La Synthèse Humaine is an ongoing video series looking at feedback systems and using the principles of cybernetics to model neural networks, weather patterns, and economic models using synthesizers.
Synthesizing With Moog covers the basics of analog synthesis - demystifying technical terms and encouraging musicians to explore new terrains of sound. It was created, written, and produced by myself alongside a team from Moog Music and filmed in Berlin in 2025.
La Synthèse Humaine - New Uses For Old Circuits
New Uses For Old Circuits is a video series that investigates the use of modular synthesizers (in particular the Serge) for analog computing, experimental sound design, and economic modeling. Ongoing from February 2026.
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Self-Organization in Circuits and Society
In this video we look deeper into the idea of Self-Organization and how to create sounds that David Tudor might describe as "free to be themselves."
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Feedback Networks in the Style of David Tudor
In this video we look at the work of David Tudor and how he created dense networks of feedback in an approximation of a neural network.
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Sound Design with Cybernetics: Interference and Inversion
In this video we look at the al-Jabr (الجبر) patch - a patch that injects inverted signals into the feedback loop to tame chaotic behavior, and uses the rate of change (derivative) of a signal as a cybernetic regulator.
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Sound Design with Cybernetics
In this video we look at the al-Muqābala ( المقابلة) patch, which combines everything we've discussed so far into a playable system where nonlinear feedback loops are pushed and pulled via cybernetic regulation. A garden of forking, bifurcating paths...
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Cybernetic Regulation for Melodic Sequences and Missile Interceptors
There is no way out. Lie and wait, lie still and be quiet. Screaming holds across the sky. When it comes, will it come in darkness, or will it bring its own light? Will the light come before or after?
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Logistic Maps and Analog Computing with Serge
In this video we look at the textbook example of a nonlinear and chaotic system - the logistic map. We explore how to use the Serge as an analog computer to take numbers and multiply, add, and subtract them, and further how to create a discrete feedback sequence from them.
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Nonlinearity And Feedback
In this video we look at simple feedback systems and explore linearity and nonlinearity. We see how basic audio feedback through a linear system (basically a volume knob) can accentuate or attenuate what is already present in a sound. But sending the feedback through a nonlinear system transforms the sound into something else entirely.
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Studies in Linear and Nonlinear Systems
In this video we get right to the heart of the matter and discover what defines a linear system (and therefore what defines a nonlinear system). Linear systems are systems that obey the laws of homogeneity and superposition, whereas nonlinear systems are ones that break these laws.
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Songs Of Éliane
In this video we look at some of the techniques used by the incredible influential composer Éliane Radigue - using modulation processes like FM, AM, and ring modulation to create deep tones full of motion and mystery.
Synthesizing With Moog
A seven episode series teaching the basics of synthesis, listening, and electronics to musicians. Complete with downloadable workbooks and a full soundtrack.
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Episode 01: Listening
Discussing how concepts like modular design and voltage control combined to make the synthesizer instrument we know and love today.
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Episode 02: Dynamics
Understanding how a synthesizer creates individual notes and how you can articulate them.
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Episode 03: Vibrations
Looking at the source of vibrations on the synthesizer – the oscillator.
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Episode 04: Resonance
In 1964 the modular synthesizer was born, and one of its signature components was the Voltage-Controlled Filter.
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Episode 05: Modulations
It’s not what you have - it’s how you modulate it.
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Episode 06: Carrier
Exploring texture with FM, AM, and wavefolding.
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Episode 07: Patterns
Looking beyond the instant of the note with clocks, sequencers, and programmers.
La Synthèse Humaine - Cybernetics
A video series from 2021 exploring applications of cybernetics, feedback, and neural networks in avant-garde sound design using synthesizers as analog computers.
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Cybernetics I - Basic Feedback
Understanding feedback.
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Cybernetics II - Neurons and Analog Artificial Intelligence
Using the synthesizer like an analog computer to model neurons in the brain.
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Cybernetics III - Feedback for Chaos and Regulation
Using feedback to both create chaos and to tame it.
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Cybernetics IV - The Feedback Path
Exploring insertion of different elements within the feedback loop.
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Cybernetics V - The Feedback Path (Continued)
Further explorations in feedback sound design.
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Cybernetics VI - Adaptation and Learning with Neurons and Integrators
Using integrators to make our artificial neurons learn.
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Cybernetics VII - Interference Patterns with Stepped Generator
Creating interference patterns and using them for novel rhythms.
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Cybernetics VIII - Three-Dimensional Chaos Generator
Modeling the driven double potential well problem from quantum mechanics with the synthesizer.