NORD MODULAR G2 vs. Older models/ALTERNATIVE SYNTHESIS

margaretnoble · Joined: Sep 05, 2006 Posts: 23 Location: san diego

I have a micro-modular and a first edition modular. I am a sound artist in the MFA program at the Chicago Art Institute. I am starting a synthesis that will be taught with the computer program Max MSP. I have permission to use my nord modulars as an alternative tool for going through the synthesis exercises. but, i have a few snags:

- Granular synthesis? i don't think i can do this with my nords but i was wondering if i could somehow configure an effects patch to break up an audio input and simulate some type of granular sound?

- Physical modeling synthesis: i read that G2 engine can do physical modeling synthesis. can the older nord modulars do this?

- what are the synth/engine differences between G2 and older modulars? i have read about the interface being more performance friendly in G2s but haven't been able to find much about the difference in sound engines between old and new...

- can you recommend any sites that have detailed step by step instructions for building various type of nord modular patches?

Thanks for your time, hope to hear from soon!

margaret
email: margaretnoble2000@yahoo.com

mosc · Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 12:26 pm Post subject:

You can use the forum's search engine to find more information. The G2 can be used in some ways for granular synthesis, see: http://electro-music.com/forum/viewtopic.php?highlight=granular+synthesis&t=2718

It can also be used for Physical Modeling. Check out all the posts by Chet Singer who has an excellent Physical Modeling tutorial here: http://chet.getchwood.com/G2-Tutorial/Index.htm

His patches are listed here: http://electro-music.com/g2patches.php?owner=Chet

I think the g2 is much better for PM because of the more predictable execution order. The g2 has sample memory too. If you have a choice, I think there is no choice but to use the g2. Wink

For patching information (other than this site) check out http://g2.sebastianberweck.de/content/category/6/37/54/ and http://www.clavia.se/nordmodular/Modularzone/FMsynthesis.html and http://www.xs4all.nl/~rhordijk/G2Pages/ or maybe better, http://www.xs4all.nl/~rhordijk/Proto/Index.htm

margaretnoble · Joined: Sep 05, 2006 Posts: 23 Location: san diego

hey, thanks for the fast and helpful reply. so, does that mean that with the old modulars i have (without G2 engines) that:

- i can't do any type of granular or "granular like" synthesis?

- i can do some types of physical modeling buut the G2 is better for this?

do you have any people or patch sites you refer for the old school modular engines?

Tusker · Joined: Feb 03, 2005 Posts: 110 Location: Texas

Margaret,

Welcome. The MFA program sounds really interesting. Props to you!

I am not the expert here. I am a fellow student. But I thought I would share what I have found, and let others correct/add to as appropriate.

ian-s · Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 1:01 pm Post subject:

Hello

I have translated some of the PM examples in J Clarke's book and they work well for demonstrating physical modelling principles.

Granular might be difficult on the NM Classic due to its sad lack of significant delay modules.

sebber · Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 2:16 pm Post subject:

There's a granular patch by Palle in J Clark's book. That's for the NM.

http://www.cim.mcgill.ca/~clark/nordmodularbook/nm_oscillator.html
Look for the last patch.

BTW, you can google "nord modular granular" or whatever, there have been more sites for the NM, although nowadays everybody's here.

margaretnoble · Joined: Sep 05, 2006 Posts: 23 Location: san diego

You guys have been really helpful and i really appreciate it!!!!!