Getting Started with μcor

Your journey into modular synthesis begins here. Create your first patch in minutes.

1 Create Your Account

Getting started with μcor is completely free. No credit card required.

1. Visit ucor.net and click the "Sign In" button
2. Create a free account using your email or social login
3. Verify your email address (check your spam folder if needed)
4. You'll be automatically redirected to your workspace

2 Understanding the Interface

The μcor workspace is designed to be intuitive, but here's a quick overview:

Main Areas

• Module Browser (Left): Browse and search through 460+ audio modules
• Canvas (Center): Your workspace where you place and connect modules
• Menu Bar (Top): Access File, Edit, View, Modules, Help, and Account menus
• Master Controls (Bottom): Global volume, play/pause, and user settings

Key Controls

• Master Volume Fader: Controls the overall output level
• Play Button: Starts audio processing (must be clicked before you hear sound)
• User Menu: Access your profile, workspaces, and sign out

3 Create Your First Patch

Let's create a simple synthesizer to get you started. This will teach you the basics of modular synthesis in μcor.

Step 3.1: Add an Oscillator

1. Look at the left sidebar (Module Browser)
2. Find the "Sources" category
3. Click on "Basic Oscillator" to add it to your canvas
4. The module will appear in the center of your workspace

Step 3.2: Add an Output

1. In the Module Browser, find the "Outputs" category
2. Click on "Audio Output" to add it to your canvas
3. Position it to the right of your oscillator

Step 3.3: Connect Modules

Now let's create your first cable connection:

1. Look for the output port on the oscillator (usually on the right side)
2. Click and hold on the output port
3. Drag a cable to the input port on the Audio Output module (left side)
4. Release to complete the connection

Step 3.4: Adjust Parameters

Try adjusting these parameters on the oscillator module:

• Frequency: Changes the pitch (higher = higher pitch)
• Waveform: Changes the tone (sine, square, sawtooth, triangle)
• Volume: Controls the output level

4 Explore More Modules

Now that you've created a basic patch, try adding these modules to expand your sound:

5 Save Your Work

Don't lose your creation! Here's how to save your workspace:

1. Click File in the menu bar
2. Select Save Workspace (or press Ctrl+S / Cmd+S)
3. Give your workspace a name (e.g., "My First Synth")
4. Click Save

6 Essential Keyboard Shortcuts

Speed up your workflow with these keyboard shortcuts:

• Space - Play/Pause audio
• Ctrl/Cmd + S - Save workspace
• Ctrl/Cmd + Z - Undo
• Ctrl/Cmd + Y - Redo
• Delete - Delete selected module
• Ctrl/Cmd + C - Copy selected module
• Ctrl/Cmd + V - Paste module
• Ctrl/Cmd + F - Search modules

7 Tips for Success

• Start Simple: Don't overwhelm yourself. Build patches gradually, adding one module at a time.
• Experiment: There's no wrong way to patch! Try unconventional connections and see what happens.
• Watch Your Levels: Keep an eye on the master volume meter to avoid clipping (distortion).
• Use Templates: Check the File menu for starter templates to learn common synthesis techniques.
• Read Module Docs: Right-click any module and select "Help" to learn what it does.
• Join the Community: Share your patches and get feedback from other μcor users.

8 Next Steps

Ready to dive deeper? Here are some resources to continue your learning:

Need Help?