In this week’s class we have explored Rashad Becker’s production by learning the basics of modular synthesis, as it is the main ‘tool’ that Becker uses in his music. In order to do so we have worked in VCV rack which is an application that allows it’s users to actually build an instrument from scratch, by electronically “wiring up” essential parts of any electronic instruments and synths. This app is a great start for learning about synthesis as it makes you dig in to all of the parts of the synth construction without having to work with analogue gear, which eliminates the chances of ruining expensive equipment as well as allows you to work quicker with complex structures.
To build a basic setup I have used the following inserts: MIDI – CV (Musical Instrument Digital Interface to Control Voltage), VCO (Voltage-Controlled Oscillator), ADSR EG (Attack-Decay-Sustain-Release Envelope Generator), 2 VCA’s (Voltage Controlled Amplifier), VCF (voltage-controlled filter), AUDIO (allows to send audio from VCV rack into the speakers) , SCOPE (allows to see and analyse sound waves) and LFO (Low-Frequency Oscillator).
I have experimented with the parameters of these modules to gain better understanding of their capability and functions. In the very beginning of class I was a little bit lost because I have only used VCV rack once before that and I wasn’t sure if what I was doing was correct, and unsure of my understanding of the purposes of each of the modules.
After gaining more confidence in my knowledge of the parameters I have expanded the basic construction and added Bleak, CLKD and a Liquid Filter, which I have uploaded from the VCV rack online library.
I have played around with the parameters of this setup and decided that I want to have a richer sound for which I then added some delay, experimented with switching the soundwaves, changing the gain, pulse width, and the parameters of the ADSR inserts, for more control over the sound. I have managed to get a pulse-like sound, with which I have played several different melodies that gave a similar outcome as Becker’s work on his album “Traditional Music of Notional Species Vol. II”.
Throughout the duration of the class I have learned several things, which include working with new and confusing ways of making and perceiving sound. I was constantly overcomplicating the process for myself because I am used to working with simpler constructions of synthesis, that already have everything needed for at least some of the sound to come out of the speakers, and with VCV rack I had to build the whole pattern myself, and I was experiencing anger faced towards myself for not understanding everything and all at once. However, as soon as I let go of expectation that I had of myself the whole process became so much easier and more enjoyable.
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