Can we talk about modular synths?

[tuj]

The ER101+102 is really nice, it's really powerful. But it's also somewhat complicated. I would say it is one of the most feature-packed sequencers right now. Lots of interesting things it can do, like micro-tuning/custom scales.

I just recently got a NerdSEQ from XOR Electronics and it is a 'tracker-style' sequencer and it is blowing me away. Definitely my new favorite. They are still working out the firmware, but the basics are solid.

[yeatsvisitslincoln]

Is the 101 ever frustrating in that you never have a macro view of a whole sequence? I know you can scroll through steps, or watch as it's changing, but there's never a way to visualize a whole sequence. I guess this is still going to be a more personal question regardless of your answer, but I'm still curious.

There's too many damn sequencers out there and it feels like you need to try them all out before you really ever settle on one...

[tuj]

That's correct, the 101 is a step-at-a-time view. The new NerdSEQ gives you an overview of your pattern. You can see about 32 steps on screen and it has patterns that go to 64 steps. There's also a macro pattern screen so you can see what's going on across all the channels.

[behndy]

if i knew more about trackers, i would be allllll OVER that NerdSeq.

that's why i still want a PolyEnd. i looooove the idea of seeing long ass chunks of sequences as one works.

[yeatsvisitslincoln]

Yeah, I readily admit I don't really know exactly what a tracker is or what that means. I could do the leg work, but nah...

[tuj]

I have/had a bunch of sequencers and the NerdSEQ is quickly becoming my favorite. You can hook a SEGA pad up to the IO expander and manipulate it that way, which is a massively faster way of programming a sequence.

[Muse FTW]

Thanks for the love, peeps.

RE: bland designs in modular, I feel like more companies need to use color in general. Everything comes back to those silver panels. It's funny that I get excited when I see a black panel when that's just as devoid of color - but at least it's unique in the field of so many boring silverface designs. I mean companies should at least get creative with their LEDs.

[Muse FTW]

Does anyone else feel resignation when new modules come in? I absolutely loathe the process of removing modules, rearranging them, and then installing the new ones. I wish modular had that instant gratification like when you plug in a new guitar pedal.

Maybe it's just me, but I'll decide on an arrangement of modules, then halfway through installing realize I should do it differently (sometimes even in a different case) and then have to start all over again.

It's honestly one of the best "problems" to have, and isn't really a problem - more of a pet peeve, but whatever.

[Warpsmasher]

Almost every time I order something, I start rearranging everything in preparation for it, so I'm ready to plug and play when it gets here. Definitely a drag sometimes, and causes random gas tangents too. Usually pretty rewarding once it's all done though.
I'm hoping to someday nail down at least a few 'permanent' rows that shall never be fucked with for any reason ever, but haven't managed to get to one yet.

[Invisible Man]

Or just never secure the modules, which has been my strategy.

[Ruiner]

Befaco Knurlies changed my life. I'm moving stuff around all the time now.

[behndy]

yah. i know you just have to be careful and pay attention, but every time i move stuff around i am sure i'm going to fry a module putting the power cable upside down. i would be wayyyyyy happier if all power slots were keyed.

i don't love doing it a LOT, but it can be fun and meditative to do a big rebuild.

[MrNovember]

Yeah I hate small rearranging, but a big rebuild is actually usually pretty fun. Always helps me see new uses for modules. And Knurlies definitely help a lot. They're incredibly useful

[behndy]

murf. i just can't drop the money of a module on screws right now.

and urf. they..... they don't look good to me. they would bother me.

because REASONS.

[yeatsvisitslincoln]

UGH. Knurlies are SUPER FUCKING USEFUL. But the case I have uses vector rails, and AFAIK, there's only this one guy in Canada that actually has 3mm threaded rails that fit into vector rails. Or maybe that could just make knurlies at M2.5??? But I still use them on my HEK when I'm testing out other modules not in my main case. It takes a couple minutes and I'm up and running. If only my big case were like that.