Techmaster originally posted on Angelspit’s Forum:
http://krankhaus.net/forum/index.php?topic=5307.0
Check this thread because there’s been a lot of cool conversation since the original post.
Modular questions for Zoog
Can you share any info on extra equipment you’ve added to your rig, like why you chose it, and how well it serves its purpose, etc… I’m sure modulars are just like anything else, no one brand is good at everything, and you kind of have to find what brand is best at what…like Doepfer might have the best oscillators, but Blacet has the best LFO, Analogue Solutions has the best distortion unit, etc…
Can you share any info on extra equipment you’ve added to your rig, like why you chose it, and how well it serves its purpose
Anyways, after seeing/hearing what you’ve accomplished with your modular, and what other people are doing with them, I’ve decided to take the plunge. I purchased a Doepfer kit today to build my rack, it comes with the rails and power supply. Before I started ordering any modules, I figured I’d ask Obi-Wan Kenobi himself, what he recommends getting as far as the modules.
Firstly, go here and read this:
http://www.angelspit.net/modular_synth-int/
i think your attitude to this is really good – take it slow!
modulars allow you to dissect sound on a very detailed level….patience and persistence young jedi!
So will these recommended setups sound like these other guys, or will it sound like all hell is breaking loose?
Anyways, here’s a brief rundown:
Mini basic system (1 row of modules):
2 VCO’s, 1 ring modulator, 1 random noise, 1 VCF, 1 log VCA, 1 log mixer, 1 ADSR, 1 LFO, 1 midi interface
if money is tight, get this one. you can do A LOT with this!
be aware: i think this filter is the A-120…and it’s rather plain.
Basic system 2 (2 rows of modules):
2 VCO’s, 2 ADSR’s, 2 LFO’s, 1 ring mod, 1 audio divider, 1 VC wave processor, 1 random noise, 1 VCF1, 1 VCF2, 1 linear VCA, 1 log VCA, 1 linear mixer, 1 log mixer, 1 dual S&H, 1 trigger divider, 1 trigger sequencer, 1 dual slew limiter, 1 multiple i, 1 midi interface
this one is awesome, but there’s some stuff here that you might not use:
1 VCF1, 1 VCF2 – interesting to find out what these are. like i mentioned, the A-120 is plain…but the A-102 is AMAZING! (and it’s also cheaper)
The Trigger Divider and Trigger Sequencer are not overly useful unless you’re using analogue trigger sequencers.
You’ll notice eBay is crawling with trigger dividers, trigger sequencers and dual slew limiters…this is because people buy this package and sell the stuff they never use.
Also you’ll need more that on multiple…they’re easy and cheap to make!!
Advice:
Either way, you will want to add to your system….start with a GOOD oscillator and a GOOD filter.
Doepfer oscillators are ok…they have a habit of loosing their tuning over several octaves, but they have some awesome strengths – they’re cheap and they respond wonderfully to FM.
Important thing to remember about Doepfer power units:
They can power A LOT more than 10 moduals – there’s a “Studio Planner” Excel sheet somewhere that will let you plan your set up. It will add up the voltages to make sure you don’t blow the power….and you can power MANY (like 15-20) modulars from the one power unit…which is handy to remember, because the power units are the most expensive part of a modular.
Different oscillators and filters from different companies sound completely different. A Doepfer oscillator sound different to an Analogue Solutions oscillator.
I was thinking of basically piecing together the 1 row setup, then slowly add pieces to make the 2 row setup.
I think this is the best option. Keep me posted on how it grows!
This Frequency Divider outputs +/-5volt signals 1 and 2 octaves below the input frequency – similar to a Roland SH-101.
