Small Modular System

[Genetic_Junk]

I'm looking to experiment with oscillator cross modulation and other forms of feedback.

I just need a small system. Probably a few modules to generate and process sound and a few modulators. Growing a giant modular system would be fun, but I don't have the space or funds. To avoid aliasing, I'd prefer analog modules. (And I already have lots of fun modular plugins.)

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Feel free to ask questions, if more specificity is needed.

[vurt]

are you looking for simple waves to mix in to complex? could go the doepfer route, lots of basic options for most functions and don't cost loads of moneys.

[Constructed Identity]

Many options… come up with a signal path you want to do and then explore Modular Grid to find the specific modules that do what you want. My only suggestion, enjoy the process, it’s part of the fun.

[Genetic_Junk]

are you looking for simple waves to mix in to complex? could go the doepfer route, lots of basic options for most functions and don't cost loads of moneys.

I'm thinking a couple oscillators that have inputs for linear or exponential FM. Those would probably be simple shapes sine or triangle. Maybe a lowpass filter module with a built-in feedback loop or an input for FM of the cutoff. An envelope or LFO with the ability to modulate rate or amplitude or both. Something that can generate a gate and a constant voltage (maybe the LFO could do this?)

[Genetic_Junk]

Many options… come up with a signal path you want to do and then explore Modular Grid to find the specific modules that do what you want. My only suggestion, enjoy the process, it’s part of the fun.

Thanks for the tip about Modular Grid. Looks like a helpful resource.

[Funky40]

......but I don't have the space or funds. To avoid aliasing, I'd prefer analog modules.

i`d stay away then.


Otherwise: Have a look at the Schlappi engineering Three Body
https://schlappiengineering.com/products/three-body

It`s not exactly what you were asking for .....yet, somehow, it is exactly "that".
The Three body is FPGA based. That`s still transistor based circuitry and not DSP.
And the pricing is extremly fair.

i pair it with a tiptop 258t analog VCO,...and some more VCOs (wavetable)....to create a complex VCO array.
the Three body can act as a syncing hub and allows for extremly complex patches. while it is also great fun on its own......for "exactly" what you were asking for.


if you are already ITB, i`d just take Zebra3 .....or VCV Rack ( which has an overwhelmingly flood of modules and options. which makes it a fun killer to me. YMMV )

[foosnark]

Aliasing really is much less of a problem than many people think. While there are a few areas where analog has an edge (mostly over cheaper/older digital modules with lower specs), digital adds a lot more flexibility.

VCV Rack is pretty great, although I think it takes some discipline not to go wild trying everything all at once

IMHO if you're going to jump into hardware modular, semi-modulars are a great starting place unless you already have a very specific direction or set of modules in mind.

Arturia Minibrute 2 is really underrated IMHO -- it has a healthy amount of patch points, lets you mess around with both exponential and linear FM, and is a decent hybrid of both East and West coast style stuff. And I really like patching my Make Noise Strega with it -- using the wavefolder ("metallizer" as Arturia calls it) to distort its the dirty delay for instance.

[Genetic_Junk]

......but I don't have the space or funds. To avoid aliasing, I'd prefer analog modules.

i`d stay away then.


Otherwise: Have a look at the Schlappi engineering Three Body
https://schlappiengineering.com/products/three-body

It`s not exactly what you were asking for .....yet, somehow, it is exactly "that".
The Three body is FPGA based. That`s still transistor based circuitry and not DSP.
And the pricing is extremly fair.

i pair it with a tiptop 258t analog VCO,...and some more VCOs (wavetable)....to create a complex VCO array.
the Three body can act as a syncing hub and allows for extremly complex patches. while it is also great fun on its own......for "exactly" what you were asking for.


if you are already ITB, i`d just take Zebra3 .....or VCV Rack ( which has an overwhelmingly flood of modules and options. which makes it a fun killer to me. YMMV )

Three Body does look fun. I appreciate the advice about funds. Compared to software, modular is pricey. But I think I can manage a small system.

