Can we talk about modular synths?

[Dark Barn]

Thanks! the guy who sold it to me said I had to get the expander to skip computer.. So I would be fine with a setup like this ?
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/racks/image/434692.jpg
trying to get an idea where I'm going with this. help appreciated

You need something to power it, the computer, expander, maybe a phone charger could work, I don't know the specs.

[MrNovember]

Thanks! the guy who sold it to me said I had to get the expander to skip computer.. So I would be fine with a setup like this ?
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/racks/image/434692.jpg
trying to get an idea where I'm going with this. help appreciated

You need something to power it, the computer, expander, maybe a phone charger could work, I don't know the specs.

There's tons of powering options with the QuNexus. I've been able to power mine with a phone charger, the MIDI expander, and a computer. I've got an Intellijel USB power 1U tile on the way, that I am planning on using exclusively for the QuNexus.
That looks like a pretty awesome and simple set-up too

I tried something interesting I read on a Muffs thread (happens once in a while...) and filtered a noise source, modulating the cutoff frequency with that same source. Can be useful to get crackly sounds, etc. I did that with a Hexinverter VCNoiz and an Intellijel uVCF. The VCNoiz is a (CMOS based ?) digital noise source with controllable frequency (exp and lin) and with a couple of lower rate but related additional outputs. And also a clock in and out (square oscillator).

I got some really nice crackly sounds by using the bandpass out and modulating the cutoff with both the normal noise output and the /8 one (as I said, related but lower freq). And then I extended that by plugging the uVCF's output in a WMD/SSF Ultrafold. The Ultrafold is an awesome overdrive/wavefolder and has a feedback input into which you can patch audio too.

Anyway, after quite a bit of patching with these 3 modules (totaling 18HP) I got a really nice clocked but semi-random clicks and bass (from the uVCF just beginning to self-oscillate) and subtle hissy sounds thing going on that I would never have gotten if I had used more modules and patched things according to a specific plan. That's one of the reasons why I love modulars...

This sounds like a really interesting idea! Thanks for sharing. I'm going to try it with the Intellijel Noise Tools and Belgrad when everything gets here.

[oscillateur]

Ah, I'm getting the noise tools too this week I think (bought secondhand, it should ship today). And I'm planning on getting an 1U USB power for my quNexus too .
Do you have an Intellijel case for your remaining modules then ?

Here's the link with the discussion about the noise filtering thing, if there was more of that and less stupidity/blind consumerism on Muffs I'd read it more often...
https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewt ... p?t=179513

[MrNovember]

Yeah I was looking for a small 42hp case for the remaining modules I was keeping after my giant purge and settled on the Intellijel 4U. I ordered the case, Noise Tools, Digiverb, and USB power from Intellijel and they're supposed to show up this week.

[worra]

Subbing to this thread because reasons. Also y'all seem to be super knowledgeable and helpful. As much as I wanted to jump into modular by buying a 9U, spending all my money, then crying in a corner, I thought the smarter way to begin would be to get a 0-Coast and a Beatstep Pro, so I did that. I'm super new to modular (I don't have any, does that even count as "new"?) and moderately new to synthesis in general. My current synth gear is an Arturia Minibrute, a Volca Keys, and a C&G midi Pocket Piano.

Looking forward to advice!

Edit: So I can get the "what are you going for?" question out of the way: I'd love to get a drum machine to handle beats, then use synths+effects to create pads and/or melodies, with guitar loops/effects also trading duties there as well. I'll probably need a mixer huh? I think I can get the beatstep pro to handle most of the other stuff as far as triggering/controlling.

[Warpsmasher]

Consider modular drums (drum/perc/sample modules + sequencers) as a possible future thing. It's a big part of why I started modular in the first place, and hasn't been disappointing. Building a dream drumkit of synth, sample & fx modules is a fun side hustle to have going on in your rack(s)...it's more like one of my main interests now though, and the new side thing is power electronics/harsh noise/rough stuff. (Hello Muskrat!)

