What is a Mod Matrix? // Basic Synthesis

An underrated tool most novice synth owners never use is the Modulation Matrix on a Synthesizer! I wanted to explain how to use a mod matrix, and basically try to show you how easy it is to take your sound design to a new level. Along the way you'l hopefully pick up on some sound design tips, as well as synthesis tips!
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//Contact
[e-mail]

[@fernandomercado2711]

One thing that has always struck me about the novation synths: HOW AMAZING THEY SOUND. Novation constantly puts out quality product after quality product. Even the Circuit Mono Station is a cult classic even when it's grossly underrated in the market.

[@tompoynton]

I love your calm, gentle style

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Dude, THANK YOU! This is probably one of the best videos on synthesis I have ever seen. Beautiful sound, beautiful visuals, great timing and rhythm on the delivery of information. I really enjoy how much you get lost in the sounds as they come along, I get the same way when I find the sweet spot on these things. I got a PEAK a few days ago and this really opened it up for me, as well as gave me a deeper understanding of modulation in general. I hope to make the PEAK a big part of my YT channel as well. Please make more peak explorations, I would love to go on those sound rides along with you. Peace brother, you rock!!

[@leanderlumen1868]

The part with the epiano pad an the internal overdrive really blew my mind. Thanks for this great inspiration. I already have been diving deep into Peak but this really took it down the rabbit hole for me!

[@BIGBIGBIG]

You're a wizard on this machine, the sounds you made are so epic. This is awesome! Spent the night listening to your bangers at work today on Spotify. Your tunes are top notch. Love your stuff man keep it up.

[@milkweedreflections]

Never realised how dope the Peak actually is.

[@JuanAMatos-zx4ub]

It's the shiz niz

[@ToyKeeper]

The Peak has been at the top of my GAS list since it first came out. If there is ever a multi-timbral module version, I may have to sell a kidney or something. Because OMG. It's so good.

[@strangersun7721]

@@ToyKeeper Yeah I'm with you. The only reason I would part with my Peak is if they ever release a module version of the Summit. I just don't want another keyboard in my studio!

[@jank-official]

If I could keep only one synth, it'd be the Peak.

[@patrickpostlewait8453]

Thank you, I've been finally deep diving into the mod matrix on my Prophet Rev 2, and this definitely applies. All of the little subtle adjustments are what make these machines sound alive.

[@2112jonr]

Wow! Five minutes into this and already it's the best hands on, practical demo of using the Peak's mod' matrix I've seen. Sunday afternoon has just got better ! Thanks Ricky, really educational, clear and interesting as always, learned loads :)

[@justcox]

"When you look the ocean you don't just see a bunch of LFOs" my quote of the day! Love the peak and your vids!

[@2112jonr]

Just got to that - made me laugh, great description that'd only mean anything to synth heads ! :)

[@ToyKeeper]

I lol'd too... but probably not for the same reason. A while back, I looked at the ocean and decided I wanted to simulate it on a computer. After trying a few methods, I came up with one which makes very realistic results. Published the code, and went on with life. About a decade later, I discovered that what I did has a name and is considered somewhat advanced math -- partial derivative equations. So Ricky is correct... when I look at the ocean, I don't see a bunch of LFOs. I see a bunch of PDEs. :P

[@triffski]

Bob Ross would be proud of that one :)

[@davidsobel3303]

after looking at all the new synths that just came out, the Peak is still the Bomb! thanks for the tutorial sir:)

[@jumpontheroof]

Man, watching you at work on Peak is like magic. And your knowledge sharing is awesome as always. Thanks for this insanely helpful video!

[@SmokysRides]

What perfect timing. I just learned about my mod matrix yesterday! This took it to a whole other level. Thank you! Love your videos!

[@donaldpriola1807]

Just wanted to thank you for your videos in general. You speak clearly, know what you're doing, and care about sharing knowledge. :)

[@EmThePenguin]

Ricky, thank you man. Would absolutely love to see more Peak content, It was honestly watching your other peak video that convinced me to buy one, best decision ever. Hope you're having a lovely Thanksgiving 💚

[@DaZeDmerlin]

I have my Peak for almost two years now, and though I knew how deep it goes, I still learned new tricks, I hope to see more Peak video's, it's such an amazing machine.

