Patch of The Week: Choir Sound 1 - Tutorial with patch chart and demo performance

A simple choir-like timbre using multiple VCOs, including examples with 3 different filters, how to use modulation to add realism, a short performance demonstration, and patch diagram at the end (with notes and full downloadable patch sheet in the description).
This version uses 3 analogue oscillators, being modulated separately, to simulate the imperfect tuning of multiple human voices singing together. There are more advanced methods to create vocal-like sounds, such as those used in synths like the Roland VP330, but it can be difficult (and possibly hugely expensive) to represent the components used within the modular domain. However, if a comparable sound is achieved in a modular format then the degree to which it can be tweaked and customised is limitless, which can't be said for the self-contained instruments of the past.
Patch Notes and PDF link further down the page.
Index:
00:00 Start
00:11 Introduction
00:45 Building the patch (Ladder Filter)
03:38 With Sonic XV & Gemini
05:46 Example Performance
09:39 Patch Sheet
Check out the AJH Synth playlists for more 'Patch of The Week' videos, which will be either performances or 'how to' guides detailing a range of sounds, some familiar, some less so, and each containing a patch sheet at the end to show you how to construct it for yourself.
Video by / dreamsofwires
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PATCH NOTES: Basic setup (taken from patch PDF)
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Download here: kvisit.com/8AE/6fcG
Green dots show approximate pot and switch positions. Pots and switches that do not have green dots are not used in this patch, and should be left at their zero or off positions.
In the video I'm using the Glide + Noise MkII module to access the CV Bus, allowing me to control all 3 VCOs from one input/cable. If you are not able to use the CV Bus you will need to use a multiple or stacking cables to connect the keyboard to each VCO's 1V/Oct input, as is usual with a fully modular synth. I also use the Glide function, so the multiple would have to be connected between this module's CV OUT and the 3 VCOs if you wish to use it.
VCO: The first and third VCOs are tuned slightly to the left and right of the middle VCO. This is less important when an LFO is used to modulate VCO 1 and 3, but will still help to create some organic separation between the pitches. Sawtooth waves are used here, as they are much closer in timbre to the human voice than the other wave shapes.
VCF: Resonance/emphasis is also very important, as the human throat is itself a form of resonator, and a high resonance setting will help achieve a vocal character, but keep well clear of self-oscillation. This also applies to the Gemini and Sonic XV.
LFO: This is optional, just to create some vibrato in two of the VCOs and add realism, but it might not always be desirable.
Modules used from top-left to bottom-right: Glide + Noise, Vintage Transistor Core VCO x3, Transistor Ladder Filter, Contour Generators, Discrete Cascaded VCA, Dual LFO + VCA (optional).
#ajhsynth #eurorack #modularsynth
Tags: MiniMod modular synth patches modularsynth analog modular synth patching analogue synths eurorack modular synthpatchers patch breakdown how to instructions and guide voice sounds vocal effects monophonic choirs with monosynth

[@MartinDoudoroffLLC]

Great tutorial! Showing the same technique across the different filters is really helpful and interesting, too.

[@AJHSynthOfficial]

Thanks Martin, glad to hear it was helpful.

[@MartinDoudoroffLLC]

@@AJHSynthOfficial Yes! I was able to easily reproduce the patch on both Transistor and Gemini! Works nicely.

[@AJHSynthOfficial]

It's great that it works with the ladder filter too, given that it's low pass only.

[@joostvanbunnik7646]

Great tut

[@AJHSynthOfficial]

Thank you

[@oliviercurgy1026]

Excellent !!!

[@AJHSynthOfficial]

Thank you very much.

[@soundofuranus7683]

Sounds beautiful. Tried to reproduce it on a software instrument but it has a bit of aliasing. Lower pitches sounds ok. Nice videos and performances.

[@AJHSynthOfficial]

Thank you very much. I'd imagine software would struggle with some characteristics of the sound, but it'll still give you a good understanding of how it works.