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kbit wrote:I researched modular for a few months before I bought a single thing. I spent a lot of time figuring out what modules are out there, what the different formats we're, reading manuals for info, watching Make Noise videos (even if you don't like their modules they have a lot of good info in their videos). I'd highly recommend doing a bunch of research and playing with software to really know if you wanna get into it, because the investment to make a system is real.

Listen to this guy. Him and D.o.S. seem to be the only people around here who recently got a modular and actually did their homework to evaluate whether the "oh shiny" aspect was worth the money and time. Non-modular synths can be great and depending on what you want can be much more efficient and much less expensive. And, as previously mentioned, if you don't have any aversion to using computers a mac or PC with a nice MIDI controller can do a lot of things.

Fwiw, modular for me is more about the process than the result, i.e. my modular shapes the way I interact with sound (which in turn shapes what sounds I produce, obviously, but that intermediate step is important).

I downloaded and opened up VCVrack and played with that for a bit. Very daunting. Think I'll mess with that before I dive into the modular world. I wanna understand this stuff before I just so buying crap.

Good call. VCV is probably the best thing to start with now, huge selection of modules and no sunk cost if it doesn't click. Take your time, figure shit out, don't jump in without an idea of what you're getting into. Watch an assload of YouTube videos, make sure you know what you're asking for before your buy anything. Personally I got a lot out of mylarmelodies, Learning Modular, Voltage Control Lab and DivKid.

I'm still researching, hence my lack of jumping in. And I make poor decisions with money.

There have been good software suggestions, see if you can find someone with a modular rig to let you try, or a music store with some modular.

And really think about what you want to do with it, and whether modular is the best way to achieve that. Arguably, for the same investment, you could get a screaming computer that could do a lot of the same stuff and more with a different workflow.

Alternatively, move to Kansas, where they have this in the public library:

[youtube][/youtube]

that bastl kastle is pretty sweet...just sayin...

DRodriguez wrote:Alternatively, move to Kansas, where they have this in the public library:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9xhmHes1rk[/youtube]

I live in Kansas and have never seen anything like this. WTF.

Ahhh it's in Lawrence that's why. That's 45 minutes from me.

Looks like you have plans for the weekend then.

Honestly, I would pickup a semi-modular unit to see if you're into it. I got the 0-coast and it was cool but honestly, I figured out what I really want is an OP-1.

I may be in the minority here, but I think modular is way overhyped, but again what isn't in music gear world. I think you can do some great work and if you can afford/commit yourself to it, good for you. But as for myself as an artist my overall my feeling is:

DRodriguez wrote:Alternatively, move to Kansas, where they have this in the public library:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9xhmHes1rk[/youtube]

Ann Arbor has a library where you can check out synths just like you can with books/video. I have a friend who posts on her instagram playing with all sorts of cool and current synths/drum machines. Jealous I don't live in the area.

Ghost Hip wrote:Ann Arbor has a library where you can check out synths just like you can with books/video. I have a friend who posts on her instagram playing with all sorts of cool and current synths/drum machines. Jealous I don't live in the area.

One or two people on the board live there and it was discussed a little bit (last year?). The library actually has their rentals posted online---it is certainly enviable.

Yeah, really wish there were programs like those near me.

Do it if you want something specific from it. Don't do it because it looks/sounds cool.

I spent two years doing daily reading and researching before really diving in, and by 'diving in' I mean unloading all the stuff I don't use to put together a very modest 3U system that has a very specific purpose that I couldn't achieve elsewhere. I'm not poor, but I am always broke, so it can be done. I think I spent (or will spend) $300 or less after flips, built a little case myself, &c.

Basically, just have a focus. There are so many fun but ultimately similar modular musicians out there. It's way ahead of pedals in terms of sonics, but it's like kids who learn to walk too early--ability is way ahead of judgment. Sure, bleeps are fun, but how would it interact with other stuff? What kind of music can you make with it? Because it's so free-from, a lot of people just say 'cool, this is my instrument now' and everything is in the box--there's no interaction between people or instruments, which is one of the most exciting things about making music.

I think kbit said read stuff. Manuals, articles, synthesis lessons, watch educational (not demo) videos.

DRodriguez wrote:Yeah, really wish there were programs like those near me.

Have you thought about going to CNTRL? I know you work a lot and I don't know what their hours are but I think a big part of that establishments value proposition is actually trying the gear.

I did a ton of research into Eurorack and I still watch videos for new modules all the time...but my research led me to realizing it's not for me I have more than a few stand alone synths and I realized for my purposes their limited architecture was good enough (this is a VERY subjective thing so I wouldn't recommend this for any one else).

Invisible Man wrote:Manuals, articles, synthesis lessons, watch educational (not demo) videos.

This is just a good thing in general that has lots of transferable principles to all facets of sound design. Plus you never know which manual/article will eventually lead you to understanding another concept.