#### What Will I Learn?

- You will learn how to use Scope in Rack.
- You will learn about tools to help you stay very organized when using Rack.
- You will learn how to connect a MIDI device to Rack.


<center>![Rack Cover Image Text small.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1516215845/buq0l2lwfe7wd4ts6smn.jpg)
</center>



#### Requirements

To complete this tutorial learners will need to have the following:
- The software application VCV Rack installed
- Access to the Internet
- An account created on www.vcvrack.com
- Fundamentals plugin installed


#### Difficulty
This tutorial is at an Beginner level. 

#### Description
# Learn how to use Scope and why it is important


In Rack, Scope allows you to see the waveform. Scope is a software version of an oscilloscope. This is a very powerful tool. While working with sound sometimes very small changes may not sound significant, but when we see the result in scope we can see things much more clearly than we can sometimes hear. 

In the tutorial I show that you can easily connect modules, such as a VCO, LFO or Mixer to your scope and see exactly what each module is outputing.

<center>![scope.jpeg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1516215862/odkgco50pf0w5rj3clcm.jpg)
</center>




# How to use Notes and Spacers to keep your workspace organized while using Rack.

As you use Rack you want to keep yourself as organized as you can. Make every effort to keep things neat and tidy. We have all seen photos of hardware modular synths with 100's of cables going every which way. It can get very confusing very quickly. For this reason we cannot leave organization to chance. 

There are two tools I want to show you that can help you keep organized. The first is Notes. Notes is a module found in the Core collection of plugins. It is simply a note pad that mounts in the rack with all the other modules. This is great for keeping track of setting, routing of cables, alternate setups, etc. 

<center>![notes.jpeg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1516215873/x7h1ajb8fsfmda8lqfiv.jpg)
</center>

The second tool I want to tell you about is Blank. Blank is an adjustable spacer that can be placed between your modules. It may not seem like a big deal right now, but as start to use more modules having a way to keep things tidy really helps.

<center>![blank.jpeg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1516215879/rbajthp1mc8uowoccicu.jpg)</center>





# What MIDI is and how it can be implemented in Rack.

MIDI is Music Instrument Digital Interface. It is basically a universal landguage developed by the industry to allow electronic instruments from any manufacture to communicate freely. Rack has the capability to communicate with external MIDI devices via MIDI interface modules. In this tutorial I will introduce this concept and introduce you to some of the MIDI modules you can use to integrate MIDI into your Rack setup. 


<center>![4.jpeg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1516215892/blfnzh9eaibveb84tf4b.jpg)</center>


<center>![5.jpeg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1516215926/kqfukp66ktydpb0xobsi.jpg)
</center>

<center>![3.jpeg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1516215936/ssrmkvdjaxqatkdm3bbd.jpg)
</center>

<center>![2.jpeg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1516215946/ahtr7nka3xmviodytsax.jpg)
</center>

<center>![1.jpeg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1516215953/xt2u6meimixmkmu9zkn8.jpg)
</center>






VCV Rack is an open source application, which means that it is free for everyone to use. Please consider going to the developers' website and show your support for the project - http://www.vcvrack.com

<center>![rack background.jpeg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1516187394/immuc2tt6gmhu3kvjd31.jpg)
</center>

I hope you enjoy this tutorial. If you have any specific questions for me feel free to leave it in the comments of this post and I will do my best to get back to you with an answer. 

