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zomgw00t
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More MOTM Modular Planning

Post by zomgw00t »

My modular has slowly started growing and, hopefully, I will outgrow my first little 12u cabinet over the summer. With this in mind, I've taken more time to consider my longer term plans for my modular. I was inspired by Dude's set-up to stick to a 40u system housed in a 10 space and a 12 space Audiophile case.

As far as music I like and sounds I hope to make... ambient, the more electronic side of Post Rock (think: port-royal, Lights Out Asia, and a little bit of drone.With the modular, I hope to form complex, evolving pads, make weird old school computer-like sounds, and do a little bit of external signal processing.

So with that in mind, here is my rough plan:

Code: Select all

+---+---+---+-------+---+---+---+---+---+
|01)|02)    |03)    |04)|05)|06)|07)|08)|
| M | M     | M     |S  | M | M | M | M |
| O | O     | i     |+ R| O | O | O | O |
| T | T     | n     |H a| T | T | T | T |
| M | M     | i     |  n| M | M | M | M |
|   |       | w     |& d|   |   |   |   |
| 3 | 3     | a     |  o| 8 | 8 | 3 | 3 |
| 1 | 0     | v     |  m| 0 | 0 | 9 | 8 |
| 0 | 0     | e     |   | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
+---+-------+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
|09)            |10)|11)    |12)|13)    |
|               | ? | A  C  | D | U     |
|  Double       |   | n  o  | u | E     |
|      Deka     |   | a  m  | n | G     |
|               |   | l  p  | s |       |
|               |   | o  u  | e |       |
|               |   | g  t  | l |       |
|               |   |    e  |   |       |
|               |   |    r  |   |       |
+---------------+---+-------+---+-------+

+---------------------------------------+
|a) Control-3 / Mults / Little Lag(?)   |
+-------+---+-------+-------+---+---+---+
|14)    |15)|16)    |17)    |18)|19)|20)|
| T     | C | ?     | M     | M | M | M |
| h     | r |       | O     | u | O | O |
| r     | o |       | T     | l | T | T |
| e     | g |       | M     | t | M | M |
| e     | l |       |       | i |   |   |
| l     | i |       | 1     | M | 1 | 1 |
| e     | n |       | 2     | i | 9 | 9 |
| r     |   |       | 0     | x | 0 | 0 |
+-------+---+-------+-------+---+---+---+
|21)    |22)|23)    |24)    |25)        |
| m     | E | D     | F     |           |
| i     | F | e     | r  S  | Neural    |
| d     | G | l     | e  h  |  Agonizer |
| i     |   | a     | q  i  |           |
| D     |   | y     | u  f  |           |
| A     |   |       | e  t  |           |
| C     |   |       | .  e  |           |
|       |   |       |    r  |           |
+-------+---+-------+-------+-----------+
|b) Power Switch / Mults / FourMix(?)   |
+---------------------------------------+
1x MOTM-310 uVCO
1x MOTM-300 UltraVCO
1x DoubleDeka
1x Miniwave
1x YuSynth S+H & Random
1x 2 MOTM-800 Envelope Generator
1x MOTM-390 uLFO
1x MOTM-380 Quad LFO
1x CGS Analog Computer
1x Tellun Dunsel
1x Universal Event Generator
1x Threeler
1x Oakley Croglin
1x MOTM-120 Suboctave Multiplexer
1x Oakley Multimix
2x MOTM-190 uVCA
1x Oakley midiDAC
1x EFG
1x Some sort of delay module
1x Some sort of frequency shifter
1x Neural Agonizer
1x Oakley Control-3

That leaves me with 3u empty. I'm considering either a second MOTM-310 or a CGS Digital Noise and another filter for the other 2u. Any recommendations? Some people have recommended a LPG; would that be useful for the sort of sounds I want to make? I've also been considering a MOTM-410 or a CGS Serge VCF along with a second Oakley filter. Or is there something completely different out there that I should think about?

As far as power distribution goes, I plan to have a single large power supply in the bottom case and use a set-up similar to the set-up used for two dotcom portable cabinets. However, I've read that the ASR in the Analog Computer requires a very clean power supply; would this set-up be a problem?


