3 Ways to Get Started with Modular Synthesizers

In this video I’ll share 3 different ways to get started with modular synthesizers—even if you’re a complete beginner. I’ll talk about the advantages of starting with virtual synths, semi-modular synths, and Eurorack modular synths, as well as the differences between each approach so you can choose the best one for yourself.

I’ll also share tips for planning your first Eurorack modular synth and how to make sure you’re putting together a system that supports your musical goals. Finally, I'll share some resources to help you get deeper into learning synthesis.

Links mentioned in this video:

Discover Modular Synthesis: Moog Mavis (online course)

Free Moog Mavis Patch Bundle:

Learning Sound & Synthesis (online course + coaching program):

Gear mentioned in this video (affiliate links support my channel—thank you!):

Moog Mavis Semi-Modular Synth:

Make Noise 0-Coast Semi-Modular Synth:

PWM Malevolent Semi-Modular Keyboard Synth:

Arturia Minibrute Semi-Modular Keyboard Synth:

Make Noise Morphagene:

Make Noise XPO:

Bastl Ikarie Stereo Filter:

Make Noise Optomix:

Joranalogue Transmit 2 Stereo Output:

Make Noise 0-Ctrl:

4MS Pod Case:

Intellijel 4U Palette Cases:

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro + Overview
1:50 VCV Rack
8:09 Semi-modular synths
14:10 Eurorack

[joannawhite]

Very Helpful ! at 74 years young i find it hard to find anyone with the patience to help me get started on my new journey with modular. Thank You so much for this video. I do not know how i found this but Thank You. Blessings, Joanna

[jaysgood]

You should mention that many of the modules in VCV Rack also exist as real world physical modules. This is a great way to ‘try before buy’ in the modular world.

[letmefeelthevibes]

You're very kind and sweet. I'm an absolute noob, i know nothing about music in general, music synthesis, electronics... And I'm not super intelligent overall either. I've always felt attracted to creating electronic music and the sounds i hear in my head, but also always felt like i just wouldn't be able to, even if i tried my very hardest.
This video pushed me to try VCV Rack, and after an hour or so i already managed to create a drum kick sounding synth with sequencer module on enveloppe on vca for rythm, and vco on an other enveloppe to shape the sound. It blows my mind!
But i'm still scared things would get too complicated past a drum kick and a bass line very quickly for me....
In any case, VCV Rack is mindblowing, allowing you to pratice with all these modules for free, it's just incredible, and it's also very intuitive to use, even for noobs like me. I really dislike DAWs in general, using Ableton is as enjoyable as filling my taxes paperwork, so I didn't want to try VCV Rack before because of that, but I have to say i was very pleasantly surprised by how intuitive and fun to use VCV Rack is.
Thank you very much Sarah *hug*
I'll keep watching the rest of your content, you do interesting and beautiful things :)

[karmatosed]

I really like the way you break things down and explain everything, you have a very welcoming vibe and I think a lot of other content creators of this niche forget what it’s like to be completely new, and they either leave the new folks completely behind or talk down to them like they should be smarter. As a trumpet player myself, you certainly inspired some new ideas for me to try with my guitar pedals. 😊.

[thomas_dries]

14:50 That recommendation did wonders for me!

I started off with just 2 modules, the Winterblooms Castor and Pollux & the ErrorInstruments Loopman. I also managed to find an awesome 54hp portable case with a full 1U rack of utility modules pre-installed.

Not only did having such a small setup allow me to get super familiar with my modules, but it also saved me a ton of money! I bought everything (including the case) second hand for just under $600.

[CarlitoProductions]

Taking the mini course because I want to use virtual modular synth to make music. Been looking for a comprehensive course and came across this video. Thank you so much for making this and making the barrier of entry in modular a lot less for all of us!

[robriki]

After many years learning how to process my accordion with both pedals and computer I bought a Zoia as an effect pedal and ended up discovering and learning synthesis. After many infructuous efforts before in VCV rack, I went back was able to start making some sounds. I then bought the behringer Neutron because it has the biggest patch bay! Having now a few semi-modular I have a wide range of sounds and modulations at hands. All that process occurred over a few years, letting me learn what everything was doing and how it could behave. All that to say that the process was fun and very creative!

[gianfrancobianchi]

Even if I am a seasoned synth user, i couldn't help to watch the video until the end. You're wonderful (in every sense)

[thenervoussquirrel]

Very nice introduction, but don't forget the DIY route too! It's cheap, you learn loads, and it's an immensely satisfying process. Building your own modules means you get to customise everything to your liking, and even turn your own module concepts into reality. Great video though, and this comment certainly isn't a complaint, just a mention of another great way of getting started with modular synths!

