Thinking of getting into Modular synthesis? If you are into producing electronic music it is probably inevitable. But before you dive in and start forking out the hard earned cash on modular gear, you first have to try out VCV Rack for Free. With this free standalone software that runs on Window, Mac or Linux, you can start experimenting with modular using the intuitive interface by dragging and dropping the modules and hooking up cables to patch them all together to create wonderful harmonious sound, or a total mess, and the only limitation is your imagination. You will soon find out if modular is for you and you can use the software to figure out which modules you would want for a real DAWless or hybrid setup.
Getting Started
So Lets assume you have downloaded and installed the free version of VCV Rack 2 from vcvrack.com lets build your first signal chain.
First up create a blank template and right click to choose a module from the library. Initially only the VCV default modules are available, but this can be expanded later to add modules from other sources.
Start on the left hand side and add the MIDI-CV module to create a way of turning keypresses into CV (Control Voltage) signals.
then on the far right add the AUDIO-8 module to output sound. You will need to find your audio interface in the drop downs.
Now lets build a signal path with a VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator), a VCF (Voltage Controlled Filter), ADSR Filter and a VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier)
To convert those midi keypresses into CV use the V/OCT (Volts per Octave) output and bring that to the input of the VCF. From there you could add in a further filter or take the path to the amplifier (VCA) and finally to the Audio 8 output. Spice things up by bringing an LFO into the mix.
Adding Expansion Modules
When you first use VCV you can only use the stock modules, but when you load up the library, once that you create an account, you can start to add the world of over 3000 different modules.
Why get the paid version?
The main reason to go pro with VCVrack is this allows access to the VST version to bring easily into your DAW instead of using the standalone application. It also brings access to even more modules
Going Modular
By using VCVrack you might get a feel as to if modular approach is right for you, before shelling out $100’s or $1000’s on real modular synthesis. It also allows experimentation to help select if a module is right for you. Some manufacturers even make virtual versions of their modules in VCVrack just for this process.
Look out for more modular and VCVrack articles coming soon!