Im trying to figure out how [whatever instrument] works – where do I begin!?
One of the best ways to learn how to build is to take apart an existing ensemble that you like and see how it works. Unfortunately, this can be a very frustrating experience because many of the structures may not be well commented. Even the standard library instruments that come with the software are not well commented (something that really sucks IMHO). Getting into these ensmbles can take a LOT of time, but so can the building process. Still, if you want to learn how to build Reaktor enembles well, it is the best way to learn. As an example, when I wanted to make some heavy modifications to the Vierring instrument in the Standard Library, I spent a solid 8 hours picking apart every bit of it, adding comments to the macros, changing macro names, changing port names, commenting ports, commenting panel controls, reorganizing the layout of the modules in the structures so the wiring made more sense, etc., etc. Only after doing all of that did I start actually modifying the structure. Doi
