Recently, a tiny outfit called Madrona Labs released a new soft synth called Aalto that has opened the door for me into the modular synthesis technique.

The main thing I like about Aalto compared to the multitude of other modular soft synths out there is its focus on simplicity. Other software synths try to directly replicate the hardware of the giant modular synthesizers such Buchlas and Moogs, offering dozens of types of connectivity. Aalto has a refreshingly simple interface with enough connections to keep you satisfied, but still being accessible to a relative novice. However, its sound modeling algorithm is derived directly from those hardware systems, so you still get an authentic and interesting sound.

Aalto also let me finally get a handle on how the flow of signals through a modular synthesizer actually works, and what makes it “modular”.

First you set the Carrier wave. This sets the starting sound wave tone, such as a sine, a square or a triangle wave. It also establishes the primary frequency (pitch) of the tone. From here, essentially all the other things you are doing interfere, harmonize, and shape this carrier wave to get your final sound. You do this through the other “modules” by wiring (patching) the different modules together to send the output of one into the inputs of others. This is where it gets really fun.

For example, the Envelope module sets the shape of the sound. You set the attack to be shorter to form percussive sounds, or long to form pad-like sounds. You typically patch the Envelope to the output Level of the Carrier wave to create your sound. This is usually the first thing I do in Aalto.

Other tools are the Sequencer for creating rhythmic tones within the synthesizer. There is also a Delay effect to add more layers to the sound. Filters help to set the final overall set of frequencies you want in your sound. All of these modules can typically cranked to extremes to create yet more possibilities with your sound.

Overall, it’s a very fun tool that I’m looking forward to making a regular part of my compositions.

Here’s a few sound samples that I created using Aalto.

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