This depends so much on what you want to get out of it. Do you want it to be a more powerful modular? Then pair it with a tiptop happy ending kit and a desktop rack and then add modules one at a time that you think will enhance it's features.SHall1000 wrote: Tue Feb 14, 2023 8:00 pm OK. So if I go for a B2600, what could I pair it up with to expand it’s possibilities?
(I know…I know…learn to use the 2600 first!)
Do you want two voices that complement each other? Then there are a lot of choices, but this too depends on what kind of music that you want to make.
Any semi-modular with patch points and a compatible voltage interface (most of them, but not all of them) will enhance what you can do, but each choice will bring more or less value to you depending on your goals.
Also, most things that you buy will be more expensive, with a few exceptions.
Behringer Crave is a low cost one VCO synth with a sequence and the patch points in the right place so you can jam on them as a powerful semi-modular techno monster.
Make Noise 0-coast will give you a west coast flavor, or west-pest if you are on a budget, personally, I'd prefer the 0-coast.
Moog Mavis is cheap and simple but will add Moog flavor. I'm not a fan of the not-a-knob knobs, but YMMV and all that.
Bastl SoftPop 2 Semi-Modular Synthesizer will cost more than what you're paying for the 2600 but will be off the beaten path and would probably provide a good complement if you want to really explore weird sounds in a limited context. This would probably be my second choice if I was forced to use only two semis and the 2600 was one of them.
Behringer Neutron will still give you the most features for the buck and has truly different filter, a BBD delay, and a patchable overdrive. This is really the best complement in terms of bang for buck with reasonable build quality.
My top choice (for a synth) would be either the Mini-brute 2 or 2s, depending on whether or not you want a sequencer or keyboard. The Steiner-Parker Filter will really add a different and aggressive sound. Unfortunately, it is hampered on the 2/2s because you can't use the original design's feature of multiple inputs for the different modes. Still, it's a great sounding filter and, along with the "brute factor" will really complement the 2600 with a more aggressive sound.
Side note: You can get a true Synthacon filter in the Tip-Top audio's Forbidden Planet module, but that and the happy ending will set you back $140+130 = $270.
Finally, if you want to create ambient drones, I'd go with a SOMA Cosmos. It will cost about as much as the 2600, but, if you like ambient drones, I don't think that you'd ever get bored.
So, seriously, it depends on what you want to do with it.
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