MrNovember wrote:So this thread is awesome because I have a much better understanding of what I want from modular synths. But this thread also really sucks because I have a much better understanding of what I want from modular synths. Why must all my hobbies be so expensive?
Thanks to all of the suggestions above, I want to start with these: Tiptop HEK, Braids, Ripple, Maths, Doepfer A131, Pittsburgh Audio LFO2 and Sequencer And eventually get more: Melody Mill, Make Noise Echophon, Pressure Points x2, and Brains, WMD Geiger Counter
I don't have the money for this, but at least I have a plan I guess.
You guys should use Modular Grid to put together what you are planning. Then post it here, so we can all over them.
It's a lot like that pedalboard planner everyone was having fun with a while back.
Re: Can we talk about modular synths?
Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2013 3:18 pm
by 12XU2A3X3
MrNovember wrote:So this thread is awesome because I have a much better understanding of what I want from modular synths. But this thread also really sucks because I have a much better understanding of what I want from modular synths. Why must all my hobbies be so expensive?
Thanks to all of the suggestions above, I want to start with these: Tiptop HEK, Braids, Ripple, Maths, Doepfer A131, Pittsburgh Audio LFO2 and Sequencer And eventually get more: Melody Mill, Make Noise Echophon, Pressure Points x2, and Brains, WMD Geiger Counter
I don't have the money for this, but at least I have a plan I guess.
everything make noise makes is, totally and utterly, great. i kinda hate euro, and i think it's great.
Re: Can we talk about modular synths?
Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2013 5:39 pm
by MrNovember
modernage wrote:
MrNovember wrote:So this thread is awesome because I have a much better understanding of what I want from modular synths. But this thread also really sucks because I have a much better understanding of what I want from modular synths. Why must all my hobbies be so expensive?
Thanks to all of the suggestions above, I want to start with these: Tiptop HEK, Braids, Ripple, Maths, Doepfer A131, Pittsburgh Audio LFO2 and Sequencer And eventually get more: Melody Mill, Make Noise Echophon, Pressure Points x2, and Brains, WMD Geiger Counter
I don't have the money for this, but at least I have a plan I guess.
You guys should use Modular Grid to put together what you are planning. Then post it here, so we can all over them.
It's a lot like that pedalboard planner everyone was having fun with a while back.
Yup that website doesn't help gas but here you go: Planned first rack (NSFW because of size):
I'm not sure how I feel about the aesthetics of the Melody Mill; it just really doesn't fit it. Everything is all electronics and circuitry and metal, but the Melody Mill is all earthen and wood. It seems soo useful though, although it might be overkill mixed with the Pressure Points? I could fit a lot of other things in that space...
Re: Can we talk about modular synths?
Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2013 7:26 pm
by Muse FTW
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.
You are so fucking awesome. Thanks for the tips.
Re: Can we talk about modular synths?
Posted: Fri Dec 13, 2013 2:10 am
by Muse FTW
Alright I've been assembling some stuff in ModularGrid (which is addicting as hell) and have arrived at three complete (for the most part) setups.
Setup 1: Features that nifty Melody Mill (which I was incredibly impressed by since it does so much), the Mutable Instruments Edges (chiptune-esque oscillators) and Ripples (filter), the Make Noise STO (I just really like how it sounds), and a handful of utility modules (LFO, Envelope Generator, Mixer, Multiple, and VCA - though I still don't fully understand its purpose). The downside to the Melody Mill is that it practically necessitates the 2-tiered rack, which I'm not a fan of because it limits my travel options. I'm not sure but from what I understand the Edges could do polyphony, which would be neat in a modular setup.
Setup 2: This is sort of "incomplete" because it doesn't have any way to control the oscillator (I'd need to add some sort of tiny sequencer that could fit in the remaining slot OR get a midi-cv converter) but it's my groove station. The STO provides a nice sub sound and the Grids will manipulate the 808 bass and snare modules. Again utility modules (VCA, Envelope Gen, Mixer, Multiple).
