Muff's Modules & More

[Orbit]

Hi all,

I hope you are well. I am currently firming up my start into the Serge modular system. My initial view was to begin with the Animoo/TKB combo.

I am very much interested to hear what you all think is an ideal way to begin your journey into Serge. This first decision is key, as will probably be the instrument I continue to play with for the upcoming 6-9 months.

God Bless and many thanks in advance.

[cebec]

I think that's a fine combination and system. There's much to explore and you can become proficient with the TKB before the system grows any further.

[Orbit]

[cebec]

In my opinion, the Animal/Animoo is a great entry point but it is not the smallest.

The Creature or Critter would be the smallest start. If you got the Critter and later, an Animoo, you would not have as much overlap as Creature/Animoo. However, the VCFQ and SSG are awesome, multi-faceted modules so having multiples is less of a concern.

[vibralux]

That is a very good starter combo - heck - its a even a really nice final destination combo that will keep You busy for years. I have Animoo and TKB plus two additional m panels (Audio in and Klangzeit) and I feel its too much sometimes
Those two panels could be a self contained system and You could expand on those very nicely once You get the idea - and those panels give You a really good idea of what serge system is essentialy. I would no go for anything smaller. Shure You can start with creature plus critter but there is nothing like a nice full bodied panel

[hbookbinder]

Welcome, Orbit!

Can you explain a little bit about why you're going for that particular combo, i.e. why a sequencer panel and not something geared toward audio processing, like an Animate? Why a TKB and not a Sequencer panel?

[Orbit]

Thank you so much for your efficient responses and kind help. I have been a long time lurker and was quite nervous about posting. I am no where near as competent in this respect as 99% of you Guys/Gals.

--My experience in modular synthesis stems from my father - who owned Moog/EMS modulars among other subtractive synths.

--I have used a hand me down Doepfer and the dream was always a Serge.

--This is the first time in my life I have the funds to live the dream. My initial plan was to purchase the TKB ANIMOO. After confirming costs and charges it was a little out of budget. As such I hope to discuss alternative starting points with Rex and hoped for some good advice.

--I am often intimidated by the tech speak - My passion is making music and have a basic understanding of signal flow. Half the fun is the learning experience.

-- Many have argued that because i am not overtly technichal that i shouldnt go the modular route - I say do what your heart tells you .

God Bless

[Orbit]

[hbookbinder]

[Orbit]

[sersch]

Welcome! The Animal is a great start, it was my first panel as well.

[PF]

I was in the same situation some time ago, i started out with a creature and xpanded with a blue voice and a cv1 panel seconds after buying the creature, my Serge stuff is on the way over atlantic water as i write this.
My first thinking was what i was going to do for kind of music, experemental, noise, electronica, im into electronic noise industrial stuff so i think this is a good start setup for me, im going to add one animal, EQ M-Module and sequencer panel.......

[sascha.victoria]

I'd read this thread:


http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=53361&highlight=two+p anel+serge

[richard]

the TKB is a funny one. I use it but I sometimes wonder if I really need it. Rastko's use of it is more fundamental to his patches. But an Animal is enough sound to be getting on with so I wouldn't get another audio panel to start with. Sequencer A and Gator might be another interesting approach to sequencing, or of course the sequencer panel.

[Bricks]

The best advice I can offer is to give yourself time before trying to expand. Use your small system for several months before starting to scheme expansion. Challenge yourself to find every nook and cranny of possibility from your small system, because with a "west coast" banana system, that goes a long way

[drewskee]

This is like asking what is the best way to sample ice cream!

I have found that a Creature and Mayhem to be an exceptional set up for random kind of things; Random Source, two Smooth Stepped, Three Transient Generators etc. However, you don't get Wave Multiplier or "real" oscillators.

An Animal and TKB is an EXTREMELY powerful combination but (in my mind) the TKB is more for those that want to "play" their Serge and interact with it as one would a piano or guitar....a physical input/excitation device...along with killer Sequencer functions etc.

For self-running patches where you set things in motion via triggers or clocks within the patch I would think something other than a TKB would be a better choice giving you additional functionality.

A Mayhem or SEQ A module along with a WAD and an Animal would make for an astoundingly powerful two panel system. The basics missing from just an Animal, again...in my mind, is a true Random Source, Ring Mod (Animoo?) and CV mixing and maybe a dedicated VCA. I also find the Divide by N or even the VCA/Comparator in the Mayhem to be extremely valuable. More Transient Generators or Smooth/Stepped are NEVER a bad thing either.

My .32 cents

[sersch]

It is my understanding that you are looking for ways to cut costs without compromising the sonic experience.

So my first recommendation is: Wait with the TKB.

My second recommendation: Ask yourself if you really, really need a ring modulator. If you are 100% sure you'll never need it, get the ANIMAL for the most cost effective & complete start into Serge territory, play it, then see if you need a TKB or perhaps something else.

But if you need a ring modulator, or are even unsure if you need one, get the ANIMOO. For less than 10% increase compared to the ANIMAL price, you get a small version of the RING (still sounding as good as the full version).

Because if you start with the ANIMAL and later decide you want a RING, your choices are limited and costly: the cheapest being the WAVE PROCESSOR (w/full RING version) for $2k. The other options to get a RING are even more expensive (SOUP KITCHEN 2 or BLUE VOICE).

Regarding the TKB: It was my second panel. I replaced it with 2 M-Class modules (SQP and DUAL ADSR) and find these to be way more useful.

[Orbit]

[Orbit]

[Orbit]