Can we talk about modular synths?

[D.o.S.]

It could be argued that building a modular to function as a drum machine is not really an "efficient use of space", but that's neither here nor there

[Ruiner]

Not your typical drum module or sounds but man... i finally had a few minutes with the Folktek Matter last night sequenced with the Varigate 8+ and it was so awesome. I'm really liking this module so far and have barely scratched the surface. Thanks again Behndy! On that same sequence i had the MI Elements doing some note progressions also sequenced by the Varigate 8+ and running it through Clouds that sounded heavenly with the strange Matter percussion underneath. So much fun!

[behndy]

nice! glad you're digging them homie!

lol. they are GOOD. i just didna click with them. have a Basimilus Iteritas Alter coming in, that looks and sounds (MAN i LOVE the demos) more like the way i want to do ugly drumming things.

the Drum Fuck module is gooooood. mostly meat and potato drums, but the way the sample degrades as it sweeps, and goes to COMPLETE SHIT at the extremes is beauuuuuuutiful. Braids and the MST Stereo Output Mixer and a multi hit tomorrow.

i can't actually LISTEN to anything i do until my K-Mix gets in Wednesday, so. yay.

Worra - i'm out and about so links are a bitch to post, but look up the demos on the Basimilus Iteritas Alter, especially the Rub A Dub and DivKid ones, mebbe that's the kind of stuff you're looking for?

[Dark Barn]

Well, you could use the trigger outs from BSP into the ND2, but, it's inferior to using MIDI. And that is something you should think about in the bigger picture. If you just plan to do x0x style drum sequencing modular is probably the least cost effective way to get there. I think if your bigger picture plan is to eventually use some modular clock and trigger and CV sources that can do things that would be difficult or improbable to program with an x0x style sequencer then, yeah, go for it!

[Warpsmasher]

BSP is gateway gear, so stepping through the gate is to be expected. I can see how the trigger outs would lead to modular plans. I think the modular drumset concept is probably the most like a pedalboard, in that you have all these options to really pimp out and personalize/customize your sound in so many specific ways, and it's all subjective and particular to the user. I don't know of a drum machine or sampler that can match the efficiency and ease of use of something like Pico Drums or Tiptop One. Comparing modular drums to something like a Drumbrute or Electribe seems along the same lines to me as comparing an all boutique & Strymon pedalboard to a Digitech multi-fx. One is infinite and free to grow while the other is a condensed and constrained ending.
The blend of synthesis and sampling is another area where ordinary drum machines and samplers (and synths that aren't a Fantom or Triton) fall short, leading to big messy midi setups with keyboards and tabletop gear all over the place. Being able to mix and match as much of what you want into one rack (with none of the unwanted parts) and have it all working together is the most obvious advantage over regular drum machines and samplers. Looking better is just a fringe benefit.

[Dark Barn]

Yeah. A gateway is how you'd want to look at it though. If you plan to just trigger 6 drum modules with the bsp and mix the outputs with some sort of mixer, and end it there, then modular might not be a good fit.

In my opinion to make a real go of it you'll eventually want LFOs, VCAs, envelopes, clock sources/dividers/multipliers, noise, random, S&H, a trigger sequencer, maybe a CV sequencer, maybe a logic module, reverb, delay, distortion, filters.

[Warpsmasher]

Oh definitely. I think most people are aware of that on some level, but no one wants to face the financial reality of it. Some just start small to get themselves through the door and on the way...

[Strange Tales]

Anyone here using a Warps? Built one and have the parasites firmware on it but I'm not jiving with it as much as I thought I would. I can get some hyper fucked up industrial sounds using Braids and Warps, but that ain't really my jam (send hate through PM). Maybe wondering if a waveshaper isn't what I'm looking for. (Have a Horstronic Waveslicer sitting on the side to build as well)

Variable delay feature is cool for doubling lines though and can get some wacky sounds whipping the Algo knob back and forth.

[D.o.S.]

I can get some hyper fucked up industrial sounds using Braids and Warps, but that ain't really my jam (send hate through PM).

Clips?

[Strange Tales]

I'll do something tonight. The internal modulators can make some pretty nasty shit.

[Dark Barn]

Here's me sequencing a chord progression on the Shapeshifter using two CV tracks. One track for root note and one for chord selection, and then more importantly running through the ADM23 EOS in Superhall mode. As you can hear its a gorgeous reverb, but still has issues with noise, hopefully another firmware update will fix the popping you hear.

https://soundcloud.com/dark-barn/mint-lozenges

[behndy]

beauuuuuty.

issues with noise? MORE NOISE PLEASE.

i have an RM1 coming back soonish, super excited to blast things through that.

Detroit Modular had a b stock Cursus for butts cheaper so........ K-Mix is en route today, Basimilus Iteritas Alter tomorrow, and Cursus Iterus on Friday or Saturday. WOOT.

and have a Pam's preordered and dooder building a batches of Ornament and Criminies said they should be ready the 14th.

lol. now. someone buy my Rotating Clock Divider and Game System and Maschine Jam to help me cover all this outlay please to?

[Dark Barn]

Nice! I kinda want New Pam's, for the LFOs and the smaller footprint than my Temps Utile. But I've gotten so used to TU I don't know if I can do it.

[coldbrightsunlight]

Here's me sequencing a chord progression on the Shapeshifter using two CV tracks. One track for root note and one for chord selection, and then more importantly running through the ADM23 EOS in Superhall mode. As you can hear its a gorgeous reverb, but still has issues with noise, hopefully another firmware update will fix the popping you hear.

https://soundcloud.com/dark-barn/mint-lozenges

This is delightful! Wonderful reverb for sure. Can't say I'm hearing much noise?

[Dark Barn]

Yeah it's just an occasional pop, and there are a few ways to avoid pops but I didn't employ them in this recording (using it as a send instead of insert, or rolling back your VCA a bit). So to be fair it's not a deal breaker just something to work around.