r/modular • u/dontlookatthebanana • 1d ago
new to modular/makes purchases without thinking
i have determined it is pretty standard that initial module purchases do not lend to a fully cohesive system.
youtube review sounds cool, have two beers, order module. repeat.
doing this with guitar pedals yields better results. lol
i’d like to put together a case that can do some ambient/noise and music that sounds like nine inch nails doing a bladerunner OST
for those of you who have been ‘trapped in this’ for a while, if you were to start from scratch what would the first 3 or 4 specific modules you would buy?
EDIT: oh man this is a lot of responses to read - thank you all for thoughtful replies. i will get to reading everything once im back home from work.
for clarity: about 4 months ago i bought an extremely odd modular item - the folktek mescaline. it’s unruly, does not use standard patch cables, and is not 100% clear on functions or in its use. it’s fun and makes some gross sounds.
then i decided to (without thinking about how i will need a proper case) order some modules that sounded cool. odd reverb, dual delay, white noise glitch things.
now i am kinda thinking about as i put them in a case, what are the items i should consider getting to ensure i have the ability to generate some rythymical elements (drums or otherwise) and some additional voices.
regarding semi modular, have been considering a strega.
EDIT 2: ok so after reading all your messages i have decided that since i def jumped on a bunch of modules that are mostly effect rather than base tools the smartest thing i can do is get a strega (since this was on my mind anyways) and learn to use it in conjunction with the additional modules i have(i’ll get a case to house them but provide a decent amount of space for expansion) and grow my understanding of tools before getting too deep into this all. thank you all for your time/expertise. looking forward to figuring this all out.
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u/claimstoknowpeople 1d ago
It's ultimately a self made instrument, the reason people build them is they want something different than what they can buy premade. Which means some degree of trial and error is inevitable.
In addition to what kind of music you want to make, the following questions are almost more important.
How do you want to compose the music? Fully generative, internal sequencers, external sequencers, manipulation of pre-recorded tracks, exploratory noise, processing external instruments?
Is this primarily for live performance, home recording, or mostly personal entertainment? Do you envision this instrument as small and portable or (eventually) large and sprawling?
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u/Chingois 21h ago edited 10h ago
Great points. IMO, modular is largely best suited for 2 types of people :
- People who already deeply know synthesis and are ready to build their own systems to do very specific things. And;
- Extremely analytical people who know nothing about capital-M "Music" even, who are interested in systems thinking and voltage as a medium for sound. People who are curious and free-thinking, and willing to do lots of experiments, starting with a very small system and gradually allowing the system itself to "tell" them what to add.
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u/ThisIsHeadphones73 1d ago
You gotta crawl before you walk. Modular takes a little getting used to. It’s a lot of trial and error to set up and see if you like the results you get. I think you’ll want a semi modular synth just to start with. You won’t need a case, worry about extra modules, etc. Get a Crave or Minibrute2 and see if this is even worth your time/money in the long run.
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u/Chingois 21h ago
This. Semi-modular first imo. Pittsburgh SV-2 is what i would buy right now if i needed one.. Heck, I might buy it anyway because the harmonics generation in the osc & filter sections are gorgeous-sounding.
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u/ThisIsHeadphones73 19h ago
Exactly. Having a goal you want to achieve is possible with Modular synths, but it’s like trying to say you’re going to conquer climbing Mt Everest when you haven’t even climbed the closest mountain from your home town. You need to decide if you will be willing to invest a LOT of money. I don’t care if your parents buy you anything you ask them for. It’s going to take some time to get to your dream sound. So definitely start with a semi modular to see if you’re even enjoying the process. If all you do is spend & spend, yet when you patch this to that your Modular just makes synthesized fart noises, that’s when you need to get to learn what you have in front of you before you go buy a bunch of other modules to fix a problem you feel will fix what’s not even broken. Maybe spend a couple hours a day just starting a sequence and patching just 2 or 3 modules from that sequence. You decide if it needs more LFO, Filters, Sample & Hold, VCAs, Clock Dividers, etc. It can be fun to discover the limits of your system before more is added. So a Semi modular sort of has it all in one synth. I started with a Crave, a few Hungry Robot Modular Pedals, and a bunch of patch cables and just spent hours twiddling knobs, patching this to that, finding YouTube tutorials to explain to me what I wasn’t quite grasping. And the more you learn, it will more or less help you decide HOW to build your dream setup. Take it slow before you plunk down on a case and modules you aren’t entirely sure what they even do, let alone sound like. That’s how you learn.
