Modular Synths

[Acsii]

So I think this goes here...
I've been recently looking at getting an analog synth and then I discovered modular synths... So I've decided that I want to start building one... the problem is I don't really know what to start with, in terms of starter kits... I'm also probably going to build my own case for it or buy a Buchla case... oh yea I'm looking at Eurorack with 3.5mm connectors ... So yea any help would be appreciated

Also Modular Synth owners/users thread

[Mr. Bigglesworth]

Ever since I saw deadmau5 demonstrate his, I've really wanted to get one.

I think I'll keep an eye on this thread. Take some notes.

[Acsii]

You should join this forum...
http://www.muffwiggler.com/

[Acsii]

Also this is the Australian seller of Modular synths so browse through here so you can get a feel of what's out there
http://equinoxoz.com/

[Nine Volt]

You should join this forum...
http://www.muffwiggler.com/

"muffwiggler"
I'm done
xD

[Mr. Bigglesworth]

I'm gonna have a good look around that website when I get the time.

[Acsii]

Muff wiggler is a nickname for a modular synth user

[Nine Volt]

Well that's an unfortunate nickname. xD

[Acsii]

You and your American slang

[Alycs]

I just clicked the link and saw the "Yes we Cat" thing and I was 100% done

[Acsii]

XD

[Acsii]

Click in it and it'll take you to the forum

[Alycs]

I know and then I didn't know what to do because its so over-boarded

[Acsii]

There's a register button in the menu under the title

[the4thImpulse]

So I think this goes here...
I've been recently looking at getting an analog synth and then I discovered modular synths... So I've decided that I want to start building one... the problem is I don't really know what to start with, in terms of starter kits... I'm also probably going to build my own case for it or buy a Buchla case... oh yea I'm looking at Eurorack with 3.5mm connectors ... So yea any help would be appreciated

Also Modular Synth owners/users thread

I have planned out a modular synth I plan to order later this year, I will, however, be going the .com direction rather than a eurorack system for a few reasons.

Starting out you should look at doepfer, they provide cheap costing modules for the eurorack format. You can also buy a pre-built system as a starting point instead of having to pick and choose and figure out everything before you get your hands on a modular.

A relatively new company called pittburgh modular is making a good line of eurorack modules and cases. They are on par with doepfer's price but have a more experimental look and sound to them. They as well come in pre built systems to get you started.

If you want a modular synth be sure to have a good amount of money to get you started (and save money for patch chords, midi, audio). The system I am looking at getting will cost $2,080 (Canadian) and will be very barebones, it is a .com system which has an above average build quality over doepfer as well as a much lager physical size than eurorack.

the .com company also provides a nice financing option, $135 a month for a year and by the end of it you will have a small modular system, they ship you one module/patch chord at a time for that year.

[Acsii]

Yea I was looking at the .com ones as they are Moog replicas but I decided to go euro rack as there are more manufacturers of them. I have actually been looking at the Pittsburgh model as a starting point and am pretty sure it is the one I will eventually end up getting.

[the4thImpulse]

Yea I was looking at the .com ones as they are Moog replicas but I decided to go euro rack as there are more manufacturers of them. I have actually been looking at the Pittsburgh model as a starting point and am pretty sure it is the one I will eventually end up getting.

You could also start out with something like this:



Doepfer's semi-modular synth 'Dark Energy', you can get that and then work on a small case of other modules. Its got a usb/midi-CV converter, a complete synth voice and a bunch of CV in's/outs.

I do plan on getting a eurorack as well but I got my mind set on the 5U format first.

[Acsii]

Hey 4th what are your thoughts on the Space Case B*aby
http://www.spacecase.ltd.uk/products/space-case-baby/

Also I found a website that has a database of all eurorack modules and also has a euro rack planner if you want to then get an estimated price.
http://www.eurorackdb.com/
http://eurorackplanner.com/

I've decided as a starting point I'll probably get the Pittsburgh Foundation 2.0 and then eventually migrate it to a bigger folding case (like the Space Case) and then get some extra modules.

Also for anyone wondering what you might need for a modular if you want to build one from scratch (not buying a set):

At least one VCO
at lest one LFO
Sequencer or Pattern Generator
A quantizer (if you want the sequence/ pattern to stay in tune) NOTE: Some generators have this in-built
At least one Envelope
at least one VCF
A VCA
and if you have more than one VCO you will most likely require a Mixer

So yea...

I'm also thinking of getting an MS-20 mini and then possibly connecting that up to the modular system

EDIT: I decided it was probably more feasible to get the Space Case B*aby as it's smaller

[Acsii]

So I've Planned out a system it's roughly $1141 plus a case
So something like this should it be in the Space Case B*aby

[Acsii]

And here's one of the stuff I'll get first
Also I've made some revisions to the above

[Ocular]

http://www.synthesizers.com/studio110.html

DDDDAAAAAAAAAMN SON

[Acsii]

The CG is pretty much a VCO...

[Acsii]

You could do the same thing with a standard vco though...

[Nine Volt]

So what exactly is the point of modular synths? I get the hardware aspect can be appealing and there's obviously the collector or vintage aspect for older ones, but I honestly see no benefit to actually using modular synths over software ones. Software synths are so much more versatile and easier to use.

[Acsii]

It's more the thing that soft synths are just emulating analog synthesisers so the sound will never be 100% true. Also with modular synths they're not always for making music, like i use my friends huge one to make strange sequenced sounds and stuff.