Tips for building a modular?

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So I’ve decided with extra funds via graduation (after a few other costs) I will begin building a modular synth. I realized I wouldn’t want to be limited by a Moog or ARP that I could afford right now. I really enjoy patching and understand synthesis pretty well.

I’ve decided to go with DotCom because of the affordability, as well as the very versatile oscillator (with a ramp wave, no inverting a sawtooth neccessary for awesome LFOs!). I think I would also get an STG ARP 4072 filter, since they are size and power compatible with the DotCom modules.

I would like you more experienced folks to help me out by letting me know what I should get here at the beginning, or tips for my system. Right off the bat I have the Mf-102 Ring Mod and CP-251. So thats already ring mod, 2x lfos, 2 attenuators/inverters, S&H, white noise, mixer, mult, lag processor, and a triangle-like vco

I’m thinking I need a VCO, a VCF, an ADSR and a VCA. I was just reading a thread however, about using my the Ring Mod as a vca. I think for affordabilty purposes I will need to get a midi-to-cv module to use a midi keyboard. (very sacreligous, but its just where I’m at).

Additionally, I would need a power module and a cabinet, but a cabinet could easily be made with some help. There is an effective power module that lets you use up to 8 modules from a wall-wart type plug.

Should I at this time skip out on the VCA and use my ring mod? What about the envelope generator? I think I could use the lag processor as an AR? Portamento is also critical, but I can’t get a slew limiter right now, would using one part of the lag processor (i.e. only the rise with the fall at 0) deliver the same portamento? Those uses wouldn’t be able to overlap though, obviously.

My end goal is a completely independent system, but for now it will need to borrow some functions from my Moog gear. The grand finale will be integrating a pitch to voltage coverter module, perhaps from Analogue Solutions (systems? not sure off the top of my head). My main instrument is guitar and I want to play sick lead synth solos. For now, a keyboard instrument is its main purpose though.

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I think that the basic starter package would be a good way to go. Either that, or their rack mount unit. You DID want to be able to expand your system over time, right? You could save money by using your 'Foogers instead of buying modules, but what if you want to use your 'Foogers for something else, while they are playing menial roles in a modular setup? I dunno. I know I’d get the basic starter’s package for $120 a monthx12 months…in fact, I’ll end up with TWO of those when my setup’s complete. Full cabinets, even.

That’s just me. I’ll also double, maybe even triple up on 'Foogers just to make sure I have enough to go around. :sunglasses:

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What you figured out is correct VCO, a VCF, an ADSR and a VCA plus a means of generating a CV and a gate.

Though some people start a modular these days as a system for processing and then fill it out into a more complete synth.

Take a look at small modular systems or your favorite monosynth to figure out a basic setup.

After the bare minimum of the VCO, VCF, ADSR & VCA, you usually add the LFO (which you are covered for as well as the other CP functions). Then a noise source is useful as well as a second VCO and second ADSR

I don’t have the Moogerfooger Ring Mod, has anyone tested it in specific for use as a VCA?

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consider a voyager old school…especially if you’re talking live performances with a band. much easier to transport, set up and ‘patch’ on the fly…set it on an x-stand on stage, plug into the PA and you’re ready. playing a modular live in a band situation…transport more complicated, setup: you need a stand for the controller, and another for the cabinet…and don’t forget your patch cable stand!

my main instrument is guitar, too. my dotcom modular stays in the studio, where i can play mad scientist creating and recording sequences and crazy sound effects, bass lines, too. for fat lead playing, though, i reach for my voyager OS.

my $0.02

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If you are looking for “sick leads” then I don’t think you need a modular for that.

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I would need a modular to play sick synth leads, because I want to play them via guitar with a pitch-to-voltage converter module eventually. Either that or the ARP avatar & hex pickup, or the EMS converter, both very expensive compared to putting together a modular.

The problem with getting a prepatched synth like a Minimoog is that I don’t have $2,500+ at any one time to spend on my “2nd” instrument. Carrying around a modular to shows isn’t a tough task, with my old keyboard player of the past couple years we’d take his B3 and sometimes 2 leslies, plus a suitcase rhodes.

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MarbledMoog, Synths.com has a module that allows you to process instruments through the modular. It’s not a pitch to CV, but it may be more of what you’re looking for. Also, the MF-107 might be something for you to check out. :wink:

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analogue solutions has a pitch to cv converter that I plan to integrate as my system becomes more complete. If I just wanted an evelope follower-type dealio I would have gotten the MF-101 a long time ago!

