What Kind of Analog Modular should I get?

Synthbuilder · Post by **Synthbuilder** » Sun May 06, 2007 7:57 am

This is one area I like to think I know a bit about. Now a lot of users get quite fanatical about one particular manufacturer. So my first bit of advice is to buy from various manufacturers. Most systems these days will be able to fit a 19" rack.

Have a row of small format modules from Doepfer and another from Analogue Systems. Be warned that ASys modules do not fit side by side with Doepfer ones.

Doepfer are cheap for what you are getting and the number of modules he now offers is quite outstanding. ASys have a smaller choice, but there are some real gems in there. Some of the new digital stuff is very clever. They also make a nice phaser, but then I would say that because I built it

Then have a row of some of the larger format ones. Synth.com make some excellent value modules and look a bit Moogy which will always impress. MOTM modules are well built and have a big following. My favourite, purely on the point of sound and build is Modcan. I wish he'd gone for black panels on the B series, but they do sound good with a lot of interesting modules.

Cynthia offers Modcan A series compatible modules of all sorts of interesting types.

Depending on where you are the USD is very weak against the pound so buying some of the US built stuff is good value right now.

There's also a lot of other smaller companies that offer one or two modules. See the AH archives mentioned above for lots of other useful advice.

And if you can wield a soldering iron then don't forget the large number of self build modulars you can get too. See my web link for my stuff.

NewSc2 · Post by **NewSc2** » Sun May 06, 2007 9:05 am

I have a Doepfer. It rarely gets used. It's fun and all but I use it more of a toy than a serious production tool. Just my experience. btw, I'd advise to stay away from the older Doepfers. They're built well but I had a few old modules and the jacks aren't perfect. I heard they improved this with their newer modules (post-2004ish)

Beatport · Post by **Beatport** » Sun May 06, 2007 2:56 pm

Maybe I should just say F-it

suburbanbather · Post by **suburbanbather** » Sun May 06, 2007 4:04 pm

http://www.synthesizers.com/system-entry1.html
I would suggest starting off with this .com system. You make monthly payments of $120 for 12 months to complete the system and you can make as many payments in advance as you want. I just got my last two modules in last week. Still cheaper than a Moog Voyager, even after I fill up the rest of cabinet with a third oscillator, second filter, second amp, and some utility modules like a signal processor, panner/fader, etc...

Or like another poster suggested, get a patchbay and a bunch of Moogerfoogers and any other analog FX that send and recieve cv signals. You could use Ableton to send some sine, square, saw, triangle waves to the FX and back in Ableton for recording, cutting up and sequencing.

rtopia · Post by **rtopia** » Sun May 06, 2007 8:20 pm

after a year or so of some really interesting projects, I would encourage anyone interested in modulars to just "dive in" and/or maybe even consider building their own gear

once you get a basic understanding of how the circuits work and what CV can do - you can modify practically anything to the point where you'll be making sounds with something that no one else has

I started with a soundlab and had a basic two oscillator synth in less than 30 days for under $100.

After that I was hooked and started buying blank PCB's from other designers and used them to populate this
(it's ugly - but it's all handbuilt by me)

If you don't see yourself building gear - at least approach your "modular" as if you're building a custom instrument that no one else has.

Regardless of who's gear you buy, anything you decide you don't like can always be resold and/or used as trade in value for something else.

As everyone begins to use "unique sources" as a starting point - the music in general will become even more interesting with more individuality

r

rikhyray · Post by **rikhyray** » Sun May 06, 2007 8:42 pm

This one looks good
http://www.twelfthroot.com/studio/analogSM1.html

seventhfactor · Post by **seventhfactor** » Thu Jul 12, 2007 6:40 am

another vote for Modcan systems. I have three racks of Modcan B modules and some of cynthia's goodies!

Be careful though... modulars are so much fun you can find yourself grinning from ear to ear at the end of the day - except with nothing recorded!

Mesmer · Post by **Mesmer** » Thu Jul 12, 2007 2:45 pm

OP, sorry for the slight hijack I promise it's partially related

rtopia wrote: once you get a basic understanding of how the circuits work and what CV can do - you can modify practically anything to the point where you'll be making sounds with something that no one else has
r

Yes, um...

Can people here recommend good sources (be they url/websites, books, software?) to get a grip on approaching modulars, and or synthethizers in general. Preferably something that takes you through the raw beginning: ie. This is an oscillator, sometimes called OSC, this is CV... usually you begin the process of sound design, plugging this into that.... .

What I have already found, is written for people already "initiated" if you know what I mean.

Also, a magazine a few months old mentioned their unashamed love of the CEJEEWMAN (<---someting like that) sorry to be vague.

My theremin has a CV-OUT.
I only use it's Audio OUT.

cheers,
-h

Tarekith · Post by **Tarekith** » Thu Jul 12, 2007 2:57 pm

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/allsynthsecrets.htm

Mesmer · Post by **Mesmer** » Thu Jul 12, 2007 3:20 pm

Tarekith wrote:http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/allsynthsecrets.htm

Duly bookmarked.
Looks awsome.
Will take, oh I don'know 6 month's paid vacation to study it whole!

thanks.

warabunga · Post by **warabunga** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 3:07 pm

technosaurus from switzerland make some increbiblesounding gear. and they are very very cheap, at least the small units!

cheers
*s*

elemental · Post by **elemental** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 4:01 pm

Komplex wrote:don't get a modular synth... get a patchbay, a good mixing desk, some good analogue synths, some good effects and filter boxes and a computer.

you'll get more music done this way

he has a point.... I recently got a modular system and yes, I have been spending a lot of time twiddling and patching, but I have made some cool original sounds. I think if u wanna keep up actually making music you have to be disciplined with a modular. Also, allow yourself some time to get to know it, spend some time just playing (dont forget to record!!).

If you're into out-there sounds, different sounds, if you're into stuff like Reaktor but not inspired by the sound/interface, then a modular is probably for you. Beware, its addictive, will burn big holes in your bank account!

As for which system to get, I recommend Analogue Systems stuff, all good quality. I have a mix of Analogue Systems, Analogue Solutions, Doepfer and Plan B, in a 6U case atm (got another one waiting to be filled soon...).

From what I have read and experienced, Doepfer is great for CV modules, but not so good with audio stuff, although their SEM filter is meant to be really good. Analogue Systems is good all round, nice oscillators aswell. Plan B osc is meant to be the bomb, I have the envelope and Dual Timbral Gates, both really good.

I am looking to get an analogue sequencer next, looking at the Analogue Solutions Oberkorn III.

Good luck!