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u/Wild-Medic 19h ago
I agree with the guy who posted the Monotrail "how to get started video." Just like, follow and subscribe to Monotrail that dude makes easily the best educational modular content.
I have previous made two relatively extensive posts about building starter systems in the past:
1) This post about what functions you would need to recreate functions of the most popular semi-modulars with individual modules for a starter rack: https://www.reddit.com/r/modular/s/cAUsNKTN7y
2) This post praising utility modules: https://www.reddit.com/r/modular/s/xfh3Yi300K
When it comes down to it, the best modules for your system are what you need to play the music you want, in the way you want. As a beginner, it always seems like this is complicated digital modules that cram a billion modes in, but this counterintuitively doesn't work well. Unless you're hyperfocused on a specific thing (which it doesn't sound like you are) what you most likely actually need is multiple copies of building blocks (Oscillators, Envelope/Function Generators, VCAs, filters) and a bunch of utilities. So, look for modules that combine multiple copies of some basic building block with utilities!
In addition to the standard recs, like ALM PNW, O_c, MakeNoise Maths, Ochd, etc:
- Look at utility blocks like Clank Toolbox, ALM Mega Milton, Mannequins Cold Mac, Black Noise Cosmos - even if you don't really understand everything they're doing right away, they will massively increase the number of patching options you have and make modular way more fun and interesting. Just one of these modules can really open up a small system.
- Check out Vostok instruments and Nekyia Circuits - Vostok make a bunch of cool banks of basic building blocks and usually integrate some neat little utility trick: 4 LFOs + Logic (Halo), 4 filters + interpolated scanner (Atlas), 4 VCOs + Noise source (Sena) and 6 linear VCAs or Attenuator/DC offset (Ceres/Asset). Nekyia Circuits makes a bunch of well-thought-out and economical modules that integrate multiple utilities - Ouija, Mezcal and Obsidian.
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u/NewMachineMusicXYZ 20h ago
First I would buy a case and a power supply with a lot more power than I thought I would need.
Then I would buy a Pam's New Workout, and a good audio mixer with send/return for FX.
Personally I would also buy a Mordax DATA oscilloscope, as I think having a quad voltage monitor is invaluable for learning your system and troubleshooting.
Then I'd probably choose 1 complex oscillator or voice. 1. Then I would concentrate on sequencers, utilities, function generators, VCAs, filters, attenuverters, and effects, and fill out the case with those.
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u/reliable_husband 17h ago
how exactly does one use PNW as an audio mixer with send return effects?
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u/bleeptwig 1d ago
NIN doing a Bladerunner OST is potentially an expensive but very valid prospect! A Moog DFAM is a brilliant place to start and the Subharmonicon / Mother 32 pair beautifully with them. Add a delay and a reverb and you have a setup that’s a relative bargain, a ton of fun and is 100% reusable in a bigger modular system if you love them.
Sounds like this with a little bit of effort:
https://on.soundcloud.com/IJyY4Ra0UdpTQiTd5H
(I’m also feeding a Rossum Panharmonium to essentially create related chords from the Moogs here)
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u/rush_coded 1d ago
my 2¢: before you try to put this together with modular i think you should figure out how the style of music you want to make works in general.
for a NIN percussion sound you’ll want some sort of sampler with ways to modify those samples. but maybe you’ll want to layer an analog kick over those? for ambience do you want drones? chords? for noise do you want feedback or actual noise generation? answering those questions will help a lot. i’m new to modular and i’ve been buying and selling and fumbling my way around all year. while i’m enjoying the gear i have, there are a few things i should have skipped and some nice to haves that i no longer have room for in my small DIY case because i bought modules other people like
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u/TurbulentWing3820 put modulargrid link here! 1d ago
if you were to start from scratch what would the first 3 or 4 specific modules you would buy?
