Affordable modular synth setup | Get modular | Thomann
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- Опубліковано 10 вер 2024
- You want to dive into the world of modular, but you are missing the right tools? In this episode of "Get modular", Jason shows you his budget modular synth setup and what sounds you can create with it.
Gear used: www.thomann.de...
Interesting bits and pieces:
0:00: introduction
0:21: Get Modular - the gear
2:24: first sounds and features
4:55: summary
5:20: outro jam
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"Affordable modular." Never has a more oxymoronic statement been uttered. "Start small" they said. "Keep it simple" they said. "Limitations enhance creativity" they said. Many tens of thousands of dollars later we awaken in a sea of modules wondering aloud: "how did I get here?" This. Shit. Is. Crack.
I mean, it's better than crack, but no less addictive lol.
If Eurorack is crack, then at $2K a module Buchla is coke? :p
could not be more accurate.
I really would recommend anyone looking at getting into modular who doesn't have infinitely deep pockets start with one of the increasing number of semi-modular systems with lots of patch points. Behringer have several re-makes of classic semi-modulars, plus their Neutron and Crave; deeper pockets can look at Moog's Mother-32 or DFAM, and the more experimental might look at MakeNoise's ∅-Coast or Erica's Pico System III. I myself recently picked up an Arturia MiniBrute 2S.
Any of these give you, at minimum, a complete synth voice, and most have interesting additions to the standard VCO-VCF-VCA-plus-EG East Coast model. They all interoperate with Eurorack modules - it's just a matter of a case and power supply to run them with the more interesting modules, and you're free to skip packing in yet another bog-standard filter.
Great tip man! I’ve been interested in branching out into more west coast style synthesis and after doing a few months of research on what to save up for I came to the same conclusion as you. Semi modular seems to be a good stepping stone to see if you like the style. For anyone else interested Jeremy from red means recording had a good “introduction to modular” video where he demonstrates the 0 coast and Pico system III... In your opinion between the synths you listed what would you personally buy? Im stuck in limbo trying to decide right now.
Totally! I started my voyage with the Pittsburgh Modular Microvolt 3900.. then the Arturia Minibrute 2s and rackbrute... Also worth looking at software too //Jason
@@Usedpaperbag What I _did_ buy was the MiniBrute 2S, largely on the strength of the sequencer. Now, MakeNoise dropped their ∅-Control a couple of weeks later, and I really did drool over the ∅-Coast, so if I had the money to spend on the pair of them I'd probably do that instead, but I am happy with the MiniBrute.
~€500 for the modules, €100 for the cheapest Behringer Desktop/19" Powered Case, €220 for the Beatstep Pro and €30 for cables. For two oscillators and no drums (Just Synth Billy-No-Mates) that's €850 - realistically you need to add a mixer (€100), another Dual VCA (€100) or Attenuverter, probably a clock divider (€100), a quantizer and another sequencer (say the Korg one for €100) for a drum module - probably a DFAM (€600). Then effects and that can be as much as the modules themselves....... Probably no change from €2,000+ or buy a MarixBrute or a Matriarch - that's the realistic choice I'm afraid and you don't get any premium modules for your €2K either (no Intelligel or Mutable or Erica etc).
Love how they still leave extra space to add more stuff
Probably the most "affordable introduction to modular" is getting a Behringer semi modular synth..like a Neutron, or a Proton, or one of their tabletop clones like the K2 mk2
I got a Neutron a few years ago, and I am over all quite happy with it. and for less than 300$ I have an entire very flexible modular synth "voice"
Though this small investment, i realized for my Modular needs,< a small inexpensive system for making and performing oldschool Radiophonics and Spacerock type effects weirdness and the ocassional "only real analog will do" bass> I dont need much modular, so my Neutron and perhaps a dedicated Keystep to control/sequence it, is an ideal low cost, simple to use solution
Great video, I thought of going this route which at current prices at Sweetwater totaled $673 (minus the Arturia Controller of which there are several options)…but then this past November 2021,Sweetwater had special deals on both the Behringer Neutron and Pro 1 for only $199 each, I added the K2 and have an incredible modular setup for $727, ($54.00 more than going this route) with so much more sound capabilities. I really lucked out by jumping on that special pricing because 3 days later the deal was over.
That sucks. I just caught on to those about a month ago so I could have got that deal had I been privy sooner.
Been looking into these. Trying to find me the best ones for under $500 and this is a great insight. Hopefully soon I can have a great bundle of eurorack modules for my home studio setup.
Glad you found it helpful.. it's a good way in and something that will keep giving you joy! //Jason
"Affordable modular synth setup". No. Just no. Once you go modular - only your wallet can ever stop you.
Hahaha maybe, wallet's tend to have a mind of their own! .. but at least this whole setup won't break the bank..for a while! //Jason
This is so true. I was thinking about Modular for some time now. And i came to the conclusion, that all the money I spent on all my synth would still not get me a decent modular system. So i did not take the first shot of Heroin/Modular. If you want to really get a cheap Modular system get VCV Rack and you get 1000th of moduls for no money at all. I bought some commercial moduls just to support them.
i disagree. it depends entirely on why and how you use it. You can get very far with not that many modules, so long as you don't aim to use it like a complete groovebox. Obviously, affordable is relative, but the kind of money you'd spend on a synth like a sub37 will get you a very usable and reasonably complete system. especially if you're willing to buy second hand, or for things like mutable instruments, pro-built third-party versions. And this isn't even including diy. that's the real game changer imo.
@@roland4507 That is also the reason why I never dove into hardware modular.
