i’ve never used any modular systems before, but after reading more about them here and on other websites, i’m definately intrigued. First question, could I use my Moog Source as a controller for a modular set-up? (for a non-moog modular)? also, what brands do you recommend for modular systems now a days? I think i saw someone diss synthesizers.com, is their stuff junky? What’s good? thanks
You might use the CV and gat out of most synths to controll a modular.
Synthesizers.com is a nice system. But there are a few others acailable. The Doepfer is one of the well known and afforable ones. I don’t think discussing the pro and cons of each ststem is on-topic for this Moog forum.
The S-trigger out on the Source won’t work on most new modular systems. There’s a few devices out there that can convert it, and there’s a DIY solution on the Blacet site:
i am building a synthesizers.com modular system, and i think it’s great. nothing cheap about it at all. i have a minimoog and several others, and i think the synthesizers.com sounds just as good. i think the prices of all the other systems these days are out of controll, but then i’m 21 years out and don’t make that much money.
thanks for your thoughts guys. i hope you’ll keep them coming, i know discussing other brands may be somewhat off-topic or not-cool. but moog doesnt offer modular products anymore, so i dont think it’s really hurting their business to discuss other modulars. i could probably look to other non-brand run synth forums, but this is actually the only one i frequent.
I have a Doepfer system which is excellent in terms of sound, flexibility, size and cost. I wanted a Synthesizers.com originally as (to me anyway) it LOOKED the most like the Moog Modular I really wanted.
I would warn anyone to think seriously about what they want a modular for before spending the cash though. I now realise I was in love with the IDEA of a modular, rather than the reality.
When I look back to all the synths I really wanted and eventually got (from Oddyssey, OSCar, Polymoog, etc through to Nord L2, Andromeda, Supernova, Voyager etc) they shared something in common - when I got them, I used (and use) them with gusto.
On the other hand, I have a Doepfer system and a full Technosaurus mini-monster system (Microcon 1, Microcon 2, Cyclodon and Effexon thingy) that I built up over years that I have never really used in anger.
Quick simply, my brain and my patience level are not up to going through the logical steps of planning, patching and perfecting a modular patch. I’m sure others are (I know many) but I simply am not, and with hindsight a second Voyager or another old analogue would have been a much better option for me in terms of actually using and playing.
The Voyager is perfect for me - hugely tactile and quick enough results (I don’t do complex routings etc - front panel only!!!).
Try and spend a day with any modular if you can, then decide. They are a specialist tool.
Best of Luck
In another message here about modular systems, I suggested playing with the Arturia Moog Modular V software demo, available on Arturia’s web site. The software creates a pretty accurate Moog modular synth, and should be sufficient to give anyone a taste of the modular life.
Also don’t forget the Voyager/CP-251/VX-351 combo - it provides a ‘semi-modular’ configuration for much less of an investment than a true modular system will cost. Could be a reasonable place for you to start.
Greg
you know…when i started my system all i had was one oscillator, a filter, envelope generator, and amplifier. that’s all you need to get started, and you can get all that from synthesizers.com for about $500. that way, you arn’t in too deep if you decide you don’t like modular gear, you can seel it all off on ebay and not lose too much money. but, in my experience, by the time you want to, or feel you need to make the jump to a modular set up, you are usually ready for it.
When I was thinking about purchasing a modular, I took a very knowledgable buddy out to lunch to ask him about the pros and cons of different systems (he has had them all–and has a big MOTM system),
My personal style is more about playing the music, rather than coming up with new and different patches. Because of this, my friend recommended the same thing that GregAE does above.
As I said, my friend has had them all, and is also a tech who can build and repair anything. His favorite is his Voyager. He believes that the Voyager is built far better than most out there.
Add different Moogerfoogers to the above set up and you have the beginning of a pretty nice modular. You can always add a cabinet of dot com modules to keep it expanding.
I also like the idea of a big modular. I have wanted a Moog modular since I was about 20 years old (50 now). In reality though, I don’t know how happy I would be with one since it is still basically monophonic, and you have to really work at it to come up with good sounds. Very versatile, but I would rather get on with making the tune…
Trying one out for a while is a great recommendation, too. I would love to play with one for a week or so.
I tried the Modular V virtual but got tired of switching from one screen to the next.
Actually, my next synth will be something polyphonic. Would love a Memorymoog but can’t afford the Lintronics version and I’m afraid that I would be repairing a vintage one a lot. I am NOT a tech, so that can be expensive. Most probably an Evolver or an Andromeda is in my future.
Good luck on your search.
Using an analog synthesizer is a labor of love. So many people regard analog synthesizers from a digital synthesizer aspect.
“They don’t stay in tune.” “I can’t sequence with them.” “They are unpredictable.”
This is largely true because the current generation of synthesizer users are either people who don’t remember what analog synthesizers were like, or people who were around then, but were frustrated because they expected analog synthesizers to be more than they were.
So, it’s always surprising to me when people who use primarily digital synthesizers want an analog synth. It’s like being part of a club, or having a status symbol… more than seeking a tool for what it is or does.
The idea of a modular synth, due to it’s history and appearance, is desireable to many synthesizer users, but as was stated, the reality is something different.
Simply because a person likes synthesizers in no way necessarily means they’re going to enjoy using an analog synthesizer, let ALONE a modular.
It’s a little like believing because you like your PT Cruiser that you would enjoy a Model A, or something.
Using a modular is not convenient, it’s not easy, and it’s really not for anyone but someone who enjoys a lot of work for a possibly simple outcome. I personally believe that modulars are for people who revel in the process of routing an analog synthesizer, or people who have VERY complex sound design needs.
Modular synthesis requires a lot more knowledge and skll than operating an analog synth. WAY more than if you’re a person who just likes presets on a modern analog modeler.
They are really a scientific device. They take a lot of effort to understand, use, and control. They take a lot of time… they are only as powerful as the user… it is not immediate gratification by any stretch of the imagination… and what is worse for most… people probably won’t know you’re even using a modular.
It’s really an aesthetic choice for many… most like driving a Model A.
If you want a modular because it is the abstract “top of the line,” you’re likely to be disappointed. If you really like the history of synthesizers and desire a tool that is both exceedingly powerful and horribly limited (if you’re comparing to modern synthesizers), you might enjoy it.
Greg is right. The Moog Modular V gives you an idea (although a minature view) of what modular entails. I personally love that software, and have found it invaluable in teaching me the ins and outs of basic modular synthesis.
For live performance I would think a modular system would be a bit cumbersome. In the studio it would be an outstanding tool.
Serge Modular. Period.
MOTM!
RIP Larry and Anne Hendry