#21

this is probably some sound advice. but knowing myself (and w/ my living expenses being very cheap), i’ll probably be getting a module a month or something. :yum:

#22

totally agree with everything here, but if you’re still thinking of going eurorack for this, let me just say that the makenoise richter wogglebug pairs perfectly with clouds. just watched a friend do a set of processing with a rack that just had those two modules in it and it sounded fantastic. it’s also a module that makes it’s way into every patch in my skiff. you can also regularly find them used.

2 Likes
#23

thank you for the suggestion! since clouds is something im looking at ill be sure to check out the richter wogglebug as well.

#25

true. but im trash at software. the alsa modular synth sounds like it could help me not be trash tho, so ill definitely be playing around with that a ton.

how does one do this?

im sure the way im currently planning on doing this is extremely expensive, but i usually learn through hands on activities. i figured buying modules that sound promising is the best way to learn, but now im starting to rethink that.

i do not have any soldering skills, but id love to acquire them. specific links to the specific synthrotek kit you were thinking of would be much appreciated.

am i willing? yes. do i know how? no.

i was thinking about doing this a while ago, but then it always came back to the same question: how the hell do i start?

if youre talking about guitar pedals then i already have some high end stuff (ct5, obne, etc.)

welp. youve made a pretty strong case lmao

#27

synths i have: op-1, volca keys

synths i plan on getting: arturia origin, volca fm, korg ms 20 mini, all critter & guitari

here is a link to music that is “most similar” to what i want to create:

my situation: almost since my birth ive been breathing music. i am classically trained. so i can play whatever acoustic instrument, but when it comes to electronic music im clueless. also, since music is -literally- my life, dropping $600 on equipment is like blinking my eye. i dont even think about it - i just do it, namely because im confident in that whatever im spending my money on is a means to achieving my goal.

im currently focusing on live stuff, but eventually i want to be able to record, and so studio work is important to me as well.

my goal: hm… i guess this is hard to explain. or to make people understand in a sort of context like this. so ill give you a quote: “the truth of fiction is that it’s through the use of fiction we tell the truth.”

anyway. you were actually extremely helpful, and if youd like to offer any more of your advice i would be happy to have it. i will definitely take everything youve said so far into careful/thoughtful consideration. thank you!

2 Likes
#28

A couple other free thing you can do on a computer that echo the workflow of modular synths.

WREN (windows only, sorry)
http://bluehell.electro-music.com/modules/index.php

XODULAR pd modular synth
http://www.monologx.com/xodular/

Also, Reaktor, while not free, is pretty cheap all things considered. It’s basically eurorack in the box these days.

1 Like
#29

I’m relatively new to modular but I’m going to recommend a slightly different approach. My experience with “Frankensystems” was that I spent more time reading about modules and playing on ModularGrid than I did actually playing my instrument. There’s a lot to be said for having a complete system - not that any system is ever complete until you’ve made it your own. But starting out, I would have probably benefited from saving up for a smallish Doepfer or Pittsburgh system, learning about synthesis more, and swapping out modules as I began feeling limitations.

What I ended up doing was building a Make Noise quasi-shared system buy going one module at a time, starting with a DPO, and DIYing my case as it grew. Once I was able to commit to one general system design, I was able to explore further without the distractions of adding new modules I didn’t fully understand. I did stray a bit here and there. I will say, a DPO and MATHS were two great modules to cut my teeth on but I’m still learning them to this day - not recommended for everyone.

Now I have 3 small cases, each no bigger than 7U, that pretty much function as their own instruments. There are small changes I’m making to each one - especially the third case which I’ve committed to Monome/Mannequins modules. This works for me and has tamed my GAS somewhat over the last year.

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#30

Just my two pence…:slight_smile:

I have started making electronic music with a laptop and vst…I had a GAS for vst and had so many I can ecall making tracks in which I never had the same plug-in…it killed my creativity to be honest.
Then I got a proper job and I could buy gear.
This has ended up (to today time) with some hardware synths and drum machine, some controllers (monome of course…) and one 104hp modular box.
To be honest you can make a great deal of noises with 104hp modular box if you plan your system well.

you have already op-1 and volca keys and with the one you are planning to buy you are way over the amount of sounds you can create for a full album in my opinion.

you can do music with much much less…get a good mixer and some cool fxs
Edited: get a drum machine and a loop pedal to that kind of music

Cheers

2 Likes
#31

Because lots of hardware is just re-implementation of the same ideas. Yes, UI and interface and subtleties abound, but also: an LFO is an LFO. An AD envelope is an AD envelope. You can sit in Blocks or Oscillot or BEAP or whatever, constructing signal paths out of components, discovering what interests you, what paradigms you like.

