Good use of Moog LP and Euro rack modular?

z_ecoustics · Joined: May 21, 2007 Posts: 24 Location: Massachusetts

I really like the look, feel and sound of the little phatty. It's one of the few devices in analogue that look and feel as good in person as in pictures. I also am planning to get some analogue systems modules and other euro rack modules so i get the added flexibility of modular. I could probably get by with either one and it seems if I had both I might run into the dilemma of choosing which to use when I want to start playing. The LP would be easier since I could flip through the presets but the reason I want a modular is to learn about making every part of the sound. so maybe i should just go with one.

Have any of you found that the LP and modulars actually compliment one another? What would you do if you had both?

I will likely be gigging with these also.

thanks for comments

Mohoyoho · Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 11:13 pm Post subject:

Depends on what your main purpose is: do you want to perform music or do you want to sound design?

The LP is a performance instrument. I can see no reason why it couldn't fit into a modular system; it has CV pitch, gate and filter as well as Midi. However if you are looking for a myriad of modulation possibilities, then the modular would be the way to go. It only has Midi out, and so far no CV outs.

The LP is great for quick setup and play. If you have a CP251 or anything else with CV outs, then the LP becomes more useful in coming up with crazy sounds via the CV ins.

z_ecoustics · Joined: May 21, 2007 Posts: 24 Location: Massachusetts

Well I intend to do both. I am very eager to start sound design as it's something i have thought about for a while. I'll record tracks at home as part of this process. I also play at open-mics and the band i'm in tours now and then. I'd like to bring a synth with me on the road. So it seems a modular owuld be good at home and the LP on the road, BUT, i think i'd like to do a mobile modular suitcase project. I want to buy a nice case and fit a modular in it with distirbution board/power/etc. I already have a kawai midi keyboard so all i would need is a midi-2-cv converter to play the mobile synth. So in this case it seems i don't need the LP, however i still am anmoured with it. Maybe it's the looks of it, maybe cause it's classic, not sure but i'm having a difficult time resisting the temptation to buy it.

Mohoyoho · Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2007 7:47 am Post subject:

If you're planning on getting the modular, then by all means get the LP. You'll be able to feed it some CV via the modular. It could serve as your keyboard controller. The LP has the classic Moog sound and the keyboard is very nice. The filter overdrive on the LP really makes it roar. All the hype you hear about the Phatty is true; it is really a fine instrument. With the modular and the LP you will be able to get quite a sound.

doctorvague · Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2007 12:22 pm Post subject:

I use a modded Minimoog with a modular similar to what you're describing and it's killer IMO. You could lean your Eurorack system more toward CV, modulation, clock, etc and use the LP more for its Osc's and filters. There are so many cool modules in Euro for that. Doepfer is a cost effective way to get a lot of bang for the buck (except their racks are pricy) and lots to choose from, depending on your interests. Plan B and Livewire too. Cwejman gets very pricy (if that is an issue) but cool stuff.
I've got 2 Doepfer 155 sequencers and a bunch of CV and modulation stuff. The sequencers are fun, especially with some Sequential switches, etc, if you like that sort of thing. If you like more abstract and aleatoric then there are other ways to go but I use the sequencers for that stuff as well. I find Doepfer's quad ADSR to be very handy and I really dig the tapped BBD delay - I use that all the time although for texture not long delays. Whatever you do, don't skimp on CV/audio mixers! I love the Blacet mixer/processor myself but that's Frac-rack. That's probably my single most-used module. His Osc sounds really good too, especially the VC wave and CV octave switching is very cool. You might consider a Frac-rack in there too as it opens up other possibilities like MOTM's frac stuff, Encore, Metalbox, etc, not to mention Blacet's kits which I love building myself.

Have fun
Phil