Ableton Forum

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

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.

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.

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.

turbomartin wrote: Open for any suggestion :)

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

Stromkraft wrote:

turbomartin wrote: 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

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.

Shift Gorden wrote: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

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.

turbomartin wrote:
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.

Angstrom wrote: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.

Stromkraft wrote:

turbomartin wrote:
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.

turbomartin wrote: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

^^^ 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.

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.