What Is the Difference Between Phase Modulation and Frequency Modulation in LFO Networks?

Phase modulation and frequency modulation are closely related concepts.

Both influence the behaviour of cyclic signals.

Both can… read more

How Does Wave Shape Modulation Affect Generative Music?

Many musicians think about modulation primarily in terms of frequency and amplitude.

Yet another parameter deserves attention: waveform shape.

Changing the shape of an… read more

How Can Amplitude Modulation Create More Interesting Generative Patches?

Amplitude modulation is often associated with audio-rate synthesis.

However, the same principle can be applied to control voltages and LFO networks.

In generative… read more

What Does "Modulating the Modulation" Mean in Modular Synthesis?

Most modular musicians eventually learn how to use an LFO to modulate a parameter.

For example:

an LFO modulates filter… read more

How Can Simple LFO Patches Become Sophisticated Generative Systems?

Many newcomers believe that sophisticated generative systems require sophisticated modules.

The opposite is often true.

Some of the most effective… read more

How Do Feedback Loops Create Complex Generative Behaviour?

Feedback is one of the most powerful concepts in both music and nature.

Whenever a system influences itself, feedback emerges.

In modular synthesis, feedback can transform simple… read more

Why Do LFO Frequency Ratios Matter in Generative Music?

Many modular musicians focus on waveform selection.

Sine wave or triangle?

Square wave or sawtooth?

While waveforms certainly matter, the relationships between… read more

What Happens When One LFO Modulates Another LFO?

An additive LFO network combines multiple modulation sources side by side. A serial LFO network takes a different approach.

Instead of combining modulation sources, one LFO… read more

What Happens When You Mix Multiple LFOs Together?

One of the simplest and most useful techniques in generative modular synthesis is the additive LFO network.

The concept is straightforward:

Instead of using a single LFO, multiple LFOs are combined by adding their voltages… read more

Why Do Multiple LFOs Create Extremely Long Repeating Patterns?

One of the most important concepts in generative modular synthesis is the idea of the super-cycle.

Understanding this concept helps explain why a patch can sound endlessly… read more