A “patch” on a modular synthesizer refers to the process of connecting various modules together using patch cables to create a specific signal path and achieve a desired sound or function. In modular synthesis, modules are individual components with specific functions, such as oscillators, filters, envelope generators, or sequencers.
To create a patch, you connect the output of one module to the input of another using patch cables, essentially “patching” them together. This process allows you to route audio and control voltage (CV) signals between modules to create complex and interactive sounds or functions. Since modular synthesizers typically do not have fixed signal paths like traditional synthesizers, patching offers a high level of customization and experimentation, enabling users to create unique and personalized configurations.
A patch can range from simple connections, such as routing an oscillator through a filter and then into a VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier), to more complex and intricate setups involving multiple oscillators, modulation sources, and signal processing. As you create patches, you can explore different techniques, discover new sounds, and learn how various modules interact with one another.