So you can sit with component parts and ideas and get a feel for what you would like, and how much or how little you can get away with. Modular hardware puts your understanding of audio and signal shaping to the test. That’s all things you can practice without a pile of modules and jack cables. It’s not the same, but it will answer some of the “where do I even begin” questions; it will answer the question of “why does everybody go on about attenuators and VCAs?”.

You can play with digital versions of these things because there is little new under the sun, and identifying the roles modules play, and the families they belong to, will help you understand how to build a system. It might also change your attitude to your priorities or to the endeavour.

3 Likes
#32

i will check out all of these and use them accordingly! if it helps knowing what kind of computer i have, i have a macbook pro

#33

ive considered going this route. the only problem i have with it is exactly that: the limitations. but i guess i could always just expand after i have the basics down. anyway. good recommendation!!

gotta have that pure monome case :wink:

#34

i love the op-1 because i can actually see what the hell is going on. not so much with the volca keys. i feel like im gonna love the keys once i start understanding all of this terminology though

also yes. i will agree that i listed a lot of synths. in my defense: the end goal is not one full album. i want to do this for the rest of my life, ya know? still. youre not without a point. ill think about what is necessary for right now.

do you have a mixer you would recommend? ive been looking at the k-mix, but i havent pulled the trigger on it.

do you have a drum machine you would recommend that could do things similar to that music? i havent been able to think of any.

and a looper pedal? i have the tc electronic ditto, but i feel like im gonna need something better than that.

thank you!!

#35

holy shit you just blew my mind

this sounds like a necessity. could you further explain what blocks, oscillot, and BEAP are? as in, how do i acquire these?

its almost as if you knew i had that question!

so im assuming this is what ill be able to do with blocks, beap, oscillot, etc? that sounds amazing! could you send links to some of the “digital versions” that you recommend?

#36

Honestly, you need limitations in some ways when you are starting out or at least a system that is generally cohesive. I have too few VCAs in my racks. VCAs seem boring. There are lots of them. I have not taken the time to vet out a new one that fits the HP I have left with the features I want at my budget (and general aesthetic I’m going for which some would say is irrelevant). Most pre-assembled systems are going to have this worked out for you and even have space for expansion of your own. Less time making low-value decisions, IMO. You can swap modules out later once you’ve truly grasped the consequences and benefits of doing so.

1 Like
#37

definitely feeling like this is the way to go for right now. thank you for taking the time the time to explain!![quote=“bradfromraleigh, post:36, topic:5072”]
general aesthetic I’m going for which some would say is irrelevant
[/quote]
what would you say your aesthetic is? im curious. i dont think ive thought about this too much. to me, as long as it has the sound im looking for im good, you know?

#38

Blocks is part of Reaktor 6, from Native Instruments.
BEAP is included with Max 7, from Cycling74.
Oscillot is a Max For Live patch from Max for Cats, for which you’ll need Ableton Live and Max for Live.

Google is your friend.

3 Likes
#39

awesome, thank you! ive been thinking about getting max 7 and ableton live anyway.

sorry, i figured if i typed it into google it wouldnt show what i was looking for. :sob:
might as well ask on a forum where people know there stuff, you know?

#40

I recommend doing both. Google first, ask questions to clarify what you learn.

5 Likes
#42

i feel you. ill be sure to do that from now on. thank you!!

#43

Yea… this is always in an interesting topic. I think the simplest way to summarize it is that, to me, the sum of a modular system should be greater than its parts. Sure - the sound is the sound. But I should also feel compelled to play the instrument.

Some factors to consider:

  • Playability - general layout of components, tactile functions, encoder/knob operation
  • Interface - intuitive or not (you may actually prefer a module with a convoluted interface), clearly labeled hardware or not (you may prefer something more undefined), menus or knob-per-function
  • Format - how much HP are you willing to invest in at a time, tradeoff between size/function is an issue for you or not

One example: I have a case with mostly Bastl modules. They are all wooden paneled if you aren’t familiar with them. Mine are also mostly DIY. The Bastl system is mostly complete as all the major functions are covered but I have room for more. For some reason, I have a really hard time filling this case with traditional aluminum paneled modules - its totally stupid. Also, the Bastl modules tend to share a lot of commonalities with trigger and knob placement and the some of the buttons are labeled the same. You can get around most of their modules once you pick up on this stuff. Its just cohesive that way. I would not put my CV Trinity in another case as it makes more sense to me in the Bastl case, even without considering looks. They seem to have designed it to work with their other modules and that works for me. My Make Noise stuff is more all over the place and I like that about that system. I also really appreciate their work and like supporting them so if I have a gap/function to fill in that case, I will usually look for a solution in their product lineup first. I know… its stupid. But when I see the whole system together, it makes me want to play it.

1 Like