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Post by dune » Mon Mar 14, 2016 10:17 pm
Pretty new to modulars but have been passively looking on-and-off for a year.
One thing that isn't clear to me is what utility-type modules someone needs in order to work properly.
I understand the need for a VCA, VCF, LFO, Envelopes and filters. But is there anything else that's a must for getting it all to work? What about final audio output? and in a small system with just two osc, do you need a mixer?
Any insights will help me out huge! thanks for any help
southphillysynths Super Deluxe Wiggler Posts: 2915 Joined: Tue Jan 29, 2013 11:12 am Location: Philadelphia PA
Post by southphillysynths » Mon Mar 14, 2016 10:29 pm
depends on what you want to do but I would really recommend buying a complete voice module and a power supply. Something like a pittsburgh modular synthesizer box and a small case and supply would get you going immediately!
if you have an external mixer and speakers you really don't need an output module, I really don't use an output module at all, I just hook my modular direct into a mixer channel.
if you want to use a DAW or keyboard you will also need a midi interface but if your just looking to make some noise, that's where you would want to start.
good luck and have fun.
Joe. Wired for sound Posts: 6135 Joined: Sun Jan 30, 2011 10:58 pmPost by Joe. » Mon Mar 14, 2016 10:32 pm
dune wrote: One thing that isn't clear to me is what utility-type modules someone needs in order to work properly.
Utility modules will help you integrate modulation sources, and get the most from them by attenuating and offsetting CVs. the more modules you have the more the incompatibility will become apparent; some inputs may not offset or attenuate.
dune wrote: I understand the need for a VCA, VCF, LFO, Envelopes and filters. But is there anything else that's a must for getting it all to work? What about final audio output?
Final outputs can be skipped at first, with the (greater voltage range) outputs of Eurorack being 'clipped' by external mixers and inputs. eventually you may want to get an interface for outputs, but usually the first need is for interfaces that raise the signal level of outside signals so they can be processed by a modular.
yes. a simple 'unity mixer' is often all that is needed to start with however. Two oscillators also have the benefit of being used in a Frequency modulation patch, where one Osc output controls another Osc's frequency input control.
The most consideration should really be placed on how you are controlling your modular:
Is it controlled by an external keyboard?
Is it controlled by software that includes complex modulators?
If controlled by a keyboard you can often find the most basic setup will be little more than a very expensive monosynth untill you expand it.
If it is not controlled by software (through MIDI or Expert Sleepers), will it have a suitable amount of modulation sources? do you have access to Random CV, Sample 'n' Hold, Burst Generators?
Do you require modulation of Frequency control to be Quantized to play in a certain scale, or do you plan on making more esoteric, experimental sounds?
david_r Wiggling with Experience Posts: 500 Joined: Fri Dec 12, 2014 12:23 am Location: SF Bay AreaPost by david_r » Mon Mar 14, 2016 10:39 pm
southphillysynths wrote: Something like a pittsburgh modular synthesizer box and a small case and supply would get you going immediately!
Good advice. I started with the Synth Box, HEK and A-190-3 midi interface. Was up and running in a flash! Mother 32 looks like a good option as well.
loachhat Wiggling with Experience Posts: 340 Joined: Thu May 02, 2013 3:49 pmPost by loachhat » Mon Mar 14, 2016 10:45 pm
Wildly depends? Nearly infinite ways to go.
Main thing is having a CV/gate source (could be outboard) and a sound source (like an oscillator) and going from there. Want an envelope? Get an envelope and a VCA. Want a filter, get a filter. Want to modulate something with an LFO? Get an LFO. Want to get weird and not make a standard monosynth voice? Do it, there's a ton of wacky stuff.
You could just twiddle an oscillator on its own all day. Depends on what you want to do.
You can patch the output into most outboard mixers without harm.
dune Learning to Wiggle Posts: 17 Joined: Tue Mar 08, 2016 2:55 pmPost by dune » Mon Mar 14, 2016 11:24 pm
Wow guys great stuff. It helps me out a lot! I love the idea of going with a single voice to start out. Keeps cost down, is fast, and it hard to mess up.
LoFi Junglist wrote:
The most consideration should really be placed on how you are controlling your modular:
Is it controlled by an external keyboard?
Is it controlled by software that includes complex modulators?
If controlled by a keyboard you can often find the most basic setup will be little more than a very expensive monosynth untill you expand it.
If it is not controlled by software (through MIDI or Expert Sleepers), will it have a suitable amount of modulation sources? do you have access to Random CV, Sample 'n' Hold, Burst Generators?
Do you require modulation of Frequency control to be Quantized to play in a certain scale, or do you plan on making more esoteric, experimental sounds?
This is something I was sure about either, thanks for mentioning it. Whenever you seen people play modulars on youtube, they are not always using keyboards. So I guess they have modules that output trigger signals? I like the pressure points module and the μscale from what i've seen. Those both can trigger notes correct?
loachhat wrote:
Main thing is having a CV/gate source (could be outboard) and a sound source (like an oscillator) and going from there.
Would the pressure points and μscale enerate cv/gate or do they just process it. Could you recommend a module that I could read up on?
I don't think I want to hook midi up to the modular straight away, I'd like to see how to get it musical(keyword) without playing notes. If you guys can recommend modules for that please fire away!