Inspiration and creative techniques to expand your patching – for any synthesizer, modular system, or software.
Allen Strange’s book “Electronic Music” became a landmark guide to modular synthesis in the ’70s, blending technical clarity with creativity. Decades later, its ideas still inspire. We take an introductory look...
In this how-to article, Chris Meyer breaks down when to use linear vs. exponential VCAs and envelopes in modular synth patches. Learn how response curves shape loudness, mixing, FM depth, and modulation—and why combining exponential envelopes with linear VCAs often sounds most natural.
Tired of static envelopes? Chris Meyer shows how to build Zadar-like, chaotic, smooth-random shapes with organic bumps and wobbles that evolve on every trigger. Three patch levels let you sculpt animated, expressive envelopes.
Curious about FM in modular synthesis? This deep dive breaks down the three main types – exponential, linear, and through-zero FM – with hands-on patch tips, sound examples, and a demo video. Learn how each type shapes your tone, harmonics, and tuning.
Modular synthesis offers endless flexibility, but documenting patches can be tricky—especially when switching modules. A clear symbol system streamlines this process, using abstract icons and lines to represent functions and connections, making patches easier to share, understand, and recreate.
Dive into the world of PATCH & TWEAK with 50 hands-on patches from the book available to download and explore in the free VCV Rack software.
PATCH & TWEAK introduces a fresh, symbol-based system for documenting modular synth patches. It's free to use under Creative Commons – download it and start sharing your own patches with a clear, unified visual language.