FYI The Three Body manual says, "The internal sample rate of the Three Body audio path is 12.5MHz to achieve low aliasing and high quality modulation effects." In the first demo video, when he turns the coarse tuning knob all the way up, you can hear a little aliasing in the square wave.

[Genetic_Junk]

Aliasing really is much less of a problem than many people think. While there are a few areas where analog has an edge (mostly over cheaper/older digital modules with lower specs), digital adds a lot more flexibility.

VCV Rack is pretty great, although I think it takes some discipline not to go wild trying everything all at once

IMHO if you're going to jump into hardware modular, semi-modulars are a great starting place unless you already have a very specific direction or set of modules in mind.

Arturia Minibrute 2 is really underrated IMHO -- it has a healthy amount of patch points, lets you mess around with both exponential and linear FM, and is a decent hybrid of both East and West coast style stuff. And I really like patching my Make Noise Strega with it -- using the wavefolder ("metallizer" as Arturia calls it) to distort its the dirty delay for instance.

I agree about aliasing -- normally it is not an issue. But at the extremes it does occur. So it would be nice to have a little synth that doesn't need to worry about it.

I'll check out the Minibrute 2. It sounds like it has most the features I'd like. Although I don't need keyboard control. This is the kind of stuff I'd be doing: https://supercooltunes.com/wp-content/u ... ossmod.mp3

[Seafire Mk2]

A semi modular synth may be the way to go to cut your teeth.

Something like the Behringer 2600 or the Proton

[foosnark]

I'll check out the Minibrute 2. It sounds like it has most the features I'd like. Although I don't need keyboard control. This is the kind of stuff I'd be doing: https://supercooltunes.com/wp-content/u ... ossmod.mp3

I have the 2S, which is a little smaller, trading the regular keyboard for a sequencer and some pads that handle velocity and pressure.

While I might prefer a smaller unit without that section either, the pads are nice enough to make it a self-contained instrument, and the sequencer is decent enough. (Since I favor simple Berlin School type sequencing along with drones and manually played parts, I prefer an analog sequencer where you can read values off of pots, or a similar style software step sequencer like Seqund. But this one isn't too fiddly.) I tend to use it for drones a lot anyway though.

[Funky40]

Aliasing really is much less of a problem than many people think.

i see it exactly same.


the key vs. such things like the OP wants to achive is sync !
First and bevore anything else -> phase correct sync.
The caveat with analog VCOs vs. that is: the sync is a waveform reset.

On top of that comes the PSU and mains power in your house situation -> when it comes to take patching with analog modules to these places.


everything IIRC:
btw. there has been a noise problem with the early models of Three Body ! This has been corrected. While i have one of the first models, and it has not bothered me that much either.

[Genetic_Junk]

A semi modular synth may be the way to go to cut your teeth.

Something like the Behringer 2600 or the Proton

The 2600 looks great. Thanks for the tip.

[Genetic_Junk]

I'll check out the Minibrute 2. It sounds like it has most the features I'd like. Although I don't need keyboard control. This is the kind of stuff I'd be doing: https://supercooltunes.com/wp-content/u ... ossmod.mp3

I have the 2S, which is a little smaller, trading the regular keyboard for a sequencer and some pads that handle velocity and pressure.

While I might prefer a smaller unit without that section either, the pads are nice enough to make it a self-contained instrument, and the sequencer is decent enough. (Since I favor simple Berlin School type sequencing along with drones and manually played parts, I prefer an analog sequencer where you can read values off of pots, or a similar style software step sequencer like Seqund. But this one isn't too fiddly.) I tend to use it for drones a lot anyway though.

Thanks again. Yeah I could do without the pads too. Drones certainly are something l would be making with it. Rhythmic stuff like this as well: https://supercooltunes.com/wp-content/u ... rhythm.mp3

[bmanic]

Why not a used Behringer Neutron? Sometimes you see them at stupid prices.. like 90 euros.