I couldn't agree more! Put in a cable and twirle a knob and see what
comes out. Elhardt said, and I agree, listen to past Masters, too.
Then listen to the sound in your head and see if you can find it in
your synth. Even if you can't, I guarantee you'll find something cool.
Here's a fun place to start: take the SINE OUT of you vco to your
amp/desk/computer (watch those sound pressure levels :). Take the SAW
OUT of the same vco into the FM IN of the same vco. Play with the FM
knob. Many questions pop up, no? What if I use the SQR OUT to FM?
What if I switch SIN and SAW? What if I use another VCO to modulate
the FM IN, one that is driven by a sequencer?
That's why I love modulars!
Mike
--- In motm@yahoogroups.com, "charlesosthelder" <osthelder@n...> wrote:
> 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