Can we talk about modular synths?
Moderator: Ghost Hip
- MrNovember
- Modulae of BILF

- Posts: 5314
- Joined: Wed Apr 17, 2013 2:24 pm
- Location: GTA
Re: Can we talk about modular synths?
Another module that might meet your sampling and slicing needs, while saving some space and cash is the Ginko Sampleslicer. I'm not sure how it compares to the Phonogene (I haven't used either, but I want both) but you can probably find that out over on Muff's somewhere. Ginko also makes amazingly inexpensive cases if you don't mind some DIY. I'm using one of their 12U, 84hp cases.
- Strange Tales
- IAMILFFAMOUS

- Posts: 4499
- Joined: Fri Feb 06, 2015 7:14 pm
- Location: America's Sorrow: New Jersey
- Contact:
Re: Can we talk about modular synths?
How much did it cost to send those overseas? I know the euro always trounces the dollar so I don't imagine it is kind. Would getting a 3U, 84hp case be worth it over getting a scratch & dent from PM? I like the price + mobility of this:
http://shop.pittsburghmodular.com/colle ... -road-case
http://shop.pittsburghmodular.com/colle ... -road-case
木枯らし // 木漏れ日 // 風に綱は戦ぐ
→Strange Tales Distro - Japanese Underground Music Distribution in the US←
→Strange Tales Distro - Japanese Underground Music Distribution in the US←
Invisible Man wrote:Strange Tales: putting the ‘weeb’ in ‘dweeb’ since whenever.
- bob the r0bot
- Supporter

- Posts: 5159
- Joined: Sun Jul 25, 2010 8:37 pm
- Location: The bible belt.
Re: Can we talk about modular synths?
Looks deep enough that you won't have to worry about module depth, and the price is right. Just be sure to watch out with the power demands you put on it on it and looks good.
soundcloud................https://soundcloud.com/datingsite
My vanity label.............https://newemotive.bandcamp.com/releases (new stuff added 12/4/16)
Check out my rack.........https://www.modulargrid.net/e/racks/view/178913
My vanity label.............https://newemotive.bandcamp.com/releases (new stuff added 12/4/16)
Check out my rack.........https://www.modulargrid.net/e/racks/view/178913
kusherment wrote:Weed is kushed by hitting other weed.
- Strange Tales
- IAMILFFAMOUS

- Posts: 4499
- Joined: Fri Feb 06, 2015 7:14 pm
- Location: America's Sorrow: New Jersey
- Contact:
Re: Can we talk about modular synths?
Well I hope it'll stay there for a little while longer than while I plan all of this out. Thanks for all the help man, hope I'm not annoying you haha.
Second revision: Added the Melody Mill for note generation instead of trying to find a way to shoehorn my Ultranova into the build. Decided to drop the Tides for a different LFO generator that seems more complete/easier to use, and took out the sequencer and used the rest of the space to fit a 4HP filter in there. I like the idea of getting a SQ-1 for a sequencer, or using the one on the melody mill.

Second revision: Added the Melody Mill for note generation instead of trying to find a way to shoehorn my Ultranova into the build. Decided to drop the Tides for a different LFO generator that seems more complete/easier to use, and took out the sequencer and used the rest of the space to fit a 4HP filter in there. I like the idea of getting a SQ-1 for a sequencer, or using the one on the melody mill.

木枯らし // 木漏れ日 // 風に綱は戦ぐ
→Strange Tales Distro - Japanese Underground Music Distribution in the US←
→Strange Tales Distro - Japanese Underground Music Distribution in the US←
Invisible Man wrote:Strange Tales: putting the ‘weeb’ in ‘dweeb’ since whenever.
- Deltaphoenix
- Supporter

- Posts: 4831
- Joined: Sun Dec 04, 2011 1:38 am
- Location: Gainesville, Fl
- Contact:
Re: Can we talk about modular synths?
You could use a Midi>CV module if the UltraNova outputs Midi. It would eat up a lot less space than the Melody Mill. The Melody Mill is cool though.
An Old Band: http://www.reverbnation.com/#!/capturetherapture
My Solo Electronic Stuff:http://www.reverbnation.com/#!/deltaphoenix
My Solo Electronic Stuff:http://www.reverbnation.com/#!/deltaphoenix
- bob the r0bot
- Supporter

