How about a SynthTech MOTM system…
One of their fine filters is a MS-20 clone. I have one. It does have a HP mode and sounds fantastic. The MOTM 440 and 480 filters are really great too.
http://synthtech.com/motm420.html
I have over 20 MOTM modules. Really fantastic stuff. I was never a “keyboard player” but always dug synth sounds. I guess I play synths now…
Yeah, I agree, I don’t know why they don’t put some cleaner samples on the web site to give some idea of it’s range. But, in my short experience of playing one, I found that it was perfectly capable of good clean filtering as well. It does lean towards taking a “hot” signal, but this can be tamed with the input gain.
It’s an awesome filter, and it’s really almost like a mini modular (with envs, env follower, I think maybe pitch following, cross modulation, VCA, etc.), just without audio oscillators.
But that’s the weird thing about it to me, it has too many functions without giving you the full capabilities of real modules. Plus I have many of the functions of the Sherman in other equipment I already own. I don’t like having so many redundant peices of equipment… how many many envelope followers do I need? So, for my needs, I’d rather it was just a dual filter (and cost less).
So, again, I think I’m gravitaing toward real modules that I can pick and choose per my need.
Can’t you control your MF101 and your Dot Com from the same controllers? I thought the voltage levels were more/less compatable? My 101 seems to track right around 1 volt per octave.
I’ve mainly been looking at three different modular companies, and thinking I’ll probably start with 4 or 5 modules and a small power supply. I think maybe I might build a small wood or tolex carring case to house the modules. But I was also thinking of possibly taking the PCB out of my 101 and putting it behind a blank module panel (drilling holes for the pots and jacks, etc.). This way I could have everything together in one enclosure. But then, it would need it’s own seperate power supply, might require some dissasembling, etc. I’m probably better off leaving the 101 alone…
You know, I don’t understand why MOTM made their MS20 clone the way they did-- with a switch to choose between HP and LP response. To me, alot of the great sound of the MS20 is from having 2 filters with individual resonance in sequence and the band pass qualities that result. Maybe you need 2 of these clone modules to get there.
I definitely like how MOTM offers alot of choices for filters. But I’m probably leaning towards the Dot Com because it’s so much less expensive.
yes, but not the “same”
one problem I run into is simply the reso is completly different on both filters. I like to run it right on the edge, and have it come in and out- with out the “Screaming” sound too much, [or as my non modular friends say- “it sounds like lasers”] With the multi output on the state variable- I can use both the HP and the LP at the same time, throw each to a different pan setting- and have the same reso. [the .com starts to really get sharp around 5 [though not self oscillating at that point] , while the moog dosn’t hit that break till about 7 on the dial, and neither follow the same curve to my ears]. I know with enough tweaking- i could potentially line these up.
I understand that MOTM is a bit more expensive but it’s SO worth it as far as built quality goes.
The .com stuff is just flimsy to me. I’ve looked at the back of them and I just see problems for the future. Open pots!
This is interesting, because I haven’t had the opportunity to play either one.
Do you have any opinions on how they compare soundwise?
I have only spent real time with the .com sequencer and as a function generator it was fine. The afternoon I used the .com modular using VCF’s, VCO’s EG’s etc… I enjoyed them but I wasn’t so excited.
I have all the MOTM filters. Fantastic and rich sounding.
.com is more of a traditional Moog Modular system
while MOTM gives you many more options beyond the classic. I also have converted Blacet modules to MOTM spec.
from .com. I was worried about the pots originally, since I heard they were open [almost made me want to go another place…, but they will back them up for you if somethign goes wrong..
" We use open frame pots because we do not believe that using industrial grade sealed pots can be justified by the cost. We have 30-year old equipment with open frame pots that are not scratchy, and we have 30 year old equipment with sealed pots that do. Open frame pots can be cleaned if needed, sealed can not. If you have a scratchy pot in 10 years, send it to me and I’ll replace it for FREE. If you must have modules with industrial grade sealed pots, please consider Synthesis Technology If you are not happy with any of our products, please return them - see our policy. "
Yeah, I don’t think the open frame pots are especially “cheap” or particularly unreliable. I believe they’re just normal pots (as oppossed to industrial/military grade pots), and are the same kind as used in Moogerfoogers, MiniMoog, etc…
They may be less reliable than the super military grade pots in the MOTM, but they’re probably fine for use in studio equipment.
By the way, I posted earlier about Moog Custom Engineering/Modusonics in Buffalo NY; but it occured to me that I also called the Brit company that makes the Mutator Modusonics. But the Brit company is actually called Mutronics, I think. Confusing… There was also that company in the 70s called Musitronics that made the greart Mutron effects line.
But back to modular synths:
Does anyone here have any experience with the Moog C.E./ Modusonics Moog Modules? If cost wasn’t a factor, I think I’d go with Modusonics’ Moog modules that would integrate perfectly (S-trig, etc.) with my other vintage Moog equipment.
Then again, if cost wasn’t a factor, there would be Buchla, EMS, or Arp 2500 come to think of…
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Eric,
I’m a big fan of the MS-20 filter sound also. Don’t rule out the Frostwave even if you’re going modular.
It’ll work with any modular system (you might want to put an attenuator on the CV ins) and with the MoogerFoogers as well. Lately I’ve been putting it after a Juno-1 and working the cutoff frequencies with a pedal and CP-251. It sounds awesome!