Can we talk about modular synths?

[doommeow]

I really want to get into modular synths but I'm guessing that you can't just buy one. That you need to get a few as well as a case. What would the basic startup for a modular setup be? Where does one start by way of units?

I always recommend starting with something like the Mother 32. You get everything you need to start in one package and can then add a case and random modules to supplement it whenever you like after

Yah. I started with a Make Noise 0-Coast. Probably any semi-modular is good to start so you can get a feel for w.t.f. is going on with patching and etc.

0-Coast, Mother 32, and DFAM are great entry points to modular. I heartily recommend watching a lot of demos on all of them so you can see what kind of approach interests you most. They've all got their advantages and downsides.

It's definitely possible to jump all in on modular and skip the semi-modular path but it takes a lot more money to get going on something you aren't 100% committed to yet.

I think Neutron is probably the best starting point, especially for the complete noob. More patch points, and access to pretty much every part of the circuit, and definitely the cheapest for someone just dipping their toes in. The 0-coast does show you all the normalled connections on the front panel, which is a plus starting out, but still isn’t as intuitive and immediate as the Neutron imo.

[Ghost Hip]

Made another Matriarch + Euro patch video.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ50B0UJD08[/youtube]

[MrNovember]

Sounds great man! I need to sit down with my Matriarch again. It's been a few weeks since I've had time to play. Planning on rearranging my studio this weekend hopefully

[Faldoe]

that's fucked up. Like a vocoder from another dimension.

[behndy]

put in about 12 minutes with the Squib and i like it. just ran a Metron beat into her, cycling through the included kits, damn fine stuff. going to read the manual tomorrow then dive in more.

also, as much as i like right angle Tendrils for a lot of things, they take up too much room on cramped. architecture synths.

[Ghost Hip]

also, as much as i like right angle Tendrils for a lot of things, they take up too much room on cramped. architecture synths.

Yeah Tendrils are funky. I really like my short tendrils for those close proximity/semi-permanent connections, but once I start getting a lot of connections going they're kind of a pain in the ass. They're perfect for the Matriarch though since it is not such a crowded space and they stay out of the way.

Curious if there are similar cables to tendrils but not right angled because I really like the thickness/flexibility of them but wish the longer ones were straight jacks.

EDIT: Oh yeah I made another ambient youtuber, more Marbles triggering Matriarch's envelopes and pitch sequencing the oscillators. Chord drone from plaits lingering in and out. All sorts of filtered and monsoon'd, I am now ambient youtuber, however I do not live in Oregon or Washington to get mega nature views for ultimate subscriber numbers... must resolve.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRX8LSKE3p0[/youtube]

[MrNovember]

I would really like to grab a bunch of Tendrils for my setup, but I can't justify spending on a bunch of cables when I already have so many cables.

[yeatsvisitslincoln]

The Luigi’s Modular PAR cables are probably a little more rigid, but have two lengths of tips to alleviate plugging a bunch of cables in next to each other. I’ve been using them for a month or so and it’s been worrying pretty well.

[behndy]

yah. mainly love to use Tendrals for from Metron to Squib, buuuuuut that is a Hooker With No Lube Times messy mess.

i've been doggedly trying to use Tends for everything, but mixing them up with straights (i use Black Market Modulars) is way better.

Tendies are awesooooooome bridging stackables.

[Muse FTW]

ZPO + Stereo Dipole is a fucking lethal combo.

[behndy]

i dunno what all is doing what to what here. but i DIG it.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLydih8Lp0U[/youtube]

liiiiiking those black panels too. i'm listening.

[behndy]

"The output won't be Euro VCO levels of 10vpp but it is certainly enough to use inside the modular. The design focused on the most common uses of send/return and end of chain duties"

that... makes me way less excited.

[Ghost Hip]

"The output won't be Euro VCO levels of 10vpp but it is certainly enough to use inside the modular. The design focused on the most common uses of send/return and end of chain duties"

that... makes me way less excited.

Oof. Little worrisome but willing to check out some video demos when they are up to see how people work with that potential volume difference.

[behndy]

"The output won't be Euro VCO levels of 10vpp but it is certainly enough to use inside the modular. The design focused on the most common uses of send/return and end of chain duties"

that... makes me way less excited.

Oof. Little worrisome but willing to check out some video demos when they are up to see how people work with that potential volume difference.

they followed up with -

"There are three players here, the input gain, the DSP headroom, and the output gain stage. If the input signal is modular level, and the In knob is set high we loss some headroom in the DSP but we get about 8-9Vp.p at the outputs before clipping, it still is a decent level to use inside the modular and especially because the sound is so rich in harmonics that I don’t think it's an issue. (Like how white noise is perceived louder then a sine wave due to harmonics)

With these FX modules I think we found a decent balance to allow interfacing line level gear without extra line level converter module but also using it inside the modular, all depends on the input gain knob setting. It will be interesting to hear your thoughts once you get them and start use them in and out of the modular."

while i'd prefer to have the normal range and choose my inputs and outputs accordingly, 1vpp difference might not be a huge deal? and the point on perceived noise is valid but... if the ins and outs attenuate.... why... worry?

[MrNovember]

I keep watching Make Noise's videos with the Tape and Microsound Machine and I have serious gas for one, which honestly is incredibly stupid because my current setup is pretty much the exact same, but doesn't include any Make Noise modules.