Muff's Modules & More

[Muff Wiggler]

So a friend asked for some advice about starting to plan a modular system, and we had a little chat over a course of emails. I'm going to put the information in here in case it helps anyone else who might be planning a system.

----------------------

first, you should choose if you want to build kits, or buy completed modules (or a bit of both). then you have to pick a manufacturer you like (or determine if you want to build a frankensynth and mix n' match modules)

for choosing a manufacturer, factor in:

-module price
-module quality
-module flexibility/innovative features
-module size/cable size/knob size/style
-availability of 'kits' from manufacturer, if you want to build
-rack size format, and availability & price of chassis
-power supply specs and price
-manufacturer's line-up: does the manufacturer offer enough modules for a complete, if possibly basic, system? not all do.
-compatibility of rack size, power connections & jacks with other chosen manufacturers (if doing the frankensynth)
-DELIVERY TIME and actual real-world availability of the modules. It's actually a nightmare with a LOT of the manufacturers, people waiting for months and months on delivery after paying.

Now with that said, for the actual module types I would recommend for a basic system, i think everyone would agree (this question comes up a lot on the modular synth mailing lists, and the answer everyone gives is usually the same)

for a basic starter system, to be really considered a complete synth, you are going to need at least the following:

1 VCO
1 VCF
1 EG (ADSR)
1 VCA

(many would consider some kind of noise source, and a basic mixer as also being essential in even the simplest systems)

Now you will also need something to act as a MIDI-to-CV converter. There are quite a few options, both 'inside the modular rack' and outside of it. You have a few different options here.

The system described however is indeed very basic, and there are a few other things you would probably want to consider right away -

a second VCO is very nice to have....a single analog VCO processed right can sound BEEFY, but having two just gives you so much more, detuning, tuned intervals, etc. but you probably know that.. I have 3 and want at least one more. Anyway if you are only using one the other one can be used as an LFO.

Weather you get a second VCO or not, you'll want a mixer module pretty early on, if only to mix multiple waveform outputs from your single vco.

A second EG is really good to have. You'll want more as your system grows anyway.

Also you will probably want a dedicated LFO or two (or just stock up with lots of VCOs and use them for this! Much more expensive option though).

But very early on, after the basic system, you really really should consider adding a noise source. analog noise/digital noise, etc.

Basically I built up like this:

1) VCO, VCF, EG, VCA
2) VCO, EG, QuadMixVCA (VCA/Mixer)
3) Noise Source, 2 LFO's
4) VCO, QuadMix VCA
5) whatever on whims at this point

so hopefully that helps...feel free to fire off whatever questions you may have... oh and KNOW this (believe me) - you'll end up buying modules a LOT faster than you ever 'promised yourself' you would haha

cheers

[Muff Wiggler]

Now onto 'what brands to consider'...

-------------------------------------------

Kind of hard to recommend a brand, it depends on a lot of your factors -

-If you want kits or prefab...
-If you like bigger panel size, or smaller
-Bigger knob size, or smaller (yeah, har har)
-1/4inch Jacks or 1/8inch jacks (or banana jacks)
-If you are willing to wait longer for shipments
-If you want to choose a manufacturer that offers a complete line
-budget

MOTM (Synthesis Technology) has some of the most attractive modules around, they are of the absolute top quality, and simply excellent in all respects. I don't like the large panel format though, but it is because I have limited space and want to fill it with as much usefulness as I can, so I chose a smaller format with 1/8th inch jacks. MOTM has just recently ended their kit business, and have gone prefab only. A few years ago there seemed to be a lot of complaints about shipping time, users complaining of waiting many months after shipping, and not have any idea when your stuff is going to arrive. However it appears that these issues have been resolved and it has been some time since I have heard anyone raising issues with shipping times.

Doepfer also offers a more-than complete line (insane, over 100 modules). They are very, very attractively priced, and easy to get quickly through Analog Haven (the US Distributer). Prefab only. The EuroRack format is very popular with other manufacturers as well. 1/8th inch jacks. Downsides: Modules are often added to the list 'just because', they will design anything and just throw it up there, seems they want to have 'lots of modules' rather than a smaller number of really refined modules. Lower build and component quality, i've heard complaints of noise bleed, AC loop hum, picking up radio signals, etc. (But also know may people who love their system and have no problems!). Jacks will definately wear out faster than many others - they aren't switchcraft, but you get what you pay for and it's not like a jack is difficult to change. I don't want to slag them though, they have some AWESOME modules (and some totally crap ones). EuroRack compatible modules available from a variety of companies, like Plan B, LiveWire, Oakley, Encore, many others... Apparently the newer generation power supply unit fixes the ground loop and AC hum problems, so there's not much to worry about here.