[@strangersun7721]

The Peak never ceases to impress. The modulation possibilities and the ease of their use are some of my favorite things about it. I feel the need to play with mine every day since you sold me on one at Moogfest! Thanks for this video.

[@JamesRamboPearce]

That reverb modulation is amazing, really didn't think to do that!! And the other bits you did after, so beautiful 🥺

[@RickyTinez]

Glad you liked it!! thanks for the support James!

[@NatLifeSounds]

What a great tutorial, i'm learning so fast for sound design something really new with it. Thnk you Ricky for the great work!

[@norrin_sad2778]

The magic of modulation Always something new to learn 💜

[@JuanAMatos-zx4ub]

Excellent video, Ricky! Can never get enough sound design videos on the Peak/Summit.

[@mickpattison7489]

Thanks for sharing Ricky. I’m loving the mix between digital and analog going on with the peak. 👍

[@ldmdesign5610]

Love the fact I could follow along with most of this on the Circuit, except the fx matrix and different oscillators

[@Default3568]

This is great! I'm really glad i bought the Peak as my first poly synth. It's sounds so great and it's so deep i don't think i'll find it lacking in any way in the next few years atleast. Regarding learning how to use mod matrix i can really recommend the Arturia Pigments software synth. You can control as it seems any parameter using an LFO or custom wave function and you get a very intuitive visual color coded motion representation of how the knobs/parameters are being controlled.

[@phillipinge3004]

Dang man, these videos always pop up at just the right time. I've had a Circuit for a few months now, and have been pretty baffled by the Mod Matrix inside of Components. This blew it wide open for me, thanks! Also, I don't know if this dj takes requests but it could be cool to see a short series of videos on other kinds of patches maybe. Bass, lead, strings, bells etc.

[@thomasippolito7262]

Your videos have been really educational for me. I just started getting into physical/ analogue synths. Thank you!

[@DELO480]

Always a pleasure seein your vids pop up!

[@ScotBontrager]

Thanks, I love my Summit, but I hadn't understood the two sources in the mod matrix.This was a clear and helpful explanation! Doing an LFO into an envelope to modulate the filter cutoff freq. is amazing!

[@punkotero]

It's a pleasure have people like you making this type of content, i have been learning a lot thanks to your videos and it's very fun to see your approaches in relation the way you use your machines! Keep it man!

[@MSPatterson]

i already knew how mod matrices work, but still some awesome patch ideas in here, and great sounds.

[@casadebaza8888]

You and others inspired me to get a Peak when I saw a used one come up in my area. Man is it ever awe-inspiring

[@liamplunkett5100]

Beautiful ambient sounds. I got the elektron digitone coming in the mail tomorrow so this is really helpful! Thanks

[@SongeLeReveur]

That last patch was insane. Great video as always!

[@ChumpyDumps]

Dope video. Peak is my favorite synth but I've definitely not even scratched it's possibilities yet. This video has given me some good ideas :D

[@2112jonr]

It's an understated but very capable beast of a synth :)

[@2mbst1]

I'm sure at some point we'll look back at this synth with the same admiration as we have for some of the classics. I can listen to the peak for hours easily.

[@Acwmusic]

I'm going to have to watch this a half dozen timez. Would love a comparison to using components with the circuit.

[@everpuremusic]

Awesome - if I only take one thing with me from this video, it's about setting two LFOs at different rates to noise level for uneven waves... Gotta love it!

[@TokSlusken]

Grats on 55K subs.. This video was brilliant. Thank you Ricky!

[@waynereddiar3070]

This is magic - what a great review Ricky!

[@Geepstar]

Watching before breakfast... Have to rewind it a few times later on. Very grateful for your helpful vids. (Just got into hardware synths and got me a Peak and Hydrasynth Deluxe and hope that things fall together at 1 point :-))

[@techneek100]

Thanx! Very soft and brunchy-harmonic explanation!

