How to even get started

noisetheorem · Joined: Aug 29, 2005 Posts: 7 Location: Chicago, IL

So after a year of very hard work, I got a significant chunk of money saved for my first modular system. I have used some modular gear before (I cared for someones rig while they lived in Europe for a few years) but I have never bought or researched building a system on my own. I know basically what I want to do, but making the actual decisions on what modules to buy has me completely stuck. The shear volume of choice is paralyzing!

What I know so far is that its probably going to be euro rack format, just because of space limitations. Several people have discouraged me from going the way of buying one of the preselected systems and building/swapping from there.

So I guess I am looking for some advice on how to get started building a system from the ground up. Its hard to know that you want a Cwejman oscillator over a Doepfer one when you dont really have a clue what either sounds like (not actually true - I borrowed a Cwejman S1mkII at one point and did like the sound quite a bit).

Ive been using the various online configuration tools, but...they dont really help you figure out what you want.

Any suggestions?

cbm · Joined: Oct 25, 2005 Posts: 381 Location: San Francisco

You don't mention your budget, or the goals for this system, but in general, I would suggest starting small, then expanding. For example, pick up an oscillator, a filter, a vca, a couple envelopes, and maybe an LFO or so, and I think you will get a good idea of what manufacturers you like.

If there's any sort of module gathering in your area, go and pick people's brains there.

noisetheorem · Joined: Aug 29, 2005 Posts: 7 Location: Chicago, IL

Well, the budget I have is about $5000 (I have some flexibility). My focus is on doing sequenced performances that I will record and than manipulate in the computer. I am not so into the noisy glitchy stuff as I am old school Tangerine Dream style stuff (though, that has its place). So I am looking at more of a simple synthesizer part, and more interesting sequencing and processing parts.

Actually, I have made a lot of headway since I put up the original post, reading about the modules and designing a system. Its a big chunk of change to spend all at once, so Ill probably buy part of the system with a good case and then expand as needed.

elektro80 · Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2010 5:48 pm Post subject:

The Tangerine Dream sequencer stuff ( up until they had in part transitioned to PPG modular stuff and the Wave generation of synths ) was heavily influenced by the use of the Moog 96x class sequencers. This is a great clone, but not in eurorack format: http://www.synthesizers.com/q960.html

emdot_ambient · Joined: Nov 22, 2009 Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD

Very late to this thread, I know but...

For TD modular stuff you need bread and butter modules, plus sequencing. The latter part is going to be the most expensive part of that. To really do Berlin School well you need enough sequencing capability to play at least 8 steps of pitch control, 8 steps of filter control and the ability to change the length of the sequence between 1 and 8 steps.

That's minimum. Having more sequencing is better, especially if you also have some sequential switching capability so that you can program sequences to ratchet, or change pitch/rhythm every so many steps. Clock dividers come in handy when you have more than one sequencer, or if you want to switch between different clock rates.

Aside from those, you're going to want VCOs (3 or more), LFOs (as many as you have space and $ for, though VCOs can usually be LFOs as well), EGs (2 or more), VCAs (2 or more) and one or more VCFs, a source of noise, some mixing capability, some multiples, a Sample & Hold, some ring modulation for more abstract sounds, Slew Limiter (aka portamento or glide), a phaser and some delay....plus the case and power supply.

Obviously all those don't have to be modular. Guitar pedals and rack mount multieffects units can be used for the FX side of things.

Another thing to consider is whether you need to control things by MIDI or if you're going 100% analog.

I don't know the Euro market at all. BUT...If I were you, I'd seriously be considering 5U systems like the Synthesizers.com Portable 44 space one:
http://www.synthesizers.com/portable44.html

Just under 5 grand and has everything you'd need with the exception of sequencing. Download their Synth Invent software and you can price out your own system. They have great sound, a full feature set for your kind of music and the cheapest prices in the 5U world (especially their sequencers).

elektro80 · Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2011 3:55 pm Post subject:

Good advice.

As for the sequencers, there are software based step sequencers that are very good. A computer like a Mac Mini slotted into a portable cab with an LCD display + midi and voltage control of the modular is cost wise less expensive and more advanced ( in some ways ) than a big rig with several 96 class sequencers. The best option is of course to combine software step sequencing with analog sequencers, even if this is not quite conforming to the pre PPG era TD style of doing things.