Become a master of your modular

Get a comprehensive look at modular synthesizers, and how to get the most out of them…
Learn from the best, and most successful modular artists, and get to know modular synthesis concepts such as Oscillators, VCAs, Filters, Envelopes, and much more. The most comprehensive book out there.
“A quality book, both in its content and manufacture. It proves to be indispensable for electronic music and modular synthesizer passionates.” - Indepth Magazine

PATCH & TWEAK - Exploring Modular Synthesis

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    PATCH & TWEAK - Exploring Modular Synthesis
    PATCH & TWEAK - Exploring Modular Synthesis
    PATCH & TWEAK - Exploring Modular Synthesis
    PATCH & TWEAK - Exploring Modular Synthesis
    PATCH & TWEAK - Exploring Modular Synthesis
    PATCH & TWEAK - Exploring Modular Synthesis
    PATCH & TWEAK - Exploring Modular Synthesis
    PATCH & TWEAK - Exploring Modular Synthesis
    PATCH & TWEAK - Exploring Modular Synthesis
    PATCH & TWEAK - Exploring Modular Synthesis
    PATCH & TWEAK - Exploring Modular Synthesis

    Description of the book

    Become a true master of your modular system

    PATCH & TWEAK is a comprehensive look at modular synthesizers. It explores how to build them, how to use them, and how to get the most out of them, with beautiful illustrations and step-by-step tutorials with easy-to-read patch diagrams.

    • Over 700 Modules
    • 38 Interviews with artists and module creators
    • Hundreds of tutorials, tips, and tricks
    • Foreword by synth pioneer Suzanne Ciani
    • 368 colorful pages printed on high-quality certified-ecofriendly paper
    • Hardcover format (9.8" x 9.8" / 25 x 25 cm)

    PATCH & TWEAK is recognized worldwide as the definitive overview of modular synthesis and its tools and techniques. It combines a systematic exploration of the components of synthesis with a comprehensive reference guide to modules and their interactions. Starting with basic concepts, the book literally takes an empty frame and gradually fills it with modules of all kinds, describing their functions in detailed yet understandable terms. Over 700 modules from dozens of manufacturers have their moment to shine, and luminaries of synthesis fill the book with their particular methods, patches, and viewpoints through a wide range of interviews.

    Thousands of modular synthesists – beginners and experienced musicians alike - have widened their horizons and deepened their understanding with PATCH & TWEAK. Now it’s your turn.

    Interviews with artists

    Artists reveal their modular secrets

    How do successful artists turn their modular synthesizers into power and beauty? Learn from the best, from award-winning composers to the hottest new sound designers from around the world. Read and learn with Caterina Barbieri, Todd Barton, Colin Benders, Ian Boddy, Russell E.L. Butler, Richard Devine, Jill Fraser, Bana Haffar, Hataken, Andrew Huang, Junkie XL, NODE, Robert Rich, Robin Rimbaud, Lady Starlight, Emily Sprague, and Hans Zimmer, among others.

    Designers open their doors to you

    Modular synth designers and makers draw inspiration from a whole world of ideas… and maybe beyond. Have you ever wondered how they come up with these grand designs? Find out with an unprecedented collection of interviews with the geniuses at Bastl Instruments, Endorphin.es, Erica Synths, Fraptools, Intellijel, Make Noise, Moog, Music Thing Modular, Mutable Instruments, Noise Engineering, Rossum Electro-Music, Serge, Synthesizers.com, Verbos Electronics, WMD, 4ms Company, and more.

    Details of the content

    Where do you start?

    Modular synthesizers are an open book waiting to be written – a prospect that can be pretty scary for a beginner. PATCH & TWEAK is here to help, with step-by-step strategies for building a modular that will reflect your creative desires. Start with an empty case, and learn about everything that can go into it. There’s even a guide to semi-modular and software solutions to help get you started.

    Concepts of synthesis – made easy to understand and easy to apply From the basics of sound synthesis to the outer reaches of modern design, you’ll find everything you’ll need to approach your modular with confidence. Starting with building blocks like oscillators, filters, and amplifiers, you’ll go from discovery to discovery through everything from essentials like envelopes, LFOs, mixers, effects, and CV modifiers, to more in-depth sound-shaping tools like waveshapers, samplers, drum and percussion modules, rhythm pattern generators, sequencers, controllers, and more. Get a grip on concepts like harmonics, voltage control, logic functions,  random signal sources, and dozens of others – and never feel out of your depth again.

    Save money, save time, save the hassle With hundreds of manufacturers and thousands of modules out there, it can be easy to buy a module that you think will be brilliant for you… but then just falls flat. Having a good knowledge base for making buying decisions is vital for every modular user, and with this book, you’ll have all that and more. Learn what you need to know in order to make sure that your next purchase is the right one!

    Created by acclaimed authors and modular experts

    For PATCH & TWEAK, bjooks creator Kim Bjørn sought out the best co-author possible for a book of this kind: none other than Chris Meyer, world-renowned modular synthesis educator (learningmodular.com). Chris and Kim have created a book overflowing with helpful hints, beautiful illustrations, and hundreds of inspiring ideas, with the help of the editing team of Paul Nagle and Diana Smethurst, with assistance from Sam Molineaux, Nanna Clausen, and Isabella Bondo Bjørn.

