Time for a virtual modular standard...?

[xalama qo]

Hi guys,
In the real-world we have eurorack modules and API format comps and EQs (correct me if I'm wrong, I try to avoid hardware forums!), and these are standard formats that 3rd party developers can design and manufacture modules for.

Isn't it time for something similar in VST land?

Let's say I want to put together a modular synth that has Largo's wavetable osc's, Cytomic's filters, Diva's Moog envelopes, a couple of MSEG LFOs, a distortion module from Amplitube's stomp collection, and a Valhalla LV246 algo to top it off.

This may very well cripple my computer with one note, but if it sounds gorgeous who cares? It would be aimed squarely at the tweakheads, not the real musos

I've placed this in the 'hosts' forum because it would require a shell, which then would be inserted into a DAW as a VSTi. But the shell would provide the module rack GUI format/orientation, the modulation matrix of loaded modules, midi and/or audio in, audio out, and not much more. Preferably open source.

Modules like osc's, filters, step sequencers, LFOs, envelopes, FX would all be provided by 3rd party developers. And I'm talking really specific modules, like a distortion with 3 algos from Amplitube, or a Valhalla reverb with 3 algos.

You could argue that this is all possible with existing modular hosts, or that it's essentially what Reason RE's provide, but it's not, I'm thinking real modular piece by piece sub-set modules.

You could argue that this is unnecessary with all the many synths already available, it will just take up more of the dev's time supporting a new format.
Or it could be an added stream of revenue for the devs to sell subsets of their existing products. They could even introduce a gear-credits discounting system, where if you bought Diva's Moog osc, and the u-he Roland filters, and some u-he envelopes, you could buy Diva at a discounted price determined by how many components of Diva you already own.

Or the dev's may see it as an unwanted format which chips away at their main product sales.
Anyway, what say ye? Open for discussion now...

[toitoi]

That was my thought long ago. Something like VazModular but open for developers to make there own modules and sell them.

[aMUSEd]

Let's say I want to put together a modular synth that has Largo's wavetable osc's, Cytomic's filters, Diva's Moog envelopes, a couple of MSEG LFOs, a distortion module from Amplitube's stomp collection, and a Valhalla LV246 algo to top it off.

Actually although it's not entirely a VST being DSP powered (although it also runs as a plugin) the Scope Modular system already offers this. The format is open to third party developers so as well as the plethora of modules that come with it (including proper Waldorf wavetable oscs, some of the best filter models going including excellent Moog and CEM filters, and lots of great fx) you can get addon modules from third parties such as Adern and John Bowen. There are even pre built semi modular synths like Solaris that you can slot these modules into and there's also a development kit for anyone to develop modules with (which is why there are a lot of great free modules available too - even things like recreations of the VCS Matrix). Patching is very similar to how it works in a real modular system (or Reason) - proper patch cables - the system is the closest to a real modular system you can get virtually (and in terms of quality too)

http://sonic-core.net/joomla.soniccore/ ... 27&lang=us

[xalama qo]

Yup, exactly. I think the closest the VA world got to doing this kind of thing was with Creamware/SonicCore's Modular and the Adern modules which added a whole new depth to it.

I'd REALLY like to see this in native form! The difficulty with having a company (VAZ for instance) develop the shell is that as with any development environment your hands as a dev are tied as to whether x64 will be supported, Mac or Windows, etc. not to mention updates we haven't even dreamed of yet!

So, my ultimate would be to see a bunch of top devs get together and figure it all out, and then open source the code. My dream-team would be u-he, cytomic, sonic charge, valhalla dsp, and loomer. They are all super-responsive devs regarding consumer interaction, transparency of roadmaps, etc, and obviously between them they are the cream of the crop. Sorry if I left anyone out, but I own products from all of these companies except cytomic, and have emailed them all about my little insignificant needs, and they have all treated me great, so no hard feelings, these guys just spring to mind as innovators and communicators with an appreciation of the community aspect of developer and consumer.

Other larger companies like NI, IKM, Waves, should be encouraged to develop modules in the new format. It's almost a given that Softube would jump on board, but then what will the policy regarding iLok be? Certain dev's modules will only work with iLok licensing? We might just get the Saturation Knob for free! Yay!

So anyway, just dreaming here, but it would be very cool. Imagine all the algos from ValhallaÜberMod in seperate modules, in a modular environment!
Of course the module prices would be much lower than the parent product, which would probably result in more no-brainer impulse buys.

Is that really such a bad thing?

[xalama qo]

the system is the closest to a real modular system you can get virtually (and in terms of quality too)

Ha! We posted at the same time. I'm a proud ModIV owner, so I agree with you about quality etc, and the upcoming v6 OS will bring open source, including modding the packaged synths, Minimaxx etc.
That's good times for those that own it, but it's a helluva pricey system to buy into these days. I was lucky to get a modest system at a decent 2nd hand price just before Xcite was released.

So as I said before, I REALLY want to see this develop in native CPU territory. And I don't care if it's monophonic, just imagine mixing and matching all those amazing modules!

[chk071]

A nice idea, but i doubt that it is realistic. I can't imagine companies throwing modules on the market which are supposed to work together with modules from other companies, after all they are all more or less striving for a monopoly. That's a normal thing, economy wise. I wouldn't want my product used as a base or part for other companies products too...

[Kriminal]

SynthEdit

[xalama qo]

A nice idea, but i doubt that it is realistic...I wouldn't want my product used as a base or part for other companies products too...

Isn't that exactly what the Props are doing with RE's?
Even more unrealistic would be having an 'open door' philosophy with regards to the competition, yet Andy of Cytomic spent time at U-he HQ discussing circuit modelling and measurements, etc. So it's up to the people/personalities involved how much they collaborate and share insights into their techniques.

I'm not suggesting the modules be open-source at all. They can run in a sandbox and be totally self contained, but the way they interface with the shell would be standardized and development of new modules would be open to anyone who wants to.

It's possible some devs out there could see some potential in this model, so I'm just putting it out there.

[xalama qo]

SynthEdit

missing the plot

[Kriminal]

SynthEdit

missing the plot

Why? Anyone who can code can create modules for it...


Snob

[deastman]

Its called Reason.

[aMUSEd]

Someone is actually creating a Modular synth with rack type modules for Reason and RE format.

[xalama qo]

SynthEdit

missing the plot

Why? Anyone who can code can create modules for it...

Snob

No need for name calling, naughty Krim.

What I should say is you're missing the paradigm. Please read the original post again. It's quite easy to understand.

[xalama qo]

Someone is actually creating a Modular synth with rack type modules for Reason and RE format.

Sounds interesting, can you divulge any more info?

[danbroad]

Reaktor has the library, in which anyone can serve you up a finished modular set, but yes, I think that there's a need for several standards across plugins. I'd like to see a standard control protocol, too, but the idea of inexpensive modular components is very cool.