Moog Music Forum

I am a noob to modular although not to synthesizers (I have several including a Sub 37.) I recently purchased a Mom to start a modular rack. My questions, and I'll make them simple; are about how to best utilize what the Mom already has.

1 - For example - so far I have purchased one module, a DSI Curtis filter. I always wondered what the combo of the Moog ladder and the Curtis would be like. Should I just patch VCA out from the Mom to audio in on the Curtis? Or would some other way be better?

2 - can I set up a VCO,filter and VCA directly after the Mother-32? Or should I concentrate on things to modify the Mom, like effects processors and filters and lfo's? That is my plan, from what I know. Should I concentrate on effects and filters and lfo's etc. to run after the Mom; or can I -also- put a VCO, filter and VCA in with the mix? The Mom is good in that it has my midi input taken care of.

I have not purchased the rack yet and I know I wanted the Curtis filter in it but that is all so far. I also purchased Softube's plugin Modular to help me learn modular and how my ideas will work.

Any feedback at all or pics of your Mom 32 - Eurorack setup would be much appreciated. Thanks, SP

Are you indeed "Britain's foremost keyboard expert"? Or are you simply borrowing the name? I enjoyed the 2 "Look Around You" appearances that I saw on YT

One fairly simple way to achieve your initial stated goal (after slapping the DSM-01 module into a case) would be:

> Mother-32 oscillator out ("VCO Saw" or "VCO Pulse" patch point) to DSM audio in
> DSM "VCF Out" to Mother-32 "Ext. Audio" in

Then use the M32 "Mix" pot (not to be confused with the "VC Mix" pot) to manipulate the mix between the M32 internal osc source and the (DSM) signal routed back to the "Ext. Audio" input. Note that this will give you the filters in parallel, not in series. Using just the M32 and the DSM, I'm not sure you can get them in series without creating an unmanageable feedback loop (anybody?)

One caveat - know the input/output voltage specs for your gear! I've had people tell me it's not necessary to worry about that, to which I say "don't worry, just know." I have some modules that may never squonk or modulate again because I noodled in ignorance. Know thy gear! You can find the Curtis filter spec at "http://cdm.link/2014/08/dave-smith-goes ... er-module/" or elsewhere. Moog prints the M32 voltage specs in the patchbay section of their manual. If voltages don't "cooperate" (in this case, if the Curtis "VCF Out" voltage isn't compatible with the M32 "Ext. Audio" in voltage,) you may need attenuation (level reduction) or amplification (level boost,) and both are on offer via the M32 patchbay - read the "VC MIX ALTERNATE USES" section in the "VC Mix Output" entry in the M32 manual (p. 43 in the copy I have.)

Perhaps more information than you wanted, or more specific than you wanted (and apologies if its stuff you already know.) More generally, you should first study the patchbay section of the M32 manual, and learn (at least) the patchbay's basic applications. Once you understand what functionality you already have, you can then assess gaps, and explore needs or interesting complementary modules. Get community input all along the way. The M32 has a thoughtful set of functions (Moog!) and you can start doing interesting things with it even before you acquire more gear. Beware the modular wild! Remember the banner proclamation of the (now-defunct but still accessible via the web) Muff Wiggler store - "Never maintain cash savings again..."

I hope all this helps.

P.S. I would definitely plug the Mother-32 into that Octatrack and mangle the Moog osc/filter 7 ways from Sunday!

Thank you very much Ed. This is what I bought to go in my rack, I got the 60 HP Moog case and 2 tier stand. I have been looking thinks up but lemme know if you see any red flags please!g

MicroZeus power supply
Pittsburgh Modular - LFO 2
Pittsburgh Modular - Waveforms
Pittsburgh Modular - Mixer/Attenuator
Pittsburgh Modular - Mult
Pittsburgh Modular - Complex Envelope Generator
Doepfer - A-124 Wasp Filter Special Edition
Doepfer - A-188-1C BBD Delay 2048
DSI - DSM-01 Curtis Filter

I am going to return the Doepfer BBD delay or buy a different case because, thanks to modulargrid, I found that it is too deep, not sure which way I will go with that. I should have checked first.

I realize that my list is more than 60 HP but everything else besides the BBD totals under 60HP and I will return the Doepfer BBD because there is no way it will fit into the Moog case. Or else I will buy a different case.

Do you know if the Moog 60HP case is flat on the bottom of the inside? I don't want to take mine apart just to see that as it is staying in its case.

And yeah, I'm the real Synthesizer Patel. I have an alarm on every one of my synths.

PS - I got the Waveforms so that I could have a second osc.

I have Waveforms plus an unbuffered mult. I just ordered a Malekko Heavy Industry buffered mult. Seems the easiest way to solve the issue. Anyone who does not want to spend money should not be in the modular game LOL!