Software for modular synthesis

mosc · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 10:28 am Post subject: Software for modular synthesis

On another topic about a new release of the os/editor for the Nord Modular G2 the question of appropriate software for modular synthesis came up. See: http://electro-music.com/forum/topic-31827.html

I thought I'd raise this as a new topic.

I'm not familiar with all of the software that is out there for modular synthesis, but I've used SynthEdit and SynthMaker. I wanted programs that make VSTs that could be posted that other people could use without having to already own a particular product, like NI Reaktor or MAX/MSP.

I like both programs very much, but I think SynthMaker is easier (IMHO) when you need very accurate control of feedback. This is the one I've been using.

Any other ideas?

ark

elektro80 · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 10:44 am Post subject:

Tassman is brilliant. It is a nice addition to my analog modular and the two NM-1 synths.

rlainhart · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 11:04 am Post subject:

I've always love Arturia Moog Modular V. I know it has some bug issues (although what software doesn't?), but I immediately felt at home with it as soon as I got it, and I've gotten a lot of good use out of it.

It doesn't let you make stand-alone VSTs, if that's specifically what you're looking for, but I think it's a great software instrument.

A more modern paradigm in modular synthesis is Reaktor, which is incredibly powerful and flexible.

ark · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 11:18 am Post subject:

buzzr · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 12:02 pm Post subject:

I'm seriously looking more into Reaktor. But some rather simple things I've tried to do I can't get to work.

Will have to dive into it more when I have time.

buzzr · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 1:13 pm Post subject:

ark · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 1:23 pm Post subject:

buzzr · Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2009 3:43 pm Post subject:

When you look at the possibilities in Reaktor, that is what sparks my interest in it. If I have to learn how to use it, that's just part of the process.

If the G2 had everything Reaktor had I would say there is no other place to go....

Nords interface is the best, IMHO.

hogberto · Joined: Mar 20, 2006 Posts: 53 Location: scotland

Tim Kleinert · Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 12:14 pm Post subject:

I've just downloaded the demo of VAZ modular and dabbled with it for an hour or so. I think it's GREAT! Very straightforward UI, very easy to use, gets you going within minutes, great-sounding modules (the comb filter is fantastic!), and the oscs can oversample and they pull off combinations of osc sync and FM without aliasing Shocked

-hoorray!

->on my shopping list.

BTW: Reaktor is great. The sample-accurate Quantec Yardstick emulation some smart person cooked up is already worth more than the money you pay for this software. I'm currently only using it as a deluxe preset machine, as the Reaktor user library is full of really fantastic stuff.

anachron · Joined: Apr 08, 2008 Posts: 7 Location: uk

I tend to use Max / MSP (but there is quite a learning curve...), you can build pluggo VST and soon, Max for Live (Ableton / C74), looks like it's going to be really good.

Otherwise i'll add a +1 for tassman, and a shout out to Zebra by U-he.

Reaktor is ok, but i found the programming to be unintuitive, and the software to be somewhat temperamental (YMMV). i was also a bit disappointed by the sound quality, for instance i found it difficult to get different tones out of the filter modules. but it does have a good preset archive...

doctorvague · Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 7:16 am Post subject:

I really like Numerology http://www.five12.com/ although it's Mac only. Not sure if it exactly qualifies as 'modular', the way this thread might define it but I have used it that way as standalone as well as a front end controlling my (real) modular system. Numerology is built on modular synth principles but focuses more on sequencers and control and not sound generation itself. It hosts AU's though and the new version supports Rewire.

Cheers
Phil

mosc · Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 4:05 pm Post subject:

elektro80 · Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 4:23 pm Post subject:

Numerology is brilliant. I´ve been tempted to put a mac mini with numerology installed into the modular for years. It doesn´t need much juice in order to run well so an older secondhand mac mini will do just fine.

mosc · Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 4:29 pm Post subject:

elektro80 · Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 4:37 pm Post subject:

I know, but I´ve already made a bracket for the dotcom/moog panels that fits the mac mini, but my wife doesn´t allow me to relocate the mac mini from the living room and into what she calls the "twilight zone". I´ll either have to buy her a brand new one for the living room, or I´ll have to find a cheap old one. That being said, my wife kinda gets what she wants. Shocked

doctorvague · Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 7:13 am Post subject:

GovernorSilver · Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2009 1:12 pm Post subject:

I just downloaded Numerology2 into my newly acquired Macbook Pro (last year's model). Looking forward to playing with it.

elektro80 · Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2009 2:05 pm Post subject:

xav · Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2009 11:11 am Post subject:

VAZ ad claims "Real-Time, low latency using DirectX (typically 18-40ms, dependant on soundcard/drivers)"...
Is it really so slow?

mosc · Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 10:12 am Post subject:

DirectX? I don't think DirectX is really suitable for serious audio. I've never found DirectX to work 1/2 as well as ASIO drivers. Maybe a big part of the soft synth market is people with very simple setups with on-board sound chips that don't support ASIO drivers.

This is a bit OT, but Windows really wants for a good audio routing program, like Jack on Linux and OSX. I recently got a RME Fireface400 interface and I was very pleasantly surprised that it includes fabulous audio routing and mixing. To me, this is the most powerful feature of the RME interfaces. More important that the improved audio quality and reliability, which is why I switched from MOTU.

I have VAC on my PC and I think it isn't very good. I even paid money for it. Crying or Very sad

GovernorSilver · Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 12:15 pm Post subject:

Motu Volta bears another mention:

http://createdigitalmusic.com/2009/01/16/analog-meet-digital-motu-volta-connects-the-mac-to-cv-synths-effects-graphically/

Unfortunately, word on the street is while its supposed to work with any interface with DC-coupled I/O, it doesn't work well with RME interfaces.

telstarmagikistferrari · Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 6:02 pm Post subject:

I'm all about some Synfactory myself, it's noisy as hell and fun to patch.

As an environment for most of my synthesis I use Plogue Bidule.