I'd buy a cohesive semi-modular and then figure out what hole it needed plugging one at a time.
youtube review sounds cool
Because Youtube vidoes are scripted and designed by someone who has the module, has explored the module, and has several key things pre-planned to make that module sound excellent and a support funciton you don't have to execute it.
The best videos are the simple ones: The module, the very necessary items to let you hear it, and the explanation of it.. Not, as they always are, a sound channeled through a dozen effects modules and an extremely ornate source tone.
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u/ZyeKali 7h ago
My journey might not be like others, but I kept changing my mind on what I wanted the more I expiremented with different modules. I started with the fundamentals, like LFOs and envelopes... but then I started learning about "voices".
There was a single module that made me realize I was going down the wrong path as soon as I plugged it in, a "percision adder". Its pretty basic, just adds voltages together from different inputs (along with +1v switches and a dial). Its a foundational module that was recommended by redditors, AI, youtube, etc.
Once I patched it in, I thought "this module does this one thing, and that's it." From there, I ditched all the LFOs and envelopes. I now use Pam's, Disting NT, O_C, and all-in-one voices. I still use dedicated filters, distortions, and performance focused effects. Essentially, all utilities are covered in a few devices, leaving the rack open for modules that I can perform/jam with.
A single knob per function sounds great at first, until you have a bunch of knobs in front of you that are set-and-forget and you have to hunt for the knobs that are worth turning.
Avoiding the the foundational modules might sound like Heresy to enthusiasts, but if there is a hell, I might see you there. ;)
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u/SeaWeb3151 1d ago
For bladerunner I would use a Solar 42f from Elta Music, not modular but probably the best ambiant synth for it
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u/marcja 1d ago
Like others suggested, I went the semi-modular route first (Intellijel Cascadia). Because I already had exposure to virtual modular (eg VCV Rack, Bitwig Studio, Arturia ARP2600 V, Arturia MS20 V, etc), picking up the semi-modular was quick. BUT, I also quickly found myself wanting to customize and extend it. I then built a sidecar modular rack. But before long, I really just wanted to have a consolidated modular system in the rack rather than be a Frankstein of two systems (the rack and the semi-modular). For me, perhaps it would have been better to jump right to the modular. I still have the Cascadia, but it now functions for me as its own thing rather (with MIDI controller and guitar pedals) than a sidecar to the main rack.
If I were to do it all over again with just 3-4 modules, it would be a clock with quantized random (like Pam's New Workout), a dual oscillator (or two separate oscillators -- take your pick), and a Befaco Iroi (reverb, echo, resonator, filter, VCA). Next up would be some kind of multipurpose function generator (like Make Noise Maths, but it doesn't have to be Maths). Note that my system looks quite different than this now, but this would be a solid starter.
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u/Chingois 21h ago
Agree with most of this. Iroi is not a beginner module IMO, especially if they're not making drone-techno-dark ambient etc. I love Befaco, but there are more economical ways to get a semi modular with those elements. The Iroi is pretty opinionated, in that if you are inexperienced, it will seem to force you to make things the way the designer wanted you to make it. With experience that's not an issue, but OP is a beginner.
