Learning Curves
Aug 13, 2009 Gear
I’ve been ridiculously busy lately, but I took some time out tonight to play with the modular, just exploring, trying to come up with neat and useful sounds.
It’s kind of slow going so far, and I’m having a hard time not feeling discouraged. I dug out a few issues of Keyboard Magazine that explore how to get sounds X or Y, typically using a two-oscillator virtual analog. I follow along with those too see what results I can get and bomb horribly. I also try experimenting myself, and given enough time I usually get some interestingly weird bleeps and bloops, but little of musical utility so far.
I know that the system *can* be beautiful. I see all these videos of people doing amazing things with theirs. I know I just need to take the time to learn it, and everyone put in their dues at some point.
I guess I’m just so used to the mode of buying a new synth and getting a whole pile of inspiring and useful presets right off the bat that give you an idea of the sorts of things your new purchase can do and keep you happy and exploring while you gradually learn the ropes. Having the learn the ropes from the ground up is harder going.
I’m hoping I’ll have more time to work through this in the fall, and that the system will also be more complete by then. And I hope I can rise to the occasion. So far I don’t really fault the modular so much as myself for not having more dedication and tenacity.
Soon it’ll be time for sleep, and hopefully with tomorrow will come renewed spirit.