Help building a small modular

[Sir Ruff]

I came across a small AS 3U 19" case the other day thus overcoming my biggest hurdle I've had thus far in beginning modular construction.

So here's what I'm trying to construct: specifically something for weird noises, something that will make sounds none of my other synths can (read nothing that normal mono/polyphonic synths, or the even the mighty Xpander can make). I realize this may not be entirely feasible in such a small rack size, but I'm more interested in the hands on experimental aspect than a huge variety of sound.

Using the size of my case as the main limitation (84 hp), here is my preliminary shortlist of things I probably should have:
A130 or 131 VCA
A138 Mixer
A-141 VC ADSR (or something smaller)
multiple
a filter of some sort-the vactrol filter sounds interesting, but is somewhat lage
some sort of osc sound source-perhaps the MFB digital osc.

Here are a couple things that seem like good power for size type modules:
Livewire Vulcan Modulator
A-117 Digital Noise / Random Clock / 808 Sound

that is all I can think of so far... But with all of the above, that pretty much fills all my space, going 4hp over. So I'm asking for any suggestions ( or alternative) to what I've already got (perhaps in the filter). The key is lots of possibilities/uses for the size!

[amnesia]

i am trying to have a 2rack euro system for live use , i have a 8 rack modular...

here is what i want to do, it covers all bases.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cray5656/2450465451/sizes/o/

[Sir Ruff]

[amnesia]

on PC you hit Print screen key then opwn paint and crop it and save

[fireclown]

doepfer 119 ext input module, 110 VCO, 101-2 vactrol lowpass gate, 132 dual vca, 148 dual s&h, 114 dual ring mod, 147 VCLFO, 145 LFO, with 30hp left for EG's, VCO's, VCF's, mixers or whatever you think is needed additionally. 1 or 2 EG's and an additional oscillator would have you a two or three voice instrument needing only an external mixer to make it work.
If you had access to another (or better) ring modulator, that would buy you some space, a noise/random generator might be a crucial element to consider.
have fun!

[Sir Ruff]

[fireclown]

Im definitely intrigued by making the most of a small/limited case space.
I dont think I value multiples and mixers as much these days, although attenuators very much so. If a module or patch goes through some attenuation, its much more flexible and tasty than if not. Im starting to think one waveform output/osc per patch might be more effective than trying to mix odd and even harmonics for no particular reason. The doepfer vactrol low pass gate and another filter of choice alongside a decent ring mod would offer several timbral choices or layers if you can control them simultaneously. The ext input module probably makes the most of any setup, I wish I had one!

[Sir Ruff]

[fireclown]

I picked up a number of short 1/8" (mono 1 female in 2 male out and some vice versa) Y cables at Radio Shack for dirt cheap a few years ago, and Im sure the better electronics store has them for sale inexpensively enough. they provide most of my patch multiplication, so I cant say its not important to have, but you can save valuable space this way.
Oh yeah, I dig those Plan B modules, nice ideas. theres a lot of great stuff out there! check out ebay, interesting stuff is popping up.

[hpsounds]

Hi,

You should at least have one multimode filter. The Doepfer A-121 could be a good start - you could find it second hand. I've got one since I've got my modular synth.

You have to know that Doepfer VCAs (a-131 v2) are a bit noisy and zippy with pure tone or soft sound (it doesn't matter with hard, bass sounds), that's why I've ordered a Cwejman VCA-2P. Cwejman modules are expensive but the quality is top. This module is really narrow (10 HP) and has a lot of functionality.

Have a nice time turning these knobs !



Hedi K.

[Per]

I would go for the Doepfer Low pass gate (vactrol based) instead of a VCA. A bit slower, but with a lot of carachter and very nice tool to both filtering and amplification. The Doepfer multimode filter is not so exciting, their vactrol or Korg MS clone filters are better, and so are the AS multimode filter. The MFB VCO is stable and much bang for the bucks. If You have enough space in the rack, the Analogue systems VCO is also delivers much for the money.
Per

[Sir Ruff]

[Per]

Yes, they are, and Analog Solutions is even cheaper. But there are one thing to keep in mind. There is a difference in thinking between European constructions and American. The US gear (Blacet, Plan B, Cyndustries Bananalogue and more) are often more versatile, and can be used for more purposes and produce a wider palette of sounds. European designs (Doepfer, Analogue Systems, Analogue Solutions) do more what they say on the front plate.
The Wiard Noise Ring can as an example work as a random CV source, a pattern CV source, a variable noise source, a clock source and even as sound processor. On the other hand, it is not so easy to understand from the start, it take some time to learn how it works.
The Doepfer digital noise module gives random CV and noise that can be filtered from white down to random pulses. Cheaper, smaller in size, but less of a challenge.
For people interested in experimental sounds, I would guess that the best performance in relation to size and money, is using Frack Rack system with modules from Blacet, Wiard and other american companies that supplies that system. It is not only the difference in modules avaliable, the Frack Rack is also much cheaper than the sturdy but expensive Doepfer racks. Per