Can we talk about modular synths?

[oscillateur]

If you're interested in rhythmic things, there are a lot of modules that do neat stuff with triggers and pulses. Some modules like that, a few sound sources and a couple of VCAs and you can start doing cool stuff... A synth voice would not necessarily be the best thing for this, though if you go that way, get one that is flexible enough (i.e. self-oscillating filters, etc.).

[Warpsmasher]

it's the trendy thing right now.

NAMM'd. I think the visible trend is born out of a natural progression from things like Eventide & Strymon pedals, ever-expanding modulation options, dual expression pedals, 8 Step Program, etc...the pedal industry has been injecting us with little teasers for years. How do you move on after something like the Pitchfactor? Or a set of Moogerfoogers? Not to mention any number of common keyboard synthesizers, and all the frustrations & setbacks that come with them. Modular has become a pretty normal sort of "next stop" for people like us, pedalheads, texture nerds, modulation wizards, weird sound enthusiasts, etc...I think it's just come in a wave this time because they've prepared so many people so well for it, with years and years of good pedals and bad synths. It finally hit a breaking point.

[Invisible Man]

it's the trendy thing right now.

NAMM'd. I think the visible trend is born out of a natural progression from things like Eventide & Strymon pedals, ever-expanding modulation options, dual expression pedals, 8 Step Program, etc...the pedal industry has been injecting us with little teasers for years. How do you move on after something like the Pitchfactor? Or a set of Moogerfoogers? Not to mention any number of common keyboard synthesizers, and all the frustrations & setbacks that come with them. Modular has become a pretty normal sort of "next stop" for people like us, pedalheads, texture nerds, modulation wizards, weird sound enthusiasts, etc...I think it's just come in a wave this time because they've prepared so many people so well for it, with years and years of good pedals and bad synths. It finally hit a breaking point.

I keep posting this everywhere...because it keeps coming up. When you're limited by stuff that has unlimited potential, you go modular.

IT IS THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR EVOLUTION

[oscillateur]

It might be the next step. It might be a way to procrastinate forever too

[Strange Tales]

Just bought this VCO. Seems like a great small VCO at a good price. The Exponential tracking seems interesting.
http://noisereap.com/product/utility-vco/

[Strange Tales]

It might be the next step. It might be a way to procrastinate forever too

for me this.

modular would be way cool, but i'd probably spend even less time making music and more time perfecting a setup and thinking of ways to make sound rather than actually make sound.

i envy those who can use all the stuff they have when it looks like that (boatloads).

I mean, if you take your expansion slow and know what direction you want in the beginning, you can find your sounds and then look for modules that complement your sound as your system expands. Having a clear vision is definitely the most important thing though.

[MrNovember]

If you're interested in rhythmic things, there are a lot of modules that do neat stuff with triggers and pulses. Some modules like that, a few sound sources and a couple of VCAs and you can start doing cool stuff... A synth voice would not necessarily be the best thing for this, though if you go that way, get one that is flexible enough (i.e. self-oscillating filters, etc.).

This is very true. The only synth voice I would look at of you want to to rhythmic stuff would be the Make Noise 0-Voice or whatever it's called. Also the Basimilus Iteritas is a great drum module. You could probably do a lot with the 0-Coast, a Basimilus, and some logic, dividers, and trigger sequencers.

it's the trendy thing right now.

NAMM'd. I think the visible trend is born out of a natural progression from things like Eventide & Strymon pedals, ever-expanding modulation options, dual expression pedals, 8 Step Program, etc...the pedal industry has been injecting us with little teasers for years. How do you move on after something like the Pitchfactor? Or a set of Moogerfoogers? Not to mention any number of common keyboard synthesizers, and all the frustrations & setbacks that come with them. Modular has become a pretty normal sort of "next stop" for people like us, pedalheads, texture nerds, modulation wizards, weird sound enthusiasts, etc...I think it's just come in a wave this time because they've prepared so many people so well for it, with years and years of good pedals and bad synths. It finally hit a breaking point.

