Modular Synth Basics! Learn how to PATCH. [Tutorial]

Make awesome sounds with modular synthesizers! We cover MIDI to CV, VCO, VCA, LFO, ADSR and pulse width modulation. Don't know what any of that means? Watch the vid! :)

Modular synth units used in the tutorial: Doepfer A-110 VCO, A-132 DVCA, A-147 VCLFO, A-108 VCF8, A-140 ADSR.

I'm fascinated by synthesizers. And the power to craft precisely the timbre and shape of sound you've imagined is naturally attractive to me. Patching with modular synthesizers is something like a Rube Goldberg machine for sound. It can feel like a game, a puzzle and a laboratory experiment all at the same time.

But it's also a world that can seem pretty opaque to newcomers. The numberless dials and jacks labeled only by acronyms, the infinite tangle of cables, the arcane jargon. It can be a bit intimidating. But once you get past that, there's freedom, excitement and limitless possibilities. I wanted to share that experience with you.

To get the most out of this, I'd encourage you to follow along. Nowadays, there are tons of modular synth apps. You can download the same Modular VST I'm using and patch to your heart's content free for 20 days. You probably even have a keyboard that has control over some of these functions built-in (LFOs and ADSR controls are common on most consumer synths). Any questions, ask in the comments.

(Some links are affiliate links.)

[yorganyog]

A real teacher can explain Simple concepts. You are a real teacher. Not another hipster showing off their material. My congrats master.

[Feanor]

Amazing voice, so pleasant to listen.

[anthonyholmes]

I know you did this a few years back, but would you consider doing more? This tutorial was so good. In just 10 minutes I learned more about modular than I have in a few weeks of searching and reading. Hats off to you my friend!

[tchnodlic]

Natural teaching ability. Clearly delivered. What's not to like here. Well done + subbed!

[gavinwarner]

This is soooo interesting! Andrew Huang confused me a LOT so I needed some help with understanding, so thanks.

[chadzulu]

Best explanation I've seen on YouTube so far, thanks!

[citruesilver]

Great introduction, perfect tempo. Thank you for this excellent tutorial!

[KookyCloud]

You sir, have an AMAZING speaking voice.

[MarkusAudio]

I subscribed because of the stellar explanation. Thanks for the great work!

[KordTaylor]

A really nice video for that is great for learning modular synthesis. Thank you! 👍🏻

[anddecay]

THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE VIDEO!!!! it really helped me understand how these modules work!

[roccoharris]

that was really, really solid. thanks so much for this helpful vid, sir!!

[CosmicPotato]

I've never heard of Softube, but this seems really interesting. I definitely wanna use the 20-day trial now and would love to see more videos on this :) Thanks.

[mr.w]

Thanks for breaking this down so thoroughly!

[YannickJoubert]

thanks for this video, i've bought Softtube Modular about a month ago to learn but kinda ended just randomly patching stuff, nice to get a basic model to start, I started to build my own real one too, this plugin is helping a lot figure out what to buy first.

[ThierryPBeaulieu]

top quality presentation as usual! Thanks

[JeremyShaver]

Loved the video. I just subscribed. You explain really well. I just bought miRack iOS and im leaning form a concealable way rather than Moog’s Model 15 that im learning. Thanks a lot 👍🏼

[MarkMokum]

Great video! I've been fascinated by artists like Ansome etc and wanted to explore modular synths. I think it will help me to be more creative in my productions and maybe help me to understand digital synths. When I have time, I will definitely check Softube out.

[uniqhnd]

I f*cking love this video! I think I went into a state of zen as I started to realise everything, that first part is definitely true lol. Watched this twice to get an even better understanding.

[ElisandroDeLeon]

That was cool. Might need to look at that software