KVR Audio

Polite Company · Post by **Polite Company** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 9:38 pm

Hey all, I have been jonesing for a real honest to goodness analog modular synth for a long time but never had any money for one. Now I have some money but not much so naturally I am drawn to the Synthesizers.com Entry Systm Purchase Plan, my question is, first, what do people think of the .com modules? (I figure if they're good enough for Jorden Rudess they're good enough for me) and is the entry plan the way to go? Also what are some of the key modules that aren't included. (i.e. noise source, slew limit, S+H, signal processor)

Chuck E. Jesus · Post by **Chuck E. Jesus** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 9:58 pm

go ask at:

www.muffwiggler.com

it's mostly analog(ue) modular talk, and most of the current brands are covered...i know one person has .com, but he might be moving toward euro rack if memory serves...if you went frac rack or euro rack you just need to get a rack together and add mods as your money allows...

Scot Solida · Post by **Scot Solida** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 10:00 pm

I love my Dotcom system. I have amassed 70+ modules in five rows, and there is very little that it cannot do. The big, roomy panels make patching easy, and the prices are reasonable, particularly given the excellent build quality. I have never experienced a fault of any sort in my modules and the tuning is as rock solid today as it was when I bought my first module many years ago.

The entry system is an excellent way to go. You don't have to stick to the modules or schedule (I don't know anyone who lasted the year without buying a bunch more stuff). The sound quality is excellent.

If the Dotcom system can be faulted with anything, it is the lack of 'esoteric" modules, though with enough patchcords and modules you can do just about whatever you like. Also, there are some other manufacturers who make more unusual modules in the format (Cynthia, for one). I have built a number of Blacet modules into the Dotcom format (the Blacet Miniwave is a must-have, in my book). There are adapters that can be used to plug the other modules into your Dotcom power supply.

There is plenty of room in the cabinet for added modules such as the noise generator and slew limiter...you'll want at least the first and the second if you want to play old-fashioned portomento or glide passages. The Signal Processor is a good module (I have at least two...maybe more...can't remember...LOL). They aren't glamourous, but they are essential. A Mixer module is also a good thing to have. I would get another VCA, first though, and a Sample+Hold module. Rememeber that your Oscillator is also your LFO, so if you want two oscs w/LFO, you're gonna need another Oscillator (I have 12, with three in the top row, usually as LFOs). The sequencers are beautiful and the Q-119 sequencer is affordable. I'd recommend grabbing up one of the Trans Ladder Filters when you can, for the "Moog" sound. It's an excellent filter, if not as versatile as the State Variable Filter. The Clipper/Rectifier is also worth a look. Oh, make sure you have a Multiples module or two.

If you have any questions about the system, feel free to contact me personally and I will try to help.

Chuck E. Jesus · Post by **Chuck E. Jesus** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 10:47 pm

Scot Solida wrote: The big, roomy panels make patching easy...

that's my biggest complaint about my Doepfer...things can get pretty tight with a complex patch and it becomes hard to "rock the knobs"...mixed blessing as you can fit lots of mods into a small space though...i got into modular synths on a big Emu, and it was nice having room to actually fit your fingers

Scot Solida · Post by **Scot Solida** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 10:50 pm

Chuck E. Jesus wrote:
Scot Solida wrote: The big, roomy panels make patching easy...
that's my biggest complaint about my Doepfer...things can get pretty tight with a complex patch and it becomes hard to "rock the knobs"...mixed blessing as you can fit lots of mods into a small space though...i got into modular synths on a big Emu, and it was nice having room to actually fit your fingers

Yep, it's a trade off. A big Dotcom system isn't most wives' idea of appropriate living room decor, so if you don't have a roomy studio, things can get pretty cramped in a hurry. And there is the thing. With my cabinets mere inches from the ceiling, I have no more room to "build up", so if I decide I want a new module, another one has to go. A Frak or Euro system puts a lot of power into a smaller space, and this can be a real advantage. Fortunatley, with over seventy modules, there isn't a lot I feel the need to add...

taijiguy · Post by **taijiguy** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 1:01 am

The entry system is very dangerous! My Dot Com started as an entry system and has grown to 3 22U cabinets in about a year.

Modulars can be very addictive. Hopefully, once my Q119 sequencer arrives tomorrow I'll be able to control it for a while.

Polite Company · Post by **Polite Company** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 1:45 am

Thanks a lot guys I didn't expect such thorough answers so quickly, and if Scot stands by them I'm sure the quality stuff. As for the rabbit hole of collecting modules hopefully my thrifty Scottish ancestry will keep me from going to crazy. (though I highly doubt I'll last the year)

And Scot I won't be flooding your inbox but I rarely turn down free advice/nerd talk from an expert.

Scot Solida · Post by **Scot Solida** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 2:22 am

Polite Company wrote:Thanks a lot guys I didn't expect such thorough answers so quickly, and if Scot stands by them I'm sure the quality stuff. As for the rabbit hole of collecting modules hopefully my thrifty Scottish ancestry will keep me from going to crazy. (though I highly doubt I'll last the year)

And Scot I won't be flooding your inbox but I rarely turn down free advice/nerd talk from an expert.

No worries, ask me anything you like!

Meffy · Post by **Meffy** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 3:22 am

I have no thoughts per se about these, just envy. Despite knowing all the advantages of virtual synths on the computer. Dumb but there it is.

.com Modulars, thoughts?