June 5, 2024
Modular Hangout
Pensamente Salvatge took us into the world of modular synthesizers.
Pensament Salvatge aka Eric Estevez
A modular synthesizer is an electronic musical instrument composed of various components, or modules, that are interconnected to create electronic sounds. The modules can be connected together by the user via cables to create a patch. In this way, a large number of connection options and permutations are possible. The outputs from the singular modules may include audio signals, analog control voltages, or digital signals for logic or timing conditions.
The workshop kicked off with an existing patch and a brief electronic sound performance by Pensament Salvatge himself. After this, we started from scratch to reconstruct the patch and understand its creation process. We built and sculpted the sounds from the ground up to replicate the initial patch. Pensament Salvatge demonstrated which modules were used, explained their roles within the patch, and showed the signal routing. Finally, we experimented with the modular synthesizer, using the basic knowledge we gained to create our own unique sounds.
This workshop aimed to demonstrate how to design a hardware interface that is user-friendly and resilient. It sought to inspire students to explore how open hardware, like Arduino, can be combined with an easy-to-use and adaptable Eurorack interface, such as those found in modular synthesizers.
01. The “Blagsheet no. 2” by the Crowhill Company
02. Pensamente Salvatge patching
03. Close up of a modular synthesizer
03. Close up of a modular synthesizer