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THE SAFFRON PROJECT
Creative Synthesis: Sound, Electricity & Modular Practice
Hands-on training in the physics and practice of sound. Build voltage-to-audio chains, analyze harmonics, and apply subtractive, additive, FM, waveshaping, and granular techniques. Compose with sequencers and probability, then mix and spatialize with FX buses and dynamics.
Outcomes
- Build and trace voltage-to-audio signal flow
- Analyze spectra: fundamentals, partials, standing waves
- Design patches (subtractive, additive, FM, granular)
- Program sequencers, polyrhythms, and modulation systems
- Mix with EQ/filters, compression, buses, and sends
- Design spatial scenes: stereo imaging, delay, reverb
Who it’s for
Electronic musicians, installation artists, and engineers seeking a rigorous foundation in sound, synthesis, and modular workflows.
Prerequisites
- Basic computer literacy; headphones/monitors
- VCV Rack or equivalent DAW/synth (free acceptable)
- Optional: audio interface & modular gear
What you’ll build
- Voltage-to-sound patch with meters & gain staging
- Additive synth with controllable sine partials (Fourier)
- Subtractive bass and percussion voices with envelopes/filters
- FM bell and metallic timbre set with operator ratios
- Granular ambient texture with windowing and density control
- Polyrhythmic sequencer with probability & self-modulation
- Four-part mix with EQ, compression, sends, and spatial FX
Curriculum overview
Foundations of Sound & Electricity
Hearing & Perception
Subtractive & Additive Synthesis
FM, Waveshaping & Granular
Sequencing & Pattern Systems
Mixing, Dynamics & Spatialization
Full syllabus
Orientation
Course Welcome
How To Get The Most Out Of This Course
How To Use This Website And Get Support
CODE OF CONDUCT & GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Module 1: Foundations of Sound & Electricity
Lesson 1: What is Electricity? From Electrons to Audio Signals
Session 2: Build a Voltage-to-Sound Chain (Virtual CV Rack Lab)
Session 3: Acoustic Energy: Waves, Amplitude, Frequency, Propagation
Session 4: Visualizing Harmonics and Standing Waves (Lab)
Core Ideas And Theory
Module 2: Hearing & Perception
Session 5: Psychoacoustics: Loudness, Timbre, Space
Session 6: Creating Timbres with Filters & Envelopes (Lab)
Session 7: Neurological and Biological Hearing
Session 8: Stereo Imaging & Spatial Perception (Lab)
Implementation Feedback And Support
Module 3: Subtractive & Additive Synthesis
Session 9: Subtractive Synthesis
Session 10: Bass Patch Design (Lab)
Session 11: Additive Synthesis & Fourier Transform
Session 12: Building an Additive Synth with Sine Partials (Lab)
Implementation Feedback And Support
Module 4: FM, Waveshaping & Granular Synthesis
Session 13: FM Theory & Practice
Session 14: Percussive Bell Patches (Lab)
Session 15: Granular & Waveshaping Techniques
Session 16: Build a Granular Ambient Texture (Lab)
New Lesson
Module 5: Sequencing & Pattern Systems
Session 17: Sequencer Logic & Rhythmic Systems
Session 18: Creating a Polyrhythmic Patch (Lab)
Session 19: Modulation as Composition
Session 20: Self-Modulating Probability Patch (Lab)
New Lesson
Module 6: Mixing, Dynamics & Spatialization
Session 21: EQ, Compression & Mixing Philosophy
Session 22: Mixing a Four-Part Composition (Lab)
Session 23: Reverb, Delay & Spatial Design
Session 24: Sonic Scenes with FX Buses
New Lesson
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Single-course access to Creative Synthesis.
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Ongoing access, updates, and community sessions.
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All Creator benefits + project feedback cycles.