Modular Synth - Setup and sources

cojobt

Hi,

I'm curious about the state of the modular synth scene in Ireland. Are there many users of modular synth out there?

What's your setup? How or where do you get your modules? Is there anywhere in Ireland where a person can get hands on with a modular synth?

I've been interested in getting into modular synths lately, but I find it quite daunting, especially as it seems to be virtually impossible to get hands-on experience of using any systems or modules in this country.

I was in London recently and was looking forward to spending a couple of hours in the Rough Trade/Schneiders Buero Test Salon, where they have a nice big modular synth installed, but they had just put a load of boxes in the room that morning so it was inaccessible. Apparently that was the first day in a couple of years that it was out of action. Very disappointing.

I own a Minibrute, a Dark Time sequencer, a couple of effects pedals and recently acquired the Korg Volca Beats. I've been thinking about expanding the Minibrute with another VCO, but then I have to get a case and a power supply...it all gets complicated quickly.

TroutMask

hi cojobt, don't think there's much of a 'scene' here, maybe a collection of isolated users with modulars in their home studios. I have a mini-modular, in Moog 5e format: it marries with my Moog Source and DAWs via Kenton CV and MIDI stuff. I got it at Schneidersladen in Berlin when i was driving through, and it comes out when i get the urge. Don't know about any dealers here specialising in modulars, i doubt they exist.

The Berlin Schneidersladen is well worth a visit as it is, in many ways, a contemporary living museum/atelier of modular synthesis. Bring money, you'll definitely find what you're looking for - those guys are really cool and banged together my custom modular in about 30 mins - true while-you-wait service!

synesthesia

Hey Cojobt,

there is a lot of Modular user in Ireland - most of us know each other via muffwiggler.

Several of us created a SDIY group recently : https://groups.google.com/d/forum/sdiy-ireland - where we dicuss module building, etc.

I had a 5U http://www.synthesizers.com/ system a while back ... some pics here : http://www.adverts.ie/other-pro-audio/5u-modular-synth-analog-greatness/759036

I had a euro system too - but then I got busy with other stuff for a while .... I am starting a new 5u modular at the moment, from scratch - all of it DIY.

+1 for Schneidersladen, cool lads, and they are in the middle of Xberg of all places, so it is worth a trip

Aside from that I have a SlimPhatty, a x0xb0x, an Elektron Analog 4. I have a Ableton Push and a Maschine too.

Miloglow

Hey,

just wondering where ye would recommend visiting to get more info on modulars for a complete novice? Any good sites, articles, books or videos? I have experience working with hardware synths but im just trying to get into modulars now, any good sites i find are usually too advanced for my basic knowledge.

Thanks :D

synesthesia

Hey Miloglow, your one stop shop is http://www.muffwiggler.com/ - it is literally the best site you can find about Modular it's a forum.

Take the time to check the photo galleries - you will see some mind blowing stuff.

If you have the time, watch the documentary : "I dream of wires" - http://www.idreamofwires.org/ it has a lot of good info and will give you an idea of what's up with Modulars recently - and the different options available to you - Buchla, ,Serge, Euro - etc

Let me know if this you need to know anything else

Miloglow

synesthesia wrote: »

Hey Miloglow, your one stop shop is http://www.muffwiggler.com/ - it is literally the best site you can find about Modular it's a forum.

Take the time to check the photo galleries - you will see some mind blowing stuff.

If you have the time, watch the documentary : "I dream of wires" - http://www.idreamofwires.org/ it has a lot of good info and will give you an idea of what's up with Modulars recently - and the different options available to you - Buchla, ,Serge, Euro - etc

Let me know if this you need to know anything else

Thanks

I briefly looked at muffwiggler before so i think ill have to take another look.

I actually have a copy of the Hardcore Edition of I Dream Of Wires but i just haven't watched it yet, waiting for some time off now over xmas to watch it through

hopefully i will get used to everything eventually,
thanks again

synesthesia

Watch it ! very inspiring


Two important thing before making the big dive, is :
- Have a good understanding of Substractive Synthesis
- Decide on a format.

When i first started, i had no clue about the first point, so i got an oscillator and a couple of modules and couldn't do much with them

Format is important as well - and their is a lot of factor to take into consideration : Size, Budget, How much do you want to expand...etc : and what type of sound \ music you want to make of course

Miloglow

Ya I will have a lot to think about that's for sure ha. Hopefully i'll be back here soon with a good knowledge of modulars anyway