Module suggestions for stand-alone synth

[Boofin Moonrocks]

Hey guys! First time posting here and looking for some help.

For some background, I'm about to start ordering parts to build a stand alone modular system. What I mean by that is I'm planning to get a concrete idea of each module I want, along with how many, and then have them all be part of one large panel and enclosure. I want to go this route because I'd like to have a fully functioning working system, but also one that I'll have to work within the limitations of as opposed to having it be a lifelong project that I keep adding to (not that there's anything wrong with that!). I want to start making music with it as fast as possible, and while I'm sure I'll want to build more eventually, I plan on starting another stand-alone when that time comes. Besides that, I'd also like to see if I can do something interesting in regards to the actual panel/cabinet design.

Anyway, I'm mainly interested in making more abstract music, something vaguely rhythmic, maybe melodic, and plan to "play" my system using mainly the EGs/VCAs as opposed to a cv controller. As of now, I already have to parts to make 2 MFO's VCOs, and am interested in building the following CGS modules:

Super Psycho Modulation Source
Synthacon VCF
Serge Voltage Controlled Filter
Dual Universal Slope Generator (maybe 2?)
Serge Extended ADSR Envelope Generator (how many?)

Also, I think I'm gonna go with the MFO's Dual VCA, and possibly an SN voice VCO

So, what I'm asking of you guys is what you would suggest for regular LFO's, a noise source and S&H, and if you recommend I build a quantizer and wave multiplier. I'd also appreciate any suggestions for any other particular modules you'd think would be good, or any you think would be unnecessary.

The next important thing I need to ask you is how many of each module would you recommend I build, particularly how many LFOs, EGs, and VCAs, keeping in mind that I am trying to make this as compact as possible, am going to use banana inputs, and that I don't plan on utilizing a cv keyboard (although I do plan on building a Klee after this). Should I build two of the DUSGs?

Last and probably least...on the CGS site Ken has another Serge module, the Serge Envelope Generator. He describes it as such; "This is an adaptation of the original Serge Envelope Generator from the early "R" series PCBs. It has been produced under licence from Serge. This is NOT an ADSR style generator, and can be used as a voltage controlled LFO"
What exactly does he mean by this?

Sorry for all the words, I just want to figure out what I want so I can order all the parts in bulk and get to building!
You guys seemed to be some of the most knowledgable out there, so I turn to you!...(and the muffwiggler forums...)

[elektro80]

In general, the "think utility modules and plain dull standard modules" is probably the best advice. You could try out software like the Clavia G2 demo or say Tassman 4 in order to test concepts and then figure out what you might need. The modules in the G2 demo or in Tassman probably won't translate directly to some of the modules you mentioned, but you'll get close and it will be close enough to test your ideas.

[emdot_ambient]

For regular LFOs the CGS Utility LFO is pretty sweet: 2 LFOs on the board, a variety of waveshapes and wave blending abilities.

Also, make sure you check out the CGS01 suboscillator. It's way more than a suboscillator. It can act as a "harmonic sequencer" as well. Check out youtube for examples, like this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVFwS75Y5sw

Quantizer or not depends on whether you really want to do standard harmonic music. I'd suggest looking at something like the Barton Musical Circuits Simple CV Quantizer. It only requires 1 pot, 2 jacks and a switch, and the PCB can be mounted behind the pot: http://www.bartonmusicalcircuits.com/cvquant/index.html

[kkissinger]

[Boofin Moonrocks]

[forshee]

Love the limited all in one idea! Try and fight feature creep that's the hardest thing for me. I haven't spent much time with my USG but I'd probably go with to in a smaller system. They can be LFOs, VCOs, Sub octave generators, VCFs, as well as doing slew rate and ASR stuff. Ken's LFO is really nice too but I'd take another USG in a limited system. Yusynth has a nice noise/S&H PCB that I'd look at. I might skip the super psycho (and maybe even the ADSRs) for some utility stuff (but might be a cool rhythmic generator for you now that I think about it). A mixer or two and a few atenuverters would be useful. I'm still new to this too so take all that with a grain of salt and of tastes vary. Sounds like a cool system keep us in the loop.

[kkissinger]

The Super-Psycho Modulation Source is a great module that, from your comments, will work out well for doing music that can morph from rhythmic to drones.

The combination of the Super-Psycho Mod Source with a band pass filter is quite powerful in that the Mod source can create modulation over a wide range and, in turn, the band pass filter allows you to pass selected elements of the modulation. (Note that the Synthacon filter has a band-pass mode).

Another module that you may want to consider is the CGS Modulo Magic. It works well on both CV's and audio frequencies.

You may want to consider a sequencer, too.

Since you plan to control your synth via VCAs, you will likely need a mod source for each one. You will also need a way to trigger your EGs.

Thus, you may want to consider a clock source (an LFO with a pulse wave output) and a clock divider with multiple outputs (Yusynth or CGS) to trigger your EGs and to sync your LFOs. In your situation, you may want to include an LFO for every VCA on your system.

Outside of a few basics, there is really no right or wrong -- a DIY synthesizer is very personal and you will add (or replace) features that express your musical/artistic ideas.

Look forward to seeing/hearing how your project turns out.

[numbernone]

3 feet x 3 feet??

WOW thats a big beginner project. With standard Serge spacing, you could put 90+ complete modules in it.

90+

[Boofin Moonrocks]

[emdot_ambient]

A good quality wire stripper is really nice to have. I just got a pair of these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RFSWF8/ref=oh_o01_s00_i00_details
They test really well, haven't actually used them while building yet.

And if you don't have a desoldering pump, get one. Or if you've got the cash, get one of those desoldering stations with a pump and hot air thing. I find I desolder almost as much as I solder

Also, I know a lot of the CGS modules aren't exactly designed to use MTA headers, but MTA-100 headers can often be employed on them (many of the PCB wiring pads have the correct spacing for these headers, though the space between them and some PCB components can get a bit pinched), which I find makes wiring to the panels a lot simpler. Like these: http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=640454-3virtualkey57100000virtualkey571-6404543

I use tons of the 2 and 3 post versions of that.

Obviously there are many other header options that would work as well or better.

[Dave Kendall]

With MTA headers on CGS boards, very often you can use a header with a pin removed, where a resistor is. Means fewer headers per board. The pin can be squeezed out with needle-nosed pliers and a bench vice. The attached pic shows a CGS58 (some parts still to be installed). On this board, the LED connections can easily be on the headers.

cheers,
Dave

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[emdot_ambient]

[aladan]