VCV Rack - Valley's Dexter - Part 4 Sync Modes
Repository
https://github.com/ValleyAudio/ValleyRackFree
Learn the function of sync in modular synthesis and how to manipulate sync in Valley's Dexter module for VCV Rack.
What Will I Learn?
- You will learn what is sync in sound synthesis
- You will learn what is a sync event
- You will learn how syncing is done in Dexter
- You will learn the characteristics of the 15 sync modes in Dexter
![Rack Cover Image Text small.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmV9XWiD5JaGRkez6M4oCdhwUrDPsfTmVLVyznVU7Wn8UC/Rack%20Cover%20Image%20Text%20small.jpg)
Lesson Files and Resources
- Dexter 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/Valley-Modules
Requirements
To complete this tutorial learners will need to have the following:
- VCV Rack installed on a Mac, Windows or Linux computer
- Valley's module pack installed
Difficulty
This tutorial is at an advanced level.
Description
This tutorial explores how to manipulate the sync feature in Dexter.
Learn what is sync in sound synthesis
To understand sync we must understand the geography of a waveform. A sound wave has a cycle which starts at the zero line, moves to its maximum positive position, returns to zero, moves to maximum negative and returns again to zero. This is one full cycle.
This is an example of two waves which are out of sync:
![out of sync.jpeg](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmVvbTjYhCkomtwrDBwzkNgPJAiNn3LhCHiMzNcRfnYwwq/out%20of%20sync.jpeg)
When syncing two waveform we force both waves to begin their cycle at exactly the same moment.
This is an example of the same two waves but now in sync:
![insync.jpeg](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmUdLXqAjPU8bfgR5NXTmMC69BzpDrMf3JFRcjLb2Y4Ejg/insync.jpeg)
Learn what is a sync event
A sync event happens with a wave moves into a positive voltage position. The instant this happens is referred to as a sync event.
![sync event.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmZsYVcJDEhEVqBqHHCVTbjEBPzuTs7FyEN8nKPkMazG78/sync%20event.jpg)
Learn how syncing is done in Dexter
The operators in Dexter modulate each other. They do this in order 4 to 3 to 2 to 1. When syncing the same order is used. Operator 4 sends sync signals to operator 3 and so on.
![operators.jpeg](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmUhuXjetjtpkcHSLaw67cwo5gfiBjjrSfgPsPvx7SKT7C/operators.jpeg)
Dexter allows you to choose a variety of forms of sync. You are given 15 different options for controlling how an operator responds to a sync event. You can choose the different sync options in the settings for each of the operators.
![sync mode.jpeg](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmcqsUw1DrWTDjWdffTBKrw4rj1LNQPcaW3NuASbnGR5oi/sync%20mode.jpeg)
Learn the characteristics of the 15 sync modes in Dexter
In the video tutorial we cover the unique characteristics of each of these 15 sync modes.
![all modes.jpeg](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmdq6q13J6iQH8kddbZ88sr7zXwKQ5pWt9MGRXCJGTvR6h/all%20modes.jpeg)
![modes.jpeg](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmPECm1Bzd8gPpqcUxhH5Ley3puxrqWRfEuPTtEJqY2LFJ/modes.jpeg)
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:
Dexter Part 1 - Operators and Overview
Dexter Part 2 - Wavetable Syntheis
Dexter Part 3 - Read Phaser Shape Modes
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
Fantastic tutorial as always. I've actually started to check out this software because of your series (love making music).
As always, your narration is professional and engaging.
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Hello @bucky, you're doing a wonderful work! Your post and Air programs teaches a lot about music, music makers should visit your blog often! More strength to you
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmT3NrtkeFjXaZs6b9k8MpvBPwiB613SUw2ZEXvAqUx8Sc/IMG-20180501-WA0003.jpg)
First time see your post and amazed, fantastic narration