Modular bits to add to Voyager

[LivePsy]

Resisting urge to have a complete modular system, well trying anyway. Soooo, wondering how far to go with a modular system which adds to the Voyager+CP+VX without replacing it. Stuff which sounds like fun-

LFOs especially ramp up and down (although MP-201 is pretty good)
Ring mod
OSCs for audio freq modulation of anything
Bp and Hp filters, maybe feed Voyager pre mixer OSCs to a modular VCF, VCA chain

Anyone gone this route? Ideas?

Regards B

[David Smyth]

Hey there,

I don't have a Voyager, but I do have a 3-Phatty Poly Chain with dual CP-251's. I'm starting to add some modules to add new capabilities, so in that way we're similar.

Two days ago I got a MF-102 Ring Modulator, which I'm still exploring, but so far it's allowing me to create some pretty cool and different sounds (it also gives you an extra triangle/square LFO out for your setup, and you can actually tune the carrier oscillator to track your keyboard as an extra oscillator). I'm also waiting on an order for a MF-104m Analog Delay, which will take over most of the delay duties from my digital delay (plus it has CV connectability). Those are the two Moogerfoogers that immediately interest me (and perhaps the Murf), although they're not in an actual modular format which can be annoying, but also versatile for taking one to a gig or whatever.

The other main function I feel is missing from my current setup is a sequencer. I'd like a nice 5U sequencer at some point, such as the synthesizers.com Q960 and it's support modules Q961, Q962 & Q963. The recently released Box11 Desktop Cabinet System seems perfect for housing this sequencer setup, as one Box11 frame holds 11 spaces (perfectly fitting the Q960-Q963 modules) and includes two built-in four-way multiples.

I like your idea of different filter types, as Moog is quite concentrated on the Low Pass sound. I may have to look into this!

Regards,
David Smyth
NZ

[EricK]

The first thing you can do is figure out what format appeals to you. I prefer MU so I intitially started this post assuming you wanted that format, but here is a link to give you more info about formats:
http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13
You will find that forum is pretty much the place where modular owners hang out.



I have this about to be joined with some other goodies, minus two foogers not pictured.


What you can do is contact a forum member Christopher Winkels, who sells $78 dollar cabinets (while supplies last) and get this 14U cabinet and get the .com Qps2 for $125 and start that way if MU is the format you are interested in.You can also get the $65 dollar rack frame from dotcom and a tabletop rack for another 45 bucks, but I'd lean to the cabinet because it's cheaper.
http://amherstdesign.wordpress.com/


Here are a few items to wet your whistle and make your wallet cry.

Synthetic Sound Labs has a quad LFO $245 (remember the CP's lag processor can change the rise/fall of these)

http://www.steamsynth.com/m_QuadLFO.aspx

Double Deka VCO (I think $550)


VCO $265


Moon VC Envelope Generator $300

http://noisebug.net/site/effects/index.cfm?ID=158


Dotcom Fixed Filter Bank $315


Stgsoundlabs Mankato Filter $395

http://stgsoundlabs.com/products/mankato_filter_mu.htm

If you are handy with a soldering iron you can go to bridechamber.com and buy a lot of MOTM kits a lot cheaper than assembled modules.

Heres a ringmod/dual vca ($190 kit $310 assembled module)

http://bridechamber.com/MOTM_190.html


All of these I think use the .com power supply connectors or you can get an adapter. Good luck trying not to get a complete system! Modules are crack.

Eric

[LivePsy]

Thanks for the graphic details, Erik. Your earlier posts on moduar patching pushed me to do something at last.

I do want to go MU. I could get Eurorack from several suppliers in Australia and I'm sure its more practical, but a picture of a dotcom system and I know what I want. Actually, kits sound perfect. Not really interested in the Fooger units as modules, too much space and unnecessary wall warts. I already have the 105 and 103 which work for me as versatile effect units.

It doesn't have to be a complete instrument, because I have the Voyager as a super stable KBD+VCO+VCF+VCA. The modular bits are for the weird things.

Ah well, more reading. Definitely going to look into kit modules and a functional case which is local to Australia or isn't 50% shipping costs.

Thanks All!
B

[EricK]

No problem, though that thread got to a point where I could no longer respond lol.
http://www.synthesizers.com/diycabinet.html

Congrats on finally deciding to make the plunge. EMWhite actually has used his Voyager quite extensively as a supplement to his modules. I think his modules have become more independent though...they have a tendency to do that.

