Thanks for being awesome mr Mylar :)

[@MarcasLancaster]

Another fabulous video. Fully take the point. Thank you so much.

[@ronbo456]

Wow! Superb even by your standards. Only recently got Shapeshifter and Rings so I'm nowhere near figuring them out, but modulating the modulation makes terrific sense.

[@HousePlant_Ambient]

This video is so essential to everyone getting into modular. Even every LFO modular or envelope needs a freakin VCA. Learned that and realize how essential VCA are in this community

[@MChristian]

I'm considering getting into modular and searching KZbin to learn more and this video was super inspiring. Your examinations are clear, and your example with the rings was beautiful. Thank you for this video.

[@MChristian]

Also, I subscribed just based on this one video.

[@mylarmelodies]

@@MChristian

[@StephenCurtis81]

Amazing demonstration. Really helpful. Thanks.

[@synthsocialist]

You know, I've been toying with the idea of getting Rings a lot recently and I think this video will push me to finally get one (and a bunch more VCAs too ;) ) Also super excited for the podcast with ebcidic, the last two have been quality

[@musictribetv9095]

Great instruction, and sounds. Thanks man.

[@tomlopez7819]

Very nice applications, great way to bring out polyrhythms.

[@velocipede808]

Thank you for sharing a secret to making modular sound alive. The principle applies to electronic music made in other ways.

[@Nuin373]

"To put a VCA in the path": i will not forget it ! Thanks you a lot from France (Gers).

[@davidjazay9248]

Excellent explanation, thanks a mill!

[@beatbrothers5754]

I love this video so much thank you man!!!

[@Jaysusitsme]

Thank you for introducing me to ebcidic - what a super sound he produces!!!

[@ElectronisoundsAudio]

Thank you so much for this! 🤗😁👊

[@amberdean1263]

This is fantastic - thank you.

[@LowerWestSideStudio]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@enter_me]

thats why blinds is a masterpiece. fractal vca stuff

[@MichaelBFusion]

Who and what? I'm interested

[@markusfuller]

Superb video . always good quality information .

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

how come he never uses VCAs then? His modular tunes sound amazing yet he rarely uses them from what I gather.

[@btrots]

On one of his recent vids talking about his new live case he realized he lost all his envelopes. Who knows, the guy is a Modular MacGyver.

[@bobthesalesclerk]

VNICURSAL VCA by Zlob is 6 VCAs in 8HP with a summed output. Love mine. Great way to have a ton of VCAs without taking up HP in my smaller system

[@FunkTree]

Great watch and great video

[@Peter_S_]

I saw the title and my brain immediately analogized it to "the Earth is round". Statements of pure truth. Excellent video as always!

[@mixolydian2010]

Thanks for the video very important to a novice like me, will help a lot. Cheers

[@richie_jape]

killer video thanks so much !

[@AshBashVids]

I think it stems down to people avoiding utilities in general - unless it's maths or some flavour of the month MI module, it's suddenly "boring". Utilities are bloody interesting - not everything has to be self contained mini synths!

[@EskimoCreamKing]

I started with a lifeforms Sv-1 last year utilities is the next step. I'm not thinking about anything (except the basilimus iteratus alter which I will wait for) apart from utitlies for my next 3 modules.

[@mike.thomas]

Great as usual.

[@MrHihowryou]

Up until now I've been living a static life. Now, thanks to mylarmelodies I'm animated.

[@prestonhart6685]

This is really helpful...thank you

[@bendickson3486]

Loved this. Layman happy.

[@SONICrider]

Cool vid and gave me some ideas... But also got me diving into the Gristleizer module.... Saw some cool vids and convinced me these modules are a great add to my set up... Thanks a lot \0/

[@marceldesmith9958]

Would love to see a video on that arp odyssey you’ve got lurking in the back!

[@Vampirek777]

i fckn love ur charisma man

[@Vampirek777]

ps thank you.

[@denizkustu3056]

That is a very good and perceptible lesson

[@gbarkas]

Really good and really cool :)

[@siliconbrush]

I was his 500th like, how gratifying.