Synthesizers.com (the "DOT COM Modular") 1/4inch jacks. 5U size, +/-15v power supplies. VERY VERY attractively priced. Bulletproof, life-time build quality. (Apparently) fast shipping. the modules take a 'traditional' approach to synthesis and are very much in the fasion of the original Moog Modulars. In fact, someone who wanted a Moog system but couldn't stomach the cost of an original one would be extremely happy with dotcom modules. Traditional, 'building block' modules and little 'experimental' features. Envelope generators are not capable of very short or very long times, etc. Beautiful modules as well.

Modcan is probably the very best choice if you have unlimited funds. BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL, the most sexiest of all modules. A complete line is available, and very very innovative, inspiring and flexible modules. Prefab only. Proprietary rack format and size. I cannot overstate how amazing Bruce's products are. Very very expensive though. Shipping times is what i would consider 'medium' -> won't be instant, but you'll get your order within about 2 months. Cyndustries complements the Modcan lineup with a huge variety of cool add-on modules in the same format and style. Banana jacks or 1/4 inch.

Blacet - this is the manufacturer I ended up choosing for my 'base' system, although I have added modules from Wiard, Metalbox, CGS and Bananalogue to my Blacet synth (they are the same format). World-class build quality, extremely attractive pricing (though not as cheap as doepfer or DOTCOM), the rack and power supply have the lowest 'entry cost' of all the companies. Kit or prefab. 1/8th inch jacks. Commitment to having 'on the shelf' products, they ship 95% of their orders within 24 hours. A full line of flexible, innovative, surprising and musical modules. Cool DIY modifications possible for most modules. Fairly ugly panel look, which I kinda like, but it IS one of the most 'unsexy' looking modules. FracRack format is the second most common format, next to EuroRack, and you can buy compatible add-on modules from Wiard (who makes CRAZY innovative and bizarre modules), Cyndustries, MOTM, MetalBox, Bananalogue, Encore and others.

Those are the main players I can think of. There are others like those 'add-on' companies I mentioned, Bananalogue, Wiard, Cyndustries, Plan B, Bridechamber, Metalbox, CGS, Encore, etc etc etc, but none of those companies offer a 'full line' of modules (nor a rack or power supply), so they are offering add-ons to existing systems. There's PAIA as well, but they are kits ONLY, and also don't offer a complete line of modules.

So I can't say what to go with - your budget and needs and personal taste will dictate which you like. I've been lucky enough to get to work with products from ALL of the manufacturers that I've listed, and I can tell you that you can build an amazing and super fun system with ANY of these choices (to downplay the 'downsides' i mentioned for a moment), something I may not choose might be perfect for you. Definately every one of these companies has thousands of customers who are extremely happy and dedicated to their chosen systems. It's the best time in history to be interested in modular synthesis, there's never been as many options, and modules have never been this cheap or easy to obtain.

anyway, i think i've represented the various strenghts and weaknesses of them all here in a pretty fair fashion, you should hit up the webpages, see what you can learn, and start to make up your mind. You may consider joining the Analog Heaven mailing list, and you can post your question there, and you'll get a lot of feedback. You can join the list here:

http://machines.hyperreal.org/Analogue-Heaven/


And finally, here's some links to the different companies I've mentioned:

http://www.bananalogue.com/
http://www.blacet.com/
http://cgs.synth.net/ (DIY/PCB only)
http://www.cyndustries.com/
http://www.doepfer.de/home.htm
http://www.ear-group.net/earhome.php (Plan B)
http://www.encoreelectronics.com/
http://www.livewire-synthesizers.com/
http://www.metalbox.com/
http://www.metasonix.com/
http://www.modcan.com/
http://www.synthesizers.com/
http://www.synthtech.com/ (MOTM)
http://www.tellun.com/motm/diy/diy.html (DIY PCB Only)
http://www.wiard.com/

[Muff Wiggler]

About mixing components -

----------------------------------

the good thing is that no matter what you choose, the signals, audio and CV connections will be compatible with anything else. You may have to convert between 1/8th and 1/4 inch jacks (i have hybrid cables with one of each jack on each end), and they may have different power and mounting requirements, but they will 'play' with each other no problem

for midi-to-cv, you have a few options. Doepfer makes a pretty good multi-channel one, which may be overkill for most, and is pricey. Kenton's ProSolo MK.II is a standalone stomp-box kinda thingy that'll convert midi to CV and offers a built-in LFO. Future-Retro's Mobius Sequencer is a really cool sequencer that does double-duty as a midi-to-cv converter, I have one and love it to bits, will add a second one eventually. The best bet by far, for features vs. price is the MOTM 650

http://www.synthtech.com/motm650.html

It has the most features of any converter out there, and is far better priced than the Doepfer. It's available now in MOTM format (5U) and will ship in FracRack (3U) format in the fall, I'll be buying one at that point, and then dedicating my Mobius to sequencing duties.