This almost perfectly sums up how I got into modular. Got tired of the limitations my pedals were giving me and realized that I could do with modular what I couldn't do with pedals.

[Warpsmasher]

I feel like I've been working my way towards it from the beginning, and I'm sure most other people going in do too. Patching up top is a joy, such a relief from having to rearrange pedals all the time.
But it's a next step in the industry's evolution as well...it's what synth gear has finally, logically come back to, by user demand, which is how it's always grown, since Doepfer started eurorack. It's not like everybody who used to settle for a cheap keyboard and some cool pedals is starting to dive in, but when there is a need for something better than that, modular is there, now more accessible than ever.

[Warpsmasher]

Just bought this VCO. Seems like a great small VCO at a good price. The Exponential tracking seems interesting.
http://noisereap.com/product/utility-vco/

That does look cool, and I'm really curious about the freaked triangle out! Seems like a nice bit of unusual character voltage, like the Woggle.
I just ordered a Great Destroyer (and 2 koma cables). I've always wanted to try the fuzz, but I've been even more curious lately about what kind of destruction comes out of that CV jack.

[echorec]

Is anyone using the Waldorf MW-1 Wavetable? I think it'd be quite handy for cinematic music and otherworldly textures. PCA just discounted these from $399 to $309, too.

https://reverb.com/item/1670376-waldorf ... r-eurorack

[MrNovember]

Just bought this VCO. Seems like a great small VCO at a good price. The Exponential tracking seems interesting.
http://noisereap.com/product/utility-vco/

That does look cool, and I'm really curious about the freaked triangle out! Seems like a nice bit of unusual character voltage, like the Woggle.
I just ordered a Great Destroyer (and 2 koma cables). I've always wanted to try the fuzz, but I've been even more curious lately about what kind of destruction comes out of that CV jack.

I've always wanted the Great Destroyer module, but haven't been able to justify it since I already have a Secret Destroyer pedal. I might have to get Aen to make me a custom Secret Destroyer module. That would be dope. Let us know how you like it/post some sounds.

Is anyone using the Waldorf MW-1 Wavetable? I think it'd be quite handy for cinematic music and otherworldly textures. PCA just discounted these from $399 to $309, too.

https://reverb.com/item/1670376-waldorf ... r-eurorack

Wow, I've been kind of ignoring this one because I don't need more modules to gas over, but wow, that sounds really good. Going to have to add that to the list for when I get a bigger case

[codetocontra]

Reporting back to say that I am not going to pursue a modular synth or even a tabletop setup. I have done a lot of research, reading, listening, and thought this through several different ways but in the end I would be investing a lot of money into modular to make some random noise on random occasions. My time and money would be better spent devoted to guitar. Don't get me wrong, these are awesome and you guys make some interesting sounds. And thanks again for the advice. I will now be going back to just admiring your setups and sounds without feeling like I need to do it too.

[D.o.S.]

Very adult of you.

Now, to the children:

That fucking Waldorf sounds tremendous. Doesn't look like the demos are very good (but I hear some very New Backwards era Coil-y vocal manipulations, which is always an interest pipquer). Don't think it would serve me as much good ultimately as swapping out the Clouds and the Rings w/r/t manipulating external sound sources, but it would also save me about $300 if I'm wrong, so please let me know?

And, because there's never a bad reason to get people to listen to more Coil, here's the track the NAMM demo made me think of:

NSFW: show

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUj1OJREb3s[/youtube]

Youtube doesn't do justice to the actual audio, but you should be able to hear what I'm talking about? Jump to about 2:00 if you're bored.

[Strange Tales]

The Waldorf modules just got introduced at NAMM 2016, right? I'd wait for some time for demos to show up (unless I'm totally wrong just tell me to go fuck myself then).

[D.o.S.]

If I tell you to fuck yourself I'm telling me to fuck myself.