Can we talk about modular synths?

[Strange Tales]

Has anyone here built their own cases? I'm looking at it right now has a means of saving money and it honestly doesn't look like you save shit building yourself vs buying something. I think I would be forced to use the Synthrotek Noise Filtering boards to save money since they're like $50 a pop (would need 2 of them for a 6U 104HP case).

[Warpsmasher]

I thought about DIYing a case for a few days and gave up...

I don't like input modules, it just seems unnecessary when there are other options that are much more appealing (to me). I'd rather be able to plug straight into something cool. That's one of many reasons I like the Tidal Wave, and went for the Scooper first (and why I like Yarns over any plain old midi module). Input was just one of many needs that the scooper met...and getting those needs taken care of first, with effects and a full voice too, made it simple to move right along to CV control and sequencing and extra voicing stuff, which is more fun to discover anyway. Trust me, the notion of a simple processing rack will quickly pass once you start building. The Tidal Wave would also take you right there, instant ticket to the free zone, where differences between synth and fx start to dissolve, and it doesn't much matter what you buy next because it will all be beneficial, and make your rig stronger as a synth and as a processor, and you're free to go for just about anything, from the lavishly loaded to the economical and modest. You can follow your gas, instead of having to commit money to boring parts stuff like an input.

With Rosie as an output & fx loop, you're able to cut your modular level below your line level, so getting those two even and sounding good mixed is no problem. Another multi-functional module with extra benefits, and it's nice and cheap, easy to find cheaper used. It's an incredibly clever and useful module, the only drawback as a main output is that it doesn't do stereo (got that covered elsewhere anyway)...but it does an excellent mono mix, which is a part of many people's quest, and makes it perfect to feed into your pedals and other regular gear.

[Deltaphoenix]

Input modules that have envelope followers and send pulses and/or other CV are handy. It allows you to sync timing events inside and outside the modular together and more.

Boring stuff is very useful too.

[Warpsmasher]

Yeah all xaoc stuff is awesome and not boring, I should add...and the addac & expert sleepers stuff also makes boring cool. It's stripped down single-function stuff like malekko and pittsburgh that makes me yawn.

[bob the r0bot]

I have such a hardon for ADDAC stuff; I really need to get some while the Euro is down. Does anyone have any experience with the complex random or the marble physics?

[MrNovember]

Delta, I just got a chance to check out the Fenix II. Looks pretty crazy! Would definitely pair well with a little sound processing rack

I have such a hardon for ADDAC stuff; I really need to get some while the Euro is down. Does anyone have any experience with the complex random or the marble physics?

I've always wanted both, but the price has always deterred me

[bob the r0bot]

Oh yeah, they're mad expensive, but the dollar and euro are almost at parity so this is my best shot.

[oscillateur]

If you want simple modules for line level to modular level and modular level to line level (without envelope follower, etc. you can always use another module for that part), the Ladik modules are super nice. I'm planning on getting these two (4HP, 4 channels each) :

http://ladik.ladik.eu/?page_id=1143
http://ladik.ladik.eu/?page_id=1152

There are also 4HP / 2 channels modules with a pot for gain control.

I strongly recommend getting either that or a Gozinta or a Doepfer A119 or an ALM SBG to communicate between modular and line level stuff.

[Warpsmasher]

Another thing I thought I wanted going in, and then realized I didn't really need, was expression pedal control. It stopped mattering to me as soon as I started playing with the Wogglebug. Gimme dat synced designer CV to take over for my foot, yes please. Then I got the Pressure Points and Voltage Memory, and started applying sequencing and touch control, where I previously might have wanted foot control. At that point I didn't think it was worth the cost of a module to make the pedal action happen. CV from a pedal is definitely old and boring to me now, and I'm way too into all the new forms of control to care about it anymore, and...if I need foot control over anything, it's 99% more likely to be a wah or pitch pedal than a module. That's for my hands. The only CV pedals I'd even consider anymore would be an 8 Step or a Source Audio Reflex, but I already have all their bases covered too.

I explored some new Roland powers today...sending CV from the LFO submodule to my Digitech RP360 works fine with a mono connection. I also made a preset running 2 of the scooper's CV inputs through an amp submodule to the outputs, so I can send Pressure Points and Woggle CV out to pedals and rack gear, through the Scooper or the Bitrazer, with the volume at about 9 o'clock. I can effectively run up to four different signals out from other modules through the two rolands...to pedals and rack fx. More than I'll ever need. I don't have a mono expression pedal to try it with, but I think I should also be able to do the reverse, run mono CV from a pedal into the rolands, adjust as needed and feed out to other modules...but I have no need for that. I'd rather use pedals for audio only, and do all voltage fuckery in the modular, where the party is at.

[Strange Tales]

So today I learned that the Roland Scooper can't be used with a trigger/gate, and you have to press the record button yourself for it to actually start recording audio.

I don't think GAS for something has died so quickly as this just did for me. I don't get how something like this is over looked in the world of Eurorack.

[Warpsmasher]

You also have to hold down the button to erase the current loop, but even that seems like something there should be an easy solution to. And it syncs the scatter effect to the detected tempo of the loop. It would be nice for sure, and you can use a trig to restart the loop, so I think it must boil down to there not being room for an extra jack in the Aira format layout or something.
They have a submodule that is specific to the Demora, so perhaps there is still hope...

[MrNovember]

I honestly know very little about the Roland modules, so this might be a stupid question, but why would you want the Scooper over the Phonogene?

Edit: nevermind, just saw the price of the Scooper. Slightly, more affordable than the Phonogene

[Strange Tales]

Yea it's a lot more affordable but since I can't trigger it from a gate, I'll just continue to look for a used Phonogene when I can afford it.

[lordgalvar]

Make a CV controlled relay switch that activates an actuator that pushes the button for you? Probably could rig up something with a magnet like a tattoo gun. And like an old swivel lamp with a c-clamp.

Solves the problem? Use it for the raptio too, haha.

[MrNovember]

Make a CV controlled relay switch that activates an actuator that pushes the button for you? Probably could rig up something with a magnet like a tattoo gun. And like an old swivel lamp with a c-clamp.

Solves the problem? Use it for the raptio too, haha.

http://www.bastl-instruments.com/modular/servo/
http://www.bastl-instruments.com/modular/solenoid/
http://www.bastl-instruments.com/modular/dc-motor/