About Voltage Control Lab

Hi! My name is Joe (some people know me as Computo or The Synthesist) and I created Voltage Control Lab as a platform for both new and experienced Modular Synth enthusiasts to learn about their instruments and take control of their sound.

When I started the CNTRPNT modular synth workshop series with my colleague Viktor, we quickly noticed the intense interest that modular users have in furthering their knowledge of the instrument. While there are plenty of computer-based sound design and synthesis programs in the educational sphere, there are few to none that focus on the Modular Synthesizer.

Having spent the last 10 years of my life dedicated to music technology education, the answer seemed obvious. So I created Voltage Control Lab as a comprehensive educational resource for our community.

I graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2003 with a focus in Music Synthesis and Technology. After completing my first record, I moved into the music software industry working for 6 years with Native Instruments, training VIP artists like Flying Lotus, LMFAO and Zedd in Massive, Reaktor, Kontakt and the rest of the Komplete/Maschine line. Subsequent to that, I spent 3 years as a Sound Design instructor and contributing writer at Dubspot followed by 4 years at Point Blank Los Angeles, and most recently Musicians Institute and Icon Collective.

Voltage Control Lab is committed to demystifying the modular synth world and delivering critical information that every user of a modular synthesizer should know, from how to use and route certain modules to how not to electrocute yourself or destroy your valuable and cherished instrument. We are deeply focused on creating new and regularly updated content. We also want to be able to serve our users as best as possible, so we please let us know if there is any topic you would like to see covered.

The Voltage Control Lab logo was designed by The Well!

7 thoughts on “About

  • October 2, 2015 at 2:26 pm
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    Just stumbled across you guys and love the site! Have you thought of creating a Facebook page for VCL? Might be an easier way for you to spread the word and interact with your Modular community. Cheers…Don

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    • October 2, 2015 at 2:44 pm
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      Hey Don! Thanks for coming by and taking notice! I’ve thought a bit about doing a Facebook page, and it’s sort of always up in the air, but there are already a number of great modular pages that are handling the community much better than I can, like Muff Wigglers and the Eurorack Synthesizers groups. I also have a private group for my students, but who knows! I’ll consider it… πŸ™‚

      Reply
  • October 12, 2015 at 12:30 pm
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    Hi I just stumbled across your site via your link in Eurorack Synthesizers. I haven’t started in modular yet but it seems to be calling me more and more. As a second shout out I would think you might be able to offer a facebook page of a different variety. Some groups get quite large and not all people are interested in helping newbies into the world. I’m coming back here to learn some more πŸ™‚
    Dave

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    • October 12, 2015 at 12:43 pm
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      Hey Dave! Thanks for saying hi! I have a Facebook group for our students actually. But I’ve avoided making my own public page because it’s another thing to manage and I’d prefer people come back to the blog than follow another page. I’ve considered it though, who knows… Ultimately, I want to serve my students as best as possible, so having a group for them seemed more appropriate. Please come on back and check out our Modular 101 course, it covers all of the beginner stuff so friends and online acquaintances don’t have to!

      Reply
  • October 13, 2015 at 2:48 pm
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    Nice Don. I will definitely be coming back to check out what you have to offer … starting now πŸ™‚

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    • October 13, 2015 at 3:18 pm
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      My name is Joe, but you can call me Don if keep coming back!! πŸ™‚

      Reply
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