Back to School
With a background and a degree in Sonology, I thought I had a pretty solid grasp of the world of electronic music and sound synthesis. I was familiar with terms like VCOs, LFOs, envelope generators, and various other modular techniques. However, I embarked on a completely new challenge when I entered the world of Eurorack synthesizers…
Here, I quickly discovered that even with my Sonological knowledge, making music with Eurorack was still a complex and unique journey. It all began when I met some friends and YouTubers who had been working with Eurorack synthesizers for a while. They showed me their impressive setups, had a YouTube channel full of modules from different manufacturers, and I was immediately fascinated.
It looks like some kind of futuristic sound laboratory, with knobs, wires, and glowing displays seeming to be everywhere. I was determined to learn more about it and started my own Eurorack adventure because I wanted to understand how it worked!
One of the first things that struck me was that the Eurorack system isn’t a ready-made synthesizer. You don’t buy it, turn it on, and start jamming! No, Eurorack is different. You have to build it. And it’s not just about understanding individual modules but creating a harmonious whole. Setting up your signal paths, modifying modules, and using modulators require a deep understanding of both sound synthesis and electronics. It felt like I had to supplement my sonological knowledge with a new set of skills and insights.
The second difference I discovered was that the sound you can get out of a Eurorack system is incredibly versatile and complex. The modules range from oscillators and filters to envelopes, sequencers, and effects. Combining these modules demands a deep understanding of sound synthesis and signal routing. It felt like I had to learn a new language to translate my ideas into sound.
What helped me a lot was using the website Modulargrid. There, you can compare modules, check price levels at a glance, and build your racks, seeing exactly how much hp width you’ve already used. This way, you can better plan which modules to include in your new rack and which ones to put on your “wishlist” for another time 🙂
Back to the differences I discovered ; it was like I was returning to the basics of sound synthesis, needing to understand how waveforms, harmonies, and modulations work. I got tangled up in a maze of cables and knobs, and it was sometimes quite overwhelming. But with each failure came a small breakthrough. I began to understand how to use the modules to create the sounds I had in my head.
The third major difference was the community. Eurorack enthusiasts are eager to share their knowledge and experiences. I joined online forums and sites like modulargrid.com where I could ask questions and find inspiration. There were also YouTubers, of course – many channels and super enthusiastic people. Andrew Huang, for example, talks a lot about Eurorack and music production in general. It was great to see how people shared their setups and how they creatively used their modules. This sense of community and collaborative learning was a huge boost to my own learning process.
Patience is a Virtue
Slowly but surely, I began to understand how to use my Eurorack to create my own music. It was an intense journey, but the sense of satisfaction I got when I discovered a new sound or created an interesting sequence was indescribable. Eurorack taught me to be patient, to keep experimenting, and most importantly, to enjoy the process of sound synthesis.
So, if you’re considering diving into the world of Eurorack synthesizers, know that it’s different from what you’re used to with conventional synthesizers. It’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey. You’ll have to puzzle, learn, and make mistakes, but the rewards are immensely satisfying!
It’s an adventure where you can create your own sound and push the boundaries of musical expression. With patience! So go for it and be inspired by the endless possibilities of Eurorack synthesizers!
Here are some helpful sites to get you started:
Modular Grid
https://modulargrid.net
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=eurorack
Thomann
https://www.thomann.de/gb/modular_synthesizers.html
Music Store Professional
https://www.musicstore.com/en_NL/EUR/Keys/Modular-Synthesizers/cat-KEYS-SYNMOS
TC.
October, 2023
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