Voltor, would you want to explain why the Mf-107 might be good for me? From what I’ve heard (demos and stuff) it doesn’t seem to do what I’m interested in.

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True, it my not be much on it’s own, but put before a filter and after a 103 phaser, it would be tame enough to be useful…IMHO, of course.

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I have a very basic Dot Com system started.
I use the wall wart power supply. (QPS2)
It works well with my Moog gear.

One thing to consider is that the Moog RM has a Carrier Out that can be used as an audio source. (something I’ve done quite often)
If you feel you need a VCF, the MF-101 is very nice.


some people start a modular these days as a system for processing and then fill it out into a more complete synth.

I started this way. Processing power is really where it is at.

I think having dedicated VCA’s is very important. Something envelope controlled that is triggered by a gate signal is really the best bet. (the Moog RM will not do this… I believe)

I have 3 CP-251’s as well as the XV-251 for the Voyager. I think they are wonderful pieces. Great possibilities.

I love the MF-107… I use it as an oscillator and processor at the same time!!!

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I have 5 moogerfoogers and cp 251, and I decided to go the dot com entry system route. I have the oscillator up and running. I’'ve been using the sherman filter adsr to shape the vca. The entry system makes sense though, its 120 a month although I’ve been paying 3 months at a time. I figure its something I can keep building. I may even sell other gear for the modular stuff. I will not be selling any moog stuff though. I went the dot com route because it plays nice with moog. anyway, i don’t think the entry system is a bad way to start. I can’t wait to get it complete and start picking other random modules up. Its nice to integrate the foogers and sherman into though.

mf 101,mf 102, mf 104, mf 105, mf 107, cp 251, Moog LP, dot com entry system

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would I be able to have the keyboard track the RM’s oscillator? I thought it would be do-able but I wanted fat pulse waves…all in time I suppose.

I guess there’s no corner-cutting on this one, at minimum I’ll need the midi-to-cv converter, vco, vcf, adsr and vca. Might take a little while longer now.

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" started this way. Processing power is really where it is at. "

+1 on processign power

make sure you get one, if not 2 instrument interfaces. they can be used to bridge the moog .com voltage gap, and they also are great for plugging your guitar in :slight_smile:

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Here is the Arrick system I’m planning on ordering. Just depends on how my job status is by next month. (If I make it through next month, I’m golden.)

Plenty of processing power, especially with my foogers and v’ger.

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That will be a cool system! :sunglasses:

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That will be an incredible system. I myself plan on two entry-level boxes completely full of modules…some custom, and the rest .com. :smiley:

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Lot’s of great advice here and frankly, I would just repeat most of it. I am considering building a modular system myself. I would love to go with .com because it plays well with foogers (I have 4 and a CP-251 - all rack mounted with single power supply). However, I am probably going with a Eurorack system because they have the most modules for this and I am an experimental composer so I tend to want out of the ordinary things from my equipment and I like vactrols (i.e. Buchla), I like them a lot. I almost blew my amp with the foogers the other day (and my eardrums - ouch!).

Anyway, for what its worth I tend to espouse some advice that I have found to be very useful. Most people start with technical stuff. It’s like the guy who is building a car engine talking about horse power and spark plugs and timing, ect. Important when you want acceleration but music is different. It’s art so start from the music. What do you want to do with the modular? How will it fit into your music. Then, build the system you need to do that. With a modular you can always add on so get what you need first and then add.

As for me, I am gluing speakers to PVC pipes and making my own vactrol gates and am even speaking to an electrical engineer about op amps so what I would do with modules is not a good example given my propensity for soldering irons.

If you ever have the money, the Voyager also sounds like a good match perhaps you could find one on E-Bay for cheap. Just a thought.

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i’m always flattered to be considered for someone’s cabinet.

it seems there’s a couple of people here in this thread who live near me, relatively speaking. if anyone is in the area and needs facetime with a modular, i maintain one here and you just need to get a hold of me and you can drop by and play with it.

i would seriously consider a Boss WP20G Wave Processor pedal.

run that through the Synthesizers.com Q118 Instrument Interface to extract a gate and get it up to levels, and you’ve got quite a guitar synth with that modular.

i’ve got a GR-300 here, and i love it, but if i were a guitarist i’d probably go with that route. probably add an Eventide or something into the mix too. but i can be excessive i guess …

that’s the spirit. i maintain a fleet of Hammonds and Leslies, in addition to my electronic rig. using the real thing is not only rewarding but much simpler than some people make it out to be.