Thanks!
~Chappie
Last edited by zomgw00t on Wed May 11, 2011 3:43 am, edited 1 time in total.
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werock
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Post by werock »

The MOTM-410 is very nice sounding, although you may want another type of VCF - 1 is never enough! I've got an Oakley COTA which is great, although anything you get will probably sound quite different to the Croglin, judging from the demos I've heard of it.

Also, have you tried the Rack Planner? A lot easier to use than ASCII! See here:
Rack Planner
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kindredlost
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Post by kindredlost »

I'd recommend the 1310 Digital Delay from Synthetic Sound Labs. It is a 1U voltage controlled delay. Mine was one of the first ones and has some special funky characteristics but I love it. The newer ones are more refined and are very nice. Doug makes great looking and sounding modules.
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Post by Modrik »

Some more VCA:s could be useful.
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Post by emdot_ambient »

Definitely shy on VCAs. Look for ones that have multiple VCAs. (If you're into DIY at all, look at Mattson's quad VCA, for example...easily can fit that on a 2U MOTM format panel, especially if you don't follow the MOTM grid too strictly).

I'd consider a phaser as well (Oakley Equinoxe, for example).
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Post by robotmakers »

At the risk of being heretical, I'd suggest sitting down and asking yourself what limitations you face in creating the sounds/music you're aiming for. Are you looking for a different filter tonality, more variation in amplitudes or modulations, or an extra voice to complete your composition?

Have you actually hit some sort of wall or simply looking for inspiration that might be generated by having another new module? And the heretical bit - do you need another module at all? Is that additional module going to make your music machine more or actually less efficient?

I don't want to come across as preaching (and of course it's too late for that!), but the implication of your post is that because you have a blank panel, you must buy a module to fill the spot. I suggest that this might not be a valid premise, that's all. Why not rigorously define a musical/technical goal and then determine if your tools are what you need to achieve that goal?

I apologize in advance if I've offended anyone.

Cheers,
Roger
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Post by cormallen »

A few thoughts:

1. You can never have enough VCAs.
2. It's against the law to own a MOTM and not have a 440 (aka The Best Filter in the Universe).
3. I'm not a fan of the 120 - mine gets very little usage. It's 2u that could be used for something much more interesting.
4. The WaveWarper took me a long time to get my head around, but it's fantastic for pulsing drones (great when modulated by a UEG in step-sequencer mode). Worth considering.
5. I'd avoid 310 uVCOs - the 300 is *so* much more useful - linear FM, sine and tri outputs, no need for external attenuation for PWM, etc.
6. The CGS VCS is a great module for small systems because it can perform so many different duties. (After playing with a friend's Serge, I'm building a couple as 1u modules using UEG-sized knobs).
7. Delays are cool, but do you need it in the modular, or could you do it externally?
8. No high pass filter? How about a 420?

Harry
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Post by dude »

3 spaces:
mixer
vca
delay as stated by kindredlost
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zomgw00t
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Post by zomgw00t »

@robotmakes Absolutely no offense taken. That's very sound advice.
cormallen wrote: 1. You can never have enough VCAs.
2. It's against the law to own a MOTM and not have a 440 (aka The Best Filter in the Universe).
3. I'm not a fan of the 120 - mine gets very little usage. It's 2u that could be used for something much more interesting.
4. The WaveWarper took me a long time to get my head around, but it's fantastic for pulsing drones (great when modulated by a UEG in step-sequencer mode). Worth considering.
5. I'd avoid 310 uVCOs - the 300 is *so* much more useful - linear FM, sine and tri outputs, no need for external attenuation for PWM, etc.
6. The CGS VCS is a great module for small systems because it can perform so many different duties. (After playing with a friend's Serge, I'm building a couple as 1u modules using UEG-sized knobs).
7. Delays are cool, but do you need it in the modular, or could you do it externally?
8. No high pass filter? How about a 420?
Thanks for the reply, Harry.

