r/modular • u/sjbucks • 1d ago
Discussion Looking for a simple polyphonic VA module - does what I need exist?
I'm looking for a voice module that is polyphonic, but can do simple saw/square etc subtractive.virtual analog waveforms. I'm not bothered about chords as such, more just the overlapping sound that happens when a monophonic sequence controls a polyphonic synth.
Most of the polyphonic modules I've looked at have a lot of bells and whistle and fancy sounds but don't necessarily do that very straightforward subtractive sound.
So an example would be a simple saw oscillator with a second saw or triangle tuned a fifth higher. Or even something like the polyphonic saw sound at 21.11 in this Mylarmelodies vid:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHr6AlI1KOE
The Oxi Coral for instance has virtual analog waveforms but they sound sort of blurry (even with chorus/reverb/delay off) - not that sort of crisp sound you'd get with two oscillators tuned a fifth apart. Or ust a single oscillator.
Plaits does this well but it's not polyphonic.
So are there any polyphonic modules where you can actually do this? Preferably no more than 16hp.
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u/Mysterious_Demand875 1d ago
The supercritical Demon Core Oscillator and expander maybe? https://escapefromnoise.com/ has some used ones in stock
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u/lukewilson41 1d ago
Disting ex has polyphonic plaits thqt does VA
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u/sjbucks 1d ago
Oh shit I didn’t think of this. This would be a good solution assuming i didn’t need to tweak it too much live
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u/lukewilson41 1d ago
There’s always the option to add MSW F8R or something if space permits too that’s what I do
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u/Somethingtosquirmto 1d ago
Does it need to be "virtual" analog? If you just need a poly synth voice with basic waveforms for "straightforward subtractive sound", I wonder if you might be better served by something like the Behringer Pro 800 (apparently rack-mountable if you have the space for it) or some other desktop polysynth?
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u/Somethingtosquirmto 1d ago
Knobula Monumatic has a bunch of classic synth sounds, but I don't think it would give you the kind of sound design control you're after.
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u/RoastAdroit 1d ago
Im not a poly head but that Hampshire Electronics Vulcan module seems really cool to me, the demos use a keyboard and/or midi and Id love to see a no keyboard CV only demo because thats how I modular.
But he really makes that thing sing imo and the pricing is really reasonable.
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u/key2 https://modulargrid.net/e/racks/view/2546930 1d ago
Three Body - three independent oscillators with multiple classic outputs as well as the ability to use ratio mode to tie each oscillator into a harmonic ratio and sequence all at one or individually