    It’s time to get serious about learning modular

    Packed from cover to cover with everything a modular enthusiast might need to know and with a thoughtful Foreword by modular luminary Suzanne Ciani, PATCH & TWEAK is recognized all over the world as the most beautiful and practical introduction to modular synthesis there is. Add it to your arsenal today!

    Mentioned in

    Meet the Artists

    Dive into their inspiring stories, discover their unique creative processes, and witness the masterpieces they've brought to life.

    • Suzanne Ciani

    • Tom Holkenborg (JunkieXL)

    • Caterina Barbieri

    • Colin Benders

    • Colleen Martin (Lady Starlight)

    • And many others...

    Suzanne Ciani is a five-time Grammy-nominated composer, recording artist, and pioneer in the field of electronic music. She has released more than 15 albums and was one of the first women to score a major Hollywood film. In 1995, she established her own record label, Seventh Wave. Her work has been featured in countless commercials, video games, and feature films. In recent years, she returned to the Buchla after decades of successfully composing and performing at the piano, and continues to explore the world of synthesizers, including on her worldwide tours. The feature-length documentary film A Life In Waves about Suzanne Ciani’s innovative life in electronic music was released in 2017, when she was also the first woman to receive the Moog Innovation Award.

    Tom Holkenborg, aka Junkie XL, is a Grammy nominated and multiplatinum producer, a multi-intrumentalist, and composer. In 1993, he started the rock band Nerv and later produced several albums as JunkieXL. In 2002, Tom had a number one hit in 24 countries with his rework of A Little Less Conversation and has remixed artists such as Coldplay, Depeche Mode, Britney Spears, and Justin Timberlake. Tom started creating film scores in his native Holland and has created music for various video games and advertising campaigns. His film scoring credits include Mad Max Fury Road, Deadpool, Divergent, and Brimstone, and he worked with Hans Zimmer on films such as
    Man of Steel, Dark Knight Rises, and Inception.

    Caterina Barbieri is a Berlin based Italian composer who explores themes related to machine intelligence and object oriented perception in sound, through a focus on minimalism. She holds a diploma in classical guitar and a bachelor’s degree in electroacoustic music from the conservatory of Bologna, Italy, as well as a bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Humanities and Philosophy of Bologna. Since 2013 she has researched and produced music at Elektronmusikstudion in Stockholm, where she has intensively composed for the Buchla 200 system. Her work has been presented in festivals and venues all over the world, and her solo album Patterns of Consciousness received extensive critical acclaim.

    Colin Benders is a Dutch musician, composer, and producer who is active in many genres and styles – previously at age 22 and under the name Kyteman. Colin released his award-winning debut album in 2009, describing it as a mix between hip-hop and jazz. Already a world-touring musician from age 17, he later founded the Kyteman Orchestra, often bringing up to 50 musicians and singers on stage. Colin developed the Kyteman Orchestra with an emphasis on live performances, especially those that were entirely improvised from scratch. After switching his focus to performance and composition with his modular system, Colin’s live video streams and live performances have attracted and engaged audiences all over the world.

    Colleen Martin, aka Lady Starlight, is an American DJ and performance artist, who integrates a number of different influences – including performance- and body art, progressive rock and metal, and electronic dance music – into a single personality. She was the opening performer on three Lady Gaga tours and has perfomed DJ sets and live along artists and bands such as Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Anthrax, Slayer, Pantera, and Megadeth. She’s performed at Berghain’s CTM Festival, Kraków’s Unsound Festival, appeared at the Boiler Room, and much more. She has also been involved in live collaborations with renowned DJ and producer Anthony Child aka Surgeon. Colleen released her first modular techno album on the Stroboscopic Artefacts label in 2017.

    Robert Rich, Hans Zimmer, Bana Haffar, Robin Rimbaud (Scanner), DivKid, Hataken, Maria Teriaeva, Alissa Derubeis, Russell E.L. Butler, Mark Verbos, Ģirts Ozoliņš (Erica Synths), Jill Fraser, NODE, Todd Barton, Martha Bahr (Panic Girl) ,William Mathewson, Dave Rossum, Emily Sprague, Richard Devine, Tony Rolando and Walker Farrell

    Have a look inside!

    Below you can have an exclusive sneak peak into the book: PATCH & TWEAK. Prepare to be captivated as you enter the world within these pages. Take a moment to begin your exploration and uncover the enchanting magic that awaits you within the pages of this remarkable book.

    Key elements of the book

    Master your modular system

    Get a comprehensive look at modular synthesizers, and how to get the most out of them. Clearly organized in modular synthesis concepts such as Oscillators, VCAs, Filters, and much more.

    Get to know the modules

    Over 700 modules from dozens of manufacturers, including patch tips, unique features, and what to choose in which case.

    Inspiring patches and artist-tips

    Learn from the best, and most successful modular artists, from award-winning composers to the hottest new sound designers from around the world.

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