Connections

Connections are the cables that link modules together, allowing signals to flow through your patch. Understanding connection rules helps you build effective synthesizer patches.

Basic Rules

Outputs to Inputs

Connections always flow from output ports (right side of modules) to input ports (left side of modules).

Connection Direction Signals flow from outputs (right) to inputs (left)

You cannot:

  • Connect output to output
  • Connect input to input
  • Create circular connections that would cause feedback loops (the system prevents this)

One Input, Many Outputs

Inputs accept only one connection at a time. Connecting a new cable to an already-connected input will replace the existing connection.

Outputs can feed multiple inputs. The signal is copied to each destination without reduction in level.

Multiple Connections One output feeding multiple inputs

Making Connections

Creating a Connection

  1. Click and hold on an output port
  2. Drag toward the destination input
  3. The cursor will show valid connection points
  4. Release over an input port to complete

Creating Connection Dragging to create a connection

Visual Feedback

While dragging:

  • Valid inputs highlight to show they can accept the connection
  • Invalid inputs (wrong signal type or already connected) may dim
  • The cable preview shows the signal type color

Quick Connect

Double-click an output port to start a connection, then single-click an input to complete it. This is useful for long-distance connections.

Removing Connections

Right-Click Method

Right-click on a cable to delete it immediately.

Disconnect from Port

Click on a connected input port, then press Escape to disconnect.

Delete Module

Deleting a module automatically removes all its connections.

Signal Type Matching

Preferred Connections

For best results, match signal types:

ConnectionResult
Audio → AudioFull-bandwidth sound signal
Control → ControlModulation and CV
Gate → GateTrigger and timing
MIDI → MIDIMIDI message passing

Cross-Type Connections

Some cross-type connections are useful:

ConnectionUse Case
Audio → ControlAudio-rate modulation (FM synthesis)
Gate → ControlSimple 0/1 control signal
Control → AudioSlow modulation mixed as audio

The system allows most cross-type connections, treating the signal according to the destination's expectations.

MIDI Special Case

MIDI signals are structured differently and generally only connect to MIDI-specific inputs. Use the MIDI Note module to convert MIDI to CV signals (V/Oct, Gate, Velocity) for standard modules.

Cable Colors

Cables are colored by signal type for easy visual identification:

ColorSignal Type
BlueAudio
OrangeControl/CV
GreenGate/Trigger
PurpleMIDI

Cable Colors Cables colored by signal type

This coloring helps you:

  • Trace signal flow through complex patches
  • Identify signal types at a glance
  • Debug routing issues

Connection Tips

Keep It Organized

  • Position modules so signal flows left-to-right
  • Group related modules together
  • Use the canvas space to prevent cable crossings

Organized Patch A well-organized patch with clear signal flow

Modulation Routing

Control signals often "reach across" the main signal flow:

[LFO] ────────────────────────┐
                              ↓ (CV)
[Osc] ──> [Filter] ──> [VCA] ──> [Out]
            ↑
[Envelope] ─┘

Position modulation sources (LFOs, envelopes) above or below the main signal path.

Check Signal Flow

If you're not getting sound:

  1. Trace from output backward - Is the Audio Output connected?
  2. Check control signals - Is the VCA getting a CV signal?
  3. Verify gates - Is the envelope receiving a gate?
  4. Look at signal types - Are the right types connected?

Exposed Parameters

Some module parameters can be controlled via connections. These are called "exposed" parameters.

How It Works

When a parameter is exposed:

  • It has both a knob for manual control AND an input port for external control
  • When disconnected: The knob controls the parameter normally
  • When connected: The external signal takes over

Visual Indicators

Exposed Parameter An exposed parameter showing external control

When externally controlled:

  • The knob becomes read-only (dimmed)
  • The knob animates to show the incoming signal value
  • An orange indicator dot shows external control is active

Combining Manual and Modulation

The external signal often adds to the knob's base value:

  • Knob sets the center/base value
  • Input adds modulation on top

For example, a filter cutoff:

  • Knob at 1000 Hz
  • LFO input swinging ±500 Hz
  • Result: Cutoff sweeps between 500-1500 Hz

Advanced Topics

Audio-Rate Modulation

Control inputs can accept audio-rate signals for special effects:

  • FM Synthesis: Oscillator frequency modulated at audio rate
  • AM/Ring Mod: Amplitude modulated at audio rate
  • Filter FM: Cutoff modulated at audio rate

Feedback Loops

The system prevents direct feedback loops (output connecting back to earlier input in the same signal path). This is necessary to maintain stable, real-time audio processing.

For delay-based feedback effects, use the Delay module's built-in feedback control.

DC Offset

Control signals may have DC offset (a constant value added to the signal). Some modules include DC blocking or offset controls to manage this.

Troubleshooting

No Sound

  1. Check that Audio Output is connected
  2. Verify VCA is receiving CV or is set to pass audio
  3. Ensure oscillator is running (not waiting for trigger)
  4. Check system audio settings

Unexpected Sound

  1. Look for unintended connections
  2. Check signal levels (may need attenuation)
  3. Verify signal types match expectations

Clicking or Popping

  1. Ensure control signals are smoothed
  2. Check for abrupt gate transitions
  3. Add slight attack/release to envelopes

Next Steps