How To Make A Modular Synthesizer Swing

In this modular synth demo, Thomas White shows how he creates analog swing time, all while filming while looking into the camera for the first time.

It may sound a little tricky, but White makes it look pretty easy.

Got any other modular rhythm tricks? If so, leave a comment!

via djthomaswhite:

Have you ever wanted to add “swing time” to your modular sequences?

I have!

Typically I have used MIDI, or a swung clock signal from my 909 or other Roland drum machines to achieve it. But, on a plane ride back from Portland I realized what I needed to do in order to get it going in my synth.

The equipment needed is, most importantly, a VC-LFO and a Frequency or Pulse Divider. The clock signal is sent to the sequencer. The clock signal is also sent via a multiple or y-cable to the pulse divider.

Dividing the clock signal by 2 allows you to have a pulse on every other step of the main clock signal. Take that half-time clock signal and patch it to an Envelope Generator. The output of the EG goes to the FM input of the VC-LFO.

By setting the decay/sustain time on the EG and the FM time on the LFO right you can offset every “up beat” to get the swing going. It will take a bit of dialing in to get it right, but hey, it’s a great lesson for me either way.

Now I have a whole new world of possibilities opened up with my same old modular synth. Thanks for stopping by!

Now go and check out synthtech.com and musicfromouterspace.com to buy these great modules!

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