[@THEeatBUG]

Dude, once again an insanely informative video. Thank you.

[@ecsnsan]

Great stuff! I would be super of you did a video showing how you like to use the mod matrix in a more musical way, in songs.

[@Skootavision]

Really useful video - cheers Ricky

[@rhampton1914]

Thanks for this Demo...Always something to learn on the peak....Very complex Desktop Synth...

[@call.me.si.]

Dang this was super useful. You explained this well Ricky! Thanks dawg.

[@tricks-and-tips]

Nice man! Hope to get my hands on a Peak soon. It is in backorder at the shop where I ordered it (but it was such a steal, it is worth the wait) From what I have been hearing, it is a superb addition to my synth stable. (first poly synth, next to 2 Moog's ) Very inspiring channel you have btw!

[@MrJorjazz]

Thanks so much for these videos my man!

[@szekeresgeza]

Maan I love all your stuff. I think you and Novation are from the same quality material, so it's gotta be a fruity trip for both of you! Btw my new LPP is on the way to control a Peak, Sub37, Circuit & MPC Live... I just can't wait to OD with that heavenly poly-aftertouch and probability triggering! Please keep on doing your honest and pro content. Cheers from Hungary!

[@lalosporsche]

Amazing sounds!!!, novation peak would be my next purchase, great video

[@Dea_Decay]

super helpful and those sounds around the 7:30 mark in the video were awesome! I should probably finish watching before I comment sure its going to get even better

[@Dea_Decay]

I knew it, by the end it was so epic and cinematic just absolutely beautiful!

[@ubiquitousreverser]

Yeah! Morning Tinez! Good stuff bro.

[@antoniomarcello9872]

my boy Ricky uploads... I press like.

[@RickyTinez]

My boy Antonio comments, i hit heart

[@MetaHoudini]

@@RickyTinez oh hell nah boy rck reply. I pres leik.

[@davidvochocjr1005]

Great explanation, thanks!

[@BlezzBeats]

Masterful breakdown

[@seniorbeatbox]

alot of iOS synths also have a mod matrix and i always seem to avoid them, maybe seemed too complicated, anyway this encourages me to dig deeper.. thankyou!

[@alexiss9211]

Thank you for diffusing your knowledge bro !

[@Cyberplayer5]

You could think of mod matrix as an electronic equivalent of patch cables. It allows you to connect one part of a (signal/signal path) to another part inside the synth.

[@MrTomb789]

that's a cool analogy...

[@mynmyself]

dude... this is selling me soooo much on the Peak... that sound

[@ZackGeragosian]

Awesome video man!!

[@morph224]

Got a Peak a week ago, it's sick. Looking forward to some Launchpad Pro vids, got that on the way too

[@AaronAlso]

Was checking this out on Sweetwater. Their demo video had this guy named Enrique Martinez. I said "Oh! hell no that's Ricky Tinez from KZbin."; little did I know you actually work(ed) for Novation.

[@sK3LeTvM1]

You are good. The way you demo is toppy ! Last 10 months, I've been busy checking out many synths. That is because synths are an investment to me, to be used for many years. The outcome of all the testing was simple : Summit. No other synth like Hydra, Kyra, Prophets or Decards come near. Peak/Summit are about the best synths since the release of the Virus TI series.

[@2112jonr]

Totally agree. A few quirks to iron out with the Summit, but the Peak is totally solid.

[@FKU7777]

That sound at 21 mins is gorgeous

[@bicycleninja1685]

Nice tutorial. The Novation Summit is on my wish list.

[@JuanAMatos-zx4ub]

Sold a bunch of hear for it and so far so good!

[@aaronthompson317]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@happylittlesynth]

lovely patch !

[@jelig72]

this video shows me how much I really don't know about synths

[@ColdPie]

I didn't know you work at Novation! I love my Peak.

[@rotkod39]

employee of the month 🤘

[@1dkappe]

I like the super sneaky mod matrix stuff that happens so fast you don’t notice it but makes a huge difference to the final sound, like noise or pitch changes that happen at attack for bass or epiano. You could spend a year doing videos on sound design. You’d need coffee in the intro for those vids, though. :-)

[@AllenJuddMusic]

Awesome stuff and very well explained. And wow the peak sounds great. Great info that translates to most synth. I love 20:16 or so. “My god”. Just awesome

[@djrockid]

thanks for making this vid!

