HOW TO GET STARTED WITH MODULAR: Best value modules, why hardware is better, cases, power, and more!
ANDREW HUANG・23 minutes read
Modular synthesis offers a tactile, customizable, and versatile approach to music-making, with essential modules like oscillators and VCAs playing a crucial role in sound design. Various modules and accessories, along with proper housing and power supply, enhance the functionality and organization of modular systems for beginners and advanced users alike.
Insights
- Modular synthesis offers a tactile and customizable music-making experience, allowing users to build their ideal instrument tailored to their specific needs and preferences.
- Essential modules like oscillators, filters, VCAs, and modulation sources are crucial for sound design and signal manipulation in a modular system, with recommended options from various manufacturers enhancing versatility and creativity in music production.
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Recent questions
What is the advantage of modular synthesis?
Modular synthesis allows for deeper sound design and a more hands-on approach compared to computer-based music production. Users can customize their instruments, creating a tactile and interactive music-making experience tailored to their preferences.
What are the essential modules for a modular system?
Essential modules for any modular system include oscillators, filters, effects, modulation sources, VCAs, mixers, clock sources, and MIDI interfaces. These components are crucial for sound creation, manipulation, and control within a modular setup.
How can smaller modular systems be effective?
Smaller modular systems can be just as effective and versatile as larger setups, catering to various music-making goals. They offer a more affordable entry point into modular synthesis while still providing the necessary tools for creative sound design.
What are some recommended modules for modulation in a modular setup?
Maths from Make Noise and Pip Slope with O/A x2 from ALM are recommended for modulation and signal manipulation in a modular setup. These modules offer versatile modulation capabilities, allowing users to shape and control audio and modulation signals effectively.
What accessories are essential for modular setups?
Essential accessories like stackable cables, screws, and cable hangers aid in cable management and efficient patching workflow, enhancing organization and accessibility in modular setups. Proper cable management is crucial for maintaining a clean and functional modular system.
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Summary
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Exploring Modular Synthesis for Creative Sound Design
- Modular synthesis allows for deeper sound design and a more hands-on approach compared to computer-based music production.
- Hardware modular systems offer a break from computer screens and keyboards, providing a more tactile and interactive music-making experience.
- Modular systems allow for customization, letting users build their ideal instrument tailored to their specific needs and preferences.
- Smaller modular systems can be just as effective and versatile as larger, more expensive setups, catering to various music-making goals.
- Essential modules for any modular system include oscillators, filters, effects, modulation sources, VCAs, mixers, clock sources, and MIDI interfaces.
- Recommended oscillators include the MCO from ALM Busy Circuits and Plaits from Mutable Instruments for diverse sound creation.
- The Tip Top Forbidden Planet filter and Erica Synths Dual FX module are suggested for versatile sound manipulation and effects processing.
- Maths from Make Noise and Pip Slope with O/A x2 from ALM are recommended for modulation and signal manipulation in a modular setup.
- VCAs like the TALON from Intellijel and Quad VCA from Intellijel are crucial for controlling audio and modulation signals in a modular system.
- Additional modules like Noise Tools for clocking and random signals, output modules for signal routing, and micro MIDI for MIDI to CV conversion enhance the functionality of a modular system.
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"Exploring Modular Synthesizers: Features and Accessories"
- Modular synthesizers offer various features like built-in scales, ratchets, and slew, with the ability to create generative music through random playback, path branches, and mutation inputs.
- Scales by IntelliJ is a top-notch quantizer that rounds incoming voltage to set pitches, allowing for unpredictable melodies or melodic signal transformation.
- Interfacing modules with other devices is facilitated by modules like Polly 2 for MIDI to CV conversion and Expert Sleepers ES-9 for audio interfaces, enabling multitracking and signal processing between modular and computer.
- Expert Sleepers Disting offers versatile algorithms for various functions, aiding in patch development and learning about different module types.
- HP modules are compact and affordable, offering essential functions like filters, mixers, LFOs, and more, ideal for beginners and diverse modular setups.
- Modules require housing in cases with proper power supply, with options like Intellijel cases and flying bus boards for efficient power distribution, emphasizing correct ribbon cable connections for module functionality.
- Essential accessories like stackable cables from Tip Top, Nelly's screws, and cable hangers like the Hex Oh One from Eurodesk Z aid in cable management and efficient patching workflow, enhancing organization and accessibility in modular setups.
