it's vcv day \o/
to start off i'd recommend making an account here
https://vcvrack.com/login (you can use a throw away email if you don't care) and also log into vcv rack itself. next head over to
https://library.vcvrack.com/ and add some modules, make sure to only use free modules in your patch. after you have added modules from the library, in vcv rack go to the library tab and select 'update all'. it will prompt you to restart the program and now you should have extra modules to use!
modules i recommend::: (module brand in <>)
- <mindmeld> mixmaster / mixmasterjr: the best mixer in vcv rack with 16/8 stereo channels depending on the version, volume and panning controls, solo/mute - everything you would want from a mixer.
- <impromptu> clocked: for many patches you're probably going to need a clock to drive things like sequencers. this module gives you 3 clock outputs which you can multiply or divide based on your needs. they can also be chained if you need more outputs.
- <vcv> recorder: connect this module to your patch main output (i.e. the output of your mixer) to be able to render your patches. you may want to tweak some stuff in the meantime, if you like.
- <squinky labs> seq++: for the people who like midi more than vcv rack. with this module you can sequence something with midi and import it (right click on the module and select import midi). then you can put it through some polyphonic synth voice.
- <alright devices> chronoblob2: my favourite delay/echo module. put in a clock into the sync input to sync with whatever clock you want (probably a multiple of your bpm, but feel free to experiment)
- <valley> plateau: really nice reverb, if you want to add some ambience/space/whatever
- <grayscale> supercell: expanded (heh) version of the mutable (audible) instruments clouds. mostly for granular effects but there are multiple modes of operation if you right click.
- <audible instruments> macro oscillator 2: one of the most versatile modules, with a ton of different oscillator types if you right click. has a built in decay envelope if you use the trig input. also polyphonic.
- <grande> quantmt: microtonal quantiser, if you're into that....
- <bacon music> chipwaves: emulation of NES triangle and pulse if you want that sound
- <vult> slap (free): envelope with vca (volume control) built-in
- <jw-modules> noteseq: simple sequencer with built in quantiser with some neat randomiser modes
- many modules by <bogaudio> and <count modula> as they contain utility modules that may be useful
try to avoid samplers! most of them will not save inside the .vcv file.
if you want vcv tutorials or extra inspiration, look up "omri cohen" on the youtubes. what may also be useful is to find modules on patchstorage.com and see how they work.