Modular Synthesizer Workshop With VCV Rack
This hands-on two-day workshop is a practical introduction to modular sound synthesis and electronic sound creation using VCV Rack, a Eurorack simulator for Mac/Windows/Linux. Learn to create a ‘patch’ to produce electronic sound and leave with the tools for limitless sound creation.
Previously the preserve of wealthy and patient music makers tangled up with wires in giant blinking boxes, the joy of creating sounds on a modular synth is now available inside your laptop via the free virtual modular synthesizer VCV Rack. Whether you are an experienced sound creator or curious music fan, modular synthesis with VCV Rack offers virtually limitless audio creation tools and sonic experimentation.
Course Logistics
Dates: Wednesday, July 28 – Thursday, July 29
Times: 5-8PM PST
Cost: $180 for two-day workshop
We also offer Diversity Scholarships. Apply here.
Hybrid format
For the first time, we will be offering this as hybrid course–making it available both in-person to students who are based in San Francisco Bay Area, as well as to remote students online.
Experience Level: Beginner to intermediate. Previous experience working with music and sound creation tools is helpful but not necessary.
Requirements:
Bring a PC/Mac or Linux Laptop and headphones compatible with your Laptop.
Install VCV Rack prior to arriving to workshop. Download here.
Workshop Outline
We’ll cover everything you need to patch and compose with modular synths over two days. We’ll move from basic technique to hands on applications in your own creative musical context.
Day 1
• Brief history of modular synthesis, terms and techniques with A/V materials and short demonstration on physical hardware
• Introduction to VCV Rack virtual modular, module browser, connecting to your laptop’s audio output
• Making your first sounds by building a basic VCO VCF VCA patch in VCV Rack
• Expanding the sonic possibilities of a basic patch with Gates, Envelopes, LFO, Sequencers, and other specialized modules
• Understanding building block modules: VCO, VCA, VCF, LFO, Scope, Audio Interface
• Saving and recalling and sharing your patches
Day 2
• Further expansion of patching techniques using Noise, Random, Quantizer modules
• Building percussive drum machine patches using multiple voices and modules
• Building generative and ambient patches
• Sharing patches and refining students patches with one on one guidance from the instructor
About Technologies
VCV Rack is a free open-source virtual modular synthesizer that runs on Mac, Windows and Linux. Multiple modules can be connected to synthesize a sound. By default the software contains several VCOs, LFOs, mixers, and other standard synthesizer modules, however more can be added as plugins through the VCV Rack website.