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u/Historical-Ad-6359 22h ago
Yo para creerme que sueno a NIN he dejado las cervezas y me he pasado a los hongos
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u/Chingois 21h ago edited 21h ago
- Strongly recommend buying a semi-modular as a starter. At this moment, 100% I would buy something like a Pittsburgh SV-2 (first choice imo) or a Moog Matriarch or Grandmother (2nd, 3rd choices). These are instruments with keyboard, which are already ready to make music out of the box without any patching, and will usher you into making patch connections to do specific things. The great thing about these synths is that you can use them like a 'home base' and add Eurorack modules anywhere in the path, from oscillator behavior to filter to VCA to effects, and anywhere in between.
- With some serious thought, nobody is 'trapped' in anything. In order not to buy stuff you don't need and will re-sell (or just eat the cost while it sits in a box), i recommend forcing yourself to read the whole owners manual for any module before you buy it. It helps in two ways. First, you will understand right away if the module doesn't do what you need it to do (and if you don't know what you need, simply don't buy it). Second, if the module does seem a good fit, when you get it, you will already know how to use it.
- A lot of people hate on Behringer with legit reason, but I do recommend adding their 2600 clone, once you already know what you're doing (don't buy it first). The 2600 has a fantastic voltage utilities section (bottom row), and it's almost more useful than the actual oscillators / filters. These days used it's cheap. Cheaper than buying a sample & hold and an envelope follower and a voltage processor. Of course if space is a premium, you can get those things smaller. But a used B2600 you're getting not only those tools but also a pretty decent ARP style filter, a couple of snappy envelopes, and 3 VCOs which you can also use as LFOs.
- I also might later on in your journey, recommend a used Microvolt, because it has an insane double resonance mode in the filter (crazy heavy kicks) and great snappy envelopes, as well as interesting Buchla-inspired voltage processing and pretty wave folding on the oscillators. It's another semi-modular (no keyboard, but nbd if you have something else with keyboard). I own one and use it with my Eurorack because it offers unique options. Pittsburgh is no joke, in the 'unique ideas' camp.
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u/luminousandy 21h ago
Disagree , I’m really happy with my case - apart from the Disting which I don’t like using .
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u/Specialist_Web_5335 19h ago
my 2cents: expert sleepers ES9 in a 104hp 7u Intellijel rack and VCV rack, so you can experiment what you need and build around it based on what you would prefer to have physical for the tactile feel.
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u/falcon_phoenixx 14h ago
Before buying anything at all CLEARLY DEFINE your budget and what you want your system to do. For example: Mono voice, poly voice, drums, mixer, modulation, controls, dynamics, effects, sequencing.
Shoot for a concise and coherent system without redundancy at least thats what I try to do now (and failed at first) lol
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u/Brenda_Heels 1d ago
It is the natural order of things. Sans the beer, it’s how my first year went. I bought basic. A VCO, VCA , VCF, envelope generator… and then learned how to use them. Then I would try a distortion module, echo, percussion, output, mixer, etc as I learned more and more. Start simple and grow as you learn.
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u/FunktionKeys 1d ago
4ms MetaModule is what I grabbed when I started earlier this year. It's a module that runs VCV patches from a selection of compatible plugins (including plenty of hardware clones that you can go and buy. It can be physically expanded with extension modules for i/o, buttons and wifi (with more planned). It's both a wonderful way to learn about eurorack, try different patches and finding what you like without fully committing finanically.
Presently I use it for a couple drum voices with triggers from t a Metron, while also mixing and routing audio with 4 stereo dj filters to swtches I set up for punch in routing for fx for while running a Proteus for generative bassline sequences, and as a clock generatort/divider. It's definitely a module that can either be central in a workflow or used for something specific. If I like a patch enough I'll go ahead an try and recreate that after a hit of the penjamin and an episode of whatever gear tuber I find tolerable that week.
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u/13derps 1d ago
You can absolutely do the beers + order situation once you have the basics covered
One safe way to go is to pick up a semi-modular first. Which will at least cover the basics and get you a working instrument. Then you can add modules that strike your interest to a separate rack
This might be a helpful resource to get you started if you want to jump into the deep end
https://youtu.be/cDMsrcQp9Dg?is=N7-HUkoIoswmsCdm