Module suggestions?

zapp550 · Post by **zapp550** » Thu Mar 24, 2011 9:12 pm

I've had my modular in the same state since I started it a few years ago and think it's high time I expand it to some degree. I was originally thinking of selling a good deal of my other synths to fund a massive expansion but just can't bring myself to do it yet. Here's what i've got currently.

1x Q104 midi interface
1x Q105 slew limiter
2x Q106 oscillators
2x Q109 envelopes
1x Q108 amplifier
1X Q107 filter
1x Q110 noise
1x Q117 s&h
1x Q125 signal processor
1x Q112 4 ch mixer
2x Q124 multiples

Since i'm not going to be able to expand as fast as i'd like i'm wondering what might make some good additions intially. My mind has been all over the place in terms of what i'd like to add so I thought it might be a good idea to hear from people who may have been in the same spot at some point.

Bryan B · Post by **Bryan B** » Thu Mar 24, 2011 9:43 pm

You look like you have a pretty solid synth already. I would say get at least another filter and some kind of LFO.

Sea Devils Filter (or any other STG Filter) and the MegaOhm Delta Filter have something the Q107 doesn't, personality. The Dotcom Ladder Filter might be a decent idea as well.

After I get mine, I would probably suggest the SSL Tap Tempo LFO for some awesome CV modulation capabilities. The Grove Audio Dual LFO with VCA's looks like it would be a good alternative. If you only had 1U, you could go with a MegaOhm dual LFO.

bwhittington · Post by **bwhittington** » Thu Mar 24, 2011 9:55 pm

I admire your patience . . . a rare quality around here!

Since you've had your synth for a few years, I'd guess you'd have a better idea of what functions you've run out of in the past. I agree with Bryan, though. Additional modulation is where your patching will start to get a lot more interesting.

I'd add another Q106 to the list of possibilities, since it has the obvious advantage of going up to audio rate, too. The SSL Tap Tempo would be pretty neat, but adding another oscillator seems more versatile to me. I kind of forgot it was out there, but the Grove one might be a good choice since I was also going to suggest another vca. Another eg would be nice, too.

There are obviously a lot more fun choices than those, but within your first 22-spaces, adding more of the basics will exponentially expand your patching possibilities.

Cheers,
Brian

sduck · Post by **sduck** » Thu Mar 24, 2011 10:13 pm

wogglebug

zapp550 · Post by **zapp550** » Thu Mar 24, 2011 10:25 pm

Bryan B wrote:You look like you have a pretty solid synth already. I would say get at least another filter and some kind of LFO.

Sea Devils Filter (or any other STG Filter) and the MegaOhm Delta Filter have something the Q107 doesn't, personality. The Dotcom Ladder Filter might be a decent idea as well.

After I get mine, I would probably suggest the SSL Tap Tempo LFO for some awesome CV modulation capabilities. The Grove Audio Dual LFO with VCA's looks like it would be a good alternative. If you only had 1U, you could go with a MegaOhm dual LFO.

I should probably add I have an moogerfooger ring mod and mp-201 that get used in conjunction with the modular too. Am I missing out not having a dedicated LFO in actual system though? I've really been interested in alot of the stuff STG has put out and will hopefully get some hands on experience with it at the synth event next weekend

sduck · Post by **sduck** » Thu Mar 24, 2011 10:35 pm

A dedicated LFO is a really nice thing to have. Several of them is even nicer. Who was it that had a quad LFO MU? Something like the MOTM 380?

zapp550 · Post by **zapp550** » Thu Mar 24, 2011 10:37 pm

bwhittington wrote:I admire your patience . . . a rare quality around here!

Since you've had your synth for a few years, I'd guess you'd have a better idea of what functions you've run out of in the past. I agree with Bryan, though. Additional modulation is where your patching will start to get a lot more interesting.

I'd add another Q106 to the list of possibilities, since it has the obvious advantage of going up to audio rate, too. The SSL Tap Tempo would be pretty neat, but adding another oscillator seems more versatile to me. I kind of forgot it was out there, but the Grove one might be a good choice since I was also going to suggest another vca. Another eg would be nice, too.

There are obviously a lot more fun choices than those, but within your first 22-spaces, adding more of the basics will exponentially expand your patching possibilities.

