Can we talk about modular synths?

[coldbrightsunlight]

Pics/modulargrid link will be up when it's a thing that does stuff. Ordering in bits and bobs for cash flow and price hunting reasons so it may still be some time before it's cool unless I suddenly get bored and splurge lol

Unsatisfactory.

Fair. I was just being lazy.

Post what you'll have in the future then!

Current rack, 9U fully utilized. Have a ton of stuff lying outside (FM Ogre, DIY Tides currently being built, Horstronic Wavesliver being built). Might have to sell stuff.
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/racks/image/263994.jpg

Will do! That setup completely boggles my mind...


Already have or am waiting on the stuff grouped on the left in a doepfer 3U 84hp case. Still waiting on the vco so it is oddly silent till hopefully tomorrow afternoon.

On the right are two things I think I want next. Another VCO is a for sure requirement and the Tromso seems like a real winner with FM and having S&H capability.

Maths looks like fun and would tick a few boxes but I'm less certain I want it. Certainly I want envelopes, and more different CV signals and it seems great for the latter and will do the former to a degree. But I'm still debating whether a standalone envelope generator would serve me better though (Pittsburgh one looks nice, voltage control is definitely important).

Think I'm going to get the Tromso or another VCO pretty soon, play around with the small setup for a bit and get a better idea of what would improve things (probably more VCAs, the more I think about modular the more I realise how true that is ) Suggestions always appreciated though! Interested in sounds and textures that evolve on their own, looking into sequencers maybe but a while away from deciding.

[Strange Tales]

You can use Maths as an ADSR and what not, but I feel like then you're slaving it for that specific purpose when you can use it for so many more fun things. I would look at getting a simple ADSR and to join all of us in the never-ending filter quest. There are a billion out there so it's just about finding the flavor that suits you!

[coldbrightsunlight]

Yeah after more reflection you're totally right about maths as envelope, definitely never intended to use it ONLY for that but not having a dedicated envelope would be limiting in general probably.

[MrNovember]

So this is where I am (almost) at:

A couple notes:
1) the top row is actually a separate rack in a happy ending kit that I am intending to specifically use with external instruments and the Koma Field Kit. Instead, since I have a 12U rack, I'm going to fill the top row with a few blanks (maybe have them etched) and might wire some kind of LED lamp into it
2) I don't have a few of the modules on the bottom row. I still haven't bought a Knight's Gallop and the Noise Engineering modules were just revealed at Namm and won't be out for a few months still.

[Chankgeez]

I think I know why this guy is entertaining:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmQzY31eY8Y[/youtube]

… because he reminds me of this guy:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo9_aBj1Z84[/youtube]

[Strange Tales]

Yeah after more reflection you're totally right about maths as envelope, definitely never intended to use it ONLY for that but not having a dedicated envelope would be limiting in general probably.

There are quite a few options for nice, small ADSRs. Examples (all with sliders because I hate using knobs with ADSR).

https://reverb.com/item/4115052-dreadbo ... e-envelope
https://reverb.com/item/2747599-synthrotek-adsr
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/befaco-vc-adsr

[coldbrightsunlight]

Those all look great, thanks for the tips, will have to investigate. I like the sliders though. More fun and they look good.

Got my VCO from the post office and plugged everything in for the first time, first impressions: yes. Getting some amazing sounds straight out of the bat, this is JUST WHY I WANTED A MODULAR SYSTEM. So good.

Second impressions: I DEFINITELY need an ADSR, and also something for multiplying/dividing clocks/signals. Not 100% sure on what I need there but I will certainly be investigating it. Can a square wave LFO work as a clock or is there a need for something special?? I am confuse but I love it.

[Strange Tales]

Not sure how a square wave LFO works in a divider. Especially if you use a LFO at slower rates with the gate constantly being open. Triggers have instant decay though so thats why they're preferable for gates and what not.

There is a billion super small clock dividers, just a matter of looking at them all and finding the one that fits you. Also the Expert Sleepers Disting is perfect for small systems.

[coldbrightsunlight]

Yeah that's where I was confusing myself. Trigger makes more sense.

Wow it is intense how much the disting does. Do like.

[MrNovember]

Yeah for someone just starting a small system, I always recommend the Disting. I've learned so much from mine.

[lordgalvar]

Befaco sampling modulator
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKrP4WX6FGo[/youtube]

00:00-04:15 -> used as an oscillator

• -befaco sampling modulator to make noise LxD (12db side) to out.
  -Rampage for envelope.

04:15-08:38 -> sync'd oscillator

• -sampling modulator and furthrrr gen final out to Manhattan DTM mixer to LxD (12 DB side) to out
  -Furthrrr gen square out to sampling modulator sync in
  -Rampage for envelope

08:38-09:11 -> distortion/processor

• -furthrrr gen final out to sampling modulator s&h in to LxD (12 DB side) to out
  -Rampage for envelope

09:11-09:36 -> distortion/processor

• -furthrrr gen final out to sampling modulator s&h in to LxD (12 DB side) to out
  -Lfo to hold input on sampling modulator
  -Rampage for envelope

09:36-end -> trigger sequence stuff

• -pretty much the same setup with some logic and LFOs setup to mess with the clock

[comesect2.0]

gettin rad 6 min in..that ramp up sound is great.

[Strange Tales]

Well I think I'm gonna put my tax return into this. It's either this, the 4ms SMR, or the Xaoc Belgrad

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zqPHQAiAI8[/youtube]

[MrNovember]

Well I think I'm gonna put my tax return into this. It's either this, the 4ms SMR, or the Xaoc Belgrad

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zqPHQAiAI8[/youtube]

Wow, the Morpheus sounds really good, but looks way too intense for me.

I have a Belgard on the way though. I'll let you know how I like it when it gets here

[Strange Tales]

Those vowel sequence filters though

Please do! Belgrad looks great because dual peaks, 4ms SMR is just such a great thing though. Hard decision.