Some things to think about - in a modular, different items take on different roles. You may think of a sequencer to create note sequences, but it is equally happy sequencing the cutoff of your filter, or sequencing a VCA for a 'trancegate' effect. An envelope generator is something you think is good to create the ADSR cycle with your 'note-on' events, but they are handy to have a lot of - an EG is really nice to open/close a filter at the same time as your note's ADSR progresses. I use EG's to apply FM to my Oscillators, or to add motion to the PWM waveout on the VCO for a more animated sound.

man, it's fun stuff...you'll end up wanting an LFO and an EG for every VCO and VCF in your system, plus a couple of extra ones for note-on's, etc etc

it's sort of like having a sickness

[zerosum]

Cool thread.
On my list(probly for 2008)
-Blacet Power Supply & rack mounting system
-Blacet VCO
-Blacet Mini-Wave with socket rocket eprom expander
-Blacet Micro LFO, hopefully 2
-Blacet EG-1
-Wiard Noise Ring

I can integrate my Sherman into this, for the Filter. I think I can use it for a VCA too.

Of course there will be more, but the important thing for me is building a modulation station for CV gear first, and the Mini-Wave.
The Mini-Wave is what got me interested in Blacet gear.

Ill have to get a bunch of 1/8" ot 1/4" cables too.

[Muff Wiggler]

good stuff! you can use most filters as a VCA, since in LPF mode no sound passes through the filter when it is closed, and the CV signal from your ADSR can open and close the filter when fired by a gate signal

the Wiard Borg and Boogie filters are prized as their use as VCA's, as they use vactrols in them (similar in design to the Buchla Low Pass Gate - also a filter/vca sort of approach) which creates a pleasing, non-linear opening and closing

most ringmods can be used as VCAs as well - the Blacet Klang Werk works well as a vca

you can NEVER have enough vcas. i used to think of them only in the context of 'last module per voice, opening and closing with each note', but actually soon you realize that you use more of them in front of other CV inputs, so that you can have voltage control over the AMOUNT of voltage control you are applying to something else.....

does the sherman have cv ins for the cutoff and resonance etc?

also most good filters make a good sinewave VCO when set to self-oscillation and tracking exponential cv input. in fact you usually get a more pure sine this way than from a dedicated vco module....

good call on the MW, and for looking at Blacet. The MW is a Wiard design, but Blacet builds it because it is so popular and Wiard is not outfitted to build enough of them to meet the demand. it is an INCREDIBLY flexible module. Blacet and Wiard work very well together, Blacet making the bread n' butter (but i don't want to downplay how flexible and innovative most of his modules are!) stuff, and Wiard building slightly more offbeat stuff to complement it with. but yeah, be interested in the MiniWave for sure!! It is a truly unique module. I've got two of them, and David Hylander is building me an expander right now that lets me have up to 10 roms addressable by the MW, as well as CV control over the ROM selection, and an inverted output, check it out:



mine will be a bit different, a couple of extra options for the inverted output, but that's a rough idea, i'm SUPER stoked 8)

[zerosum]

[Muff Wiggler]

i don't consider the TM-6 a swiss army knife filter AT ALL

and, you definately cannot get a pure sine out of it!

it's a very unique beast, in any of the response modes (lp, bp, hp) there are loads of flaws and leaks of frequecies outside of what should be filtered... it's a real oddity, very fun and some AWESOME sub-bass, but it's NOT a replacement for a professional quality, flexible modular VCF (if you are looking for a swiss-army-knife VCF anyway)

anyway i'm not dissing it, it's great at what it does, but precise filtering and response (and it doesn't track exponential CV so you couldn't track your sine waves anwas) is NOT what it does. the waveforms it makes when self-oscillating are awesome though, don't get me wrong!

the tm-2 bandpass filter by contrast is a more predictable, classic sounding filters, with less quirks (but much more interesting quirks)

still, it doesn't track and it's not a replacement for a good VCF - just a very very nice complement 8)

[zerosum]

[cebec]

Hi. What about Serge or Buchla? Admittedly, Buchla is way out of most people's price range but secondhand Serge panels pack amazing functional density into 4U and can match Modcan in terms of price (secondhand).

Also, I wonder if I could pay someone to make one of those beautiful BMW expanders. I'd love one of those.

[zerosum]

[cebec]

[zerosum]

Yeah that Buchla isnt his
Im not sure why,seeing how he could probly afford it.