Cheers,
Brian

I don't know if i'd call it patience.. more like empty pockets; but it does help keep the habit in check. I was thinking envelopes, VCAs, and oscillators maybe the smart decision to make for the time being even if it feels a little less exciting. Any thoughts on the UEG?

Bryan B · Post by **Bryan B** » Thu Mar 24, 2011 10:46 pm

sduck wrote:Who was it that had a quad LFO MU?

SSL has a Quad LFO:
http://steamsynth.com/m_QuadLFO.aspx

Mercutio · Post by **Mercutio** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 2:16 am

Bryan B wrote:
sduck wrote:Who was it that had a quad LFO MU?
SSL has a Quad LFO:
http://steamsynth.com/m_QuadLFO.aspx

But no sync mode...

the tap tempo looks great... i have an LFO Edruide (the core of the tap tempo) build by ACX synth... and it's marvellous !

Christopher W. · Post by **Christopher W.** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 5:44 am

There are a few I'd point to. I'm restricting myself to 1U because I don't know how much space you have.

- STG's Post-Lawsuit or Sea Devils filter. Although I prefer the former for its old-school ARPyness there's nothing bad with the second one (and it has VC over resonance).

- MegaOhm's LFOTwo. The first of the two LFOs has both a continuously variable waveshape and the ability to reset with an incoming trigger. Really nice, "thwippy" wave when applied to filters or pulse width.

- MegaOhm's CdS VCA/LPG. It's nice to have a dual duty module that can do filtering or act as a VCA. And it sounds bloody brilliant when in filter mode.

Ranxerox · Post by **Ranxerox** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 6:19 am

I would trade the Q107 for an Oakley SVF, and get yourself another nice 1 MU LPF, perhaps the STG Post-lawsuit mentioned. Much more filtering possibilities in the same space.

Consider trading one of your Q109s for a VC-EG - Oakley, Moon, SSL and Hordijk seem to be the options here. The Oakley seems particularly good - it has a built-in VCA and can act as a VCO or LFO.

Do you really need both multiples? You could drop one and put a MegaOhm LFO-Two in its place. An excellent value module.

You could trade the Q108 for an STG signal amplifiers. Having two extra VCAs in the same space would give you more extended synthesis options.

If you want to spice things up, you could get a UEG or one of the Hordijk modules - the Phaser Filter has particularly caught my imagination. Also you could trade one of the Q106s for a Hordijk HRM-VCO - that would be an awesome combination.

Just my 2c.

doctorvague · Post by **doctorvague** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 6:50 am

I have some ideas and then realized I have no clue how you're using your system or what kind of music/noises you like to make. It would also be helpful to know what limitations you run into, i.e. what do you want to do that you can't presently accomplish. As far as basics, an LFO would be an obvious choice as folks here have suggested.

As I usually suggest - if you're running short of cab space, dump one multiple and get some of these (pic below). In many cases they work better IMO than a mult because you can daisy chain along the length of the system using shorter cables.

Happy shopping!

doctorvague · Post by **doctorvague** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 2:23 pm

Besides the LFO as suggested, in looking over your list again, I'd say you need 1 more VCA (pretty much no matter what you're after).
So with that in mind the MegaOhm Delta is a great choice with lots of sound/patching possibilities and a VCA built in. Or an STG or other 1U filter + VCA. In any case you're going to want to VCA-control some of that LFO'ness at some point.
Any way you choose it's a great time in 5U-land for LFO's these days that's for sure!

Dave Peck · Post by **Dave Peck** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 2:35 pm

- A 24dB filter
- At least two LFOs (the MOTM dual VC LFO in a single panel width maybe?)
- one or two VCAs (again, MOTM has a dual VCA in a single panel space)
- another mixer.

doctorvague · Post by **doctorvague** » Sat Mar 26, 2011 1:46 pm

Dave Peck wrote:- A 24dB filter
- At least two LFOs (the MOTM dual VC LFO in a single panel width maybe?)
- one or two VCAs (again, MOTM has a dual VCA in a single panel space)
- another mixer.

Does anyone do 3 VCA's in 1 space??

Hey Dave it's really nice to have you here. Your demos over on E-M (like the Hordijk ones) are superb and much appreciated

diophantine · Post by **diophantine** » Sat Mar 26, 2011 2:38 pm

doctorvague wrote:Does anyone do 3 VCA's in 1 space??