1) So I've heard! :hihi:
2) I really should just take all the advice I've heard on this and take the plunge.
3) The 120 was a bit of an impulse buy when I happened across somebody selling the kit. I'm not really sure about my opinion on it yet.
4) For some reason I was under the impression that the 510 was really difficult to get. . . not sure why. :hmm: I'll definitely check it out.
5) I was thinking of using the 310 to drive the Miniwave, but yeah, I guess a 300 would be more useful for non-Miniwave patches.
6) The VCS look interesting but I haven't really wrapped my mind around what all it does. Is there a good demo out there somewhere?
7) Point taken. I'm actually still hoping to fill that spot with the MOTM version of the e580 when (or if... :sadbanana: ) it comes out
8) The Threeler has a high pass filter mode.
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Post by Modrik »

Yeah, concerning delays, an external tape delay could be a nice addition.
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Post by scarymcclary »

i'm waiting for my rack case to start some more MOTM planning. the tau pipe phaser and double deka are definitely on the list among many others.
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Post by cormallen »

Hi again,

One additional thing I've learned over the years is not to try to grow your modular too quickly - I learned a lot more about what each module could do by adding things slowly and taking time to really understand each new addition. (Of course you do need to cover all the basics when starting out, but you've more than done that!)

Also, there's a lot of beauty in a small system that perfectly fits your needs. Don't be afraid to sell modules you don't get on with.
1) So I've heard! :hihi:
2) I really should just take all the advice I've heard on this and take the plunge.
3) The 120 was a bit of an impulse buy when I happened across somebody selling the kit. I'm not really sure about my opinion on it yet.
4) For some reason I was under the impression that the 510 was really difficult to get. . . not sure why. :hmm: I'll definitely check it out.
5) I was thinking of using the 310 to drive the Miniwave, but yeah, I guess a 300 would be more useful for non-Miniwave patches.
6) The VCS look interesting but I haven't really wrapped my mind around what all it does. Is there a good demo out there somewhere?
7) Point taken. I'm actually still hoping to fill that spot with the MOTM version of the e580 when (or if... :sadbanana: ) it comes out
8) The Threeler has a high pass filter mode.
2) Yeah - get a 440 for sure, but you don't need to be in a hurry. You've got some nice filters already.
4) I *did* find the 510 difficult to get into, but finally the lightbulb went on and now I love it. I find it works best for me with only audio input (usually Y) and a lot of control voltage inputs, rather than multiple audio (which can often lead to sounding like a cheap distortion unit).
6) Do a search for the Serge Dual Universal Slope Generator (same thing). There are lots of explanations/examples out there. It's great in a small system because sometimes you want another LFO for a patch, sometimes a VCO or Lag (or Sub Osc, or... the VCS can do all of these things and more).
8) Ooops - sorry, I missed the Threeler in your initial post.

I may have posted this here before, but here's a track of ours which is really heavy on 440 use (at least 70% of the sounds in it), so it should give you a good idea of what it sounds like. Pretty much everything here is modular apart from the drums and voice, and nearly all the modular sounds are either straight 440 or else 440 into 420 in HP mode.

http://cormallen.com/twofish/RadioColumbia.mp3

Harry
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Post by cormallen »

Oops - meant to say that I tend to use the 510 with only ONE audio input and multiple CV inputs.
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Post by patchdub »

kind of just repeating what others have already said but here is my 2 cents...

i would definitely recommend the 300 over the 310. so much more flexibility. i got a 310 as my second vco then shortly after got another 300. i wish i had 3 300s instead.

look at the mattson quad vca and the mattson quad ad/asr.

you could put your mididac and the dunsel at the bottom or top along with your power switch and mults. that would free up 3u.

the 120 was the first module i got and if you haven't already you ought to do the tellun mod.

perhaps swap one of the motm lfos for the oakley vclfo.

for delay my most favorite ever is the maestro echoplex 4. just watch ebay until one comes up for a decent price. tape delay + modular = awesome! that would free up another 2u.

you' ve got me pondering now about what would happen if i add a control 3 and dunsel.

have fun!
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Post by zomgw00t »

patchdub wrote: the 120 was the first module i got and if you haven't already you ought to do the tellun mod.
Unfortunately, Tellun no longer has the PCB for that one. It doesn't look like it would be too difficult to build with a MUUB boards, though.
perhaps swap one of the motm lfos for the oakley vclfo.
Good call.
for delay my most favorite ever is the maestro echoplex 4. just watch ebay until one comes up for a decent price. tape delay + modular = awesome! that would free up another 2u.
Thanks for the suggestion. Do you have an idea what a decent price for one would be right now?
you' ve got me pondering now about what would happen if i add a control 3 and dunsel.
Paul is almost out of Control-X boards and doesn't plan on doing another run, so if you want one, you might want to order it soon.

