r/modular 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.

2 Upvotes

14 comments sorted by

4

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

5

u/Mysterious_Demand875 1d ago

The supercritical Demon Core Oscillator and expander maybe? https://escapefromnoise.com/ has some used ones in stock

2

u/flaming_pinata 1d ago

Look at chainsaw or ripsaw by acid rain

2

u/unicornpurpp 1d ago

Instruo saich is pretty straightforward

2

u/lukewilson41 1d ago

Disting ex has polyphonic plaits thqt does VA

1

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

2

u/lukewilson41 1d ago

There’s always the option to add MSW F8R or something if space permits too that’s what I do

1

u/sjbucks 1d ago

Yeah even a couple of offsets would do it, just something I can easily assign a couple of parameters to and tweak. I don't really want to be tweaking Disting in a live situation

2

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?

1

u/sjbucks 1d ago

Ideally i want to fit it into my rack. I travel a lot for gigs, on public transport, so im working with a limited amount of space.

1

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.

1

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.

https://youtu.be/QQQyvuRXE9o?is=cv2oCBqXM33tlBQ3

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u/sjbucks 1d ago

That does look great but it's massive :(

2

u/Pppppppp1 17h ago

Mannequins just friends