Pay attention to how many large & extra large modules get your attention...and size your first rack accordingly. I am so glad to have always had the room for all the big modules I've gotten. If you think you're going to end up over 300 HP, or 700, save yourself the hassle and make it your destination right out of the gate, rather than going though the whole buy/fill/flip thing however many times. If you just know you're going to end up with a big rack or two anyway, you'll get there faster. Of course this approach isn't possible for everyone, but I think it's worth doing it that way if you're able to, because it improves your pace and is more beneficial to your planning than a small rack that you know you're going to flip eventually.

With the purchase of the Mixology, I've officially hit 18u. I have 2 more rows and a skiff to fill, then I'll be 27u and out of room. I suppose I could maybe do a Mantis or Intellijel case on a stand after that, but that's more than a year away at best. I don't have any solid plans for the remaining rows, and am at a point now where I can relax and take things one new module at a time with no worries. I'm not in such a hurry to fill it up anymore, and I still don't have to worry about how big or small a module is. Might even toss a Jomox T-Rackonizer in there, if I feel like it. It is good to have that flexibility. Be comfortable. If 208 or even 360 HP on modulargrid leaves you wanting more, plan bigger, or plan on multiple racks/cases. It is a labor of love after all, worth some suffering and long term development.

[worra]

Can I get some recommendations on drum modules?

[Strange Tales]

I mean how much do you want to do?

Erica Synths Pico Drums is pretty insane for price and how much it can do. Tiptop Audio makes a fantastic line of 808 and 909 clones, but they have hardly any CV options.

ALM's Dinky's Taiko and Akemie's Taiko are insane when you get into CV'ing them. Like everything modular, it's all about finding what tastes you want.

[behndy]

murrrrr. fuh REALZ. i know how i am, so when i decided to ruin my life and try out a modular system, i ordered a 270 hp rack. and even though it will take me months to finish getting the bits i want to fill it out with, i have already started looking at a second rack the same size.

and dood. GET A MODULAR BUDDY. someone that KNOWS. THINGS. and is fine with you constantly pestering them with questions and links from Modular Grid and will point out the stupid things you're planning and the better way to do that shizz.

[worra]

and dood. GET A MODULAR BUDDY. someone that KNOWS. THINGS. and is fine with you constantly pestering them with questions and links from Modular Grid and will point out the stupid things you're planning and the better way to do that shizz.

Dood. That's yous guys

[oscillateur]

I'll be the one slightly dissenting voice and say that you don't necessarily need a huge system, and many people can do the things they want/need in 6/7/9U max.

It all depends on what you want to achieve, though. That's the important thing, and it takes some time to realize what it is.

But having limitations can be very efficient creatively, if these limitations are known/understood. Lots of people buy tons of modular gear, get overwhelmed and just do fart noises or bad techno that could be done with an MC303. There's nothing wrong with that, as long as you don't think a modular will make you a great musician or something.

A modular is a potentially awesome instrument, but it needs to be *your* instrument.

[lordgalvar]

Yea, I pretty much stick to my 3 u and I am still finding some new things. Sometimes I see a need to another 3u, but I start getting all haywire in my thinking and just go back to the original row.

There is something to just exploring and finding ways of doing things. Like if I want a fat mono sound, I'll route my sport modulator or sampling modulator as sub osc, use the RYO Aperture as a more traditional filter, turn up my freq mod to audio rates. Not really what I am setup for, but I can do it and it's fun figuring stuff out.

[Dark Barn]

I got tired of making fart noises on my laptop. Ya know.

[Strange Tales]

I got tired of making fart noises on my laptop. Ya know.

Ya but now you can fart into a contact mic and you know... really modulate it.

Also, I can second oscillateurs advice. The one important thing is that you find yourself and what you want to do, or you can become an excess of gluttony and overwhelm yourself. Like creating a thousand roads with no idea which one to start down.

[Dark Barn]

Contact mic for sale, smoke free studio, no rack rash, only used for farting on.