[Muff Wiggler]

[cebec]

Wow, haha, I never got an e-mail notification this thread had been replied to! Thanks for the welcome. I just posted a bunch of Evenfall Mini Modular samples to a Virb page I set up. I will create a new thread for it.

[consumed]

now that im about 18 months from having just gotten my feet wet in modulars, my opinion of a 'bare minimum' system is:

2 vcos
2 linear amps
1 filter
1 eg
1 lfo

to me, FM with an FM index is an absolutely essential technique for modular synthesis. when i first started in modular, all i thought was subtractive synthesis...but there are so many single analogue synths that do subtractive so well, at a much lower cost (like the pro-one, which even has a filter input and an envelope follower hardwired to the cutoff). i finally understand and appreciate the importance and flexibility of FM and waveshaping.

[Kwote]

great thread!

i'm actually planning on getting a blacet VCO and midi/cv by doepfer soon.

got tired of running vco's from my mfb. i just hope i can live okay with the one VCO until i can afford the second. i think the main reason i like the doepfer midi/cv is because i don't have to rack it up. otherwise that 3u midi/cv module might really grab me. just rather rack up other modules instead. *EDIT- oh shit didn't realize you were talking about the $850 one. thought you meant this:

http://www.analoguehaven.com/doepfer/mcv4/ it's only $160 and should get the job done for my basic needs.

[Kwote]

just realized you might wanna add Wiard to the main players section since the 300 series is back, it's a fully functioning modular system.

[dougcl]

My take on this is don't sweat it. Buy whatever the hell you want because the used market is so active. Just try out stuff and sell if it doesn't work out. I think the brain needs to stay out of it to a certain extent. More regret in over planning than under planning.

Doug

[Kwote]

[dkcg]

For a second there, I thought the name of the thread was "Start here for new B.S."

[bbow73]

[Muff Wiggler]

pretty much, yeah you'll need two PSUs

Eurorack stuff needs +/-12v supplies

5U stuff needs +/-15v supplies

i don't know of any supplies that would put out both of these at the same time....

[bbow73]

I'm in the process of ordering my power supplies.

Is a PSU just the power supply or does that imply a complete system (distribution board, wiring, etc)?

[sandyb]

[bbow73]

http://www.modcan.com/bseries/modulesb.html

here are four things I saw on the Modcan site:

Power Supply 50B
Case with wiring and power distribution card (12U wide)
Internal Power supply (rear mount)
19" Rack mount kit (10U wide)

[sandyb]

[os]

I can't believe no-one's mentioned Analogue Systems yet in this thread.

http://www.analoguesystems.com/

A definite option for that 'complete system' first purchase.

[bwhittington]

[parasitk]

[DGTom]

[bwhittington]

[DGTom]

[bwhittington]

[sduck]

Now that this thread has gotten all political and stuff maybe it should be un-stickied?

[Human Koala]

Hi guys,

this is my first post here and first experience in real modular :

i've used a clavia modular and do a lot of computer patching in pd and max/msp

so that is my question :

a little reedtion of SEM semimodular is coming to my home with a midi to cv interface
and i'm looking for a way to compliment and extends this little beast

my first move would be a sherman filterbank 2 with a little maq 16/3 but maybe there is a better move for the same price ?

thanx in advance

HK

[Babaluma]

nice to see this thread revived, there's loads of useful info here!

[bwhittington]

HK, it sounds like you might be on the right track if you are planning to keep the computer as a focus of your work. The Doepfer MAQ 16/3's are feature-laden, sync easily via MIDI, and will give you tactile control over MIDI as well as CV devices.

What they *don't* do is interact well with modular gear. It sends CV, but it doesn't receive CV, so there is no sync in with your LFO's, triggering it with the gate from a step of another sequencer, or that sort of thing. In exchange, you get pattern memory and a whole host of interesting MIDI parameters, but if you see yourself going with a modular CV set up, the MAQ will seem limited at some point.

Working with the gear you have, the MAQ is a great choice, but I just wanted to clarify the difference, which was completely beyond me when I was getting started. Oh, and the Sherman Filterbank is an awesome box. I could see you having a lot of fun using it with the SEM.

Cheers,
Brian

quote="Human Koala"]Hi guys,

this is my first post here and first experience in real modular :

i've used a clavia modular and do a lot of computer patching in pd and max/msp

so that is my question :

a little reedtion of SEM semimodular is coming to my home with a midi to cv interface
and i'm looking for a way to compliment and extends this little beast

my first move would be a sherman filterbank 2 with a little maq 16/3 but maybe there is a better move for the same price ?

thanx in advance

HK[/quote]

[Muff Wiggler]

[dude]

and the world was a happy place again

[Pockets McCoy]

[Ekofisk]

Since this is the newb thread, I'll post my question here.

