Can we talk about modular synths?

[Strange Tales]

Sputnik Modular has a lot of cool stuff, I've heard of some weird quirks about their gear though. Like their Mixer has bleed issues, and I remember something about the keyboard having issues but for the life of me I can't remember what.

You could definitely do a full SM system, I think you'd be really lacking on filters though. On their website they have a ton of "to be released" modules but I'm guessing everything is on hold until Roman finishes his Deckard's Dream project.

[Warpsmasher]

The Sputnik delay seems interesting, and the keyboard is hot. I'd use Sputnik modules to mix & match with a mostly Intellijel system...

[lordgalvar]

ST has heard a lot of the same stuff I have too. West Coast Random has volume issues on the noise (meaning it kinda hovers around 2 v or something). There has also been some.mention of the creator.dissapearing for a while and the outsourced factory doing warranty stuff. The complex oscillator require two power connections (to help with bleed).

The to be released modules have been there since 2015 and he kinda disappeared for a while, came back to work on Sputnik, then went all the way into that deckards dream. I think there may be some licencing deal with the frequency shifter (it's a haible/random source). Maybe they pulled back since expanding the euro Serge stuff?

I think the Sputnik stuff is nice but I prefer Verbos. Some early modules of his had some issues too (and the workflow is kinda arcane/different from the usual....Dc offsets and stuff.are kind of important).

As for filters, with enough harmonics control, I tend to not use them at all outside of lpg. Just a different style.

[JTurbide]

Filters hmm..

I've done this on MG
https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/m ... 430856.jpg

I'm not even what all these are for
It says that the quad VCA/VCF can work as Filter, there is also that sequential filter which isn't on my grid that could be great?
Anything else I would need that isn't on my grid ? Or perhaps anything I've put in that isn't worth it?

ST has heard a lot of the same stuff I have too. West Coast Random has volume issues on the noise (meaning it kinda hovers around 2 v or something). There has also been some.mention of the creator.dissapearing for a while and the outsourced factory doing warranty stuff. The complex oscillator require two power connections (to help with bleed).

The to be released modules have been there since 2015 and he kinda disappeared for a while, came back to work on Sputnik, then went all the way into that deckards dream. I think there may be some licencing deal with the frequency shifter (it's a haible/random source). Maybe they pulled back since expanding the euro Serge stuff?

I prefer Verbos. Some early modules of his had some issues too (and the workflow is kinda arcane/different from the usual....Dc offsets and stuff.are kind of important).

shit.. that's not good news..

[lordgalvar]

The quad vca/vcf is a low pass gate...Lots of those out there (make noise, Ryo, etc)

They are related to the ms-20 filter (sallen key) but can work in a vca mode. You kinda pluck or drive it and it is like a vca with a filter in one. The vactrol gives it a non.linear character that is kinda more organic (and you can pluck with a trigger). Kinda more musical and easier to dial in for me compared to a traditional vca.

I do think the Sputnik stuff is nice, but kinda vanilla. I think Verbos and Make Noise are taking Buchla/Serge ideas and doing unique things with them. Verbos makes some nice, open modules really.

Sputnik is manufactured by darkplace (and they do good quality stuff as far as I can tell, but they are just manufacturing a design, flaw or not).

[Strange Tales]

Yea, while the idea of doing a system from one company is nice, you're really limiting yourself in the world of modular. So many companies make so much cool shit that sticking to one is like starting out a race by shooting yourself in the foot.

[JTurbide]

Yea, while the idea of doing a system from one company is nice, you're really limiting yourself in the world of modular. So many companies make so much cool shit that sticking to one is like starting out a race by shooting yourself in the foot.

but,.. but it looks so goooood ..

[lordgalvar]

I should also mention that complex oscillators can be a pain and sound "off" sometimes. They take a bit of tweaking to get dialed in right to me. I think Make Noise set out to make it easier in a quick patch way with the DPO compared to others but I haven't tried it. My Furthrrr Generator can be a freaking mess and sound stupid sometimes to where I just want to mess around with something simple (though I would never get rid of it...It is dn good most times).

I think the traditional "fat" osc and filter can be easier. Harmonic and thruzero oscillators are also a good alternative.

Knowing what you were looking for earlier, JTurbide, Verbos Harmonic Osc or even that new music thing chord organ for a cheaper option might be more relaxed and for the slow sweeps and stuff.

I found the make noise STO very buzzy and harsh, but I love the modulation on it and the sub osc with gate is a blast. Wiard/Malekko oscs are also versitile in.a kinda west coast way, but are a bit harder to coax good, warm sounds to me when I messed with them for a bit (though the anti osc mayhem is a blast).

Braids would be good to look into too.

(Sorry about the random oscillator tangent)

[Strange Tales]

Braids is a fantastic oscillator. Definitely the quickest way to get a million sounds, and each option has a lot of depth thanks to the Timbre and Color controls (modulate them for even better morphing and harmonic sounds).

[D.o.S.]

You could definitely do a full SM system, I think you'd be really lacking on filters though.

That's somewhat to be expected with a Buchla-esque/inspired system, from what I understand?

[lordgalvar]

I'm always tempted to do a full one company setup for Buchla style stuff (Verbos, Verbos haha...Ugh). But there are so many things that add stuff in different ways for that style now. The basic designs are there, just depends on budget, size, and other wants.

The more Serge style maths/rampage follower style has been a welcome addition as have some of the ring mod/sub osc/lfo modules (more typically east coast). Waveguides and stuff have been great too (wiard). Random have gotten an explosion too.

Braids has been a big want for me, but I have the furthrrr...But Everytime I hear braids, it sounds pretty damn good.

[JTurbide]

I could build a buchla-esque SM exclusive system and another little case with 4-5 other company modules ... money tho..

[D.o.S.]

Well, that brings up another question: Why are you interested in that style of synthesizer?

[JTurbide]

Well, that brings up another question: Why are you interested in that style of synthesizer?

To be honest, I watched a couple Buchla Music Easel videos and loved the sound, I also love the idea of having a touch sensitive keyboard to actually play, paired with a sequencer.
I don't know all the technical differences between west coast and east coast so yeah.. I'm not 100% WC or EC.
Also, SM modules looks amazing

[Strange Tales]

I mean, at the price it's going to cost to build that entire set up and case, why not just get a Buchla Easel instead?