Concordia University Electroacoustic Studios

Aries Modular Synthesizer  Introduction to Modular Analog Synthesis  A Guide

Picture provided thanks to www.Synthmuseum.com This GUIDE follows the sequence of the EAMT 205 course in introducing the analog synthesizer, therefore the modules are presented in general terms of the four basic types of modules: PROCESSORs, SOURCEs, CONTROLs and LOGIC/TIMING units.   Current Module Layout

A characteristic of modular synthesis is that parameters of sounds can be modified, and treated independently (frequency, spectrum, amplitude). Modules are patched together to provide ways of creating, processing and controling various aspects of synthesized (and possibly non-synthesized) signals (sounds).

The BLOCK DIAGRAM (above) is laid out showing the SIGNAL PATH from left to right, and the CONTROL (voltage) PATHs, from bottom to top. The modular aspect is clear from seeing that a source can be processed (in series) by (any number of) processors. The CONTROLS can be simple, or they themselves may be controled (as in the third processor).

GO NEXT to:

PROCESSORS ->> SOURCES ->> CONTROLS ->> LOGIC / TIMING