Learn how to use CF's Mono, Stereo and Master modules for building a custom audio mixer for VCV Rack.

What Will I Learn?

• You will learn what is an audio mixer in modular synthesis
• You will learn the functionality of the Stereo, Mono and Master modules
• You will learn how to connect Solo Link between modules
• You will learn the functionality of Solo and On
• You will learn the functionality of Pan
• You will learn how to connect the audio between modules
• You will learn how to connect and use Master
• You will learn the difference between the Mono and Stereo modules

Lesson Files

Here is a VCV Rack file with a starting layout for a CF mixer - CF Mixer

Requirements

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

• VCV Rack installed on a Mac, Windows or Linux computer
• CF's module pack installed
• The Fundamentals module pack installed

Difficulty

This tutorial is at an beginner level.

Description

Learn what is an audio mixer in modular synthesis

An audio mixer allows us to combine and manipulate multiple sound sources. A typical mixer provides several basic controls over the sound. There are many examples mixers in VCV Rack including Befaco Mixer, Fundamentals Mixer and Audible Instruments Mixer.

In this tutorial we explore how to create your own mixer from the three modules by CF - Mono, Stereo and Master.

Learn the functionality of the Stereo, Mono and Master modules

Mono and Stereo can be compared channels or rails in a traditional hardware mixer. Each copy of Mono or Stereo represents on sound source input. Each can take a sound source within Rack and include it into your mixer configuration.

Master functions as a master fader would on a traditional mixer. All audio inputs ultimately pass through Master and can be routed to another location. The output of Master is a stereo out and can be routed to the Audio Interface for listening.

Learn how to connect Solo Link between modules

When using either Mono or Stereo modules to create a mixer we need to connect them all together so they can communicate. This connection is called Solo Link.

The Solo Link connection allows each module to know when another module has engaged a Solo function. As you can see from the image we need to connect each module to the next and the last module needs to be connected to the first.

Learn the functionality of Solo and On

The solo function will also one (or more) to be the only module heard.

On functions like a Mute selector in a traditional mixer. When On is deselected the module will not be heard.

Learn the functionality of Pan

Pan is one of the most interesting functions of the Mono module. Pan functions the same a balance. By rotating the Pan dial left or right the audio from the module will be placed in the right or left ear. This in essence turns in the mono signal into a stereo signal.

Learn how to connect the audio between modules

The output from both the Stereo and Mono modules are both left and right (Stereo). You can see from the image below that each module needs to be connected from one module to the next in sequence.

Learn how to connect and use Master

Master functions as a master fader on a traditional mixer. All audio ends up at Master and can output to either another module or an external sound card.

Learn the difference between the Mono and Stereo modules

The difference between Mono and Stereo has to do with the inputs. Stereo can take a stereo and out put a stereo signal whereas

Note: When adjusting the Gain of any module keep a close eye on the VU meter. If you see red then you have exceeded 10Volts and you will experience clipping.

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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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

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Learn MuseScore2 Series

• MuseScore - Header

• MuseScore - Image Capture Utility

• MuseScore - Note Inspector

• MuseScore - Key Signatures and Transpose

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Posted on Utopian.io - Rewarding Open Source Contributors

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