- Posts: 5159
- Joined: Sun Jul 25, 2010 8:37 pm
- Location: The bible belt.
Re: Can we talk about modular synths?
I would advise against the melody mill honestly, just because it's so large and most of the function it can perform can be done externally. You'll want to leave enough space for a module or two after your initial order so you can find out more what you need and have room to expand without immediately needing to buy a larger case.
There's plenty of good, small format oscillators that will be able to handle sound generation in place of the melody mill like the Dixie, STO, VCOb and many more. For keyboard control, there's a lot of midi to cv modules and desktop units that take up little to no hp and will let you use your current keyboard. For about $160 you also can get a QuNexus and cable kit (what I use) for a slim profile cv keyboard. In terms of sequencing, the description of it I read seems to suggest that it works a lot like the Brain seed, but a Brain seed and oscillator combo would only be about half the width of it.
There's plenty of good, small format oscillators that will be able to handle sound generation in place of the melody mill like the Dixie, STO, VCOb and many more. For keyboard control, there's a lot of midi to cv modules and desktop units that take up little to no hp and will let you use your current keyboard. For about $160 you also can get a QuNexus and cable kit (what I use) for a slim profile cv keyboard. In terms of sequencing, the description of it I read seems to suggest that it works a lot like the Brain seed, but a Brain seed and oscillator combo would only be about half the width of it.
soundcloud................https://soundcloud.com/datingsite
My vanity label.............https://newemotive.bandcamp.com/releases (new stuff added 12/4/16)
Check out my rack.........https://www.modulargrid.net/e/racks/view/178913
My vanity label.............https://newemotive.bandcamp.com/releases (new stuff added 12/4/16)
Check out my rack.........https://www.modulargrid.net/e/racks/view/178913
kusherment wrote:Weed is kushed by hitting other weed.
- Strange Tales
- IAMILFFAMOUS

- Posts: 4499
- Joined: Fri Feb 06, 2015 7:14 pm
- Location: America's Sorrow: New Jersey
- Contact:
Re: Can we talk about modular synths?
Oh boy, looked up that QuNexus and I'm immediately sold. Looks so great for a good price midi/cv board. Especially the independent pitch wheels.
Guess I can forego the midi->cv module for now and pick up some cooler stuff
Guess I can forego the midi->cv module for now and pick up some cooler stuff
木枯らし // 木漏れ日 // 風に綱は戦ぐ
→Strange Tales Distro - Japanese Underground Music Distribution in the US←
→Strange Tales Distro - Japanese Underground Music Distribution in the US←
Invisible Man wrote:Strange Tales: putting the ‘weeb’ in ‘dweeb’ since whenever.
- MrNovember
- Modulae of BILF

- Posts: 5314
- Joined: Wed Apr 17, 2013 2:24 pm
- Location: GTA
Re: Can we talk about modular synths?
Shipping the Ginko case actually wasn't too bad. It's all disassembled when it ships so it's pretty small. I can't recall exact figures though.
Also I always recommend the Expert Sleepers Disting for small cases. Tons of options in little hp. Great way to try out a bunch of different things to see what you like and to figure out if it's worth getting dedicated modules for some of the modes.
Also I always recommend the Expert Sleepers Disting for small cases. Tons of options in little hp. Great way to try out a bunch of different things to see what you like and to figure out if it's worth getting dedicated modules for some of the modes.
- Strange Tales
- IAMILFFAMOUS

- Posts: 4499
- Joined: Fri Feb 06, 2015 7:14 pm
- Location: America's Sorrow: New Jersey
- Contact:
Re: Can we talk about modular synths?
Oh wow, That is a seriously small and awesome multi-function module. I'm definitely a fan of that.
I'll have to price out a Ginko case + power supply to see if I can do that instead of the S&D PM case
I'll have to price out a Ginko case + power supply to see if I can do that instead of the S&D PM case
木枯らし // 木漏れ日 // 風に綱は戦ぐ
→Strange Tales Distro - Japanese Underground Music Distribution in the US←
→Strange Tales Distro - Japanese Underground Music Distribution in the US←
Invisible Man wrote:Strange Tales: putting the ‘weeb’ in ‘dweeb’ since whenever.
- Strange Tales
- IAMILFFAMOUS

