Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this tutorial I'll use this little cluster of 4 Shakmat modules to explain and demonstrate every type of analogue synthesis, by patching them differently. I'll explain what you need to follow along, the key differences between FM Synthesis types (Expo, Linear, Thru-Zero), Phase Modulation, Ring Modulation, Amplitude Modulation, Waveshaping, Additive and Subtractive. We'll see how they are in isolation and start to see the possibilities when you combine these methods, as well as discuss ideas and applications as we go along.
Thanks to sponsors Shakmat for being into this idea, and whose analogue range exemplify that it's 'how you patch it'. Modular is not necessarily about one shiny module that does it all, but about having things you can combine to make the same functionality as the shiny thing!
LINKS TO SHAKMAT MODULES I USED IN THIS VID:
▶︎ Banshee Reach: shakmatmodular.com/products/br.html
▶︎ Jewellers Cast: shakmatmodular.com/products/jc.html
▶︎ Centaur's Gate: shakmatmodular.com/products/cg.html
SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL:
▶︎ Patreon: patreon.com/mylarmelodies (Join a community of music makers and ask me questions directly!)
▶︎ Buy some music on Bandcamp: mylarmelodies.bandcamp.com
▶︎ Make a one-time donation via Paypal: paypal.com/ncp/payment/KNLRQUDAUDUUJ
▶︎ Subscribe to my podcast Why We Bleep: whywebleep.com
CHAPTERS
00:00 What we'll do in this video, the spirit of modular
01:30 What do I need to follow along?
03:45 FM Synthesis: Intro
04:46 FM: Exponential
09:50 FM: Linear
15:55 Why We Need Thru Zero FM
17:35 Phase Modulation
19:44 Phase Modulation vs Thru Zero
21:44 FM Types Recapped!
22:57 Ring Modulation
28:55 Amplitude Modulation
35:07 Waveshaping
42:48 Additive
46:30 Subtractive
50:33 Closing thoughts
In this tutorial I'll use this little cluster of 4 Shakmat modules to explain and demonstrate every type of analogue synthesis, by patching them differently. I'll explain what you need to follow along, the key differences between FM Synthesis types (Expo, Linear, Thru-Zero), Phase Modulation, Ring Modulation, Amplitude Modulation, Waveshaping, Additive and Subtractive. We'll see how they are in isolation and start to see the possibilities when you combine these methods, as well as discuss ideas and applications as we go along.
Thanks to sponsors Shakmat for being into this idea, and whose analogue range exemplify that it's 'how you patch it'. Modular is not necessarily about one shiny module that does it all, but about having things you can combine to make the same functionality as the shiny thing!
LINKS TO SHAKMAT MODULES I USED IN THIS VID:
▶︎ Banshee Reach: shakmatmodular.com/products/br.html
▶︎ Jewellers Cast: shakmatmodular.com/products/jc.html
▶︎ Centaur's Gate: shakmatmodular.com/products/cg.html
SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL:
▶︎ Patreon: patreon.com/mylarmelodies (Join a community of music makers and ask me questions directly!)
▶︎ Buy some music on Bandcamp: mylarmelodies.bandcamp.com
▶︎ Make a one-time donation via Paypal: paypal.com/ncp/payment/KNLRQUDAUDUUJ
▶︎ Subscribe to my podcast Why We Bleep: whywebleep.com
CHAPTERS
00:00 What we'll do in this video, the spirit of modular
01:30 What do I need to follow along?
03:45 FM Synthesis: Intro
04:46 FM: Exponential
09:50 FM: Linear
15:55 Why We Need Thru Zero FM
17:35 Phase Modulation
19:44 Phase Modulation vs Thru Zero
21:44 FM Types Recapped!
22:57 Ring Modulation
28:55 Amplitude Modulation
35:07 Waveshaping
42:48 Additive
46:30 Subtractive
50:33 Closing thoughts