No, your wallet can't stop you. There's credit cards and more credit cards. Once you go Eurocrack you'll find creative ways to find money ... very creative ways to just get that ONE last module.
"My modular setup is complete" - nobody ever
I’m still unsure which way to go. I’ve got an OP-Z, Organelle and the Yamaha Reface DX... as much as I’d like to take the plunge I feel that there are other things I’d like first. Considering the Minilogue XD but not sure. This is really tempting...
Great video
BRAVO.
Thanks mate.
My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed //Jason
This might be a stupid question, but what are you outputting to? Is it it like a guitar amp? Are you using a 1/4 jack out to an amp or speakers?
I'm outputting directly to my soundcard and recording directly to DAW..and out of my monitors for my own playback. Hope that helps //Jason
@@ThomannSynthesizers gotcha, thanks!
I'm a little confused by your website, I hope you can help, the case mentioned has a depth of 38mm however the power module used has a depth of 52mm ( numbers from your site) how are you able to get this module to fit? Or am I wrong somewhere? Just asking as I'm lm looking to buy my first case and power. Thanks
The video says cables are included with the set but they’re not in the basket when I try to check out. Do you chuck them in or do I need to order them? If the latter, any suggestions?
how do I hear this ? Where are the final outputs ? VCA outs ?
Yes.
How much would a set up like that cost aproxamatly and would it contribute to producing boombap with an mpc one
What would you recomend i buy as a beginner wannebe music maker , i like music like gidge and other glitch bands and acid , like a complete set ? Plz advice me
Maybe Behringer Neutron is also a cheaper and good way
The neutron is a fantastic synth and with it being semi-modular you can experience a lot of the joy of modular.. however this opens the door wide to the wonders of modular..//Jason
I got a question, what do you use to hear the sound? Or does it come straight out the system? Do i need speakers etc?
Im assuming you use the vca output to hook up to possibly sound system or headphones?
It never stays small and affordable. It's not me that's afraid, it's my wallet.
Hahaha that is the joy of modular - right there - thankfully it can start small.. //Jason
@@ThomannSynthesizers It never stays that way though. That's the problem lol.
"The Ross Geller Song"
So what’s the price for the whole set up he showed us? Did I just miss it or did he not include the info?
Folow the Link to the whislist: round about 1k
The original plug and play!
Oh yes indeed.. and, in fact sometimes.. plug and pray! //Jason
😂 you have a blessed day Sir
@@PooNinja thanks.. you too! //Jason
Love the vid. No arguments here that B modules are rubbish (they are not), unoriginal (who cares if the original was good), or killing the homespun vibe of modular (again nonsense as there will always be a market for OG and boutique).
But, I'm kind of glad I got into modular pre behringer. My first rack wad basicaly what I could afford 2nd hand. It didn't have a vco, vcf, vca or envelope as such. It was a Synthrotek APC, a Snassyfx Chaos Brother, a NLC Divine CMOS, a Bubblesound CvWS, and a 3 channel mixer.
It was shit!.But the modules were in a rack with a homemade power supply.
I've never looked back! My current rack has expanded to include vcos,vcfs, vcas etc. But that's eurocrack!
My point is you don't need the classic osc, env, filter path to have fun with modular.
These modules are really good value - but modular is so much more than a monophonic voice.
Go wild with your modular system!
Thanks for sharing! I'm still so far at the beginning of my journey - Go Wild - or go home!! Great advice for modular //Jason
@@ThomannSynthesizers I have a Boog CP mixer module in my current rack.
IMO it does exactly what I expected it to do - nice warm clipping of the waveform as you push the levels up. Me and a pal checked it out with an oscilloscope and a few different oscillators. The result were predictable and pleasing - a very moogish trait as it happens.
I also used a Behringer Odyssey synth for a few months. The vibe and sound got close enough to the real thing for me - meaning you can recreate sounds from you fave 80s synth pop records. But more impotantly it was a blast to play!
So, all the best on your modular journey!
PS Be sure to buy and build a DIY kit at some point. It's not as hard as you may think and if you start with something simple like a passive mult (or even better a passive attenuator) you'll get a handy utility that you're likely to keep.
I would try to squeeze in a μclouds, ldb2e and a Dnipro Dot to fill that rack.
Hahahah yes - I know what you mean, maybe a phase 2 purchase! //Jason
this is great!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! //Jason
Nice selection! Only few of them are really available in stock. I guess the alternatives are a bit more expensive. Thanks for sharing!
You are welcome and thank you for watching! .. They do seem to come in and out of stock, all modules wherein stick at time of filming.... //Jason
Plug and pay!
Well at least I can start with a case and power supply.
Definitely! And build slowly from there.. :) //Jason
Total: 973 € 😂
When I see a man's face that is obviously tired of expressing false smiles and a kind of "satisfied laugh" then my wish to buy the thing that he's observing becomes so low... Lower than it should be, I think...
Wallet says no... 😂
But still very intriging!
I hear you 🤗... Its a great sounding setup which makes it all the more tempting.. //Jason
"Affordable" bro it's $900 that's literally all of my money
ohno
I'M FINNA BUST...
My bank account.
If you want to sound like a $300 synth, sure. But, you just spent a whole lot more than $300!
Are your ears made of porcelain?
@@SpeccyMan Yours certainly appear to be. The sounds in this particular video are toy like. If you think those are quality synth sounds, boy oh boy.... Thanks, but I'll save my money and keep buy real synths. "Modular" is the biggest rip off going. Rich kids who can't play keyboards buy them to impress their friends. I'll take a real synth over a fantastically expensive overpriced modular any day.
Sorry, but those Behringer modules sound aweful
Not as awful as your spelling.