Why you can never have too many VCAs

Don't forget to hit Subscribe! // Being a short quest to explore the ways one can inject a little more interest into your sequences, and a good excuse to go over one of the most important building blocks in modular synths. VCAs. You need em. INTERESTING LINKZ BELOW M8

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The VCA I'm using in this:

Further Reading:

Shoutout to Edcidic and Muffwigglerz and Steve Dunnington @ Moog for the inspiration x

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[agincourtdb]

"VCAs are the animation lane of modular" omg. That was a lightbulb moment for me, thank you so much. /computer musician

[stephenstinnett]

The BEST explanation of VCA's and their use I have seen. Thanks so much.

[sssss]

Finally a modular video with sounds that are cool, and not boring and annoying/obnoxious. Keep up the good work dude!

[palyx]

I am so happy to see this video. I just finally got a 2nd VCO and discovered modulating a VCO with another VCO/LFO Your VCA trick is the next step. Thank you!

[MaashuCookiemonster]

Finally understand VCAs, thanks! Loved how you explained and showed exactly what was patched into what.


p.s. Your set at Moogfest was phenomenal!!

[MisterNiles]

Great video, as usual. I always love your videos and end up watching them more than once.
I have no true VCAs in my euro system. I have a Moddemix and an Optomix. I should probably buy a standard VCA. I'm considering buying an Intellijel or building one of the Befaco VCA's.

Your video taught me a lot and gave me some great ideas. I was of the opinion that VCAs can end up being a crutch, because with a little practice, I've learned to turn knobs up and down with the accuracy and speed of a cycling Maths or DUSG.

The first time I ever got fast and accurate enough with my manual knob turning to get into the audio rate, I was very impressed with myself and thought I might be the Steve Vai of modular synthesis. Then I realized, that those bullying frat boys, who kidnapped me and made me drink radioactive cheetah blood, had changed me on a biological level. I think they turned me into some sort of superhero.

Unfortunately, being slightly misanthropic and self centered, I have decided to use my powers for synthesis (and possibly yo-yo) only. Sorry world.
The real life equivalent of the Flash wouldn't be very useful anyway. Also, you wouldn't believe how fast I can go through a pair of shoes when I use my powers to run around!

And... I don't know an elderly, philanthropic materials scientist, with a messianic complex, and fashion design experience, who is willing to make me a special suit, take me under their wing, be my wise benefactor and slightly sarcastic, moral compass.

But seriously. Looking forward to your next video is always exciting. I've never been less than pleased with your output, even if you are demonstrating a module I have no interest in. Thanks again.

[dillipphunbar]

The timing of this video content is uncanny. Late last night I was playing with the vca and lfo in my b.neutron, desperately trying (and failing most of the time), to create subtle changes in order to liven up my boring sequences. This was very helpful. Thankyou

[leanderlumen]

This helped my understand my Quad VCA much better. Instead of just using it to throw envelopes on my VCOs I can take the next step into modulation now. Thanks alot!

[michaelkonomos]

I LOVE the discussion of variance and subtlety. This comes up a lot in visual arts as well. The human heart LOATHES perfection. So when 3D artists create something too clean they have to grime it up. Give it imperfections. Digital ANYTHING is too clean, and the more variation, the more interest and character. Thanks for the lesson! Love this.

[bobthesalesclerk]

VNICURSAL VCA by Zlob is 6 VCAs in 8HP with a summed output. Love mine. Great way to have a ton of VCAs without taking up HP in my smaller system

[HousePlant_Ambient]

This video is so essential to everyone getting into modular. Even every LFO modular or envelope needs a freakin VCA. Learned that and realize how essential VCA are in this community

[the_real_redx]

BRILLIANT. Thank you so much. Understanding this all so slowly...but it's videos like this that are taking me there....

[MChristian]

I'm considering getting into modular and searching YouTube to learn more and this video was super inspiring. Your examinations are clear, and your example with the rings was beautiful. Thank you for this video.

[XYtoTheDoubleG]

Seriously man.... Thank you for this great lesson! I have been so boring when it comes to my envelope use! been yearning for new ideas for the pair I have and you really inspired me! Fantastic!

[Nuin]

"To put a VCA in the path": i will not forget it ! Thanks you a lot from France (Gers).

[unclemick-synths]

Great video 👍. I was just looking for VCA reviews and happily the algorithm shared this video to me. I'm building a wind synth sound engine and figured out that I'd need VCAs to make best use of the expression capabilities of the motion sensors in the Roland AE-30. This video gives me more thoughts - not least of which is I need more VCAs than I thought! 😀

[parkerault]

"huuh... nice." –mylarmelodies 2018

[walrtbstudios]

As I’m just about to pull the trigger on a quad vca, this was a timely find. Thanks!

[switchyard]

Again, excellent hands on explaination.


I've followed your journey, thanks for bringing us along.

[barlobarlo]

Been working on a patch since yesterday wondering what to do next - then this popped up! Just in time - many thanks.