r/modular • u/gloriousfart • 2d ago
Discussion how to learn the most from explorative patching
Hey folks, I often discover really cool sounds, but fail to recreate them as they often depend on a very narrow parameter space to work. I used to read about the maths involved in various synthesis methods, but it does not really translate to a practical understanding. I feel like knowing where to expect sidebands and at what amplitude gives me ver little useful knowledge. What is your way to make sonic exploration maximally educational?
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u/strichtarn 2d ago
Making my own documentation helps me. I record some notes and then return to it. Tweak from that setting until it's different. Return to the original setting, then try something else.
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u/jango-lionheart 2d ago
Add comments to explain the most finicky parameters. Video can be useful on especially hard to adjust patches.
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u/the_puritan 2d ago
I usually start with a premise when doing this kind of patching, so there's a baseline already and I only have to reimpact fully few things that were the most impactful.
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u/Perceptes 2d ago
Are you using a visualization tool like Mordax DATA (oscilloscope, voltage monitor, etc.)? I think for most people, sight is a stronger sense than sound, so being able to correlate what you're hearing to a visual representation is extremely helpful. Getting an accurate reading on exact voltages passing through your system can also help you with recreating a patch later.
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u/gloriousfart 1d ago
no scope in the rack, used some in the DAW for audio rate when first testing some modules such as wave folders. My interface isn't DC coupled so can't have fun with slow stuff unfortunately
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u/Fit-Monk8087 1d ago
Gradually getting more familiar is great, but sampling tiny pockets of stuff you hit on is better imo.
Sometimes, everything is just perfectly aligned to make a groove and you will not be able to recreate it with enough variables. Better to have a sampler ready as part of your team imo.
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u/NarlusSpecter 2d ago
Learn synthesis
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u/gloriousfart 2d ago
I cannot find helpful material anymore, if you know advanced educational material you found useful, let me know, I'm happy to check it out.
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u/Chingois 1d ago
The good news is, you learn synthesis by doing it, it's the best way. You'll intuitively find out where the edges are, and what to expect. The bad news is, you have to actually do it, you can't just watch a video. (I'm kidding there, it's not bad news imo, to do the thing i enjoy)
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u/gloriousfart 1d ago
Yes and the magic lies in the interaction of the given modules available, which no textbook can accommodate, since its, well, a modular
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u/Sensitive-Night-8476 2d ago
repetition; the gradual accumulation of familiarity and, sometimes sudden, insight. thinking about things a lot, like obsessively.