1st Modular Synth! Innovative, Good quality EuroRack Modules

PeteJames · Joined: Mar 31, 2009 Posts: 16 Location: England

Hi guy's, 1st post on here!

I've been doing plenty of research into getting my 1st hardware synth and thinking of getting a semi-modular such a Future Retro XS, Red Square V2 or Cwejman S1 mk2 (If I can stretch to £2G - a lot of money for me). I've used lots of softsynths since I am quite young and of that generation but find it quite a dull, uninspiring process and find without compression/valve warmer plugins, the sound is often lacking. I could get a semi-mod and then get a few modules for processing?

However, I've started looking into modular stuff a few weeks ago since I've heard that they are 'more powerful' whatever that means. They are certainly more flexable.

My primary interest is in techno music in hard detroit, melodic, 90's minimal and tech-house styles. I want to create original noise rather than just re-hash the same old classic techno sounds (although i'd be satisfying to do a bit of both). I don't know if any of you listen to current minimal techno but it's all become the same monotonous bleep/blurp stuff. I want some thunderous inspring sounds (although part of my problem is that I've still got a lot to learn when it come to programming but I know the basics).

In a recent SoundonSound article the guy wrote about his first forage into modular synthsis buying all of doepfer A100 stuff.

What is the general consensus regarding the build and sonic quality of doepfer modules and their customer support?

Would it be more wise to spend 2G on a Cwejman S1 semi than get a doepfer modular or are doepfer excellent?

Also I like alot of the more unconventional modules as I want something original, creative and inspiring. It seems to me like alot of modular synths can just end up being expensive and bigger versions of non-modular synths unless you embrace different modules rather than the standard osc, filter, envelope etc. Not speaking from experience though and obviously you'll need 'bread and butter' devices. The Harvestman, Cwejman and Livewire stuff seems good.

Is it best to have a case and PSU for each brand of Euro Rack Module manufacturer or doesn't it matter?

Are plan B 'better' than doepfer? Which are the most innovative and high quality? Should I go modular or see how I get on with semi-modular? I don't see the point in simply building a system that can only achive similar things to something like an Minimoog.

Thanks,
Pete

Adam-V · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 2:35 pm Post subject:

Hi Pete,

before the Doepfer bashers get in on this, there is no one modular manufacturer that is better than another, rather, there are manufacturers of modules that are better suited so some peoples needs than others. I have a moderately sized Doepfer system and am very happy with it. In terms of bang for your buck (or in your case pound) it is hard to beat the Doepfer range. It is also hard to beat the Doepfer range! They have a large number of interesting modules that are not available from other manufacturers. The good thing is that you can mix and match modules from different manufacturers to make your ultimate hardware synthesiser. Doepfer support is excellent, in fact if you join the Doepfer yahoo group, it is highly likely that any technical questions will be answered by Dieter himself. The only criticism of Doepfer I have, and I'm probably not alone here, is that their frames and power supplies are very expensive.

On cases and power supplies, some Eurorack manufacturers use different supply standards to Doepfer and there is some jigger pokery with adaptors required in order to get them into the same case using the same supply. There is also one manufacturer that puts their mounting holes in slightly different spot so there will be slight gaps between their modules and other Euro modules. Apart from that, there should be no problem with cohabitation.

Modular synths are indeed very flexible however one thing to remember is that with flexibility comes complexity. Instant gratification may not be that easy to achieve with a modular synth unless you have a good understanding of the basics of analogue synthesis. Starting of with something that is semi modular may not be such a bad thing as you can always integrate it with a fully modular system further down the track.

One thing you could do, just to help you understand the complexities involved with modular synthesis, is to download the Nord G2 modular demo software and have a play with that. It is free and will offer a very good introduction to the modular world.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Adam-V

EdisonRex · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 4:20 pm Post subject:

PeteJames! You might look up Jyoti here - he wrote that article, and I bet he'd be happy to help too.

I have Frac and MOTM size modules, complimenting a few semimodulars and some other stuff too. I don't see anything wrong with your doing Eurorack or one of the packaged semimodulars - but don't get too large a system for your first system, unless you are sure you want to keep it.

PeteJames · Joined: Mar 31, 2009 Posts: 16 Location: England

Hi mate! Wow sounds like you have a studio and a half Smile

I'm pretty sure I have the determination to learn anything when it come to music (unlike with my degree Very Happy

) but starting off small is probably a good idea for the budget. Do modules generally go for a decent price used in case I buy something I don't like? I doubt i'll get to test them before I buy. Do you know of anywhere to try them? The only thing about doepfer is that they are quite small and have quite colsely spaced, small knobs, judging by the pictures. Modcan looks awesome, but the price does not. I'll give him a msg

Cheers,
Pete

BobTheDog

PeteJames · Joined: Mar 31, 2009 Posts: 16 Location: England

Hi!

Jyoti.......Jyoti............................Jyoti

Should I have done that? I'm scared now! Twisted Evil

seraph · Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 12:57 pm Post subject:

EdisonRex · Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2009 5:01 am Post subject:

PeteJames -

Look around, used stuff varies widely in price depending on what it is. I think that getting a basic "voice" first and then adding modules is a good idea.

PeteJames · Joined: Mar 31, 2009 Posts: 16 Location: England

Do you think it is a bad idea to get doepfer osc? I've read on here that the cheaper one they do isn't great. The Cwejman one is expensive but you get 2 osc in one unit. Any better suggestions, I've read mixed reports on plan B's build quality. anyone want to loan me the cash for a modcan so I can spend the rest of my days working it off? Laughing