Where is the best place for cheap minijack patch cables?

[wetterberg]

[Ekofisk]

Thanks! That looks perfect.

Also, he doesn't seem to offer 1/4 to 1/8 cables. Any idea where I get a few of those as well?

[Ekofisk]

It seems both Analogue Haven and Doepfer do these.

Sorry for the laziness.

[photon]

[Muff Wiggler]

in a similar fashion to my updated comments about DOT COM (the original comments being uninformed and unfair), I have updated the initial posts in this thread regarding MOTM. At the time those posts were written, some years ago, there were a lot of complaints about the shipping time and availability of MOTM modules. From what I can gather these problems have been addressed by Paul and it has been a very long time since I have seen anyone taking issue with the sales/distribution/availability of these modules.

Congrats to Paul for fixing what was the biggest complaint about his business, and also I am very happy to get rid of comments that at this point seem unfair and prejudicial.

[jfm3]

Boring yet important things for first time modular buyers -- things I haven't seen mentioned so far (I only skimmed pages 2 and 3).

1. You're probably going to build and use this for the rest of your life. Quality pays in the long run.

2. You need half again as many patch cables as you think. Twice as many mults. (Or twice as many bananas, but if you know what I mean when I say "bananas", this is all old news to you.)

3. You need to think about cabinets, where the thing will go in your room/apt/house, and how you will move it.

4. You need to make sure you are getting a big enough power supply.

5. You need to think about how you'll grow. What happens when you run out of cabinet space and/or power?

6. You need to think about speakers and headphones. Eventually you will make a decidedly unwanted noise with the thing, and you will need headphones to proceed. Using awful speakers or headphones on a nice modular is much like washing your socks with good vodka. I'm just saying think about it.

Even small modulars can be very satisfying and rewarding. You're going to love it.

[bleeps]

Edit: ok, I found my answer in another thread.

[eXode]

Thanks for this excellent thread and forum as well. Great stuff for the budding modular synthesist.

[kuxaan-sum]

Excellent thread....but where can I find more beginner info??

[Mercutio]

Great threat, thanks.

[studiokpg]

Thanks for this thread, and this whole forum! I've been contemplating a modular for months and months, and I think I'm getting close to the point of shelling out or more. Everyone here has been a great help.

[gazonfleur]

kuxaan-sum

I was directed here by Human Koala. There's a lot of useful things.

http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12812&highlight=

[jahsoul]

This was very helpful. Still not sure how power works...if there's a power amp or if these circuits are passive, but I understand how a synth works and this is the same concept so now to start losing that money.

[Christopher Winkels]

To jahsoul:

The circuits generally aren't passive (with a few exceptions: unbuffered multiples, for example). Power supplies are important and there are factors to consider like current draw and how much expansion you plan on.

In my case I started with a Dotcom 44U cabinet, but bought the power supply big enough to power double that amount of modules because (surprise, surprise) one's system will grow as fast as funds, space, and spousal tolerance permits.

[jahsoul]

I don't know what that means. Is 44 the amount of modules it can hold?

[whitewulfe]

[tuffstuff]

I like the idea about building my own cabinet. It seems pretty simple and will let the user choose how they want their module set up, size, tuffness ect. Unfortunately, I get lost at the power supply. I'm not sure what people are talking about when they refer to powers supply stats, +-15v or 12v, how much is enough to grow on and how do I connect the modules to it. There's a connector board? Not all power supplies will work in my country?

Are there any resources or tips that anyone would like to share? Any comprehensive cabinet building resources? If it helps, I live in the US. Thanks.

[diophantine]

[tuffstuff]

Will I get more bang for my buck with a smaller format such as eurorack? Can I mix formats using the same power supply and pc board?

Also,
when you mix formats do 1/4in to 1/8in conversion cables interfere with control voltages?

Thanks!

[active]

@tuffstuff - (and all correct me if i am wrong on this, i am new myself!)

it seems that there are just more options available in the eurorack form, so if you are looking at how many options you have has "bang for buck", then yea. there are a lot of modules that are cheaper, like Doepfer, and there are a lot of modules that are crazy expensive, Metasonix. So you have a full range of things that can all sit and live in a standard euro case.

you can only mix modules and power supplies if they can operate on the same power supply. example, flight of harmony (and most euro) runs optimally on 12v, while the CGS stuff works best at 15v. now, there are slight mods that you can do to adjust some of these modules to work on other power supplies, but that can be tricky and i believe only works for the DIY stuff. (as an example, i am trying to go the full DIY route but will expand once i have a fun set up. i have 2 power supplies, one that is 12v and one the is 15v)

as far as cable conversion goes, you won't have any problem with voltage variances.