Thanks!
~Chappie
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Post by sduck »

Replying quickly to first post without reading all the follow ups - I'll add on as I read -

2 190s is 4 vcas. You may be ok in that department.

Delay - can you find a Blacet Time Machine in motm format? I really like mine. Didn't for a while, but I've found ways of making it work. The Flight of Harmony Sound of Shadows is also excellent in a very different way.

Get a 440. Don't even think about it, just do it. Sacrifice the croglin if you need to.

A Wogglebug instead of threeler. Just because. Get someone to diy one for you, or bridechamber.

A second 300 instead of the 310.

e350 motm-ized instead of the miniwave. Unless you really want it for the quantizer.

Lose the 120. You'll never use it anyway. Mine's occupied the bottom left corner of my modular for years - finally removed it tonight to poach the power cord from it - there wasn't even one attached. Hadn't been one there for years.

Some kind of output mixer? I really really like the yusythn VC mixer/panner - my cables to my mixer are permanently plugged into it.
Last edited by sduck on Wed May 11, 2011 10:37 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by patchdub »

zomgw00t wrote: Do you have an idea what a decent price for one would be right now?[quote"]

not sure. i payed less than $150 (can't remember) for an echoplex 4 that was thought to be broken but really it needed wd40 and a new tape. i have used several over the years and for me i think the echoplex 4 is by far and away the best tape delay out there. i'd say just monitor ebay for awhile and get lucky!
zomgw00t wrote: Paul is almost out of Control-X boards and doesn't plan on doing another run, so if you want one, you might want to order it soon.
can't really understand what the control 3 does yet or else i would have jumped on it sooner. these types of modules confuse me.

[so does trying to reply with multiple quotes.]
JohnLRice

Post by JohnLRice »

sduck wrote:Lose the 120. You'll never use it anyway. Mine's occupied the bottom left corner of my modular for years - finally removed it tonight to poach the power cord from it - there wasn't even one attached. Hadn't been one there for years.
:lol: :tu:
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Post by zomgw00t »

sduck wrote:2 190s is 4 vcas. You may be ok in that department.
Is there some way to judge what the right number of VCAs is? The advice always seems to be. . .

:vcas:

. . .but I doubt 40u of VCAs would be all that useful! :hihi: I guess it's just trial and error until I find the amount that work for me?
Delay - can you find a Blacet Time Machine in motm format? I really like mine. Didn't for a while, but I've found ways of making it work. The Flight of Harmony Sound of Shadows is also excellent in a very different way.
I think I'll try to get my hands on a tape delay as cormallen/Modrik have suggested. The more I think about it, the more I realize it would probably work better for what I want to do.
Get a 440. Don't even think about it, just do it. Sacrifice the croglin if you need to.
I get the feeling that I'll be hunted down for treason if I don't get a 440! I guess replacing the Croglin with a 440 sounds reasonable.
A Wogglebug instead of threeler. Just because. Get someone to diy one for you, or bridechamber.
I actually already have the Threeler! I just need to buy 2 more pots to finish it up. A lot of people suggest the Wogglebug but none of the examples I've seen of it have really turned me on to it. It looks cool, but just too random for my tastes. That said, I would love to see it used in a less-random patch, if such a thing is possible.
e350 motm-ized instead of the miniwave. Unless you really want it for the quantizer.
I'll probably go with the Miniwave for now and consider getting the e350 when it comes out in MOTM format. (Please don't let me down, Paul!) Besides, I should have access to an EPROM burner and trying my hand at making some PROMs strikes me as pretty cool.
Some kind of output mixer? I really really like the yusythn VC mixer/panner - my cables to my mixer are permanently plugged into it.
How about a Mattson VC Mixer? I would technically get 4 more VCAs with that.
patchdub wrote:can't really understand what the control 3 does yet or else i would have jumped on it sooner. these types of modules confuse me.
I haven't built mine yet, but alongside using its function as an inverting attenuator, I can imagine using it to switch signal on/off and, in conjunction with a multiple, as a single knob to control a whole bunch of other modules.
[so does trying to reply with multiple quotes.]
Start a quoted section with '{quote}' and end it with '{/quote}'. Just replace the '{' and '}', with '[' and ']'.


~Chappie
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