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Modular Sound Synthesis Workshop mit VCV Rack (InKüLe x Eman Safavi Bayat)

Full Workshop Details on InKüLe →

New Practice Studio, TU Berlin • 26 May 2025 • Hybrid event (in-person & livestream)

Livestream Video

Workshop Overview

This practical modular sound synthesis workshop was designed and led by Eman Safavi Bayat for the InKüLe project at TU Berlin. It introduced fundamental and advanced concepts in modular synthesis using VCV Rack—an open-source, software-based modular synthesizer.

Date: Monday, 26 May 2025
Location: New Practice Studio, Straße des 17. Juni, Hauptgebäude der TU Berlin
Duration: 5 hours
Host: Eman Safavi Bayat
Team/Assistance: Anastasia Putsykina, Fang Tsai, Marcello Lussana
Open to: All faculties, no prior programming required

What Participants Learned

  • Hands-on exploration of digital modular synthesis
  • Guided introduction to VCV Rack (interface, patching, live sound design)
  • Fundamental concepts such as:
    • Oscillators (OSC)
    • Voltage Controlled Amplifiers (VCA)
    • Filters
    • Envelopes
    • Low-Frequency Oscillators (LFO)
    • Sequencers
  • Working with creative effects (Reverb, Delay)
  • Use of MIDI, quantizers, third-party plugins
  • How to collaboratively create and present unique soundscapes—starting from identical modules but personalizing the musical result

The Workshop Flow

  1. Introduction & Setup: Room and live/online setup, brief on modular sound synthesis, project aims.
  2. Modular Synthesis Basics: Overview of modular systems & VCV Rack. Step-by-step patching walkthrough (core modules introduced and demoed in order).
  3. Hands-On Patching: Participants craft their own patches, experiment with signal routing, modulation, filters, and sound texture.
  4. Effects & Extra Modules: Exploration of reverb, delay, MIDI tools, quantizers, mixing modules.
  5. Creative Showcase: Each participant presents their work.
  6. Q&A and Group Reflection.

Hybrid/Online Documentation

The workshop was streamed live (via YouTube and stream.udk-berlin.de) with three-point camera and screen:

  • Live instructor camera
  • Slides / presentation
  • VCV Rack screen demonstration
    A full recording is available for asynchronous viewing, allowing thorough accessibility for future learners and participants unable to attend in-person.
    See official online documentation and stream.

Workshop Media Highlights

Images from the Workshop

Modular Sound Synthesis Workshop photo 1 Modular Sound Synthesis Workshop photo 2 Modular Sound Synthesis Workshop photo 3

Audio / Sound Examples

Workshop audio sample(s) coming soon.

Tools & Resources

  • VCV Rack (free, open-source modular synthesizer)
  • Plateau collection – Valley (reverb)
  • Chronoblob (delay)
  • Mind Meld collection (mixer)
  • Inklen Cable Colour Key (cable management)

Credits & Source

Material adapted and summarized from the official documentation:
www.inkuele.de/toolkits/details/modular-sound-synthesis-workshop-mit-vcv-rack.
Workshop designed and taught by Eman Safavi Bayat, with support from InKüLe and TU Berlin.