[@playgroundofsound7683]

Great stuff thanks man

[@thorstenh.4750]

Big Thx for this inspiring content. I got a Summit since November. :)

[@DataBroth]

mod matrixes are pretty much why I moved over to software primarily. also modulars

[@TheCALMInstitute]

Interesting comment on a hardware video...

[@DataBroth]

@@TheCALMInstitute glad I could spark your interest, but I'm curious now, what makes this comment interesting?

[@wickeddubz]

Dat plucky sounds at 7:20 . Ricky, thanks for educating us!

[@artoboroscargobike9729]

Excellent. Thx.

[@AaronNickols88]

Thanks i learned a lot

[@jayflexi]

that new launchpad pro looks immense!! would you do a video comparing it to the launchpad x?

[@xend_dnb]

Awesome video!!! Can u make some videos with interesting methods to create interesting sounds with Peak?

[@chiefgoldlotus]

maybe a bit too advanced for me just yet but i will definitely come back to this one as i get more knowledge and experience with synths (and an actual piece of hardware to play on)

[@FreeThink1984]

Alex Kennedy this is great info that totally applies to software as well 🙂

[@mb2776]

Kinda basic use is to route an evelope to pitch and the same envelope to the filter. This way you can make analog kicks. Also, envelope to pulse width is an idea:)

[@robjanssen7420]

Take a really, really simple synthesizer like an SH-101. It has a slider called MOD in the VCF section (and one in the VCO section, too). Let's say you turn it all the way up. In a modulation matrix, you'd have to create an entry that says: "source: LFO", "target: VCF", "amount: 100%". Since it's so simple - it's only got 1 LFO - all you need is a single slider. If it would have 2 LFOs, you'd need 2 sliders in the VCF section, but also 2 in the VCO section. Putting this in a matrix means some menu diving, but it saves you adding additional knobs for every modulation source you can think of. That makes synths easier to look at and operate. In a lot of cases, you're not going to run out of modulation matrix slots - so adding 12 knobs, most of which you'd never use per section would be a waste of space. For modular synths, you create a slot by connecting a source (LFO) to a target (VCO pitch). A matrix has an additional advantage; if you want both the LFO and an envelope to modulate the VCO pitch, the matrix takes care of that for you, while on a modular, you'd have to mix the signals. The same goes for an envelope to modulate both VCO pitch and VCF cutoff - on a modular, you'd need a multiple that duplicates the signal.

[@MeAlexSenna]

Interesting take in a topic most people even dare to take in. I really dig how you tame the beast here. I like to touch a point here though. At 20:40 ish, you wanted to add some modulation from the "Envelope 1" into the filter. Yet you go on and modified the envelope sliders but little did you knew that what you are doing is changing the "Mod on Evelope 2" instead , you forgot to switch to ENV1 while you did it, and what you really did was changing your original slope for the Matrix slot 1. I like to do a lot of matrix connections on my Oberheim M-1000 is a sleeper beast on that and a lot on the Deepmind 12 too. I'm also a big fan of the FX routing like you do here, I guess the secret is out. :)

[@brandonbanks1408]

Happy accidents

[@ricardonikolac8524]

After this video, I’ll buy a peak! Should be great to have a master class with you! Any more tutorials of the novation PEAK?

[@justletmesigninokthx]

Holy shit thats nice. I had the original bass station which was dope at the time ! lol

[@oO5Dynasty]

ty for the video

[@winddealer1]

Peak is a hybrid classic. Love the sounds along with great quality encoders, smooth faders and solid build. Love this thing. Thanks for the inspirational video! Get into the matrix!

[@mkultraproductions1549]

Dude the Peak is so insane. I’m sold!

[@DroneShots_UK]

Great video, can you do more like this?