Cheers, 
@buckydurddle

#### Video Tutorial


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/c4hf3v1o4P4?rel=0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>





#### Curriculum
--------
Learn VCV Rack Modular Synthesis Series
--------
![Rack Logo.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1516186789/vqkerb3grtekjldb9amo.jpg)

[VCV Rack - Modular Synthesis, Plugin Manager, Customize UI](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/vcv-rack-modular-synthesis-plugin-manager-customize-ui)

[VCV Rack - VC Mixer, Patching, & VCO-1 to VC Mixer](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/vcv-rack-vc-mixer-patching-and-vco-1-to-vc-mixer)

[VCV Rack - 1st Setup, Multi-Outputs and Audio Interface](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/vcv-rack-1st-setup-multi-outputs-and-audio-interface)

--------
Learn Hydrogen Drum Machine Series
---------
![zeropoint_logo.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1515607747/sgnmxtlamnjvmdycla6x.png)

[Hydrogen - UI Layout & Basics](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/hydrogen-drum-machine-ui-layout-and-basics)

[Hydrogen - How to Make Beats](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/how-to-make-beats-with-hydrogen-drum-machine)

[Hydrogen - Beat Shaping Tools](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/hydrogen-drum-machine-beat-shaping-tools)

[Hydrogen - Rhythmic Resolution](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/hydrogen-drum-machine-rhythmic-resolution)

[Hydrogen - Pitch Shifting](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/hydrogen-drum-machine-pitch-shifting)

[Hydrogen - Effective Beat Making](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/helm-software-synth-effective-beat-making)

[Hydrogen - Song Editor, ADSR, Importing DrumKits from Respositories](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/hydrogen-drum-machine-song-editor-adsr-importing-drumkits-from-respositories)

[Hydrogen - Humanize (Velocity, Timing & Swing)](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/hydrogen-drum-machine-humanize-velocity-timing-and-swing)

[Hydrogen - New Instruments, Loading Samples & Multiple Sample Sounds](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/hydrogen-drum-machine-new-instruments-loading-samples-and-multiple-sample-sounds)

[Hydrogen -  Beat Counter, BPM & Other Tempo Tools](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/hydrogen-drum-machine-beat-counter-bpm-and-other-tempo-tools)

--------

Learn Helm Series
---------
![helm_logo6 small.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1514650561/jgyvldgefaja77xxshoq.png)


[Helm Introduction Video](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/helm-software-synthesizer-an-introduction-video-tutorial)

[Helm 1st Oscillator Video Tutorial](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/helm-software-synth-1st-oscillator-video-tutorial)

[Helm 2nd Oscillator Video Tutorial](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/helm-software-synth-2nd-oscillator-video-tutorial)

[Helm - Cross Modulation](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/helm-software-synth-cross-modulator-video-tutorial)

[Helm - Arpeggiator](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/helm-software-synth-arpeggiator-video-tutorial)

[Helm - BPM Metronome](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/helm-software-synth-bpm-metronome-video-tutorial)

[Helm - Reverb](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/helm-software-synth-how-to-use-reverb-video-tutorial)

[Helm - Delay](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/helm-software-synth-how-to-use-delay-video-tutorial)

[Helm - Mixer](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/helm-software-synth-mixer)

[Helm - Feedback](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/helm-software-synth-feedback)

[Helm - Distortion](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/helm-software-synth-distortion)

[Helm - Stutter](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/helm-software-synth-stutter) 

[Helm - LFO](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/helm-software-synth-lfo)

[Helm - Amplitude Envelope](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/helm-software-synth-amplitude-envelope-adsr) 

[Helm - Keyboard Response A](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/helm-software-synth-keyboard-responses-a)

Learn Audacity Series
---------
![audacity logo small.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1514650507/fvlx630dtknpv9jz2bte.png)
If you would like to learn how to use the open source sound recording and editing software Audacity then have a look at these tutorials:

[1 How to Create a New Audacity Project
](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorial-2-of-25-how-to-open-or-import-audio-files-in-audacity)

[2 How to Open or Import Audio Files in Audacity
](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorial-2-of-25-how-to-open-or-import-audio-files-in-audacity)

[3 What are Audacity Tracks
](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorial-3-of-25-what-are-audacity-tracks)

[4 Audacity Transport Controls
](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorial-2-of-25-how-to-open-or-import-audio-files-in-audacity)

