A Great Eurorack Modeling Software for Learning Synthesis
VCV Rack is a core software system that has an extensive library of modules and a thriving community of developers for modeling Eurorack modular synthesis systems. It is a great way to learn synthesis both in the digital world and the analog world. The terminology and the understanding of what different devices do is what usually holds back aspiring sound designers from learning the fundamentals of synthesis and how different kinds of sounds can be created. In this series, Dr. Lawrence W. Moore breaks down these barriers by teaching the vocavulary and what different processes do in generating sound. VCV Rack is a free download, and while it has a tier for paid content, the free content is quite expansive and allows one to do so much.
Series 01
The first series of Learn Synthesis with VCV Rack teaches the fundamentals of synthesis in both the digital and Eurorack (analog) worlds and connects the terminology for better understanding. One can learn to use VCV Rack more effectively and simultaneously learn how to use plugin instruments and analog synthesizers. The focus is on creativity and exploring the different options in making different kinds of sounds. The goal is to learn what the different knobs and GUI objects mean so that one can envision a sound and then create it.
Series 02
In this second series of Learn Synthesis with VCV Rack, we explore many of the free module libraries that are available for the VCV Rack virtual Eurorack modeling software. This way, you can see what modules are freely available, how they work, and what they can be used for. VCV Rack is an amazing piece of software and there are so many free libraries of modules out there for it. It’s time to see what’s available!
Series 03
The third installment of Learn Synthesis with VCV Rack focuses on the features and modules that one gets when purchasing Rack 2 Pro edition. Specifically, we look at the pro modules, the VST feature, the drum modules, and the sound stage module that you receive in the Rack 2 Pro bundle. These are pretty powerful tools and this is a chance for one to see if they want to purchase the pro version based on the value of what comes in the bundled package. After looking at the Rack 2 Pro Bundle, the series continues to explore free libraries for VCV Rack by taking a look at the rather extensive KautenjaDSP brand of modules which features many modules that model vintage video game chipsets and the sounds that they produce. These include The Nintendo Entertainment System, various Sega chipsets, and Atari.
Series 04
The fourth sereis begins with looking at some of the more advanced synthesis concepts from both Eurorack and synthesis overall that have not been covered thus far int he overall series. Many of these concepts will be covered with the standard VCV modules for simplicity sake. As the series progresses, we look at more and more advanced concepts using some of the modules from the wider community library.
