Last Updated on October 3, 2024 by IDS Team
In continuation of our other articles on hidden gem VCV rack and the incredible vcv rack library, we’re looking at whether the open source, eurorack modular synth is good for those starting out learning modular. We have already covered it – and other open source synths like the surge xt – elsewhere. However, to start off with, here is a quick recap of what modular synthesis is, and why it might have its own unique challenges for beginners.
And remember, if you want advice on modular synths for beginners, or the best modular synths overall (emulators), check out our articles here and here.Â
What is Modular Synthesis?
For those new to it, modular synthesis is essentially a form of synthesis comprised of individual modules that can be mixed and matched around to create the perfect combination.
We have covered it extensively in multiple places on this blog such as here, here and here, but one of the most exciting modular software features available for (free!) download online is VCV rack. Essentially this is an open source modular synth that compiles modules created by users which you can download and add to the interface which mimics and operates just like a hardware modular synth. The extensive vcv rack library offers one of the best looks into modular for upper beginner sound designers and upwards.
Why is Modular Challenging?
Now, if you’re looking at buying or downloading a modular synth, you may be wondering ‘is modular synthesis hard?’ Modular synthesis has a reputation for being challenging because, in our estimate, of the greater breadth and extent of knowledge you may need to work a modular synth. Modular requires you not only to have a good handle on the general signal flow but also on the relationships between the individual models and the way they may interact.
It offers more nuance and scope, making it in some ways harder to control the sounds you get out of it, with more potential for the random. That being said, what better way to learn it inside and out than with an open source, software synth like VCV Rack? We dive into whether VCV rack is that usable as a learning tool, who can benefit from it and how, and what other features it has.
However, first off, this is more or less a rough guide as to using VCV rack to learn modular from. It’s not an in depth review – we’ve covered this here, with vcv rack compared to other synths – nor is it a breakdown of the individual modules and features – which we have done here. However, this will give you an idea of what you can get from this quirky and innovative platform, with a specific focus on whether the library offerings are learnable for beginners, or whether it is the wild west out there.
How Can VCV Rack Help You Learn Modular Synthesis?
You may be wondering whether you would be better off with a semi modular synth or a modular emulator vst. However, if you are curious, there are a few skills to consider when thinking about how much you can expect from VCV rack first off.
Patching:
Patching and figuring out the connections between modules is one of the hardest parts of learning modular. VCV rack, for those who are more or less familiar with the basic process, absolutely excels at helping users learn this. First off, it’s much faster than a typical hardware synth or even software emulation. Secondly, the interface is extremely streamlined in that beyond patching the cables, and the individual modules, there isn’t actually much to get to grips with.
Broadening your knowledge of synthesis:
Put it this way, there are very few places that you can get to grips with granular, fm, and other kinds of synthesis in one place. The format and interface of VCV rack means you can work with modules that span a much broader variety of synthesis than you might get on a hardware synth or even a software emulation. What’s more, the ability to set these up side by side in a much broader number of combinations than a classic hardware or even software modular synth gives you a wider exposure to the possibilities out there.
Sound development:
Although a relatively personal observation, we think VCV rack is better for developing your sound through modular than a hardware or software modular synth, for many of the reasons stated above. Simply put, you can’t get the same access to different combinations of modules elsewhere. Furthermore,
The only caveat: we found that there is a potential need to be already somewhat familiar with not just modular but also know a decent amount about different parts of synthesis in order to fully and completely get the most out of this great platform.
It’s not that it’s NOT beginner friendly, but that mostly the levels of choice available and the ways you can best use VCV rack are better suited to someone who already has some experience with modular.
VCV Rack Features, Pros and Cons
When first testing it out, the interface felt relatively intuitive at first look. It’s easy to find new modules and add them in, as well as move them around to the correct position in the signal chain.
However, if you are unfamiliar with the signal chain there is some level of a learning curve here that may be better suited to using a semi modular desktop synth to learn on. We don’t think it’s one of the best modular synths for beginners. However, we don’t think it’s one of the worst, either. It is unique – and so sits in its own compartment, accessible at multiple levels depending on your aims.
Furthermore, if you have the free version, you don’t necessarily have access to all the features, which can be frustrating. However, the library available without the pro version is still pretty great. Bear in mind also that vcv rack eurorack compatibility is required, so consider your other synths before downloading.
Nevertheless, there are still a few thing you should know about how and why VCV rack does and doesn’t work as a platform for learning modular, so we broke them down below:
VCV Rack Library and Interface RANKED
VCV rack has two separate parts, the interface and the library, which is extensive enough that it deserves its own focus. Here, we compare them from a learning perspective with a few things to bear in mind before you get stuck in…
Overall Interface Learnability: 6/10
For a relatively low ranking, we would actually say that VCV Rack is not bad to learn from. It’s just that there are potentially better ways to get to grips with modular before wading through the selection of user created modules and figuring out the software’s interface.
We’ve covered this a bit above, but the most important point is that your learning curve might be slow simply due to the amount of features in the vcv rack library, if you’re just starting out. However, for some, whether it’s one of the easiest modular synths for beginners doesn’t matter so much. Instead, this might be a bonus – giving them ample space to explore. In short, you have to know your way around different modules. Which brings us to…
VCV Rack Library Creativity: 8/10
It’s true that a hefty dose of this ranking comes from the concept alone. Yes, there is the Surge XT which we have covered elsewhere, but to a greater or lesser extent this is the only software doing what it does.
However, VCV rack is unique because of the users, who create the individual modules. Here, we would like to mention that the quality is generally high. It also skews on the more creative, inventive side. This is not an all purpose synth. It’s niche, wild, weird, and experimental. Amongst well known synths – modular or otherwise, think of this as feeling more like an Arturia or Erica Synths invention, as opposed to a Korg or Behringer.
VCV Rack Library Novelty: 9/10
Again, we could rank this high here as it is one of the only programs in its niche doing what it’s doing.
However, the general library content actually goes above and beyond this, offering modules with less common features such as granular in creative combinations.
This is the perfect program if you want to expand and perfect your use of modular. That’s enough said. We’re pretty excited about it, hence why we’ve done a couple of articles already. However, it is important to have a few skills first off before you get into it simply to maximise its potential.
Overall Professionalism: 7/10
The only reason why we don’t rank this higher is because the individual modules are user generated, so there is a great deal of variation. That said, the platform’s developers have a very strict protocol for quality of modules and guidelines for first time developers so as to prevent users uploading sub standard modules to the library. However, the downside of the large number of modules is the lack of standardisation. Due to their different developers and sources, the modules do all have a different ‘feel’.
This can be a plus if you are confident working with this, but for beginner producers struggling to tie together their sound, you may not end up with something that smoothly flows in the way you desire – at least not without some playing about.
Final Thoughts
VCV Rack is not the most obvious synth to start with if you want to learn modular – for that, you might want to get hold of a semi modular model or check out our article here. However, it’s by far and away one of the best and most interesting to improve your knowledge of the process with. It can sometimes be a bit difficult to find the modules you want amidst the sea of user created offerings, but this downside is also one of its greatest strengths.Â
Due to the high number of permutations it offers, it’s pretty great if you want to push yourself musically. To wrap up, we’re also keen on how it’s not really a synth you can grow out of – it will always have something new to offer, and as a result, it can grow with you the more you explore modular and get to grips with individual modules or even create your own.
Like emulators? We have many more in our software section here.