Modular for newbies

Started by Leatherface, September 18, 2016, 04:59:37 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

Leatherface

Hi,

What is, by your experience, the most important gear needed to begin with modular?

cosmonaut

IMHO, I'd avoid very fancy and fashionable modules. You'll be tempted, maybe, but leave them for later when you figure out your preferred workflow etc. For a somewhat conventional synth/noise machine you'll need:

a) at least two (audio range) oscillators

b) either a filter, or a wavefolder

c) envelopes and/or LFO (or a general-purpose function generator, e.g., Maths, which works as either an EG or a LFO)

d) VCA. Many of them. And you'll need them even if you plan to just make drones. Beginners tend to overlook the importance of VCAs, but they allow you not only to modulate the audio signal, but, most importantly, to modulate the modulators.  Having LFOs sweep in and out, etc.

e) mixers. these are not used to mix final signals. Beginners tend to think "I have a proper mixer, no need to include one in the modular". But these are used for instance to mix raw waveforms before a filter or a wavefolder, or to mix two LFOs to get complex oscillations, etc. An outside mixer won't help here.

f) if you have a good collection of pedals and you want to integrate them in your modular setup, a pedal interface. I can't live without my Doepfer A138d.

If I had to start now, I'd go for the cheapest of each I could find. Doepfer if in Europe, Pittsburgh if in the US, I guess.

tiny_tove

Agreed.
as a beginner, doepfer does their job and you can get them for very cheap.
I am sure in Belgium you have similar sites to this one (where I got all my Doepfers).

http://www.mercatinomusicale.com/

feel free to write me at the usual address for hints.

meanwhile, last week I was in Austria and I attended the "modular" day of Ars Electronica fest:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeTCwT-2XPE
CALIGULA031 - WERTHAM - FORESTA DI FERRO
instagram: @ANTICITIZEN
http://elettronicaradicale.bandcamp.com
telegram for updated list: https://t.me/+03nSMe2c6AFmMTk0

monotome

Quote from: cosmonaut on September 18, 2016, 05:34:58 PM
d) VCA
e) mixers.

Don't forget attenuators, however VCA and mixers do take a big role in this it's always handy to have extra as modular signals are quite hot.

Quote
If I had to start now, I'd go for the cheapest of each I could find. Doepfer if in Europe, Pittsburgh if in the US, I guess.

Don't forget Ladik, nice price, good quality and well build, comparable to Doepfer but most of his modules uses less HP. Recommended.

monotome

Also go slow with modules, as most may have multiple functions not revealing for the first time and even a simple module can have huge possibilities when used in the correct way.

Cdan

Anyone have thoughts on the Pittsburgh System 10.1? Seems like a decent modular starter system.

pentd

i'll never be able to afford a setup but i once got some golden advice from absentman, "just in case":

start with a decent power supply

some good rail that will feed several modules