Eight versatile games we love

Play it on: Windows (Steam Deck: your experience may vary)
Current goal: Develop a better understanding of control voltage

I love video games, but I probably love making music even more. And over the last five years, I’ve only developed an increased appetite and interest in synthesis – particularly modular synthesis, since I’m not a keyboard player. But I’m not just not I am a keyboard player, but also a guitarist (the horror), so I approach synths with that perspective. This weekend I will spend some time with The signal statea simulation of modular synthesis, packaged as a puzzle game. It corresponds pretty much exactly to the way synthesizers work but in my case, the most important thing is that it is really focused on the flow of tension. That is the kind of training I need right now.

Read more: This puzzle game is a fun and inexpensive way to learn electronic music

Although I have a nice collection of Eurorack-compatible synths, my ever-troubled guitar background means I approach them more musically and aesthetically, drawing on standard and avant-garde music theory to help me shape tonality, harmony and melody. This isn’t necessarily a problem, but I could use a better understanding of how tension flows, combines, splits, can be dampened and more. The signal stateThe puzzles in are all about just that. They ask you to lay out signal paths in certain ways, such as “SRC 2 is a binary signal. If it is 100 volts, send SRC 1 to OUT 1. Otherwise, send 0 volts to OUT 1” or “Send SRC 1 to OUT 2, but with an intensity amplified by SRC 2.”

Exciting stuff, eh? Sure, it’s dry. But dry is exactly what I need right now and The signal state seems like the perfect set of exercises for me to practice the basics of voltage flowing through a system. This is especially useful for me as I am reducing the number of individual Eurorack modules I own in order to prioritize the use of semi-modular gear. So as I figure out which modules I keep to incorporate into a smaller, more portable 42HP rack, I hope The signal state will make my brain think more about direct utility and voltage regulation than shiny, fancier stuff (but damn, I really want that Qu-Bit Nautilus delay module and maybe selling my Monsoon was a mistake…).

And although I use and love VCV Rackthis is real music software and doesn’t have the puzzles, challenges and limitations that are conducive to learning new skills (especially musical ones). – Claire Jackson