User:Wyn/Special Issue 25/VCV Rack!!

Introduction

After learning VCV Rack in the course, our group members wanted to make a sound jamming, distinguishing from the previous radio show. VCV Rack is an open-source software, imitating the working process of synthesis modules. The basic modules contain VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator), VCF (Voltage Controlled Filter), VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier), LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator), ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release). The special synthesis modules include Physical Modelling Synthesis, Granular synthesizer modules, FM-OP (Frequency Modulation Operators) and so on.

Working_process.png|How the synthesis makes sound

We all agreed to combine typing sounds (made by VCV modules) with text reading, and each member was assigned their role in the thesis. This approach made the radio show improvisational.

Practice

My practice learning path involved referencing others' VCV modulation methods, as I wanted to try creating more realistic/spatial/hybrid sounds and experiment with electronic sound synthesis (strings, wind instruments, and percussion synthesis). Also, the sound is a decline process while while setting up more modules, and I needed to reduce the elements to set up the right sound.

Karplus-Strong String Synthesis Patch

Core Module Components

Sound Source and Processing: Noise Source Module ADSR EG (Envelope Generator) Delay Module VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier)

Control System: Large Matrix Switch Multiple ADSR Modules Clock/Trigger Sources

Working Principle 1. Sound Generation Path: Noise Source -> ADSR -> Delay -> VCA -> Output

2. Modulation Path: Clock -> Matrix -> Multiple Triggers ADSR -> VCA Modulation Delay Feedback -> Input Sound Formation Process

Basic Sound Generation:

Noise source generates initial excitation signal Delay module creates echo effect, simulating string vibration Envelope controls sound dynamics

Modulation Control:

Matrix controller manages trigger timing Multiple ADSRs generate complex modulation signals Delay feedback forms sustained string tones

Function Generator Breathing Modulation Patch

Core Module Components

Signal Processing Chain:

VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) VCF (Voltage Controlled Filter) VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) ADSR EG (Envelope Generator)

Modulation System:

Function Generator/Rampage LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) Multiple Attenuators

Working Principle Main Signal Path: VCO -> VCF -> VCA -> Output

2. Modulation Path: Function Generator -> Multiple Destinations LFO -> Filter Cutoff ADSR -> Amplitude Control Sound Formation Process

Basic Timbre Generation:

VCO produces fundamental waveform VCF shapes timbral characteristics VCA controls volume dynamics

Breathing Modulation:

Function Generator creates slowly evolving modulation signals LFO adds periodic variations Multiple modulation destinations create complex dynamics

Key Parameter Settings Karplus-Strong Settings

Delay Parameters:

Time: 0.1-10ms (affects pitch) Feedback: 60-90% (affects sustain) Mix: 50-100% (wet/dry ratio)

Envelope Settings:

Attack: 5-10ms Decay: 100-500ms Sustain: 50-70% Release: 200-1000ms

Function Generator Settings

Primary Parameters:

Rise Time: 500-2000ms Fall Time: 1000-3000ms Curve Shape: Exponential

Modulation Depths:

Filter Cutoff: 30-50% Amplitude: 20-40% Rate Modulation: 10-30%

Live

Technical Experiments:

Successful Elements:

Karplus-Strong synthesis implementation Function generator modulation Keyboard control integration

Challenges Faced:

Filter ping-pong collision attempts Cable routing complexity Volume control issues

Sound Characteristics:

Achieved Effects:

Electronic timbre Rhythmic elements Spatial depth

Technical Limitations:

Unpredictable amplification Connection stability issues

Radio Application:

Interactive Elements:

Background typing sounds Audience comment integration Real-time text response

Performance Aspects:

Role-play enhancement Chat board interaction Live sound modulation

Reflection

Inspired by the role play, it could be an expressive way of quoting others' speech. The project demonstrated the potential of modular synthesis in interactive radio; The importance of balancing technical precision with creative expression; The value of host/audience engagement through sound design.