[whitewulfe]

[ragingmouse]

Hello...this being my first post I am wondering about building a modular based around a Cyndustries Zeroscillator...but I am thinking about building my own cabinet for these things...do anyone of you have a way to figure size of cabinet?

It is almost tempting to try going with my own faceplate designs on these things...

[active]

@whitewulf - thanks for the clarification! i'm doing the DIY route so i don't know nearly as much as i should about prices. probably shouldn't have commented on that! hehe.

it does seem like euro rack offers the most amount of options/modules per format?

[plord]

[ragingmouse]

Actually that was what I was considering on doing...I have a friend who recently purchased a cnc milling machine to make up some HO scale wheelsets and frames. So here I be going mmmmm....

Thanks for the pointers as well...I did find the wood stock to do this as well...

One thing...what kinds of fans and such are used for ventilation in these things?

[sandyb]

[ragingmouse]

[jabeoo1]

posted in wrong place..sorry

[drox]

[korrupter]

This is really good stuff! I am really interested in starting to make my own modular!

I was always thrown off by the system being Monophonic, but after hearing what kind of sounds you can produce with them I quickly figured it is worth it!

I have only used software synthesizers for my stuff! However I do know what a real analog synthesizer sounds like and I have really never came across anything in the software domain that has the organic sounds a true analog synth can produce.

I was thinking of maybe getting these 2 synthesizers eventually when I get money.

- Doepfer Modular Basic System 2 w\Midi ($2,599.00)
http://www.analoguehaven.com/doepfer/a100bs2/


- Synthesizers.com Portable-22 ($2,550.50)
http://www.synthesizers.com/portable22.html


I was considering getting a Tinysizer but I want to be able to switch modules when I can upgrade.

[Christopher Winkels]

[diophantine]

[Drumdrumdrumdrum]

My first post. Great thread to start on. Just posting so I can search. Cheers

[JohnLRice]

[DrKamikazi]

so im finally starting to build my first modular synth and im using .com to start out. i built my own cabinet but due to cost constraints im starting with the small eight space power. the question is can i eventually add a 22 space power supply to the same cabinet and run both power supplies inside the same cabinet or will this cause problems somehow?

[Christopher Winkels]

I've never used two power supplies in the same cabinet, but I can't see why it would necessarily be a problem. I've got two supplies spread between three cabinets.

[Cropsie]

First post! Thanks for all of the links and great discussion.

[h4ndcrafted]

I like the sound of the Blacet series, still trying to sort what I am going to go with.

Excellent info.

I'm in the UK would I have problems getting case and power for the UK, are the modules mainly U.S or would I be able to source them in Europe easily.

My head is spinning from reading so much.

My goal is to build personalized synth for interesting bass sounds.

[bentundra]

Just would like to give a sincere thanks to everyone who's posted in this thread and asked/answered questions. As someone thats very familiar with audio but not so familiar with the modular culture, this was an amazing resource.

Can't wait to start building my system...

[BillyR]

Many thanks to this forum. Can't wait to start searching for tips!

[gavinvolure]

thanks so much for this! very helpful for noobs like myself.

[digital aspergers]

Thanks for this great resource. About to enter the world of modulars.

[woodster]

I just want to say thanks for all the info and what looks to me to be a really nice community.

I am a little scared of the Money Vampire aspect of modular life though

[navej80]

Thank you so much for this wonderful information! I am really looking forward to building.

[tcb]

here's another new addict! can't wait for my first voltage injection....

[iamgoldman]

awesome awesome source of info. been lurking here for a long while and now that i am (mostly) comfortable with taking the dive into the wonderful world of modular synthesis, I think I will finally invest in a system.

I was wanting to start with building a setup similar to that of Analogue Solutions' Vostok, sans pin matrix (at least initially; it's too big), and compose it entirely from Concussor modules. I plan to assemble two separate 84hp units.

It's looking like I will be needing plenty of +5V modules, (the m2cv, the seq8, the vco-sub).

I really don't like the enclosure that AS offer though, and was thinking of something not unlike the make noise walnut skiff, but have it supply its own power somehow, as opposed to the din power.

I guess the question I'm trying to lead to is this: assuming I build/purchase an enclosure, how would I build power supplies into the two separate 84hp racks? Also, one of them would probably need to supply +5V to at least two modules. Concussor units use doepfer style connections, so would I be able to just use a mnt + power supply and poof problem solved? Or is there more to it?

Any help would be appreciated.

[elphenden]

Thanks to everyone for all the fantastic information in this thread. So many noob questions have been clarified and answered in 15 minutes of reading this for me.

