VCV Rack - 21 kHz's Palm Loop VCO module
Repository
https://github.com/VCVRack/Rack
https://github.com/21kHz/21kHz-rack-plugins
Learn how to use 21Khz's Palm Loop module for VCV Rack. This tutorial is a "Foundation Level" tutorials and is meant for beginner learners who are new to the VCV Rack platform.
What Will I Learn?
- You will learn the functions of a VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator)
- You will learn all the controls of the Palm Loop module including frequency manipulation, waveform selection, inputs for exponential and linear frequency modulation and the attenuverters for both FM inputs.
- You will learn the basic principals of Frequency Modulation (FM) Synthesis
Lesson Files and Resources
- Info on 21kHz and Palm Loop
- Background on aliasing
- Background on anti-aliasing
- Download Rack and many modules here - https://vcvrack.com/
- Download my VCV Rack patch for this tutorial as well as other related files from my Github repository https://github.com/buckydurddle/21kHz
Requirements
To complete this tutorial learners will need to have the following:
- VCV Rack installed on a Mac, Windows or Linux computer
- 21kHz module pack installed on VCV Rack
- Fundamentals module pack installed on VCV Rack
- Core module pack installed on VCV Rack
- BogAudio module pack installed on VCV Rack
Difficulty
This tutorial is at a beginner level - Foundation Level tutorial
Description
This tutorial explores how to use the Palm Loop module. We explore the user interface and how all the aspects of the module functions. We also cover an introduction to Frequency Modulation (FM) synthesis.
Learn the functions of a VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator)
A voltage controlled oscillator is a sound generating module in the modular synthesis world. It is one of the building blocks of any modular synthesis setup. A traditional hardware VCO uses voltage to produce sound. In the VCV Rack environment, a VCO module emulates this voltage.
A VCO can produce a variety of waveforms from which you can create your sounds. Palm Loop provides some fundamental wave forms for you. Like most VOCs, you can choose these by connecting to the output for each of the waveforms.
Learn all the controls of the Palm Loop module including frequency manipulation, waveform selection, inputs for exponential and linear frequency modulation and the attenuverters for both FM inputs.
Palm Loop, like most VOCs, allows you to alter the frequency or pitch of the signal on the interface. We are provided with an Octave selector for changing the octave of the signal. We have a Course and Fine tuning adjustment, which do just that.
Palm Loop is focused on providing users with a CPU-friendly FM synth VCO. You are given a number of tools to get you creating unique sounds with FM. We have a linear and exponential input for FM and an attenuverter for each. This provide a great deal of flexibility.
The 3 lower waveform output are voiced 1 octave lower than the 2 found in the upper row. This also give us some interesting options for FM synthesis. You can explore what can be done with these features as part of your music making. The result can fit to practically any musical taste.
This VCO provides some anti-aliasing filtering to improve the sounds produced, specifically at higher frequencies. You can read up on both the PolyBLEEP and the PolyBLAMP filters.
Learn the basic principals of Frequency Modulation (FM) Synthesis
As previously stated, Palm Loop provides some CPU-friendly tools to get you started in FM synthesis. Multiple Palm Loop modules can be connected together to create a complex FM synth capable of fantastic sounds. We are provided with 2 inputs to manage this - Lin FM and Exp FM. We cover the basic of both these inputs in this tutorials. The Linear input function is based on a linear equation and the Exponential input functions on an exponential equation. The sounds produced from each input are very different and worthy of your time to explore.
It is fun to explore how these can be used and in the video tutorial we show some of the options. It is also important to do your research on the principals of FM synthesis to find out how it works and what advanced sound programming you can achieve with it. You can do some further reading on FM synthesis on this Wikipedia page
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,
Video Tutorial
Curriculum
Learn VCV Rack Modular Synthesis Series
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
Learn MuseScore2 Series
Learn Hydrogen Drum Machine Series
If you would like to learn how to use the open source drum machine Hydrogen then have a look at these tutorials:
Click here for @buckydurddle's guide to Hydrogen
Learn Helm Series
If you would like to learn how to use the open source sound software synth Helm then have a look at these tutorials:
Click here for @buckydurddle's guide to Helm
Learn Audacity Series
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:
Click for @buckydurddle's Guide to Audacity
Logo - http://tytel.org/helm
Logo - https://www.audacityteam.org/
Logo - http://www.hydrogen-music.org/hcms/
Logo - https://www.vcvrack.com
Logo - https://www.blender.org
Hi @buckydurddle,
Thank you for your contribution. Again, this is an outstanding video tutorial that is added to your series.
I like this foundational tutorial as it helps beginners to know where to start so that they have an understanding of the basics. There is still quite a lot to grasp at the basic level.
I am amazed at your Guide to VCV Rack with all the video tutorials you have done for this software. Perhaps one of these days you can also make them available in D-tube.
Keep up the excellent work! We appreciate all the great example you have set before us in Utopian.
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Thank you for your review, @rosatravels!
So far this week you've reviewed 1 contributions. Keep up the good work!
Thanks @rosatravels. I really enjoy working with beginner level musicians. I believe that if given a proper foundation they can make amazing music.
Thanks for your kind words.
bucky
Hey @buckydurddle
Thanks for contributing on Utopian.
We’re already looking forward to your next contribution!
Want to chat? Join us on Discord https://discord.gg/h52nFrV.
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