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so, I want to get into modular synths, but I know next to nothing about them. what are some of the things I need to get to start out, how much does it cost, recommendations, etc.

first thing you need to know is that they're terrifyingly addictive and you might spend a fortune.

If you don't know anything about them, why do you want one ?

I'm not trying to be a dick here, but unless you know why you're interested in these, you might just waste a lot of time and money...
What specifically do you want to do with a modular that you think you can't do with other things ?

I'm going to basically echo what oscillateur said; what do you want out of a modular set up? What kind of music are you planning to make with it?

Again, I don't mean to be condescending or anything, just want to try and help point you in the right direction to save you time, money, and frustration:
If you're looking for standard mono synth or droning, you might be better off with a standard mono synth or drone box.
If you're looking more for a polysynth, you're definitely in the wrong place.
But, if you're looking for pure sonic experimentation and sound design, you're probably in the right place.

Honestly, if I was to start again from scratch right now, I don't think I would jump straight into modular. I'd probably be starting with a Mother 32 and Make Noise 0-Coast. With those two you'd get a pretty good feel for modular without spending too much and they'd be really easy to flip if you decide it's not for you.

Also, if you do want to go modular, I'd say the link D.o.S. provided is some required reading.

Richard Divine makes it look ez huh

resincum wrote:Richard Divine makes it look ez huh

U 2 CAN MAKE BAD TECHNO FOR ONLY $150,000

spacelordmother wrote:

resincum wrote:Richard Divine makes it look ez huh

U 2 CAN MAKE BAD TECHNO FOR ONLY $150,000

Yeah, but no.

Richard Devine makes great music. I've seen him perform live with a modular setup a few times and he's really, really good. Also a very nice guy, and genuinely interested in and knowledgeable about all sorts of synthesizers.

I know you're probably joking but that guy deserves a bit more respect, he's more talented than most people here.

And I'd also recommend getting something like the 0-Coast (if you're a bit more into experimentation) or Mother32 (if you're a bit more into monosynths) and start from there.

oscillateur wrote:

spacelordmother wrote:

resincum wrote:Richard Divine makes it look ez huh

U 2 CAN MAKE BAD TECHNO FOR ONLY $150,000

Yeah, but no.

Richard Devine makes great music. I've seen him perform live with a modular setup a few times and he's really, really good. Also a very nice guy, and genuinely interested in and knowledgeable about all sorts of synthesizers.

I know you're probably joking but that guy deserves a bit more respect, he's more talented than most people here.

That's all very subjective, as is my taste for his music and chosen tools.

Who is Richard Devine?

sound designer extraordinaire. I'm having trouble finding this awesome interview where he says he makes most of his living by designing sounds for apps and operating systems. has some awesome clips on IG that I would like to hear on an album, but I can't help but think they're backing tracks for a website or someshit

He also did/is doing sound design for Mass Effect. And there's also a Devine preset pack on way too many soft soft synths nowadays. I would've been sick of him if his designs weren't actually fantastic most of the time.

Vintage pimpage:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv6cHt0aWkA[/youtube]

Those zvex modules need to drop before I cave and buy a T-Rackonizer instead...

Some great advice so far. I looked down the chasm of modular synths, kicked a rock in and never heard it hit bottom. I had a romanticized idea of slowly turning my basement into a submarine command center full of modular gear along the walls. A setup to grow old with and constantly tinker, as if some mad scientist of sound and noise. I was mainly interested in sound design, and specifically creating drones and rhythmic patterns. Quickly tallied up $3k to have the beginning of the setup I had in mind. Realized I could accomplish those same results but cheaper by acquiring a drone box, drum machine, and a standalone synthesizer. Less cost up front and allow me to learn the basics of synthesis if I bought the right synthesizer, plus much more portable if I ever chose to play out in a capacity without a guitar in my hands. Since then, I did buy and sell a drum machine and can't commit to buying a synth now, but those reasons takes us off topic (basically, just musically depressed). Good luck.

Most everyone who uses modular synths these days is talking about the "eurorack" modular format, which was pioneered by companies like Doepfer and Analogue Systems.

You can get a case (with built-in power supply) for anywhere from $250 to $1000. These are just what you put the modules in and power them with.

Each basic module will be about $100-200, with fancier ones going for far more.

You can put together a basic Doepfer synth voice (VCO, VCF, VCA, ADSR) for about $500.

To control it with MIDI, you need a dedicated module or a case with a converter built in. You can also buy keyboards with CV outputs, which can control the synth directly. Some opt not to use keyboards at all, though, exclusively using modular sequencers. You don't need to follow traditional synthesizer guidelines at all if you don't want to.

So let's say around $1-2K to get started with a semi-traditional system.