I own a few foogers and I have just purchased the entry level system from synthesizers.com. I’ve asked this before but I cannot find the post for the life of me. Does anyone have any suggestions for books (not forums or posts or threads, not trying to sound picky or snotty but I just absorb books better) which would introduce me to the basics of analog synthesis? Like I said I own a few foogers so I know the basics, I’d just like to have a few reference books. Also, could anyone suggest any books that teach HOW the individual circuitry of a given module works? Thanks!!!
Interesting side note, my aunt informed me that her best friend is none other than the daughter of Bob Moog, and she has agreed to meet with me so I can check out some of his personal effects, very cool, hopefully I can make a video and post it.
Actually the manual for Logic Pro has a very good chapter about synthesis.
I have the book Power Tools For Synthesizer Programming. Haven’t fully read it, but it might be of interest.
Be sure to tell us about how it was shipped and the quality of the componants (Im sure everything was pristine, as I coudl tell just from opening the rack frame that I ordered the packing was legendary.
First of all, congratulations; that’s quite a plunge. I was going to start my own Synth.com rack this past month by choosing modules that Moog didn’t make like the instrument interface, tub reverb, and some others (I already have a Phatty and a Voyager Old School) but ultimately, I blew my cash on a set of Taurus pedals instead… so maybe next time.
Some good suggestions above but I would also add that the manuals from the Voyager keyboards have a section on basic analog (subtractive) synthesis.
There are a bunch of books out there but I haven’t had the opportunity to read any of them. One of the motivations for me of buying the Old School (besides the lower cost) is that it forced me to learn (the old fashioned way) vs. just monkeying around the hundreds of presets.
Foogers are indeed a great start and I got my hands on the FreqBox, MurF and LowPass filter to compliment my Moog synths and Bass rig.
You should also get your hands on the Welsh book of Analog patches as Eric mentions above as it is applicable universally. It takes a bit of work to translate the somewhat generic form to the synth that you are ‘programming’ but you’ll be amazed by how natural sounding the patches are and also learn how to tweak your own synth (your modular in this case) to sound even better. If you click on the link that Eric provided you can grab the Cookbook sample pdf which includes his introduction which is very informative and a few sample patches. Gold !!
Post a picture after you get it all together. Though a Moog forum, we’re all into this stuff and since Moog no longer manufactures modular gear, the Synth.com products are a damn good fill-in.
The books used in one of my electronic music classes at university included: Electronic Music: Systems, Techniques and Controls by Allen Strange and The Technique of Electronic Music by Thomas Wells/Eric S. Vogel. Check out the Amazon description of these gems as they are out of print but still available as used or pdf. I still have them in my library and consider them a great reference from 36 years ago. We worked mainly with Moogs, ARPs, EMLs and EMS (Putney). http://www.amazon.com/Electronic-Music-Systems-Techniques-Controls/dp/0697036022
I think that Wendy Carlos has a CD out called “Secrets of Synthesis”. I haven’t heard this but I have heard that it is supposed to be very informative.
The Moog Modular Owners Manual by Dan Wyman would be a good choice. If you can track down Mike Bucki from Modusonics (MoogCE), he might still have a copy to sell you. If not, I see copies on eBay from time to time–keep your eyes peeled!
Thanks to all, just bought a few mentioned here, including the “Analog Synthesizers” one. I’ll be sure to post pictures, however it’d be like showing off an 86 honda civic at a hotrod convention. Not to say .com synths are bad, but compared to what I’ve seen on here, haha, won’t be much to look at. Thanks for all the help.
regaurdless of how big it is we still like to stare and ooh and ahh and think of what we create with it. Remember, its not the size of your modular that counts, its what you do with it. congrats though on the synth. I’ve been contemplating buying/building a case and powersupply and VERY gradually adding modules.
