Best way to get to know modular synthesis

[turbomartin]

Using Live Suite at the moment, while using a Intellijel atlantis as external intstrument. I don't know much about modular synthesis, but I really want to dive deeper into it.

My thought is to find a realistic and economical way, by using a VST that simulates modular euroracks. This way, I can find out what module I really enjoy to use.

For example:

- Oscillot https://www.ableton.com/en/packs/oscillot/ 79 eur
- Maxforcats Bengal https://www.ableton.com/en/packs/bengal/ 49 eur
- Native Instruments Blocks https://www.native-instruments.com/en/p ... -6/blocks/ 99 eur for upgrade
- Audulus http://audulus.com/ 30 $ although this doesn't come as a VST i think.

Too expensive to my liking (not saying anything about the quality):
- arturia modular v 150 eur
- uhe bazille 150 eur

Open for any suggestion

[turbomartin]

To explain further:

I am looking for new and exciting modules, but for example Doepfer has got few hundreds of them. Youtube offers a lot of information and sound demo's, but I want to turn the knobs myself, to see how the modules react to my own sounds.

So, I'm orientating in-the-box, to eventually expand my hardware collection later on.

[Tarekith]

Do you have an iPad? If so there's also Model 15 by Moog (one of my favorite apps) and the app "modular" that has a lot more modules.

[turbomartin]

Yes I do, and that's a nice suggestion. Besides USD 30, I also need to buy a plug (probably apple stuff, which will cost some). However, this looks interesting for when traveling.

Right now, I prefer actual VSTs over ipad apps.

[Stromkraft]

Open for any suggestion :)

Softube Modular is priced at $99. Haven't tried it yet.

[Shift Gorden]

Open for any suggestion

Softube Modular is priced at $99. Haven't tried it yet.

I've been hearing great things about that plugin.

In fact, here's a Point Blank review about it - basically says it's a great way to get into Modular before shelling out cash for hardware.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnvXyTgDy0U

[turbomartin]

Oh wow, that is exactly what I was looking for, theoretically. I just want to get to know the available modules, and a software emulation would be perfect for that.

The prices are steep tho, which I understand if the product is really well done. But this would cost too much, just for orientation purposes, where my goal is actual hardware.

It also bothers me a bit, that there aren't that many modules available. The basic package still offers plenty, and the intellijel ones look appealing so I might just do it

Honestly, if it weren't for orientation purposes, I would never buy this package. As far as I can judge, it brings a lot of hassle for pc-producers to actually pretend they are programming a modular, when most DAWs already have so much to offer in a more practical way.

Also the ilok system stinks.

[turbomartin]

basically says it's a great way to get into Modular before shelling out cash for hardware.

exactly!

but it will still cost a crap lot if i need to purchase every module that will come available in the future.. feels a bit counterproductive

will probably wait for a black friday discount for this

[Angstrom]

The Reaktor Blocks offer something a little similar, once you consider the EuroReakt module pack - which is copies of all the popular cool-kid modules.
the drawbacks are : quite CPU intensive, and the routing system isn't really equivalent to a modular, because in Blocks there are two modulation inputs per Block which are then routed to each parameter as you require. In a real modular there will be an input per modulatable parameter/

https://www.native-instruments.com/en/r ... show/9093/

Reaktor is often on sale, I got it a few years back for $99 , and the library is free after that.

[Stromkraft]

Honestly, if it weren't for orientation purposes, I would never buy this package.…

Also the ilok system stinks.

There's a demo I'm sure. I forgot for how long, but Softube have nice people working there.

Really, I don't even notice software iLok. I wouldn't want the dongle version and have turned down plug-ins that requires this.

[turbomartin]

The Reaktor Blocks offer something a little similar, once you consider the EuroReakt module pack - which is copies of all the popular cool-kid modules.
the drawbacks are : quite CPU intensive, and the routing system isn't really equivalent to a modular, because in Blocks there are two modulation inputs per Block which are then routed to each parameter as you require. In a real modular there will be an input per modulatable parameter/

https://www.native-instruments.com/en/r ... show/9093/

Reaktor is often on sale, I got it a few years back for $99 , and the library is free after that.

That is an insane freebie. You just directly want to donate that guy.

The routing is something to keep in mind. I just want the modules to be realistic or comparable to their hardware twins.

[turbomartin]

Honestly, if it weren't for orientation purposes, I would never buy this package.…

Also the ilok system stinks.

There's a demo I'm sure. I forgot for how long, but Softube have nice people working there.

Really, I don't even notice software iLok. I wouldn't want the dongle version and have turned down plug-ins that requires this.

There is a 20 day demo. Maybe I should stop complaining about the price, since it is a perfect paradox to go modular in a cheap way.

[garyboozy]

Too expensive to my liking (not saying anything about the quality):
- arturia modular v 150 eur
- uhe bazille 150 eur

Open for any suggestion

A free version or Bazille (Beatzille) is available on Beat magazine's Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/beat.magazin/

direct d/l link here: http://ow.ly/XGnj305hL5u

[SuburbanThug]

^^^ What he said.

I learned my way around modular environments using bazille and it looks like what you'll be using as opposed to reaktor or oscillot.

[h3rtz]

just came across this a couple of days ago:

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/racks/synth/233688/clear (better turn volume down before clicking the link, there might be a patch starting to play right away)

its called truegrid and claims to be a patchable online modular comprised of actual modelled modules. i didn't really get deep with it tho, seems like there's only a couple of working modules available at this time. still, it's a very interesting starting point i think.