Glad I could be of help, but I think they provided far greater insight than I did!

[LivePsy]

OMG Pittsburgh Foundation...

Big knobs for those who would keep clear of Eurorack. I can see it as both self contained and expanding the Voyager.

On the bad side: Juggling 1/4" and 1/8" plugs with the Voyager. Its silver. Going Eurorack when I said I wouldn't

I will take a headache tablet and see if the pain persists in a few hours.

Cheers,
B

[EricK]

That looks like a cool system.
See how this is evolving? You initially sought a few supplemental modules, now you are after a whole system. You should probably just go and get a bigger case with room to expand.

If only the Pittsburgh Foundation was an addiction clinic...


I need about 4 more sequencers.

[LivePsy]

There's a lot of big decisions to make. MU vs Eurorack. Prebuilt system vs. mix'n'match. Complete modular vs. add-on modules for a Voyager. Biggest one right now is the format. Can't find anyone in Australia who supplies major MU systems, just a few boutique modules. But Eurorack is easily available. I already have a Dark Energy which is being fun with the Voyager and is already Eurorack. One thing I ought to do is draw up MU and euro front panel of goodies and see how big this thing is going to get.

I'm not that interested in analog sequencers because I have no aversion to MIDI. Sequencing may be done with a Machine Drum which can trigger a note and several CC's on each step. Analog seems scary in comparison since you can never exactly recreate a sequence, although I get that non-reproducable results is the attraction. One thing I learnt last week is ALWAYS RECORD when you are experimenting. There are some sweet spots which jump out at you and recreating it may never happen again.

What's the purpose for me? I have enough things which play a vast range of sounds and all in perfect pitch with a conventional keyboard (Virus, Kronos and a lot of things hidden in the closet). I want something less connected to piano lessons and more like a few sound generators and an oscilloscope on a lab bench.

Regards,
B

[EricK]

http://www.cgs.synth.net/

I think they are in Oz.

[starkaudio]

One bit of advice if you start mixing Eurorack with Moog gear, one of the euro modules you should invest in is a good attenuator/inverter/offset generator like the Synovatron CVTools since the "standard" for voltages in euro is hardly a standard at all and you may find yourself wanting to limit or bump or offset any control signals feeding into your Moog gear. That particular module (or others like it) will save you a LOT of headaches.

While I don't yet have a Voyager, I've been mixing my Minitaur with my euro modular for a week or two and have been using the CVTools a great deal. Just my two cents. Have fun!

-L

[LivePsy]

http://www.cgs.synth.net/

I think they are in Oz.

Yes indeed. elby-designs.com sells them. Not in my state, but definitely doable. Completely forgot about those. And the mythical International 4600 DIY synth which was too ambitious for anyone to build. Worth the read for me because I lusted after analog gear back them too and read the International articles over and over again

So this is me returning to my first love, not discovering analog for the first time.

Regards,
B

[LivePsy]

One bit of advice if you start mixing Eurorack with Moog gear, one of the euro modules you should invest in is a good attenuator/inverter/offset generator like the Synovatron CVTools since the "standard" for voltages in euro is hardly a standard at all and you may find yourself wanting to limit or bump or offset any control signals feeding into your Moog gear. That particular module (or others like it) will save you a LOT of headaches.

While I don't yet have a Voyager, I've been mixing my Minitaur with my euro modular for a week or two and have been using the CVTools a great deal. Just my two cents. Have fun!

-L

I have the CP-251, so I expecting all my attentuating, inverting and offsetting needs will be met, but its a good thought. Might need to make sure I have enough!

Thanks,
B

[starkaudio]

I have the CP-251, so I expecting all my attentuating, inverting and offsetting needs will be met, but its a good thought. Might need to make sure I have enough!

*Nod nod*, I'm just pointing out that you may want *more*, and space/cost of another CP might be an issue. I look forward to hearing what sort of sounds you cook up. Be sure to share!

[EricK]

Sorry for the poor quality.

[LivePsy]

New cabinet? Very nice!

I'm experimenting with an external oscillator into the Voyager pitch input and I gotta say its ugly. Sounds muddy. Modulating freqs above a few kHz get filtered out so a sweep from low to high from an external oscillator flattens out to no modulation above a certain pitch. Having heard amazing examples of FM from Buchla and zeroscillator, this is not a good start. I'm thinking that the analog system should stand alone for itself and not interface with the Voyager.

Therefore I am now free to go any format and plug size. Lots to read still...