Setup 3: This is as close to a finished modular that I've come up with so far. There's a nifty sequencer, the Braids and the Ripples, and the utility modules. There's also room for another module, even though there's none left in the budget, but considering this one is light on the "fun" I'd probably shell out for one last thing to fill out the rack. Definitely open to suggestions.
Just so you know, 2 rows (aka 6U) is VERY portable. Eurorack modules are SMALL.
I think I would take Braids before Edges in the first rack (I just have crush on the Braids though). Do you have a midi controller? You could add a Midi 2 CV module to # 2 and use a mid sequencer or controller.
Re: Can we talk about modular synths?
Posted: Fri Dec 13, 2013 9:40 am
by 12XU2A3X3
Deltaphoenix wrote: Eurorack modules are SMALL.
this
Re: Can we talk about modular synths?
Posted: Fri Dec 13, 2013 12:31 pm
by bigchiefbc
Modular Grid is a cool site. I planned out two Box11s on that site, one of them a 2 oscillator plus instrument interface to run my bass through it all, and the second one was for a sequencer and a couple helper modules. I was totally pumped to start putting it together, and I'm really mad I had to abort due to financial shit this year. Some day ...
Re: Can we talk about modular synths?
Posted: Sat Dec 14, 2013 1:58 am
by Muse FTW
I'm just about decided on my rig (as long as I haven't missed anything too big).
The TOP row is what I'm planning on getting now-ish.
The BOTTOM row is what I hope to add to my rig in the future.
I'm a little over 50% of the way of funding the first row + the 6U rack case.
I was sold on the pricey sequencer after watching this video.
That site is addicting. Also this is how it makes me feel:
Re: Can we talk about modular synths?
Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2013 12:24 pm
by Muse FTW
That's a pretty setup.
Re: Can we talk about modular synths?
Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2013 9:28 pm
by MrNovember
Just found out that you can get the rack/uZeus combo with 104hp rails for a similar price to the Happy Ending Kit. Might have to do that and switch out the Pittsburgh Audio sequencer to either the Metropolis or Rene....
Any reason I should stick to the 84hp HEK? Downsides to 104hp rails? Other than, you know, I'm spending more money that I don't even have
Also I threw a buffered multiple into the last 2hp that wasn't taken up. Intellijel also has a passive multiple, an Or, and an inverter in 2hp. Which would you go for? What would be the most useful?
Re: Can we talk about modular synths?
Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2013 10:20 pm
by cloudscapes
guess who's getting into modulars in early 2014
hhhnnnnggg ah gad
Re: Can we talk about modular synths?
Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2013 10:46 pm
by Muse FTW
MrNovember wrote: Also I threw a buffered multiple into the last 2hp that wasn't taken up. Intellijel also has a passive multiple, an Or, and an inverter in 2hp. Which would you go for? What would be the most useful?
I'm pretty sure the Maths definitely has ADD, OR, and SUB(tract) features in it. I'm sure there's a way to invert input signals too.
I'd probably go with the multiple (though I'm not sure how a multiple differs from stackable patch cords).
Re: Can we talk about modular synths?
Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2013 12:36 am
by MrNovember
Muse FTW wrote:
MrNovember wrote: Also I threw a buffered multiple into the last 2hp that wasn't taken up. Intellijel also has a passive multiple, an Or, and an inverter in 2hp. Which would you go for? What would be the most useful?
I'm pretty sure the Maths definitely has ADD, OR, and SUB(tract) features in it. I'm sure there's a way to invert input signals too.
I'd probably go with the multiple (though I'm not sure how a multiple differs from stackable patch cords).
I do know that a passive multiple is similar to the stackable cords but a buffered multiple is used to control multiple oscillators with one cv, which I may not need initially but eventually would be useful. More useful than a blank at least
over them.