- Posts: 4499
- Joined: Fri Feb 06, 2015 7:14 pm
- Location: America's Sorrow: New Jersey
- Contact:
Re: Can we talk about modular synths?
Alright.
So this VCA below, if I get it will I need to get the Outs module from PM? From what my tiny brain can process, those 1/4 jacks on there will be perfectly fine for me to plug into my amp/interface at will, and save me some bones.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/262028619588?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT
If I can do that, there is a 6U 84hp case on eBay with that module for $365, and if the above holds true I think I'm going to jump on that.
Last question, both the Maths and Phonogene take CV and not actual audio, right? for some reason I'm losing sleep over this. Trying to do patch layouts is also incredibly frustrating for me right now.
So this VCA below, if I get it will I need to get the Outs module from PM? From what my tiny brain can process, those 1/4 jacks on there will be perfectly fine for me to plug into my amp/interface at will, and save me some bones.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/262028619588?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT
If I can do that, there is a 6U 84hp case on eBay with that module for $365, and if the above holds true I think I'm going to jump on that.
Last question, both the Maths and Phonogene take CV and not actual audio, right? for some reason I'm losing sleep over this. Trying to do patch layouts is also incredibly frustrating for me right now.
木枯らし // 木漏れ日 // 風に綱は戦ぐ
→Strange Tales Distro - Japanese Underground Music Distribution in the US←
→Strange Tales Distro - Japanese Underground Music Distribution in the US←
Invisible Man wrote:Strange Tales: putting the ‘weeb’ in ‘dweeb’ since whenever.
- bob the r0bot
- Supporter

- Posts: 5159
- Joined: Sun Jul 25, 2010 8:37 pm
- Location: The bible belt.
Re: Can we talk about modular synths?
I would say no to the blue lantern because it's kind of large, you'd lose the 1/4" input of the pitts, you probably wouldn't be able to fully utilize it in the current draft of your system, it's linear response which makes it not optimal for audio mixing, and having the master volume from the pitts is just a good idea.
For the maths and phonogene question, control voltages and audio signals are basically the same thing: voltage. The inputs on both are DC coupled and will take audio (maths channel 1 and 4 can actually be used as fun wave shapers ), but whether or not the results will be useful is another story.
For the maths and phonogene question, control voltages and audio signals are basically the same thing: voltage. The inputs on both are DC coupled and will take audio (maths channel 1 and 4 can actually be used as fun wave shapers ), but whether or not the results will be useful is another story.
soundcloud................https://soundcloud.com/datingsite
My vanity label.............https://newemotive.bandcamp.com/releases (new stuff added 12/4/16)
Check out my rack.........https://www.modulargrid.net/e/racks/view/178913
My vanity label.............https://newemotive.bandcamp.com/releases (new stuff added 12/4/16)
Check out my rack.........https://www.modulargrid.net/e/racks/view/178913
kusherment wrote:Weed is kushed by hitting other weed.
- Strange Tales
- IAMILFFAMOUS

- Posts: 4499
- Joined: Fri Feb 06, 2015 7:14 pm
- Location: America's Sorrow: New Jersey
- Contact:
Re: Can we talk about modular synths?
Alright, I think this will be the final revision for now, unless there is some glaring issue for it. Switched between the Phonogene to the Clouds to save space and be able to switch other modules around.


木枯らし // 木漏れ日 // 風に綱は戦ぐ
→Strange Tales Distro - Japanese Underground Music Distribution in the US←
→Strange Tales Distro - Japanese Underground Music Distribution in the US←
Invisible Man wrote:Strange Tales: putting the ‘weeb’ in ‘dweeb’ since whenever.
- tuj
- committed

- Posts: 482
- Joined: Tue Dec 30, 2014 7:44 am
- Contact:
- Strange Tales
- IAMILFFAMOUS

- Posts: 4499
- Joined: Fri Feb 06, 2015 7:14 pm
- Location: America's Sorrow: New Jersey
- Contact:
Re: Can we talk about modular synths?
Where would I fit in another one?
木枯らし // 木漏れ日 // 風に綱は戦ぐ
→Strange Tales Distro - Japanese Underground Music Distribution in the US←
→Strange Tales Distro - Japanese Underground Music Distribution in the US←
Invisible Man wrote:Strange Tales: putting the ‘weeb’ in ‘dweeb’ since whenever.
- tuj
- committed

- Posts: 482
- Joined: Tue Dec 30, 2014 7:44 am
- Contact: