Doepfer / Eurorack for Very Small Semi Modular set up
Ok I have just bought a second hand Doepfer beauty case just to get me started with a few modules to expand the capabilities of an FRXS and or an MS20
I know nothing about Modulars but want to add a few ( I think the beauty case only holds a maximum of 4) modules to hook into my FRXS & or MS20. I don't think I need another oscillator but could do with some advice on some good modules to go for. I am thinking another filter, possibly an LFO but other than that open to ideas and others experience.
I have a Moog CP251 already which may change things a little and use a Kenton Pro 4 so have midi control of some of the MS20. The FRXS obviously already has midi.
Please don't tell me to go to Muffs as they all apparently speak another language!
Any suggestions, experience with some reasoning would be really useful.
Just so you know the MS-20 uses Hz/V and Eurorack modular uses V/Oct scaling. I sure the FRXS use V/Oct so should work with Eurorack.
Let's say you wanted to make a filter module's cutoff track the keyboard. If you were to use the MS-20 it wouldn't track the same as with your FRXS. It would be even more noticeable if the filter was self-oscillating.
Just so you know the MS-20 uses Hz/V and Eurorack modular uses V/Oct scaling. I sure the FRXS use V/Oct so should work with Eurorack.
Let's say you wanted to make a filter module's cutoff track the keyboard. If you were to use the MS-20 it wouldn't track the same as with your FRXS. It would be even more noticeable if the filter was self-oscillating.
Yeah I am aware of the Hz per volt as I had to fit a Hertz board to my Pro 4. I hadn't really considered that for modules so thanks. I'm not even sure how the modules work I assume you need a trigger which I assume can be a gate from the Pro 4 or FRXS but in the case if the filter is it just the audio from an Osc out?
Yeah I am aware of the Hz per volt as I had to fit a Hertz board to my Pro 4. I hadn't really considered that for modules so thanks. I'm not even sure how the modules work I assume you need a trigger which I assume can be a gate from the Pro 4 or FRXS but in the case if the filter is it just the audio from an Osc out?
Now you know why I'm starting so small!
Well, you could run the gate from your synth into an ADSR module then patch that into the filter cv input, but this is optional.
Since your synths most likely have 1/4 jacks for cv and gate you would need cables with 1/4 on one end and 1/8 on the other.
Well, you could run the gate from your synth into an ADSR module then patch that into the filter cv input, but this is optional.
Since your synths most likely have 1/4 jacks for cv and gate you would need cables with 1/4 on one end and 1/8 on the other.
Yeah I guess I'll have to play around a bit to see what works. I would like another filter to use with the FRXS and an envelope would be great as it only as one ADSR and one AD. That probably only leaves a couple more modules to consider.
I tweak the sounds a bit in realtime to demonstrate a bit more variety in the characters of the filters.
Thanks man. For me the Wiard wins hands down for what I want. I had more or less decide on the modules I wanted but that has just changed all of that!!
You'll need something to lower the output, since it's so hot, (louder then your other synths). So a small vca would work well. Also you will need something to bring the audio up to euro levels for input. Then a small poop and yo
Yeah I guess I'll have to play around a bit to see what works. I would like another filter to use with the FRXS and an envelope would be great as it only as one ADSR and one AD. That probably only leaves a couple more modules to consider.
I'm having a lot of fun with my Double Andore dual envelope/LFO/VCA. Something different! (see picture below)
I'd suggest that or the 4ms PEG or MakeNoise Maths. (Same dual envelope, different characters)
Another idea would be a flexible router to connect what you have now and any future updates: look at the 4ms VCA matrix.
Thirdly I'd suggest a flexible module for CV control.
Examples (there are more): Toppobrillo Sport Modulator (it will do this with your basic CV output - great to drive a filter. has many functions behind a deceptively simple front
Bananalogue VCS: older module but still very flexible. It can do audio filtering, CV processing, AD envelope, LFO etc.
Something a bit off, but well loved is the Malekko Wiard Noisering, again a module that can do multiplefunctions.
Then... a filter would be nice... there's plenty of those. Boogie, Doepfer has a bunch of really good ones; it depends on personal preference. I'd suggest a more beautiful less abrasive filter; as the MS-20 and the FRXS are already agressive filter monsters.
Also, look at a dedicated bitcrusher or noise generator. Your other synths could benefit from this, new timbres. The Harvestman Malgorhythm, WMD Geiger Counter, Doepfer bitcrusher. All three slightly different.
hopes this helps a bit. is there anything specific (sound, function) you're looking for?
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Last edited by Reptil; 25th August 2012 at 03:12 PM..
Reason: hahaha timbers typo :-D
I'm having a lot of fun with my Double Andore dual envelope/LFO/VCA. Something different! (see picture below)
I'd suggest that or the 4ms PEG or MakeNoise Maths. (Same dual envelope, different characters)
Another idea would be a flexible router to connect what you have now and any future updates: look at the 4ms VCA matrix.
Thirdly I'd suggest a flexible module for CV control.
Examples (there are more): Toppobrillo Sport Modulator (it will do this with your basic CV output - great to drive a filter. has many functions behind a deceptively simple front
Bananalogue VCS: older module but still very flexible. It can do audio filtering, CV processing, AD envelope, LFO etc.
Something a bit off, but well loved is the Malekko Wiard Noisering, again a module that can do multiplefunctions.
Then... a filter would be nice... there's plenty of those. Boogie, Doepfer has a bunch of really good ones; it depends on personal preference. I'd suggest a more beautiful less abrasive filter; as the MS-20 and the FRXS are already agressive filter monsters.
Also, look at a dedicated bitcrusher or noise generator. Your other synths could benefit from this, new timbres. The Harvestman Malgorhythm, WMD Geiger Counter, Doepfer bitcrusher. All three slightly different.
hopes this helps a bit. is there anything specific (sound, function) you're looking for?
Not a specific sound but as you said the FRXS is quite an abrasive filter so the Wiard Kraku mentioned sounds good. My stuff is genarally not 'dance' so I just like different 'flavours' although I do love warm and creamy!
I have a noise source on the FRXS but also on the CP251 so thats all good. The CP also has an LFO so in addition to the FRXS LFO so again a good start.
Ive priced it all up now so I can go for the Wiard Boogie, Intellijet Dixie and the Doepfer VCA and ADSR. I imagine this will just start me down the modular path so hopefully all four of those will be useful in a larger set up as I move from the mini case to a 6U or whatever. I wanna start small and see how I get on connecting it all and making it work as I have zero experience with modular outside of the semi modular of the FRXS and MS20.
It's basically the same as on the semi modulars. The only difference is when you screw it into the rack. Get some minijack and jack neutrik plugs and some cable, and wire up a few. best way to go from one synth to the other.
I'd still really get something that you can hook up inbetween those synths, instead of another VCO-Filter-ADSR-VCA combination. But.. that's just me.
There actually IS a notable difference between the semis and the full modulars:
With an actual modular synth you need to do some patching. You can't avoid it. Semi-modulars have a fixed signal routes which can be overridden. This difference affects the workflow quite a lot. At least it did for me. I had FRXS and modular at the same time and my approach working with both was very different to each other.
(PS. holy shit! I have actually exceeded my 1000th post!)
It's basically the same as on the semi modulars. The only difference is when you screw it into the rack. Get some minijack and jack neutrik plugs and some cable, and wire up a few. best way to go from one synth to the other.
I'd still really get something that you can hook up inbetween those synths, instead of another VCO-Filter-ADSR-VCA combination. But.. that's just me.
It's a good point but I am compromised a bit by space! I think from what people have said I need a VCA to get the sound out without going back vis the FRXS and losing a voice. I also want an ADSR as the FRXS only has one plus an AD.
I'm only getting the VCO because it's so small and may be a nice addition in through the FRXS external input.
There actually IS a notable difference between the semis and the full modulars:
With an actual modular synth you need to do some patching. You can't avoid it. Semi-modulars have a fixed signal routes which can be overridden. This difference affects the workflow quite a lot. At least it did for me. I had FRXS and modular at the same time and my approach working with both was very different to each other.
(PS. holy shit! I have actually exceeded my 1000th post!)
(PS. holy shit! I have actually exceeded my 1000th post!)
Quote:
Originally Posted by remote337
Your posts show as 1217??? You're well past!
congratulations!
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Quote:
Originally Posted by remote337
It's a good point but I am compromised a bit by space! I think from what people have said I need a VCA to get the sound out without going back vis the FRXS and losing a voice. I also want an ADSR as the FRXS only has one plus an AD.
I'm only getting the VCO because it's so small and may be a nice addition in through the FRXS external input.
The filter is the main thing!
yes, that's why the Double Andore might be something for you.
it's got two halves; each has an envelope/LFO section, and a VCA
however I didn't realise the Mini Doepfer is 32hp (I had half rack in mind)
sorry, been browsing parts lists all day.
Ok.. I'll put 6 suggestions down here. (made with Eurorack Modular Synth Planner)
there's a panner in the lower left corner that shouldn't be there.
hope if it is of some use
Last edited by Reptil; 25th August 2012 at 08:36 PM..
Reason: dOH
yes, that's why the Double Andore might be something for you.
it's got two halves; each has an envelope/LFO section, and a VCA
however I didn't realise the Mini Doepfer is 32hp (I had half rack in mind)
sorry, been browsing parts lists all day.
Ok.. I'll put 6 suggestions down here. (made with Eurorack Modular Synth Planner)
there's a panner in the lower left corner that shouldn't be there.
hope if it is of some use
Reptil, wow thanks for all of the effort!
There are some real good alternatives there. I will have to have a look through and see which suits best. I cant make out some of the modules. What is the second down from the left? It looks like Wiard Booge, Intelligel Dixie and two other Intellijels?
second one from the left
from left to right: Boogie, Intellijel µFade, Intellijel Dixie2, Intellijel UnityMixer, Intellijel Azimuth
These are just examples, the combinations are endless; An Intellijel Mutamix and the WMD Micro Hadron Collider would be a stupendous little setup.
It pays to dive into the functions of the more complicated modules, because you don't have much space, modules that can do more than one thing would be most effective. You've got to make every space count.
What I tried is find one module for filter (your #1 demand) one for a VCA to influence the different CV streams (inbetween the Kenton, MS-20, and FRXS, and this mini case) and provide some control over the filter, and some module that can shape the envelope. Since you like the Boogie (it's got a Vactrol - optocoupler as filter element) also look at LPG (Low Pass Gates) - since these are a natural sounding AD envelope, as well as a filter (if you open the envelope permanently)
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