Interface Overview

Modular Synth uses a node-graph interface where modules are represented as nodes that can be connected together to create synthesizer patches.

The main Modular Synth interface

The Canvas

The main area of the interface is the node graph canvas. This is where you create and connect modules.

Navigation

Canvas Tips

• Double-click empty space to quickly add a module
• Use the scroll wheel to zoom in for detailed work or out for an overview
• Modules can be freely positioned anywhere on the canvas

Adding Modules

Context Menu

Right-click on empty canvas space to open the module browser:

The module browser context menu

Modules are organized by category:

• Sources - Oscillators and sound generators
• Filters - Frequency shaping
• Modulation - Envelopes, LFOs, clocks
• Utilities - VCAs, mixers, signal processing
• Effects - Delays, reverbs, distortion
• MIDI - MIDI input and processing
• Visualization - Scopes and meters
• Output - Audio output

Click a module name to add it at the cursor position.

Quick Add

Double-click on empty canvas space to open a quick search box where you can type to filter modules by name.

Module Anatomy

Each module has a consistent structure:

Parts of a module

Header Bar

The colored bar at the top shows:

• Module name - The type of module
• Category color - Indicates the module's function category

Input Ports (Left Side)

Circular connectors on the left side receive signals from other modules:

• Port color indicates the expected signal type
• Port label describes what the input controls
• Hover over a port to see a tooltip with details

Output Ports (Right Side)

Circular connectors on the right side send signals to other modules:

• Port color indicates the signal type produced
• Multiple modules can connect to the same output

Parameter Knobs (Bottom)

Rotary knobs for adjusting module parameters:

• Drag vertically to adjust the value
• Double-click to reset to default
• Ctrl + click for fine adjustment
• Value readout shows the current setting

Exposed Parameters

Some parameters can be controlled both manually and via external signals. When an external signal is connected:

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

When disconnected, the knob returns to manual control.

Making Connections

Creating a Connection

1. Click and hold on an output port (right side of a module)
2. Drag to an input port (left side of another module)
3. Release to complete the connection

Dragging a connection from output to input

Connection Rules

• Outputs connect to inputs (never output-to-output or input-to-input)
• Signal types should match (Audio to Audio, Control to Control, etc.)
• Some inputs accept multiple signal types (automatic conversion)
• Multiple cables can connect to the same output
• Only one cable can connect to each input

Connection Colors

Cables are colored by signal type:

Removing Connections

• Right-click on a connection to delete it
• Click on an input port with an existing connection, then press Escape to disconnect
• Delete a module to remove all its connections

Adjusting Parameters

Knob Interaction

Adjusting a parameter knob

Value Display

Below each knob is a value readout showing:

• The current numeric value
• The unit (Hz, ms, dB, etc.) where applicable

Patch Management

Saving Patches

Patches are saved as .json files containing all module settings and connections.

Loading Patches

Recent Patches

Access recently opened patches from the File menu.

MIDI Setup

Enabling MIDI Input

1. Add a MIDI Note or Keyboard module to your patch
2. The module will automatically receive input from connected MIDI devices

MIDI Learn

To assign a MIDI controller to a knob:

1. Right-click the knob
2. Select MIDI Learn
3. Move the desired MIDI controller
4. The knob is now mapped to that controller

Computer Keyboard

The Keyboard module allows playing notes using your computer keyboard:

• Z-M row: Lower octave (C3-B3)
• Q-P row: Upper octave (C4-B4)
• Number keys: Octave selection

Keyboard Shortcuts

General

Navigation

Modules

Next Steps

Now that you understand the interface:

• Your First Patch - Build a simple synthesizer step by step
• Signal Types - Understand the different signal types
• Module Reference - Explore all available modules