Repository

https://github.com/bogaudio/BogaudioModules

Learn how to use all the functionality of Bog Audio's FM-OP Module for VCV Rack.

What Will I Learn?

You will learn the basic technique of FM synthesis
You will learn the function of Level FDBK and Depth controls
You will learn the function of ADSR
You will learn all the input and output connections
You will learn how to connect multiple modules for FM synthesis

Lesson Files and Resources

Bog Audio Modules Manual
Background on Algorithms
Download Rack and many modules here - https://vcvrack.com/
Download my VCV Rack patch for this tutorial from my Github repository https://github.com/buckydurddle/bogaudio

Requirements

To complete this tutorial learners will need to have the following:

VCV Rack installed on a Mac, Windows or Linux computer
Bog Audio's module pack installed

Difficulty

This tutorial is at an intermediate level.

Description

This tutorial explores how to manipulate the sound produced by Bog Audio's FM-OP module. We will also discuss some of the basics of FM synthesis.

Learn the basic technique of FM synthesis

We have discussed FM synthesis in previous tutorials. Specifically we have dug deep into FM synthesis when looking at Valley's Dexter module.

In a nutshell, we can modulate an 'operator' (oscillator) by using a second operator. The sound waves produced by both combine to create very interesting new waveforms. We can extend this by adding a 3rd operator to modulate the 2nd. It can get very exciting very quickly.

Several FM-OP modules can be used in series to modulate each other.

Learn the function of LEVEL, FDBK and DEPTH controls

FDBK or feedback uses a desired amount of the operator's output signal to modulate its own sound. DEPTH controls the amount of incoming signal is used to modulate the operators outgoing sound. Level controls the amount of outgoing signal, much like a gain control.

Learn the function of ADSR

Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release controls can be found on this module. You can read up more on ADSR here.

The ADSR envelope is applied to the sound produced by this module, but the controls go a little deeper than just a general envelope. You will notice that beside the LEVEL, FEEDBACK and DEPTH controls there is and ENVELOPE selector. By selecting this you are telling the module that you want that variable to have ADSR applied to it.

Once a gate device is connected to the GATE input the ADSR will be applied to the selected variables each time the gate is received.

Learn how to connect multiple modules for FM synthesis

As mentioned earlier, multiple FM-OP modules can be combined. A patch cable can be taken from the OUT of one module to the FM of a second. The first module will be modulating the second. This can be duplicated with more modules to create very complex sounds.

Learn all the input and output connections

I hope you enjoy this tutorial. If you have any specific questions for me feel free to leave it in the comments of this post and I will do my best to get back to you with an answer.

Cheers,

@buckydurddle

Video Tutorial

Curriculum

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If you would like to learn how to use the open source modular synthesis DAW VCV Rack then have a look at these tutorials:

Click here for @buckydurddle's guide to VCV Rack

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If you would like to learn how to use the open source drum machine Hydrogen then have a look at these tutorials:

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Click here for @buckydurddle's guide to Helm

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If you would like to learn how to use the open source sound recording and editing software Audacity then have a look at these tutorials: