Electricity is the movement of charge — a restless flow of electrons seeking balance. It’s not just power; it’s potential. From the hum of a modular synth to the flicker of a filament, electricity animates the inert, connects the isolated, and transforms silence into signal.
At Its Core
- Atoms are made of protons (+), neutrons (neutral), and electrons (−).
- Electrons can move between atoms, especially in conductive materials like copper.
- This movement — a flow of charge — is what we call electric current.
There are two main types:
- Direct Current (DC): Electrons flow in one direction. Used in batteries, synth modules, and most low-voltage electronics.
- Alternating Current (AC): Electrons oscillate back and forth. Used in mains power and audio signals.
Voltage, Current, Resistance
| Concept | What It Means | Analogy |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage (V) | Electrical pressure or potential | Like water pressure in a pipe |
| Current (I) | Flow rate of electrons | How much water flows |
| Resistance (R) | Opposition to flow | A narrow pipe slows the water |
Ohm’s Law: V = I × R
🎛️ Electricity in Synthesis
In modular synthesis, electricity becomes expressive:
- Control voltages (CV) shape pitch, filter cutoff, and modulation.
- Gate and trigger signals define rhythm and timing.
- Power rails distribute energy across modules, each drawing what it needs.
Electricity here isn’t just functional — it’s compositional.
🌍 Why It Matters
Understanding electricity isn’t just for engineers. It’s for anyone who wants to:
- Build, repair, or modify gear
- Troubleshoot signal paths
- Design circuits that behave with intention
Electricity is the medium. Your ideas are the message.