#16

Sorry - hit enter twice :confused:

#17

Yeah. That’s definitely in the plus column for modular. But do you need it? Are there aspects of your existing equipment that feel overly constrained in terms of architecture? If all of your existing equipment were already modular, where would you put your first patch cord?

Just trying to find any kind of direction for your starter system.

#18

It is possible to both edit and delete previous posts.

#19

This is extremely helpful @infovore. One of the main takeaways here is that the lunch box does not provide flexibility in terms of expansion.

Also, your emphasis on architecture is making me think about modular in a different way.

#20

I will also say: it’s OK for your reasons to be “just because”. I ended up with one because I’m interested in synthesizers, and I write music, and I went from there.

1 Like
#21

In my experience the one certainty of modular is that once you get your modules you will realize you need something else :slight_smile: I would say start small with the minimum that you find interesting and then see where you are running into limitation and then decide if/how you need to move beyond them. Get a bigger case so you can add a few more modules than your starting set.

infovore gave some great advice. I find it’s also interesting to figure out how you can use your existing modules in novel ways to perform functions that they aren’t explicitly tailored to.

#22

Hmmm
need versus want
that’s always the question. I guess I feel a bit constrained by the linear nature of an MPC / SP-1200. A little more background on me: I am a child of early 90s hip-hop, so sampling and looping is second nature to me. But I also feel that it’s had its moment in time, so I am looking for a way to make beats that incorporate something more modern / interesting / complex.

I know I am not giving enough direction, but that’s kind of where I am at. I think I just need to start somewhere.

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#23

Yes - I’ve definitely come to realize that from others’ experiences. Question: what case would you get that does not break the bank?

#24

@c1t1zen’s battery-powered lunchbox

5 Likes
#25

well, I’m a bit biased since I work for a euro manufacturer :slight_smile: But I think the Intellijel 4U cases are are pretty reasonably priced. When I was starting out, I paid around $1000 US for a 6U 104 hp case.

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#26

Yep - the monome modules are very ‘efficient’ in that they push their UI out to the grid, and give you multiple outputs for sending gates/voltages (dependent on modules) - but also, because their complexity is in software, they let you do a lot with even a single trigger line.

And Rings is unusual in that it’s a resonator, rather than an oscillator, meaning that you don’t really need the traditional signal path after it - you can get away without a VCA/Envelope/Filter, and instead shape the sound entirely inside it. A particular range of sounds, sure, and you kind have to like plucking/ringing (which I do), but makes it an interesting source for tiny kits. Also: very much not your traditional “analogue” oscillator.

3 Likes
#27

thanks! these issues are important in artistic creation,
modular or not
many times it seems like all the gear doesn’t fit into the rack ->https://vimeo.com/137408958
imho, this is not important, the sounds/music are important
we set parameters for ourselves as 'composers/artists, and then create
ie. define your desire/project: album, ep, single, sounds, soundcloud, bandcamp, radio, show on the road

then, based on what you’ve defined, plug it into your mixer and make it :slight_smile:
personally, making a track, with just an sp12 and a moog sounds fun
and/or put a modular rack together:)
@disquiet has parameters for you every week, if you’d like

Music That Emerges from a Drone (Disquiet Junto Project 0240)

of course, it’s up to you


four tet droppin’ science



'it sounds really, really nice to not just have everything coming from one source -four tet

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#28

I just took my first step: purchased a Pittsburgh 90 case.

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#29

nice! I started with a 104hp 3u pittsburgh case - honestly more than enough room to experiment and get a better idea what you want/need from the system (which will almost certainly change from your initial vision).

It was full at one point, is half full currently. Still contemplating the future of (non-nord) modular in my studio.

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#30

great. that’s a really nice size to begin with - you’ll have easily enough space to play with for a bit.

#31

I know - very excited. The module shopping begins now.

#32

don’t have a modgrid to share, but i’m thinking i would try and fit an osc, mutable streams, few filters
 whole mess of cv / generating / processing / mixing utility tiles + ansible. add on a battery pack & you have a nice lil portable modular with the op-1 on sampling / sequencing / fx duties.

eh?

also i want to add in that the nice thing with modular is that, by nature, you don’t have to figure it all out at once. just get a couple mods at a time, give them a while to sink in, follow your whimsy. sell & trade what you don’t mesh with.

#33

I find this to be a huge hassle. Probably why I have an empty case.

My OCD nature is making modular a challenge


But but, that’s what I do! :wink:

2 Likes
#34

Think of it as renting modules for a while to try out. It’s inevitable with modulars. I’d learn to embrace it!

#35

and if you get them used to begin with you’ll almost certainly only lose like 10% or so

Noob questions