Want to build my own modular synth...where to start? HELP!

[PRESSPLAY]

Slutz,


I am currently obsessed with the idea of putting together my own synth based on modular components. I mean, come on! First of all, it's kind of DIY. It's completely customizable. You can swap things in, swap things out, trade or sell things you don't need for things you do. Basically, I think it's just plain cool. Here's my problem:

I've got no idea where to start.

I've only just come to learn the history and various instruments from all the most famous manufacturers (Moog, Roland, Korg, Rhodes, ARP, UA, Neve, etc.). As I am understanding, and this is completely one of the reasons why the whole modular thing is so cool, is that there are more independent companies out there making labour of love devices.

I'm looking for an overview of the modular world. For example, what are the different formats for racks? I've heard various terms, "500 series" "lunchbox" "eurorack". Are these various formats just a matter of taste, and all sound the same but look different?

Who are some of the better manufacturers out there? Is this stuff super expensive? Can it be cheap? For ex. just as it is possible to build a way better computer than you could buy at the Apple store for cheaper, can you build something better than, say a Moog Voyager for cheaper?

Cool beans, thanks for help in advance, and I hope to get some good info. I'm sure other people who are also not in the know would be curious.

[The Real MC]

They're a money pit, but this is the High End forum...

This website is a little out of date as it is missing some newcomers but it has some good primers on it.

The first question is what kind of sounds do you want. Something original, something moog-like, something arp-like, or completely weird like Buchla? That will drive your choice.

The second is format. The euro format is currently the most popular but IMO a bit crowded with the small panels, small knobs, and I'm not a fan of 3.5mm cables.

A good starting point for resellers is Analogue Haven, and a discussion forum for all things modular is gearslutz and muff wiggler.

[PRESSPLAY]

I'd definitely want it to sound unique, although if I could get some Moog sounds through it that would be great.

I've never gotten to play with an ARP or Buchla so I can't say I really know their sounds enough to distinguish, but it would be amazing if I could sell my Voyager down the road for something better.

I guess the cool thing about the modular aspect is you can pick and choose and get the best of all worlds, right? Maybe some cross of all three?

[PRESSPLAY]

Where did this get moved? I can't find it?


Anyone else?

[drbob1]

BIG question and you're going to be doing a lot of research. It might be worth getting something relatively simple to get your feet wet and start to understand at a gut level what you're dealing with. I did this by buying a MiniMoog copy (SE-1x) but the Little Phatty would be a decent place to start.

OTOH, if you want to jump right in, it IS going to be expensive. The most cost effective synth is the PAIA version, build it yourself. It's not highly complex but it'll give you a good grasp on subtractive synthesis and help you decide if you want to go further.

If money isn't a problem for you, then probably the best step is to go SEE some synths and play with them, get some idea what you like. I think Big City Music in California has stuff set up. Nova Musik in Milwaukee has a cool setup with lots of things that are able to be tried out. I'm sure there are other places in big cities.

As to the format, 500 series modules are mostly for studio gear. Eurorack is the standard for synths, but they also come in 19" rackmount size and lots of proprietary formats (like the PAIA stuff). Have fun!

[parasitk]

I highly recommend joining the Muff Wiggler forum, where you can learn a lot about the current major modular formats.

Muff's Modules & More :: Index

//Chris