STG: http://stgsoundlabs.com/products/signal ... ers_mu.htm

MindMachine · Post by **MindMachine** » Sat Mar 26, 2011 11:25 pm

Christopher Winkels wrote:There are a few I'd point to. I'm restricting myself to 1U because I don't know how much space you have.

- STG's Post-Lawsuit or Sea Devils filter. Although I prefer the former for its old-school ARPyness there's nothing bad with the second one (and it has VC over resonance).

- MegaOhm's LFOTwo. The first of the two LFOs has both a continuously variable waveshape and the ability to reset with an incoming trigger. Really nice, "thwippy" wave when applied to filters or pulse width.

- MegaOhm's CdS VCA/LPG. It's nice to have a dual duty module that can do filtering or act as a VCA. And it sounds bloody brilliant when in filter mode.

I'm w/ Winkels... he nailed it.
2nd VCF - Post Lawsuit.. w/ give vintage sound to go w/ your Q107
LFOTwo - 2 different lfos in a single space
VCA - another 108? or spice it up w/ VCA/LPG!!

With three modules you could really expand the pallette.

zapp550 · Post by **zapp550** » Sun Mar 27, 2011 3:55 pm

Thanks for all the advice everybody! I think i've got a good idea of what's going to be making its way into my system now. Only one i'm not sure of is EG's, definitely want to add at least one more. I think i've got enough space to add what I need to my current cabinet but buidling a slightly bigger more portable one is on my to do list too.

burnsjed · Post by **burnsjed** » Sun Mar 27, 2011 9:13 pm

I don't want to start another thread on what is basically the same subject matter and apologies for hijacking zapp550Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s thread.
I have decided that for my 22 space modular system to go with the following.
.com Q104 Midi Interface
.com Q124 Multiple Module
.com 3 Q106CRS VCOÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s
STG Mankator Filter
STG Sea Devil Filter
STG Signal Amplifier
STG Wave Folder
STG Mixer
Ohm LFO Two
SSL JJP SampleCorder
BryanÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Triple Soft Sync Module

As far as the EGÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s are concerned I was looking at the .com, MOTM-800 and the SSL1200.
I would also like to add a Noise and Ring Modulator. As far as the Noise is concerned what are my options outside the .com module and the MOTM-101 (which does have the added bonus of Sample and Hold)?
Any other suggestions, thoughts and comments would be most welcome.

Ranxerox · Post by **Ranxerox** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 4:08 am

The Oakley noise/filter is available in 1 MU. It is fantastic as it comes with white, pink and slow-random ('infra-red') outputs.

But even better, it also has separate high- and low-pass 6db filters (a la the Moog 923), plus a CV input/attenuator (for cutoff) which is switchable between either or both filters. I absolutely would recommend it.

I assume you are aware that the MOTM modules you have listed are a slightly different power/form-factor from the MU modules? Not that this is a problem in any way, but it does mean the panel widths are a bit narrower, and you will need some sort of converter in order to connect power from the .dotcom power harness.

burnsjed · Post by **burnsjed** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 8:06 am

Checking out the Oakley Noise module, I was trying to 'avoid' purchasing anything outside the U.S, what with the $ being so weak, and on top of that customs etc.
I had already checked the compatibility of the MOTM with .com on the .com website, and .com sell converters, so the biggest problem would be with the different width, though I might (foolishly, given my DIY skills) look at building my own case, so I could compensate for that there.

Ranxerox · Post by **Ranxerox** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 8:20 am

I see what you mean about the USD. If you're not ordering from overseas, then the MOTM 101 is probably your best bet.

I did my own DIY cabinets - my woodworking skills are piss-poor, but it was relatively straightforward and totally doable!; pics here:

viewtopic.php?t=1589&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=900

burnsjed · Post by **burnsjed** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 8:23 am

That is rather inspiring!

JohnLRice · Post by **JohnLRice** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 10:15 am

I have the MOTM-101 and really like it.

Another option is the YUSynth Complete Sample and Hold, Noise, Clock, Glide - $195 Assembled http://www.bridechamber.com/Yu_Random.html

I'm getting one for mu portable 5U case.

burnsjed · Post by **burnsjed** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 10:19 am

That does look interesting, thanks for the suggestion.

MOD WIGGLER

MOD WIGGLER

Module suggestions?

Module suggestions?