Modular synth scares me, so I learned how to use it.

Modular synth is terrifying. My eurorack and harp journey has begun. Harp through modular synth is going to be wild.

Thanks to Perfect Circuit:

Subscribe to Frederick Foxtrott!

Curious about how I use effects pedals with my harp?

Want to support the channel? Join us on Patreon!

JOIN OUR DISCORD:

[RhettShull]

I started a modular setup a few years ago, and got overwhelmed. I think y'all have inspired me to start again.

[RegularDude]

I love modular. Its like a living breathing thing that pumps voltage through its veins instead of blood.

[JorbLovesGear]

Can't wait to see where modular takes you, the chances for incorporating pedals are so exciting.

[FrederickFoxtrott]

Awesome to see these patches. Emily and Russ are some pretty cool people.

[ghavinga]

Fascinating, for me it was completely the other way around. My partner used to own a standing pedal harp and it completely spooked me and made me feel terribly inadequate and such a beginner. Though I totally loved it when she played the harp. Happily I could safely hide behind my synthesizers and modules and many many cables. Your story and honesty bought a tear to my eye, wonderful to see you embrace the "impossible". Subscribed to Frederick's channel, thanks for the tip.

[DivKid]

Thanks for picking out the DivKid ochd! (massively bias of course but it continues to be a special modulator for making patches come to life, I hope you find it to be too. All the best for the journey, here for any help and questions, excited to see what you get out of it.

[ericm]

Hey Emily Hopkins and Russ! Modular thanks for overcoming your modular fears to bring us this nice introduction to modular synth! It was about 1975 when I first heard Isao Tomita's beautiful album snowflakes are dancing and I've loved synthesized music ever since! I am eagerly anticipating many magnificent modular music movements! Ride ride ride!

[MartinRivers]

Myself and a friend started a monthly get together, for synthesists, at a local brewery and bar in my home town in England. So once a month people can bring their gear, perform and skill share. Like Emily said it is far easier when somebody shows you how things work rather than trying to figure it out from a video or a manual. It already helped me a lot.

[bricelory]

I also would love to start having some pedal demos on modular as well! I think it'll be less obvious what the pedal as doing than it is with the clean sound of the harp, but things like distortion is really powerful and lively on some synth patches.

I'm really looking forward to this being added to your channel - but make sure you and Russ don't get burned out by all you're doing!

[teedub]

Emily, you've given me many ideas, over the years, for building pedals but now you've gone and done it again. Now you have peaked another interest I've had for years and will now attempt to build a modular synthesizer. I don't think you realize how much an inspiration you are to people like me, a jack of all trades but master of none, that thrives on keeping my mind and hands busy.

[bricelory]

I'm elated you're sharing your experiences getting into modular! It's definitely a mountain to climb, and I'm really glad you're working your way through it!

[musicartguy]

Eurorack is daunting, but it is such a fascinating way to create. So much of your normal composition tropes go straight out the window. I love it.

[BTTRSWYT]

If anyone wants to get started with modular but doesn't want to drop a fortune on equipment, check out VCV rack. The VST version costs money, but the standalone is free and is a great way to get started.

[davidsteinhour]

It's a brave new world! I will probably never buy a pedal or module, but I really enjoy discovering how the music I love gets made. And it helps that you and Russ are delightful internet friends to spend time with.

[boringgearreviews]

It’s like the guts of an 80’s spaceship ❤🚀

[seanpk]

This is awesome and I’m glad that you had a good modular community experience. The community is what really sets it apart for me. Tons of innovation happening in modules and in general everyone involved just seems excited and happy for everyone else. It’s a ~~~vibe~~~ and it doesn’t matter how many modules you have or how much much money you spend, if you’re enjoying it, you’re doing it right. It’s just downright fun once you understand the basics too, then you can get more wild patching idea from what others are doing in the community + your own discoveries. The fact that you can’t really break anything plugging random stuff into other stuff is great for experimentation.

[PocketUnv]

This makes me so happy. I'm happy you've taken the plunge into Modular!

[richardsaffle]

This is awesome! I really liked that you kinda “showed your work” in the 1st example, showing what was doing what. I’ve watched hours of synth demos now, & when the demo person kinda explains what they’re, or even just labels what’s doing what in the setup, it helps the “less informed” like me. Stoked to see where this leads ya!

[RemitheDreamfox]

The video is perfect for me, I've been just started my "trying to figure out modular synth" journey.

It seems so beautiful~ My end goal is to have a synth that can act as a randomized dreamy ambient music/noise generator. I'm binging through a ton of videos on this lately and it's been real fun to learn. I wanna dive face first into it like you did, but I'm probably gonna try out the virtual modular synth just to figure out how stuff works first.

Awesome video though! Looking forwards to seeing how you use it in the future :3

[charlespancamo]

That's a crazy picture of you in the thumb LOL made me chuckle, love it.
Also: Eventide, baby! YEAAAAHH!!!