Learning Modular Synthesis Level 2.2: Eurorack Expansion – The Core

See and hear how different modules can expand the sounds you create.
Do you already have a small modular or semi-modular synth and wondering what you should get next and how to get the most out of it? Are you tired wasting time and money on the wrong modules? Then this course was designed for you – particularly if you’ve already watched my Learning Modular Synthesis Level 1 or Moog Mother-32 courses. It demonstrates what each type of module will add to your sonic toolkit. In it, I:
•  show how I will be displaying audio, control voltages, and harmonic spectra as well as the color-coding for patch cables in this course
•  demonstrate what I consider to be the main utility or “glue” modules you should consider for any system, including mixers, VCAs, and more.
•  introduce you to six major categories of modules to consider when expanding your system: oscillators, filters, other sound modifiers, modulation sources, level control modules, and modular effects, plus a bonus section on multi-function modules. For each module, I demonstrate how to patch it into your system, as well as how to put it to work to create new sounds.
This course will empower you with a better idea what features to look for in a module, which ones might create the sounds you’re looking for, and how to make good use of them once they’re in your system. Virtually all of these movies are based around a small modular starter system (click here for more details), and focus on what possibilities will open up to you as a result of adding that single module to your system.
There are three different versions or "tiers" of the Eurorack Expansion course:
•  Tier 1: The Essentials – The least expensive version. It includes the Introduction and Core Concepts sections, as well as the introductory movie for each of the six module type sections.
18 lessons, nearly 1.5 hours, for free! Click here to learn more.
•  Tier 2: The Core – In addition to the Introduction, Core Concepts, and introductory movies for each of the six module types, this Tier also includes the movies for the first three modules in each of those six sections. This course originally appeared on Lynda.com and LinkedIn Learning; the version here includes a bonus section on the Serge Dual Universal Slope Generator: the forerunner to the Make Noise Maths and other popular modules.
82 lessons, over 7.5 hours, only $149 USD!
•  Tier 3: Extended Edition – This “jumbo” version of Eurorack Expansion – containing nearly 200 lessons and 20 hours of videos covering over 50 modules – expose you to the widest variety of synthesis approaches, tricks, and techniques.
Nearly 200 lessons and 20 hours, just $249 USD! Click here to learn more.
In all versions, I demonstrate both what that type of module can do for you in general, as well as what that specific module will add to your toolkit. Although most of these videos are on specific modules, many of the concepts are universal and can be applied to other similar modules. The main purpose is to let you know what's possible, what to look for, and to inspire to also experiment on your own. Each version also contains a detailed video breakdown of one of my modular performances, to give you more ideas about how to put a wide range of modules to work.
At the bottom of the page is a list of lessons included in this version of the course; below are screen shots from some of the movies. The video at the top of this page is an overview for the Core version of the course.

Testimonials:

“That’s what I love about your videos – you use an oscilloscope and graphs all the time.” – MT
“Thank the synth gods for your videos.” – MZ
“Thank you for these great videos – they have really helped me.” – MM
“Thanks man! Your videos are really helpful, much appreciated!” – BZ
“This is really helpful. Thanks for the effort you put into this series mate, much appreciated!” – DC
“For those of us who don't like reading manuals this is a treasure of incredible value..” – QS
“Your break down of these modules are exceptionally helpful and informative. I really appreciate your work. Keep ’em coming.” – MFTM
“This is a much, much better description than you find in most module overviews. Thank you!” – JA
“Great video! Presented in a very clear and concise way. Lots of inspiration now” – AB
“Thanks for sharing these tips and insight.” – QS
“Thank you Chris for these tutorials, so very well explained, just what I’ve been looking forward to.” – ST
“Damn teach! You just dropped a bomb of knowledge on us. Word!” – DZ
  • LMS Level 2.2: Eurorack Expansion
  • $149 USD

    The original version of this course...with bonus movies

    Regular Price
  • nearly 8 hours of detailed tips & information
  • deep-dives into three important examples of each type of module
  • useful patch information you can apply to your own module collection
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When you enroll in this course you will also be added to the Learning Modular email list. You will receive a monthly newsletter plus word about new courses when they become available or are on sale. There will be an Unsubscribe link at the bottom of those emails if you wish to not receive them.

Course Curriculum

Reviews

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Leif Sundstrup

Awesome course - 10:stars.

I have just started with the Moog Studio 3 and this course was the perfect intro. The best training videos I have watched - clear, enjoyable, and extremely informative. Chris Meyer is a Legend.

1 year ago
Todd Ritchie

Excellent class, I learned so much.

I finished your excellent class tonight. I'm so glad you included the performance section. I'm sure I'll return to the various sections as I build my own Modular System. Thanks so much for this series. I'm sure I'll take more classes.

3 years ago
c4mr0n

Excellent Courses for Anyone Interested in Modular Synthesis

I would recommend these courses to anyone getting into modular. I felt totally overwhelmed with with all these concepts and Chris’s courses really helped me wrap my head around things. He does a great job explaining things and doesn’t throw too much at you at one time. I also highly recommend his and Kim’s book Patch & Tweak to go along with the courses, or on its own. I can’t thank this guy enough. I think I would of gave up if wasn’t for his courses and book. Amazing work Chris!

4 years ago

Instructor:

Chris Meyer

I fell in love with the sound and possibilities of electronic music at a young age. I took synthesis lessons as a teen in the 1970s, learning on a modular Steiner-Parker Synthasystem. A kit-based PAiA modular was my dorm room companion in college. Soon after I graduated, I got a job at Sequential Circuits, where I contributed to several instruments and created Vector Synthesis. I went on to work for Digidesign, Marion Systems (Tom Oberheim), and was the chief engineer at Roland R&D US.

I’ve always enjoyed sharing what I’ve learned. I taught synthesis at UCLA Extension, was the technical editor for Music Technology and Recording magazines, and wrote a column for Keyboard magazine. I continue today, co-writing Patch & Tweak – the new book on modular synthesis – with Kim Bjørn, and maintaining a Patreon channel for beginning to advanced users. I also regularly play modular music live under the name Alias Zone, plus jam with others.

I also have a lot of experience creating online training. Before I started Learning Modular, I recorded nearly 50 online courses on creating graphics for television and film for lynda.com (now LinkedIn Learning). I've brought this experience of how to teach a difficult, technical subject in a patient, step-by-step manner to my modular synthesis courses.