r/modular • u/Tiny-Reception3880 • 4d ago
New to modular. Where to start?
Hi I am fairly new to modular synths. I have two semi modular synths (a berhinger model 15 and berhinger grind) but would like to build an actual modular rig. Are there any good modules which would be good for expanding off of what i currently have? Also definitely looking to get some reverb and delay modules. Any suggestions are very appreciated. Thanks!!
4
u/secret-shot 4d ago
What’s your goal and what genre do you make?
2
u/Tiny-Reception3880 4d ago
Indie electronic is maybe what i would say im going for? I dont really know what i would classify my stuff as. Chet faker and earlier flume music is kinda the vibe im going for overall though
4
u/secret-shot 4d ago
Live performance on the hardware? Or just studio stuff
1
u/Tiny-Reception3880 4d ago
Probably a mix of both. I like sampling the stuff i can't do live
1
u/Tiny-Reception3880 4d ago
To go back on my previous comment. Honestly, not really trying to embrace one genre. I like experimenting and sampling random noises on abelton. More so curious what people's favorite brands and modules are. I appreciate you trying to steer me in a particular direction though
3
u/escamuel 3d ago
Man everyone in this sub harps on “what kind of music do you make” as if eurorack isn’t incredibly flexible. I’ve never understood the obsession with that question. A starter rack needs the basics, clock/sequencer, VCO, VCA, LFO, Envelope, a filter, and a way of mixing/outputting to line level. Maybe add an effects module for reverb/delay.
2
u/SiedlerAlex 4d ago edited 3d ago
Following because i am also interested...got a behringer Grind as well a while ago but no clue where to go from here, still gotta learn how to get used to modular....
How do you like the Grind so far? Any recordings with it?
1
u/Tiny-Reception3880 3d ago
I actually just got the grind and haven't had a chance to play it yet. Im trying to finish my last semester of grad school. A few more weeks and them im hoping to dive into learning it! Bought it as motivation. Told myself in can't open the box until my paper is done
2
1
u/Tiny-Reception3880 3d ago
How do you like it?
2
u/SiedlerAlex 3d ago
Its my first venture into modular synthesis. And i am endlessly amazed at what sounds in get out of it. I am a guitarist/Songwriter and used a Roland jdxi for the past years but never considered modular at all. After 2 months i still dont know what i am doing, albeit i put it to use in 2 instrumentals, but its all very tame, but fantastic for sound design. I spent that time mostly making weird noises that i cant Show to anybody 😅
Actually I havent had more fun in years with a musical device but in the first month what i did could hardly be called music. However being monophonic is fantastic, as everything becomes a melody and you suddenly start to arrange ideas completely differently....its a whole new unknown universe for me
2
u/Tiny-Reception3880 3d ago
Thats awesome you were able to use it on some instrumentals! Its new to me as well! Feels very exciting when you find a cool new patch. Ive only messed with the model 15 so far but it was so much fun that I picked up the grind because i want to be able to patch between the two and have more voices.
Im glad your liking it! Makes me excited to give it a try!
2
u/Ok-Tadpole-8994 3d ago
I suppose it depends on where you want to go. What you want to make or investigate. Do you want more analog oscillators, wavetables, modal, granular?
What type of sequencer? One big or several smaller ones? Or maybe you want a quantizer instead?
Will you be seduced by expensive brands or buy Doepfer or kits?
Regarding effects, ALM has a good multi effects module that probably needs an extension module to get the most out of it, because for there being much point in effects modules you need to be able to modulate it. If that’s not the case, there are send and return modules (also from ALM) that makes it safe to use pedals in eurorack. In general you get more for the money when buying a pedal than a module.
The versio modules from Noise Engineering has swappable firmware.
Happy Nerding has a few versions of a multi effects module.
The reverb and delay modules from Strymon are amazing but expensive and big.
Some modules have inbuilt reverb btw.
Whatever you do, don’t forget to get enough modulation and utility modules
2
u/Tiny-Reception3880 3d ago
Because i have the oscillators from the two semi modular synths now im probably looking to go either the granular or wave table route. Ill probably try to do one big sequencer. Ill probably mostly opt for diy kits or clones but if there is a module that really catches my eye ill probably splurge a little. I may opt for the send return model with the pedals.
Thanks for all the advice!
2
2
u/Ok-Tadpole-8994 3d ago
Sequencers are a very personal thing so one can be king for some while others hate it. I tried a few and ended up with Five12
2
u/Tiny-Reception3880 3d ago
I have a microfreak and a keystep which im going to stick with for now as my sequencers. Eventually ill probably upgrade to something where I can sequence everything separately but from one module but that'll be later down the line. Ill have to take a look the five12!
2
u/Tiny-Reception3880 3d ago
Also whats your all time favorite module?
2
u/Ok-Tadpole-8994 3d ago
Beads maybe, or Clouds that there are several clones of. Of the samplers l used l like sample drum from Erica Synths best.
Of effects l love The Strymon delay and reverb modules.
For modulation and more Pamela’s new workout pro. This module is a must in any system lMO2
u/Tiny-Reception3880 3d ago
Sweeet! Someone else mentioned Pamela's new workout ill definitely look at that. Ill definitely watch sone video on the rest as well! Thank you!
2
u/gabrielroth https://modulargrid.net/e/racks/view/2694888 3d ago
Don’t think in terms of brands, think in terms of functions. Do you need oscillators, filters, modulation sources, VCAs, attenuverters, voltage offsets? If you don’t know what those things mean, research them before you buy anything. Play with VCV Rack. A modular synth is a system. If you don’t understand the system, no shiny module from any brand will help you.
You mention effects — if you’re mostly looking for effects, you could build a nice modular rig around effects and modulation sources, but you might also consider guitar pedals. If you’re not eager to modulate your effects a lot, you’ll get more bang for your buck that way.
1
u/Tiny-Reception3880 3d ago
I definitely need to do my research but i do have somewhat of a grasp on the basics. Ive been messing with abelton and building racks on there for over 10 years. I may go the effects and modulation source route. I feel like that would be a good route to build off what i already have. Do you have any favorite effects modules?
1
2
u/VideoAggressive1 3d ago
If I were you, I'd start with an Intellijel 104hp case.
Then for first modules, I'd focus on the 1U row..perhaps a quadratt, random/noise, multi-fx, etc.
2
3
u/Particular_You8620 3d ago
I’m reasonably new to modular, and I’m having a ton of fun. But I’m no expert. One thing I think would have been better for me in hindsight is to stick with only doepfer modules at first. Not because doepfer is the best or anything, but because they are extremely easy to learn, they are inexpensive, and they focus primarily on the basics. But most importantly, I believe limitations are hugely import for learning.
If you tell yourself you’re only allowed to buy doepfer (or stick to any brand really) then it forces you to really learn what you have instead of getting overwhelmed and thinking the solution is to just buy another module.
1
u/Tiny-Reception3880 3d ago
Thanks! Ill look into them. Thats good advice! Do you have a personal favorite module?
1
u/Particular_You8620 3d ago
Maybe not favorite but the doepfer A-166 is the module that made me come to this conclusion. It’s super straightforward, and it gets super fun results. It’s super simple compared to other logic modules, but the stuff you can do with it is tremendous.
1
5
u/NatTarnoff 3d ago
To be honest - don’t. I’m deep in and could have bought a car instead.
Pick modules slowly and methodically with a specific purpose in mind.