MOTM

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