Deltaphoenix wrote:The Braids seems awesome. Before I switched formats, I was sure that I was going to get one.
Some stuff is missing though from your list:
VCA- you gotta have them
Envelope Generator- One for filter, one for a VCA
Multiple- or Stackable patch cords
I also think that I would hold off the individual drum modules and drum sequencer until I was happy with my ability to use the synth, A modular synth takes some time with it to get results that you like, also buying everything at once may keep you from exploring each module and getting to know it well. IF Drums are crucial to you for starting then I suggest you check out this site (
http://delptronics.com), a few modules of interest for you (Trigger Man, LDB1-e and expander) that are cheaper to start out with than all of those TipTop modules and take up less space.
Cases…Like it or not, these modulars tend to grow faster than we think. I think at least a 6U case is the way to go. Cases and power, for the most part, are not cheap. A Cheaper way to go is to get a Bento Box and a Happy ending kit (with uZeus for power) or two. You could just buy one Happy Ending Kit and buy the second when you fill the first.
The good thing about the Braids is that it really has a lot of different sounds inside of it and would be great to use to build a smaller system around. Not sure that the Pittsburgh sequencer is what I would want to use, Pittsburgh stuff is good for sure, but the sequencer seems a little bland, priced nicely but bland. I would suggest waiting on the delay (you have delay pedals right?, use it instead) and adding that money to the sequencer fund. For $360, i would get the Critter and Guitari Melody Mill (
http://www.critterandguitari.com/products/melody-mill), it does SO MUCH for that amount of money, midi to cv convertor, arpeggiator, sequencer, has cute keys on it. So here is what I would do if was in your shoes:
Bento and HEK
Braids, Melody Mill, Ripples, Pittsburgh LFO2, Pittsburgh ADSR, Doepfer A-131 (VCA), some sort of multiple (buffered, they are cheap), the Delptronics modules, and a Pittsburgh Mixer.
That would get you going. Of course, eventually you would want to change out some of the modules, it is how it goes. I tried to keep the prices down except for the Melody Mill, Braids and Ripples. I would want those to be the center of my set-up and the rest support them, so Pittsburgh and Doepfer, they are workhorses, the Doepfer VCA is a dual one. I have heard good stuff about the Delptronics but it obviously isn't as amazing as the TipTop (or Jomox) drum modules. Side note- the Melody mill has a square wave oscillator inside it so you could patch it right into the VCA or Filter and have Duophonic possibilities immediately.
over them.
