Connect VCO OUT → VCA IN. The simplest signal path: sound source to amplitude control.
Challenge 2 — Add the Filter
VCO OUT → VCF IN, then VCF OUT → VCA IN. Subtractive synthesis core patch.
Challenge 3 — LFO → Filter Cutoff
LFO OUT → VCF CV IN. Modulate the filter cutoff for a classic wobble or wah effect.
Challenge 4 — FM: OSC → Pitch
LFO OUT → VCO CV IN. At audio rates this becomes FM synthesis — from slow vibrato to metallic timbres.
EAST vs WEST
synthesis philosophy duel
◈ EAST COAST — Subtractive
Moog / ARP tradition. Harmonically rich oscillators (saw, square) fed through resonant low-pass filters. Start with everything, subtract what you don't need. Predictable, musical, warm.
◈ WEST COAST — Additive / Complex
Buchla / Serge tradition. Simple waveforms processed through wavefolders, function generators, and complex oscillators. Build complexity through transformation. Unpredictable, organic, alive.
PRESET:
GATE & TRIGGER LAB
draw gates, trigger events, observe envelopes
120
EUCLIDEAN RHYTHM BUILDER
Bjorklund algorithm distributes beats across steps
Ring A — Kick
16
4
Ring B — Snare
16
3
Ring C — Hi-Hat
16
8
Ring D — Rim
12
5
120PRESETS:
LFO DESTINATION LAB
modulate parameters — from subtle movement to FM synthesis
0.8 Hz70%
ATTENUVERTER WORKSHOP
scale, invert, and reshape modulation signals
INPUT SIGNAL
OUTPUT SIGNAL
ATTENUVERTER
+1.00
Input [-1, +1] × 1.0 = Output [-1.0, +1.0]
What is an attenuverter? A knob that simultaneously attenuates (reduces) and inverts. At center (0) output is muted. Turning right scales 0→+1, turning left scales 0→−1. Negative values create subtractive modulation relationships — when one parameter rises, another falls.
MUTABLE INSTRUMENTS ALGORITHM EXPLORER
Plaits — 16 synthesis algorithms in one oscillator
Click a position on the wheel
VA Oscillator
A virtual analog oscillator with continuous morphing between waveforms. Sawtooth, triangle, square — and everything between. The foundation of subtractive synthesis.
GENERATIVE GARDEN
observe the system play itself
550%
After 10 seconds of play, controls fade — observe, don't control.
MODULAR ARTISTS
eight practitioners shaping the field
Morton Subotnick
b.1933 — Pioneer
Technique: Buchla 100 series, touch plates, voltage-controlled electronics. Invented the concept of the "electric music box." Key Work: Silver Apples of the Moon (1967) — first electronic work commissioned by a major label. "The synthesizer is not a replacement for acoustic instruments; it's a new instrument."
Caterina Barbieri
b.1990 — Sequencer Polyrhythm
Technique: Interlocking sequencer patterns, minimal modular rigs, additive pulse structures that induce cognitive illusions. Key Work: Patterns of Consciousness (2017). "I use the sequencer as a compositional tool, not just a player."
Richard Devine
Atlanta — Complex Patching
Technique: Massive modular systems, chaotic patch networks, intricate rhythmic complexity with precision control. Key Work: Sort\Lave (2012) — a document of extreme modular density. "Complexity must serve the music, not the ego."
Robert Henke
Berlin — Laser + Modular
Technique: Laser performance art synchronized to modular systems, custom software, precise audiovisual integration. Key Work: Lumière series (2014–) — room-scale laser installations. "Sound and light obey the same physics."
Suzanne Ciani
b.1946 — Buchla Virtuoso
Technique: Buchla 200 series quadraphonic performance, spatial sound design, jingle composition that financed her art. Key Work: LIVE Quadraphonic (1970s) — recently re-released to critical acclaim. "The Buchla is an instrument of touch and chance."
Keith Fullerton Whitman
Boston — Drone / Systems
Technique: Serge synthesizer, laptop feedback systems, long-form drone compositions that evolve through self-patched interactions. Key Work: Playthroughs (2002) — guitar feedback + laptop synthesis. "I want the patch to surprise me."
Alessandro Cortini
Nine Inch Nails — Emotional Modular
Technique: SOMA laboratory instruments, intimate solo modular work exploring memory and family through improvised synthesis. Key Work: Forse series (2013–2015) — three volumes of meditative synthesizer. "Gear should feel like an extension of your hands."
Hainbach
Berlin — Test Equipment
Technique: Repurposed lab oscillators, tape machines, and vintage test equipment combined with Eurorack modular patching. Key Work: Outskirts (2020) — field recordings + modular synthesis. "Any device that makes sound is a musical instrument."