[@knocturnaljimmy]

Can you elaborate on what you mean by Ableton having a mod matrix? Do you mean on the Wavetable synth? Or just the ability to throw effects in any order you like? Just checking I haven’t missed out on something major!

[@gigahertz_1911]

haha i was just about to dive into the peaks mod matrix and this vid pops up lol

[@sheik530]

I feel like the reason a lot of novice synth users don't get into the full mod capabilities of a given synth is that menu diving is sort of a scary idea at first and makes it a bit inaccessible. My first synth was the Sub37, and it handles modulation better than anything else I've ever interacted with, it's almost modular in nature I feel? Having dedicated hardware controls at your mod sources for mapping them to destinations is the easiest way to get new synth owners in on this!

[@pk3776]

Another top video Ricky 👍..... Request, please do a master class video on the new LPP mk3 and Ableton..... for new LP owners and Ableton users. Like me👍🎶🇬🇧

[@nkozi]

Alternate Title: "How to make a Rival Consoles patch" Anyway; also check out the Deepminds, they have similarly powerful mod matrices, and because you can modulate a whole bunch of effects in both series and parallel, you can do a ton of cool work!

[@ToyKeeper]

The Deepmind synths are good, but they're pretty weak in the oscillator section... which is one of the strongest aspects of the Peak. A Peak can make a huge variety of sounds even without touching filters or effects, while the Deepmind has only a few basic sounds at its core and relies heavily on effects to provide variety.

[@nkozi]

ToyKeeper that's all true, but I don't consider it a criticism. Being Juno-based, it's kinda in the DM's blood to have basic oscs. They effects section isn't as immediately accessible, nor the quality at quite the same level, but it's LOADS more flexible and with way more options. Apples and Oranges, really

[@ToyKeeper]

Yeah, the Deepmind uses a very different approach than the Peak. It's pretty strictly a subtractive synth, adhering to the idea that one should use oscillators with a ton of harmonics and then filter out the parts which aren't needed. It can make a lot of great sounds, as demonstrated in the patch banks by GEOsynths. I've used synths of that type, but I sure do miss having more oscillator shapes and wavetables. They can really expand the sonic palette.

[@LuminorBeats]

i still cant understand how people be spending 6k usd on "vintage mint condition" synths with the "true sound" and bullshit. peak is so underrated. its like a swiss army knife imo, unlimited possibilities and sounds awesome. cant wait to get one!

[@Syntox]

It's madness

[@RickyTinez]

Peak is definitely my most used synth atm. Deckards is a close second. Xpander takes a back seat but only for specific things. Peak did make me sell some of my other synths too :X haha. its so flexible

[@1dkappe]

Wait. Between circuit and peak that’s two Swiss Army knife synths.

[@user-cs4ir6og6h]

@@RickyTinez Hey, Is it correct to compare it with hydrasynth in the possibilities of sound design?

[@basstradamus1]

@@RickyTinez how would you compare peak to DeepMind 12d?

[@TimurBatyrshin]

I saw a similar 2-part mod matrix on synth engine of Circuit in Components app. Does it apply to it as well or there is a different mod matrix engine there?

[@alfreddawson3765]

I wish there was a video like this for the mininova. I understand that the concepts are the same, but the menu diving on the mininova makes the mod matrix a little bit more difficult to work with.

[@nikmcd4559]

Just watching this atm. Just wondering as you are a novation employee. .. you talk about using the mod matrix to effect clock synced lfos on the peak. Can you actually do this with the mininova? I always thought that it would only work if the lfos were not synced. Also do you think that you would ever add fm to the mininova? Just a thought. I am sorry

[@NatLifeSounds]

Interesting to know what happened with a LFO2 Rate twist?)

[@shortcutDJ]

What is your view on limitation? i like to limit myself all the time. i kinda have to bc i'm a mschinist and it's the first and only device i have. For me i would consider buying some new gear only if i make some money with what i have at the moment.

[@iThinkWeGotIt]

Hey Ricky quick question . I work in a linear workflow. Not exactly clips and launching things like most ableton controllers work. I wanna get that new Pro mk3 but do you think it will support the the arrangement view of ableton? I don’t really work with clips or do live shows