Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: MOTM

Hi All!

I've been reading this thread for awhile and it sounds to me like you
would like some sort of guide to modular synthesizer patching. That
is an odd request, don't you think? I mean, you are putting together
a collection of different modules for the sole reason of having
unlimited complexity. Well, now what?

The objective, really, is to consider the sound you wish to create.
Once you understand sound, look at your module complement. What does
each module do by itself? Take one oscillator and make different
sounds with it. Patch the triangle out in the FM input and turn the
knobs. Try different combinations of patches and knob settings.

Kids play with the Engine of Chaos all the time. My grandson will
ask, "what if...?" and, though I know the answer, my response is
always, "let's find out!" When people call a particular
module "boring", they aren't playing with it hard enough! Yes, a
subharmonic generator can be rather dull, but what if you do THIS...

Brian Eno carries a box of cards with him. Each card has an idea or
action written on it like, "take a nap" or "work standing up" or
other silly things. When he feels stumped or at a creative impass,
he picks a card and does what is written on it. Spontaneous actions,
even when they lead you down a blind alley, will foster creativity.
Pull out all of your patch cords. Try using only one oscillator and
no filter. Stop doing what you think should be done!

The modular format removes limitations. Don't impose limitations on
yourself. Don't listen to purists. Make a weird noise, laugh at it
and pull the patch cords. Repeat.

Chub