Can we talk about modular synths?

[Jwar]

Jesus will be a robot.

You’re gonna break ILF if you do this. Please show restraint (I know you won’t).

[Jwar]

So are you saying I ought to avoid modular?

[Strange Tales]

That's a loaded question on where to start. It depends really on what you want to do and where you want to go.

Although you need VCAs. I won't punch you in the face because you'd probably kick my ass in no seconds flat, but I'll give you a stern wording if you don't have VCAs.


In other news, I'm selling Rings to buy this thing:

[Invisible Man]

Do you know anything about synthesis, J? I mean, do whatever you want, but starting basic and small to learn is probably better if you’re a noob. Either sound source, modulator, and modifier or a more traditional setup (osc, envelope, filter, vca, sequencer).

[Inconuucl]

Or a Mother/0-coast.

[Jwar]

I don't know much! I was just hoping to start digging in. I'm learning the Folktek Mescaline and despite having initial issues, I'm actually learning each time I use it. So, I'm starting to feel more confident.

I tend to enjoy sequencers, drum machines and filters.

I was more looking at a "oh, look at this combination to get started". Maybe I'll go look at some online tutorials.

[Jwar]

Or a Mother/0-coast.

I was trying to buy Physic Vampires Mother way back. Damn...

[$harkToootth]

Can you please get a Piston Honda MK ][ since I've been trying to get someone on this board to get one for about a year now?
Actually, I think a lot of the Industrial Music Electronics modules would resonate with you. I want someone to get a Zorlon Cannon MK ][.

If you can wait on a sequencer, I would wait for the new Malekko Grooveboxes because that way you will have a sequencer AND a stand alone groovebox.

This is coming from someone who owns literally 0 modules though and has no intention of getting any...

[MrNovember]

The Mescaline is a pretty obscure and weird place to start to be totally honest.

I keep saying every time someone asks, I think the best place to start is with a Mother 32. It's got everything you really need to learn basic synthesis while wetting your toes in the modular world

[behndy]

are the Malekko grooveboxes still happening? i was so damn moist for his dirty drum machine, but feels like ages since anything has been mentioned about that?

[oscillateur]

Yeah, starting with a Mother32 or 0-Coast is a good idea because you don't need a case/power supply with it and it's pretty self-contained while playing well with others.

But the question is : what do you want to do with modular that you think you couldn't do with other gear. There are many valid answers to that question but if it's "acid basslines" or something like that then you'll be much happier with a fixed architecture synth, for example.

[Inconuucl]

Yeah, I'm partially going modular because I exhausted all other options, and going even more minute (as in playing with math functions in Audulus like I did for years) proved to be more of an exercise in engineering than anything musical. Also, after a work injury my hands aren't what they used to be, so it's futureproofing my musical hobby.

[Jwar]

Yeah, starting with a Mother32 or 0-Coast is a good idea because you don't need a case/power supply with it and it's pretty self-contained while playing well with others.

But the question is : what do you want to do with modular that you think you couldn't do with other gear. There are many valid answers to that question but if it's "acid basslines" or something like that then you'll be much happier with a fixed architecture synth, for example.

I'm wanting a few things. I dig industrial music more than anything. I want a warm, organic rhythmic beats as well as lush white noise walls.

Most acid basselines sound too house to me. Does that make sense? I'm not really into the whole house or dubstep type themes.

I'm into dark, spooky shit.

I have sounds in my head and the best thing I can relate to what I'd like to achieve is something like Trent Reznor. Obviously I'll never be Reznor but something in that same vein.

[Jwar]

Yeah, I'm partially going modular because I exhausted all other options, and going even more minute (as in playing with math functions in Audulus like I did for years) proved to be more of an exercise in engineering than anything musical. Also, after a work injury my hands aren't what they used to be, so it's futureproofing my musical hobby.

I don't think I've exhausted all my options. I just think it would make more sense to use modular gear for what I want to do as opposed to using my pedal board. I love sound scaping and making noise in general but I want the noise to be musical. I HATE random bleeps and bloops as well as screeches. I just can't take it. LOL

I could just keep buying pedals I suppose.

[Jwar]

Alright. Who has the best pricing on the Mother?? Anyone know a good deal?