[@TheReggaetube]

Thank you!!

[@LlewynDaviesTheThird]

Superb. Thanks

[@damian4590]

I revisit this video a ton. "It would be all to easy to just be a lazy shit" lives in my mind but i still haven't fully adapted this enough yet

[@xor-gate]

Good information video!

[@aidanvinum]

Sooo cool. Thanks, luv. You should do a show on how to make a drum kit with least amount modules possible. DFAM sounds so good but I think it’s sexier to make your own drums. Besides, the dfam module is gargantuan. I want my drums to hit that hard, just not to be THAT BIG.

[@robvbeats]

great! thanks so much

[@Starthief]

I didn't realize how much I needed a reminder to do this.

[@mylarmelodies]

Yup same

[@hadedj]

You're one of my favorite people on KZbin!

[@mylarmelodies]

🙌

[@hadedj]

@@mylarmelodies I learned so much about modular from you. This VCA video was a must and also the one for the Metropolix was very helpful! I love how you inject humor and personality while presenting, which makes all videos super fun to view, multiple times!

[@pongtrometer]

Superb Groove of life.

[@tomfrench9186]

great video!

[@nealohara782]

Batumi LFOs controlling a quad VCA is nice. Especially in phase mode. Less knob twiddlin'

[@expertbubgusiii839]

Dude your watch is dope

[@raffitchakmakjian]

made it to about 1:20 and subbed. Good stuff.

[@PaulikasKarolis]

Amazing! When can we expect the video for the plaits?!

[@SimonArrowsmith]

Loving the fact that I'm not the only one who makes videos in his PJ's! ;)

[@mylarmelodies]

Ha. Yup. It was 6am x

[@kurbfeeler]

Was going to ask if you were wearing a pajama suit, but that question has now been answered.

[@phytoplasme]

jolie pop swatch, ça me rappel ma jeunesse

[@NickHchaos]

I agree and currently have 18 VCAs in some form, though I want to add that the "you can never have enough VCAs" logic is a bit lazy or linear minded; many things which involve VCAs in the path of multiple strands of connected modulation can also be achieved by simply mixing cv (e.g. Envelopes into one VCA) and/or sufficiently complex cv sources, + osc and LFO with sync, especially if there is cv over it. There are times also when I thought I needed another VCA when I actually just needed a switch or some type of probabilistic output.

[@sonarscopevideo]

thanx clear explanation

[@beegsyboy]

THANK YOU!!! Now I understand :-)

[@Dogboy73]

Just getting into Eurorack. Feel I need a VCA. Like the look of the Mutable Instruments Veils quad VCA. Can't find any videos for this module though. But looks like a decent, capable VCA module as far as I can tell.

[@remotegod255]

So useful for me as I'm starting to design my first modular (beyond a few Mother ecosystem semi mods). I bet most people reading this comment know how you dive into ModularGrid and just start racking up the insane VCOs and sound sources (Deckard's Voice, Elements, Quad Morphing VCO) & sequencers & filters... it's the sad truth that VCAs just don't seem "sexy" to us amateurs. That is, until you described them in this video. My takeaways / Cliffs Notes: NEED MORE VCAS, lol - they help modulate the modulators and control the chaos. For example, they help inject motion & subtlety & life. They let stuff that’s happening, happen “LESS” or “NOT ALL THE TIME” (making things come in and out, for example) The SYSTEM is “always tweaking the dials, EVER so slightly” - it makes ALL the difference in the world… because SO MUCH REPETITION in techno / programmed music / generative.. So it constantly moves IN and OUT of phase with animation… so many knobs just wiggling SLIGHTLY .. all over your system.. Life.. dynamics.. Organic, subtle in the background… the ear is EXTREMELY perceptive. (And I just racked up a few extra VCAs in my ModularGrid... they suddenly seem a LOT more sexy to me... by imagining them as the organic little creatures, subtly wiggling knobs all over the system... making the whole patch breath with life, like a forest!!!)

