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OV has a eurorack synthesizer. As of writing it looks approximately like this →
What
A modular synthesizer breaks out the functional blocks of a synthesizer in individual modules, which can be connected to each other with using some standardized interface. This means they can be rearranged and connected in different ways. Modulation in modular synths refers to using a signal or value from one module to control a parameter of another module or function. These values are transmitted as voltages over over patch cables, and are also known as Control Voltage (CV).
Eurorack is a mechanical and electrical standard for modular synths. In eurorack, all signals are in principle the same (with some caveats), meaning that audio signals can be used as control signals, and vice versa.
Audio signals are generally ±5V. CV can be basically anything from ±10V, but often 0-10V or ±5V. Signal inputs will have limited voltage- and frequency ranges that they respond to, but signals outside the range will usually just get "ignoredrounded" or rounded to the nearest valid value. There are generally protections in place to prevent any excessive voltage to cause damage, as long as it's within the ±12V range of the power standard. Accidentally connecting an output to an output will also generally not cause any damage, typically an output resistor of 1k is used. The pitch control standard is 1V/octave.
One pretty cool thing about modular synths is that you can use almost any module outside of its intended purpose. Connect audio signals to control inputs or triggers, combine audio and control signals, or try self-patching a module's outputs to its inputs.
Modules
For most or all of these modules, there are several online tutorials available. There are a couple more modules in the case that I think are self-explanatory, like the "mult" which duplicates a signal.
Pamela's New Workout
Master clock and modulator
Start/stop button and tempo selector. It can also generate a bunch of different modulation in time with the tempo, such as LFOs.
A "1x" clock corresponds to the BPM. So if you want to make a 4/4 beat, 1x is quarter notes, 4x is 16th notes etc.
LMNC #1222 Performance
AnalogVCO
Analog Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) with tuner
LMNC #1114 Filter GRR
Funky Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF) with V.C. Amplifier (VCA)
ADDAC106 T-Noiseworks
Four Drum sound generators based on noise and stuff
This four channel module makes percussive sounds by passing noise through a T-Network filter.
Ornament & Crime
Open Source Control Voltage (CV) generator thing
This module can be programmed with different open source firmwares. As of writing, the "hemispheres" firmware is installed, which lets you control the module as two separate "halves". This can do a lot of different things, if you are just starting out I would suggest using it as an ADSR envelope generator to start somewhere.
An ADSR envelope generator is an envelope with Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release stages.
Quadrantid Swarm
Modular Synth Voice
This module can function as a standalone synth voice, meaning that it has a full "workflow" to make a sound built in.
You can also use the function blocks individually to interact with other modules. Contains:
- 8 step sequencer
- Envelope generator
- 8 digital oscillators interacting in various ways
- 2 analog filters
- Spring reverb (real)
- LFO, random generator, slew rate limiting and some more things
Looking Glass
5x5 matrix mixer/switcher with normal and inverted outputs and attenuators
Steppy
Four channel trigger sequencer
A so called "XOX style" trigger sequencer, commonly found in drum machines. Press a button to toggle whether a trigger is emitted at that time. Most straightforwardly you can use it as a 16 step sequencer, but with some button combos you can sequence up to a 64 step pattern (see manual)
Clock it with a 4x clock to sequence 16th notes, etc. You can trigger drum sounds, notes, or other kinds of events. If you want it to restart when you stop the clock, you need to patch the RST signal.
More VCAs
Two Voltage Controller Amplifiers (VCA)
VCAs are a simple but important building block, they allow you to control the amplitude of one signal (IN) from 0-100% using another signal (CV IN)
Glossary
- ADSR: Common envelope generator with Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release stages. You will also find other combinations of the same stages such as "AD envelopes" and "AR envelopes"