Mission 014
Modulation Routing
Anything can control anything.
Anything can control anything. That's the whole magic.
+60 XP
// WHAT IT DOES
routing is the matrix on a synth that decides what controls what. Sources include envelopes, LFOs, , mod wheel, , note number, random. Destinations include pitch, cutoff, , oscillator level, FX mix, basically every parameter.
The single best routing you can learn on day one: mod wheel → . It turns every patch into an expressive instrument.
Other classics: velocity → amp + cutoff (harder = louder + brighter), aftertouch → vibrato depth (lean in for vibrato), random → pitch (subtle 'analogue ').
Think of it like → Modulation is wiring. Sources are switches, destinations are lights. The mod matrix is your patch bay.
▸ WHY YOU CARE
- • Modulation is what separates a 'sound' from an 'instrument'. Without it, every note plays identically.
- • It's free expression — you don't have to draw automation; the synth responds to how you play.
- • Pro patches use 5-15 modulation routings. Once you see it, you can't un-see it.
// SEE & HEAR IT
▸ An LFO is a slow oscillator that controls something else. Pick the target to hear vibrato, filter wobble, or tremolo.
▸ HOW IT WORKS
▸ Signal flow — watch the dot
▸ SIGNAL FLOW
Glowing dot = your signal travelling through Live.
▸ LISTEN FOR
- • Identical note inputs producing varying outputs (modulation in action).
- • Velocity producing both loudness and brightness changes — feels acoustic.
- • Mod wheel changing the entire emotional character without you replaying.
▸ WALKTHROUGH (4 steps)
- 1. DO: Open the modulation matrix. Route mod wheel → filter cutoff, amount = 80%.▸ LISTEN: Twist the mod wheel — patch goes from dark to bright.
- 2. DO: Add velocity → cutoff, amount = 30%.▸ LISTEN: Hit hard — note is brighter. Hit soft — note is darker.
- 3. DO: Route aftertouch → LFO depth (pitch).▸ LISTEN: Press harder on a held key — vibrato fades in.
- 4. DO: Add random → pitch with very small amount.▸ LISTEN: Subtle 'analogue drift' on every note.
▸ COMMON MISTAKES
- ✗ Routing too many sources to the same destination without managing total depth — confusing behaviour.
- ✗ Forgetting random sources usually need re-trigger per note to actually be random.
// QUIZ (QUICK)
Question 1 / 30 correct
Velocity in synth-speak means