[ericD13]

[ddoyen]

thanks for all the info! gonna get started with a system soon. i'm leaning towards the paia 9700s..seems to be the most bang for the buck..

[Ted2]

Hmmm.... I can't decide between Paia and Blacet. I would like to buy the DIY kits, but I am completely new to this altogether (as in I haven't even soldered before). Would it be too ambitious to suddenly go and buy a kit? I was going to do it module by module, so I wouldn't really be making too risky an investment, but I am not sure. How are these companies in terms of beginner-friendliness? Like when it comes to assembling the modules themselves. (I also have a rather limited budget, if that affects anything)

[husc]

I haven't soldered any modules, but soldered a lot of pedals and small synths kits, circuit bended some casios, etcetera!

My advice is to first learn how to solder by doing small simple projects, before attempting a kit you really want to use.. you'll mess up a lot during your first few projects, but you'll also learn a lot. You could grab some velleman kits for <10,- and try to solder them to a working condition. Make mistakes and then fix them.. circuit bending is also a great way to learn how to solder and work with basic components.

After a bit of experience you'll be a lot more comfortable in building your kits and it will be easier to troubleshoot your mistakes!

[Ted2]

do you think something like the MFOS WSG or the soundlab could be good starting projects?

[Twiddler]

Howdy.. Thanks for the top info, i have lost many hours in these pages.
This is my first post here...some might know me from other forums. Anyway. after much watching and debating.. im about to take the initial plunge and build myself a eurorack case and get a system started. I will be going down the eurorack route and planning to base my first case on a doepfer diy powersupply kit (rails etc) is this a good base for my power supply needs? are there any alternatives (i am in UK)?

I have built myself several synth and fx pedal kits in the last couple of years so like the idea of some prebuilt modules but also some self built ones eventually.

Ted2, there are a few good tutorials on soldering on youtube.. as husc says, find yourself a any small "cheap" kit (doesnt need to be audio based)and see how you get on with that. I jumped in head first, only soldered cables before, then bought a x0xb0x kit and built that up.... amazingly it worked and i was hooked on building stuff.. Good luck.

[Ted2]

Yeah, I'm going to try out a cheap kit and then move on to some of the less expensive Blacet modules

[zomnius]

thx4this.

Reading this after just buying some very nice analogue systems modules.

[F/Roho]

The more I read the more confused I get.



I love weird stuff like Make Noise modules...

But I also want a banana jack system for maximum module use, maybe even a mobile setup.
I guess I'll keep on reading and listening to demos and saving up money.

[Miguel]

Hey folks, I just recently discovered this forum and joined last night. This is my first post. Thanks for all of the great info here. I am looking to get into a modular or semi-modular system [currently I use software and virtual analog]. Does anyone here think a semi-modular is a good way to start?

[johnnymayer]

hey there y'all, i've been eating/sleeping/dreaming/scheming modular for over a year now at least.

i feel like i've got a pretty good hold on how everything works, what everything is, etc. (i think i've probably watched 25+ hours of videos/tutorials/etc.)

i'm no stranger to synthesis/noise/sound/oscillators/synths/patches.

i'm planning on going absolutely all out on my first 6U. looking for feedback, advice, etc.



i'm thinking about picking up one of these for a case:
http://bigcitymusic.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_65&pr oducts_id=114

again, thoughts, ideas/comments/etc. are welcomed and appreciated!!!

[MindMachine]

johnnymayer - this same request might serve you better in the Euro section.

[complexmodulations]

Why didn't I look here first?

[falafelbiels]

Did you get it all wrong?

[complexmodulations]

[sauce]

Total noob here. Just ordered my first bits for a eurorack system. This thread was super helpful. I will post pictures when i get it put together!

[quantegy]

Great thread! I wish it went a bit more into DIY power supplies. Is there any information out there, that breaks the technical stuff down for either building your own PSU, or using other PSUs (i.e. PC supplies, etc...) and modifying them to work safely with rack modules? Doepfer is pretty good about laying down information about their power supplies, but what about all other companies? Do they use the same amount of voltage/amperage, etc...? What is the required amount of voltage needed? What's the max current needed? How does one connect a valid PSU to a bus board? Sorry for the inundation of questions, but a lot of this stuff is a complete mystery to me.

[AnalogAndy]

Hi All

excellent thread, im off to crack open the piggy bank, ohhh ok, a little more reading first then...

[trancephormin]

This was helpful

[FortyFive]

This thread is useful IF you know what you want. BUT I DON'T KNOW WHAT I WANT AND ALSO MY CAPS LOCK IS STUCK :(

Its not that I know nothing, but there is so much to know. And because its hardware, you pretty much have to borrow or buy to find out for yourself.

