I'd say you can even make it easier: there are only 2 categories of modules. 1) signal generators 2) signal modifiers All signal generators could be considered modulators (after all, you can use ANY signal as CV if you so wish). Traditionally though, if a signal generator outputs a signal that oscillates more than 20 times a second (so, above 20 Hz) you've got an audio generator (oscillators, noise generators..). Slower than that? Then you've got a CV generator (low frequency oscillators, envelope generators, clock generators..). The two can overlap of course, if a module provides you with a wide enough frequency range. Signal modifiers may also cover both the world of audio and the world of CV at the same time, but traditionally they are also called in different ways depending on the signals they deal with. If they transform audio signals (specifically, if they change the timbre of the signal) then you may know them as audio modifiers or simply audio effects (stuff like filters, wavefolders, distortions, echo, reverb..) whilst in all other cases they are usually labeled as utilities (amplifiers, attenuators, mixers, multiples, slew limiters, sample & hold, comparators, clock dividers..). Gotta say though, nice video dude! Yep, if we boil it down it really is that simple, enough to narrow it down to just 4 or 3 (or hey, even 2) types of modules. Then as you learn more you can dig down and learn about all the various types of modules there are and what they do, but at the end of the day a module either: 1) makes a signal, or 2) changes a signal And that's part of the beauty of synthesis I think. That from something so simple we can get something so interesting and complex.
Oh yes, you're absolutely right, I love that! I never want to box in Modular in any way, as it's all voltage and the possibilities are endless, but it does help to simplify the process for first-timers. Thanks for sharing your ideas :)
And if you want a "brain crash" as a beginner, go experiment with the next concepts in Modular Synthesis / Sound Synthesis: modulate the modulators and randomize the randomizers :)).
There's always 2 questions that can lead me down interesting paths in modular: 1. What happens when I plug X into Y? 2. What happens if I modulate this thing at audio rate?
@@CatFish107 VCAs would be in the "utility" category =) They don't generate any signal on their own, so they're not audio generators nor modulators. They don't change the timbre of an audio signal going through them (well, you can push some of them to do that, but it's not their intended purpose), so they are not effects. By a process of elimination, we can say they are utilities 👍
I'd say you can even make it easier: there are only 2 categories of modules.
1) signal generators
2) signal modifiers
All signal generators could be considered modulators (after all, you can use ANY signal as CV if you so wish). Traditionally though, if a signal generator outputs a signal that oscillates more than 20 times a second (so, above 20 Hz) you've got an audio generator (oscillators, noise generators..). Slower than that? Then you've got a CV generator (low frequency oscillators, envelope generators, clock generators..). The two can overlap of course, if a module provides you with a wide enough frequency range.
Signal modifiers may also cover both the world of audio and the world of CV at the same time, but traditionally they are also called in different ways depending on the signals they deal with. If they transform audio signals (specifically, if they change the timbre of the signal) then you may know them as audio modifiers or simply audio effects (stuff like filters, wavefolders, distortions, echo, reverb..) whilst in all other cases they are usually labeled as utilities (amplifiers, attenuators, mixers, multiples, slew limiters, sample & hold, comparators, clock dividers..).
Gotta say though, nice video dude! Yep, if we boil it down it really is that simple, enough to narrow it down to just 4 or 3 (or hey, even 2) types of modules. Then as you learn more you can dig down and learn about all the various types of modules there are and what they do, but at the end of the day a module either:
1) makes a signal, or
2) changes a signal
And that's part of the beauty of synthesis I think. That from something so simple we can get something so interesting and complex.
Oh yes, you're absolutely right, I love that! I never want to box in Modular in any way, as it's all voltage and the possibilities are endless, but it does help to simplify the process for first-timers. Thanks for sharing your ideas :)
As a modular starter i thank you!
❤
And if you want a "brain crash" as a beginner, go experiment with the next concepts in Modular Synthesis / Sound Synthesis: modulate the modulators and randomize the randomizers :)).
😆😆
There's always 2 questions that can lead me down interesting paths in modular:
1. What happens when I plug X into Y?
2. What happens if I modulate this thing at audio rate?
Oooh, early enticement for comments! "Just 3 types?" Ok, I'm curious, let's hear what this fella has to say.
I guessed the 4th correctly! Yay for me. I'm also wondering where a vca might fit? Modulation, effect, utility? Does it matter? Not a bit.
@@CatFish107 VCAs would be in the "utility" category =)
They don't generate any signal on their own, so they're not audio generators nor modulators.
They don't change the timbre of an audio signal going through them (well, you can push some of them to do that, but it's not their intended purpose), so they are not effects.
By a process of elimination, we can say they are utilities 👍