[tplank]

I can't say how much I appreciate the content that you are creating. Being a highly improvisational acoustic musician (upright bass/electric bass) For a long time i have been trying to wrap my head around finding a way to create a relatively small, focused, modular system to interact, create, and even duet with. The concepts that you discuss in your electroacoustic videos have been very encouraging and definitely have my wheels turning. I'm going to take your course and then start planning a case, starting with a doepfer A-119.

[squidman]

My goal and the music I want to make are ambient soundscapes that I can score with and also resample for dance music. I've just ordered my first modules Pamela's, 4ms ensemble osc, MI Beads and some utilities vca's etc. Really excited to get started

[BristlyBright]

Did go through some of the steps in the "your 1st modular synth patch" course an really did love it! Even though I already had the understanding of most of it it was really helpful to go through it!

I have a project planned, to make a real, physical modular system. DIY to 100% percent (no buy and solder modules, but CAD and order circuit boards) and this is a really helpful video to just make me understand more of the core concepts of modular synthesis.

Thank you Sarah!!

[andrij.demianczuk]

For external control, I love using the Novation Launchpad Pro. It’s my clock, sequencer input and performance controller. I use an Intellijel case that does a great job handling midi and has a couple of buffered mults built in. Then my modules basically break down to sound sources, LFOs (Maths mostly) VCFs and VCAs. For effects I’ve repurposed some cheap guitar pedals to save room in my case. My first modules I ever got started with were an ALM busy circuits MCO oscillator, Make Noise maths, an intellijel VCF+ and a small 2-channel VCA. This is still the mainstay of my rig to this day

[DrReinerHutwelker]

The first thing I learned today in Sarah's VCV course is: modular is not only modular, but veery modular and modular can also mean moladur. - Excited looking forward to the next course to start.

[dentsdesciesynth]

I want to say, if you don't vibe with VCV rack, don't give up. I could simply not get into it, yet I did not have this problem with my own physical modular synths. I think one question to ask yourself, beyond "what kind of music do you want to make" is "what role do you want your modular to play for you ? Is it going to be for sampling ? A fancy midi mono synth ? A noise box ? A complete instrument ?
I think also that one thing really worth considering are pre-built system. Doepfer for example has several available, most with empty spaces you can fill later. Pre-built systems are thought out and very rewarding because they make sense. I also really recommend looking at the AE modular format, it's an awesome modular format which is very affordable. There are 2 starter systems available which have so many possibilities by themselves.

[LillySchwartz]

Perfect video! I tried to get into software modular for so many years until I understood that it‘s the mode of interaction that just doesn‘t gel with me. Even midi mapping didn‘t help me because the knobs would be in a different spot in each patch and that prevented muscle memory from helping me out. In the end I thought I‘d jump straight in with an AE modular starter system and got super lost because there are already too many modules in there. Made a lot of bleeps and bloops, but it didn‘t really find it‘s way into my music. It was only when I got a semi-modular that it finally clicked and since then Eurorack and modular has been at the centre of how I make music.

[jts-jcjk]

Thanks so much for making modular less mysterious and more accessible! Right now, I'm just learning synthesis in general and am really happy and content with software emulations of pre-patched classics, but maybe, just maybe, one day I might have to try VCV rack!

[saggygnaw]

Thanks so much for this extremely informative and helpful video! Double thanks for immediately starting off with useful and powerful free options (and learning resources) and not trying to shill gear to anyone new to the hobby. Best video on this topic by far!

[chitlun]

Great vid! I started around three years ago with a MiniBrute 2S and a Neutron and was hooked! Augmented that set up with a DFAM, then a Subharmonicon, followed by a Matriarch. I took the dive into full modular last year and, as I had a wealth of oscillators already, I built a case around FX and modulation sources. First modules I bought were a Pam’s New Workout and the ubiquitous Make Noise Maths, along with a 4 channel VCA mixer… Maths could keep one busy for a lifetime! I must echo the request of another commenter here and ask if you would shed some light on the VCV patch @ 3:50 using Simplicitor with an external source, that’s astonishing! Also you look like my friend’s daughter who’s also a musician. My friend’s called Sarah and her daughter’s called Belle! Peace.

[paulmeldrum]

Rarely actually comment on YouTube, but that was the most perfect video for someone just getting into modular I've ever seen! 💯