What is a Mod Matrix? // Basic Synthesis

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@tompoynton]

I love your calm, gentle style

[@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.

[@donaldpriola1807]

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

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@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 💚

[@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.

[@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.

[@davidsobel3303]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@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!

[@norrin_sad2778]

The magic of modulation Always something new to learn 💜

[@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!

[@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

[@MSPatterson]

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

[@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!

[@JuanAMatos-zx4ub]

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

[@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.

[@SongeLeReveur]

That last patch was insane. Great video as always!

[@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!

[@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!

[@ldmdesign5610]

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

[@mickpattison7489]

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

[@DELO480]

Always a pleasure seein your vids pop up!

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@thomasippolito7262]

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

[@liamplunkett5100]

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

[@Acwmusic]

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

[@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 :-))

[@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!

[@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...

[@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!

[@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.

[@TokSlusken]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@rotkod39]

employee of the month 🤘

[@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.

[@jelig72]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@ColdPie]

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

[@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!

[@techneek100]

Thanx! Very soft and brunchy-harmonic explanation!

[@THEeatBUG]

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

[@FKU7777]

That sound at 21 mins is gorgeous

[@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

[@rhampton1914]

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

[@waynereddiar3070]

This is magic - what a great review Ricky!

[@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!

[@morph224]

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

[@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. :-)

[@mynmyself]

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

[@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!

[@Skootavision]

Really useful video - cheers Ricky

[@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.

[@МихаилШульга-я9ы]

@@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?

[@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.

[@BlezzBeats]

Masterful breakdown

[@ubiquitousreverser]

Yeah! Morning Tinez! Good stuff bro.

[@lalosporsche]

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

[@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

[@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

[@thorstenh.4750]

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

[@JakeSweeper]

Nice... Might get one one of these days, but it'll be awhile; I could probably afford it, but I get sick and tired of fighting off constant attacks of G.A.S. Gotta get good with what I got before I can justify getting more gear to myself, (he said while holding his new bass he bought last week). :D

[@badhombre2484]

i feel this

[@paulluna8099]

In any other context I would tell you to go use Beano so there would be no more gas.

[@johncaccioppo1142]

You said a lot there. I have the same frustration with my skill/time deficit. Fighting for time to have time to practice, only to be too tired to do anything. Working hard to pay off the last bit of gear that hasn't even arrived in the mail yet. Two days since my last paycheck and it's almost gone. Getting bitter about being a consumer when I can't do more than pretend to enjoy the process. These pros save me so much time with these videos, but then at the same time I see just how far I have to go only to get to the start. Feel like I don't even deserve to vent about it. But you did, so thanks for that... much needed moment of sobriety. I'll get some sleep and get back on it again in a few hours.

[@JakeSweeper]

Heh... More to the point, this video reminds me to put in some time learning the ins and outs of my Microfreak, which has a mod matrix of its own. (Like I said, gotta get good with what I got. :D)

[@MrJorjazz]

Thanks so much for these videos my man!

[@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?

[@alexiss9211]

Thank you for diffusing your knowledge bro !

[@ZackGeragosian]

Awesome video man!!

[@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.

[@happylittlesynth]

lovely patch !

[@ttttiiimmy10bit]

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

[@wickeddubz]

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

[@uzirider751]

Omg

[@MrMarcLaflamme]

Now let's go back to voices and set it to poly and...sell a bunch more Peaks because this is awesome.

[@davidvochocjr1005]

Great explanation, thanks!

[@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?

[@NatLifeSounds]

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

[@AtomkeySinclair]

My Deepmind 12 has a mod matrix that has more than I can ever imagine messing with really. I've wasted hours playing with that dumb thing. When you start stacking mods it gets complex very fast. You'll end up with mush, get lost in the swamp, and then can't figure out how to get back to the cool sound you started with.

[@DroneShots_UK]

Great video, can you do more like this?

[@mkultraproductions1549]

Dude the Peak is so insane. I’m sold!

[@robs1529]

You can't modulate the effects with an Envelope (or LFO 1 or 2) because those are per voice. You can only use global mod sources on the effects

[@JorgBarrett]

Wow, you are in another level Ricky

[@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!

[@aaronthompson317]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@gigahertz_1911]

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

[@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👍🎶🇬🇧

[@SpaceDisco1]

It's matrices by the way. Good video!

[@LittleMusicBoxes]

I did not know you worked for Novation! What is your role there??

[@djrockid]

thanks for making this vid!

[@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