Sorry to ask for what is probably an obvious answer to many users here, but I am wondering what people in the MNodes community’s PERSONAL recommendations are for guides that are basically: “Baby’s First Digital Modular Workstation”? My experience level is quite literally: [Audio In] → [pre-baked effect node(s) such as reverb, distortion, etc.] → [Audio Out], and unfortunately, this stuff does not come easy to me…
For some additional info: I DO have quite a bit of experience with regular DAWs (FL primary, Bitwig secondary) but I clearly don’t come from an analog background, modular or otherwise, and while I used Reaktor for a bit, it was never for anything deeper than my example path above. As of now I have no idea what “CV” or “data” are, nor what their respective relations are to just plain “audio”.No background experience with math or “logic” outside of basic primary-school algebra, etc. In short, I really am a stupid newbie. Also, I sold Reaktor awhile back (because I didn’t personally find it intuitive), so I can’t even go back and practice/learn there…
I bought MNodes in part because all of Mario’s stuff has been gold so far, and I respect his dedication to programming and music, but also because it certainly appears to be the next step forward for tools/workstations of its type!
Thank you, in advance, for any and all help or suggestions!
Probably the best advice I can give is to start small, focus on a few modules (or nodes in MNodes speak) and build simple things to get familiar with the basics. Start with an audio source into a filter, or build a 1 oscillator subtractive synth (osc → amp envelope → filter) for example. The great thing about modular is that the possibilities for combining things is virtually endless, which is simultaneously liberating for those familiar with the nodes and the principles of waveforms and sound design, but can appear daunting to those just getting started. My advice: start small, keep it simple and focused, copy examples you find interesting to see how the parts interact to form the whole, and just keep at it, adding more capability as your knowledge and familiarity grows.
Building a simple subtractive synth is a good starting point that covers a lot of the basics.
YT has lost of videos about modular synthesis.
I learned a lot from Montrail’s Tech Talks on YT. He has nice charts that describe the signal paths. He is mostly on hardware but the principles apply to software modulars too.
Sound On Sound Synth Secrets has many articles discussing synthesis and sound design.
Most of all .. have fun with it and enjoy the journey.
@tonecarver and @Danny, thank you both for your responses. The concept of modular, as a whole, definitely seems like it’s a lot to take in, almost like learning a new language, or at least like “thinking” in a different language. I’m SO glad I’m not trying to learn to code again!!!
Like I mentioned, I’ve tinkered very lightly here and there in the past, but I’ve not had the enthusiasm as of late to dive in fully, so not a whole lot has stuck. I’m hoping this thread will be a good resource for myself (and any beginner for that matter) when I can sit down and ENJOY the process again, rather than immediately be turned off from my own incompetence and frustration like usual lol
I think this happens in general for most of us here, the deeper you go, more complex it will be. but then, just post the project, ask for help. I am working for months now with MNode and it has evolved a lot, the editor improved, a lot of new nodes and the journey never ends. But in time you will get more experienced.
Think enough people will help you out, at least as those who are reading your help question are capable to solve it. because things are sometimes even for me untouched. i am working a lot with the oscillators, building synths and so. that’s my learning process at this moment.
Ah just ask, and just remember.. there are no stupid questions to ask, as even if you might have that moment you slap your head and didn’t see something. it happens to all of us.
. Also, I sold Reaktor awhile back (because I didn’t personally find it intuitive), so I can’t even go back and practice/learn there…