I want to lose all my money on gear, but finding that particular gear is really hard.

Thanks for listening,
B

[Spacey Blurr]

Finally got around to reading this entire thread
Grateful for the insight.

a lot to think about.

Thank you everyone!

Seems like a slippery slope. . .

[Rongos]

Glad I found this!!

[Kent]

[schrickvr6]

Thanks to all the contributors in this thread, cleared up a lot of things for me, modular here I come!

[MegaHercZ]

Great thread !! Thank you!!

I started two months ago with a pittsburgh foundation, and now I'm getting ready to get into my 3rd 8hp rack.

((Addicted)) I think not!

[AsceticUnderground]

Thanks for this thread, just starting to build a eurorack and its been super helpful

[filmersam]

Hi all. Such an awesome thread (and forum). I just purchased a doepfer mini system, looking to expand immediately!

[smonkey]

this thread brought me here and now i will comment on it so i can search the site!

comented!!

[odecahedron]

does anyone know about (or at least where it was previously mentioned cos im certain it was but cant find)... the best fitting ratio of MU to MOTM modules (for a 2 tier cabinet that would have a dedicated row of each format in the one cabinet houseing) and that leaves negligible "leftover"

... i think it was something like 22MOTM to 18MU - but im totally guessing. shall be building a cabinet to do just this soon , keen to get it right b4 cutting shit up so if anyone has done this b4 go ahead and chime in

cheers
Otis

[sandyb]

[odecahedron]

thanks sandyb - EXACTLY what i was trying to find ... in the wrong subforum... shall endeavour to post a pic when the project is finished for reference

[Antony Edward]

Very helpful info for someone planning their first modular system like myself. Thank you and I look forward to my journey!

[eugeniokirk]

awesome thread, thanks in advance!

[Lightfields]

Very helpfull to get started ! Thanks

[jack_death]

Jumping on the "thanks for this" bandwagon, thanks for this!!

[Janus]

This is a superb place for synth enthuses. Thank you Mr Muff.

[tokyojoe]

Excellent info, thanks!

[ZNVLT]

Great info! Can't wait to get started. Thanks!

[muckmires]

Lots of great info. Looking for a modular system to start with, then modularize after that. There are almost TOO many options out there! This seems to be the place to be!

[Dmmavar]

Been hooked on this site for awhile, finally pulled the trigger a few weeks ago on the start of my rig so i registered. Thank in advance for the help down the road.

[nahmean]

Hi all, and thanks for all the advice. Can't wait to start building the modular synth

[skullservant]

Thank you for this!

[Befacosynth]

Sorry if is a little bit Off topic but we are doing workshops in Berlin, Barcelona and Madrid (each moth or each two) For learning how to build Modular synths form scratch. (not any previous knowledge required)
If you are near one of this cities It is a good place to begging a system, and meet some other enthusiast.
Here the thread about it:
http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=71883&start=20&postda ys=0&postorder=asc&highlight=

[Borussen]

Had a quick read through, some very helpful stuff! Shall have to have a proper read tonight. Thanks!

Also, hello all!

[Bash]

Thanks for the info! very helpful!

[xahdrez]

Recently bought a doepfer a100 p6 rack, so this is really helpful as I start working out how to populate it - many thanks!

[shiftingchords]

Great info in this thread! Hoping to set up a small system before the end of the year myself. First posting, Hello everyone!

[huron]

Great starter thread for a n00b like me. Looking forward to building my modular drone rack this summer!

[johnnylonz]

I'm in the process of piecing together the basic components to build my first modular, for now I'm just starting with 1 of each of the basic components (VCO, VCF, EG, VCA) as mentioned at the beginning of the thread. I've decided to use the eurorack format.

I'm wondering, can I just go directly from the VCA on the synth to my mixer or audio interface using a 1/8" to 1/4" cable? Or is there something needed in between?

[Hainbach]

[johnnylonz]

[jhindsight]

[johnnylonz]

[dragulasbruder]

thanks for the starter guide, this has been really helpful in my plotting and buying my first 3U

[space_ghosted]

thanks. this is helpful. getting started tomorrow....now if only I had a better idea of what VCO to start with.

[Helmey]

Hai Guys! Newb to the forum but have been reading for a while. I just completed buying my first 6U to go with my Voyager XL - I'm just waiting for the 4MS module to arrive. Here's a pic of my new rig:



(The A151 is really cool and turns the Pressure Points/Brains into a 12-step sequencer.)

Here is what it goes with:

[JohnLRice]

[Helmey]

[horizens]

Thank you for this resource. I'm about to take the plunge and I've learned a lot from this thread.