[@mylarmelodies]

Great writeup, thanks for this!! Good luck on the quest

[@njdpdv]

Thanks! 😺

[@albedo0point39]

he actually did it the absolute madman

[@grimtop4000]

haha

[@RoguePotatoes]

fantastic video - I watched it several times. What is your opinion on the Doepfer A-130-8 octal linear VCA ? Would it be a suitable replacement for the AD50 ? Ah, and happy new year! :)

[@Stue007]

Top, thx!

[@princepagan]

nice swatch

[@jamiebridson7871]

Being like number 606 imbues a classic feeling. Ace tutorial, this.

[@ianbcnp]

Really useful and interesting. Why have I never come across audio rate amplitude modulation before? Having lots of fun making strange sounds and fantastic patterns on the oscilloscope with AM. Many thanks :-)

[@mylarmelodies]

Not sure, but for more good stuff like this see if you can get a copy of Allen Strange’s Electronic Music book, it’s stuffed with good technique info

[@ianbcnp]

Ha ha, thanks! Much as I'm impressed by your breadth of knowledge I didn't expect a definitive answer to the reasons for my ignorance. Part of it is that it never occured to me that a VCA could switch that quickly. I know vactrols have a slow response and VCAs a quick response but hadn't imagined that "quick" could be measured in kilohertz! It looks very pretty on the oscilloscope. I've downloaded Allen Strange and will have a go at it but I have to confess to being a lazy bastard who prefers to be spoon-fed by lovely people on youtube rather than trawling through pages of blurry and sometimes dense text. Sorry :-) But I will try - honest!

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Just ordered an Intellijel Quad VCA module to go with my Doepfer A100 Basic system that only came with one VCA. Since I bought another VCO and LFO, and a quad EG, should help modulate things better.

[@vxkhwz]

Fantastic

[@argiopeMusic]

Instead of VCAs, you can craft any modulation shape, timing, etc, desired in Ableton Live CV Tools... significant power if you’re really trying to produce music with modular sound elements.

[@UpandDownRacing]

nice vid thanks

[@stevejennings2394]

Nice one

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Glad that you proved that it is possible to make awesome modular music without using VCAs :-) I think FM synthesis is more fun less VCAs more about tweaking LFOs and modulators is more interesting than messing with stacking up 50 VCAs, VCOs, filters that gets expensive quickly and too much work. That is why west coast FM synthesis appeals to me way more than east coast subtractive synthesis even though my first experience was with Moog east coast synths.

[@AshBashVids]

The main problem, as demonstrated in this video, that not using VCAs it also quite limiting. You don't need 50 VCAs, but you do need some to control modulations and such. FM Synthesis does need VCAs though if you want to make anything interesting, especially if you use Thru-zero VCOs - I honestly don't know where you think it doesn't. The only reason why you're getting away without using VCAs is because the modules you're using... have VCAs built in. If you're not using condensed "do everything for you" modules however, you absolutely do need them.

[@AshBashVids]

Also to add, you're missing out on ring modulators, which are basically bipolar VCAs ;)

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

@@AshBashVids true but many VCOs have VCA built into the module and many synth voices do as well. A few are needed but not as many as people think.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

@@AshBashVids need to check those ring modulators out

[@robertsyrett1992]

You could use a VCA to feed rings enveloped noise :)

[@thesemenincident]

I like it when you make those "heuhhh" sounds.

[@mylarmelodies]

I have my uses

[@realPhotoMocha]

Also why can I never watch too many of your excellent videos )

[@JAdeWii_]

I finally understand VCAs 😂 thank you

[@mylarmelodies]

🙌

[@DANHILLWWR41]

Good Vidéo , merci ;)

[@cstrickland319]

Great stuff as always. 12:05 "huh" ... "ace" replaced??

[@exactspace]

This video just makes me mad for having no money pretty much my entire life.

[@parkercarron4523]

I had money once bout about half a modular system and some other music gear and ever since then I’ve been broke 😭