[5 How to Save an Audacity Project](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorials-5-and-20-of-25-how-to-insert-silence-and-how-to-save-audacity-projects)


[6 How to Record](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorials-6-and-18-of-25-how-to-record-and-multi-track-record)


[7 How to Set Input Volume Levels](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorials-7-and-24-of-25-how-to-adjust-recording-levels-and-stereo-mono)

[8 How to Export MP3 and WAV Files
](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorial-8-and-17-of-25-exporting-mp3-and-wav-files-and-metadata)

[9 How to Select and Delete Sound
](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorials-11-and-9-of-25-zoom-tools-and-select-and-delete)

[ACTIVITY 1 - My First Recording](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorial-activity-1-and-2-first-recording-and-pitch-shift-sound-like-a-chipmunk)


[10 How to use Undo and History in Audacity
](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorials-10-and-16-of-25-undo-history-and-amplify-effect)

[11 How to Use the Zoom Tools
](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorials-11-and-9-of-25-zoom-tools-and-select-and-delete)

[12 How to Use the Time Shift Tool
](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorials-12-13-and-23-of-25-timeshift-tool-change-pitch-and-reverse-sound)

[13 How to Use the Change Pitch Effect
](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorials-12-13-and-23-of-25-timeshift-tool-change-pitch-and-reverse-sound)

[ACTIVITY 2 - Make Your Voice Sound Like a Chipmunk](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorial-activity-1-and-2-first-recording-and-pitch-shift-sound-like-a-chipmunk)

[14 How to Use the Fade In & Fade Out Effects](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorials-14-and-22-of-25-how-to-use-eq-and-fade-in-fade-out-in-audacity) 

[15 How to Download Sound Samples from the Internet
](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorial-15-of-25-how-to-download-and-import-sound-samples-in-audacity)

[16 How to Use the Amplify Effect
](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorials-10-and-16-of-25-undo-history-and-amplify-effect)

[17 How to Edit Metadata
](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorial-8-and-17-of-25-exporting-mp3-and-wav-files-and-metadata)

[18 How to Multitrack Record](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorials-6-and-18-of-25-how-to-record-and-multi-track-record)


[19 How to Use a Click Track](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorials-21-and-19-of-25-how-to-adjust-tempo-and-use-a-click-track-in-audacity)


[ACTIVITY 3 - Multitrack Recording in Audacity - Beatbox](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorial-activity-3-how-to-make-a-multi-track-recording-beatbox)

[20 How to Make Silence](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorials-5-and-20-of-25-how-to-insert-silence-and-how-to-save-audacity-projects)

[21 How to Use the Change Tempo Effect](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorials-21-and-19-of-25-how-to-adjust-tempo-and-use-a-click-track-in-audacity)

[22 How to Use the Equalization Effect](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorials-14-and-22-of-25-how-to-use-eq-and-fade-in-fade-out-in-audacity)

[23 How to Reverse Sound
](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorials-12-13-and-23-of-25-timeshift-tool-change-pitch-and-reverse-sound)

[24 Stereo Mono](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorials-7-and-24-of-25-how-to-adjust-recording-levels-and-stereo-mono)

[ACTIVITY 4 - How to Mess Up a Piece of Music](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorial-activity-4-how-to-mess-up-a-piece-of-music)

[25 How to Remove Vocals from a Recording
](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-tutorial-25-of-25-remove-vocals-from-a-recording)

[SETUP - How to Install the LAME Encoder](https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/audacity-setup-tutorial-lame-encoder-for-making-mp3)


Logo - http://tytel.org/helm

Logo - https://www.audacityteam.org/

Logo - http://www.hydrogen-music.org/hcms/

Logo - https://www.vcvrack.com






<br /><hr/><em>Posted on <a href="https://utopian.io/utopian-io/@buckydurddle/vcv-rack-scope-midi-organizational-tools">Utopian.io -  Rewarding Open Source Contributors</a></em><hr/>