Very clear, thanks. I was surprised at how difficult it has been to find a book on the basics of practical modular usage and this answered a number of fundamental questions in my head. I'm only just starting to build a Eurorack, though primarily for processing, having begun with Mutable Instruments Clouds and Roland Bitrazer - now thinking about Peaks to modulate Clouds as the next step. I would be very grateful of any pointers regarding building process-specific systems for unusual, non-standard effects.
Excelente intro a la síntesis modular! Tengo un Minibrute también y me preguntaba que clase de módulo podía sumarle para comenzar mi experiencia modular...estaba pensando comenzar con un vco...como se comportan las entradas y salidas de cv en el Minibrute? Podrías profundizar un poco más en ese tema en particular? Saludos!
SirCat Me too, it's a fine module. One of my 'go to' modules. It does SO much, really good if you use it with LFO waves too, strange things happen then.
Lorenzo Napoli Its an in-out moodule. It allows me to convert a 1/8in plug into a 1/4 in plug so i can record whats coming out. It also lets me take a 1/4in audio source and convert it to 1/8in so I can use the other modules and effects on it. both the input and output have volume knobs. i usually use the output of my minibrute synth to go into the modular rig so i can combine it with the oscilators in my rig
Good explanation would be helpful to go into more explanation about how utilities with modular gear work like clocks and mults and how to setup modules in terms of power voltage control.
Thanks for this informative video,I like the way you explained each module in the rack& an example of how to connect them. I just got started with building a basic modular & I've already spent $700 & I only have 2 modules!(vco,vcf) Plus rack& power supply. I think buying used would have been a ok choice for me, it would have saved me cash& I'd probably have a near complete if not complete system,like yours. So, good point you made. About something else you said: you have the "in out"module to get your sounds out of the modular synth & recorded into your computer, being that You have a minibrute can you just sync your modular with the mini then sync the mini to you computer for getting the whole system in sync with the computer's master clock? Can you get the modular's sounds out from a main output Jack on a mixer module? Do you really need an "in out"module ?
Yes you can synch the modules to the mini then the mini to the computer. Thats the only reason why i dont have a midi input on my eurorack. You could try just outputting the master 1/8in out from the modules and plug it into an 1/8in mic input on your computer if you wanted to record. The in/out just allows me to record on my interface which will be higher quality because its a higher quality A to D conversion. I would say its necessary for me but unless you have an interface and nice speakers, you may not be able to tell the difference.
Somaaa yeah, I'd like to know exactly how I'd make a acid house style track with modular system alone excluding the drums because I'd use a drum machine,but the acid parts& bass& whatnot, I'd like to have all that with the modular,& I'd like it to possibly be making more than 1 sound(example:- an acid bass,an addition to the acid bass) , exactly what type of modules would I use? & how many of each? Would I have to get more than one vco,lfo,vca,adsr,vcf??
Very informative video! Thanks a lot~ Just a question, I didn't get exactly were does the power for the VCO comes from. I know it's a pretty noob question, but I'm just starting with modular synths ^^"
So if I was just getting into this, you'd recommend the MicroBruite over the MiniBrute? Thanks for this video, it's been much more useful to me than many others. Approachable. thanks.
+Jennifer Gwinn For general use as a synth I like the minibrute better but if you are getting into modular synthesis the mictobrute has more flexability and CV outputs that will help you out.
I'm curious about prices and access to buy modules online. As far as I know, eurorack is the way to go, and I feel it'd be great for beginners getting into actually owning an analog, modular synthesizer. How much would everything shown in the video have cost?
not including the minibrute I paid around 700 for the modules and 150 for the power and rack. Most of what I bought was used from ebay though and I got some good deals. Everything works pretty well even though it was used
I'm new to this too,&I can tell you from some experience it's an expensive game, so be careful,read, ask questions,& buying used can save you ca$h! Our diy if you can build your own circuits, they sell allot of modules in kit form fir a chunk less cash, but then you have to build it yourself.
Man, will like to get in touch for some “modular assistance “. Owner of an Elektron analog keys and want to start my modular and use the AK to sequence and control the modular ...just starting , very newbie. Let me know Cheers!
What do you think of hardware modular synths compared to modular synth software? Do you think they model the sound well enough or do you think the physical analog circuitry is superior? Reason I ask it is it is going to be quite costly to do the hardware route.
+Jennifer Gwinn I like hardware better because I can physically manipulate it in my hands. Creatively I dont think anything can beat hardware. I am more likely to experiment and try new things then just use presets. Some hardware sounds better then plugins and some plugins sound better then hardware. You can combine them both by sending a plugin oscillator out to modular effects or vice versa. I dont want to argue that one is superior then the other because both have their place but lately ive been using hardware synths more. Just got a Korg MS-2000 not to long ago.
+Soma Studios Personally I used to always think some software was on par with hardware, but the more hardware I get, the more I start to realise software is not much of a comparison. I can certainly achieve a great sound with software, but i feel hardware gets one to that point a lot quicker with a more intuitive flow. Nothing beats a proper piece of hardware in my eyes! I just got an MS20, and my oh my - it sounds incredible. I feel like I need to process software quite a lot to get to the same level of power/energy in a sound, which i almost feel is counter intuitive to the music making process. Oh and great video - I was a bit baffled by some of the modules I had seen (game system module by pitsburough modular for example) and was curious to see a basic setup - eager to get into modular. I used do electronics, so the analog logic flow of the modular makes a lot of sense to me - digital menu stuff always deterred me from a creative point of view!! Subbed to your page, thanks!
I have a beatstep pro sequencer. i was going to use to pitch (cv) out and gate out. can't seem to find many VCO's with gate it? would i need to buy a midi to cv converter? that seems to be the only module i can find with gate in for some reason?
+Zakk Blews I am a little rusty with my modulars now but i think you could send the gate to a filter or envelope -> filter and send the oscillator to the filter to get it to open and close the oscillator sound. I plan on getting a beatstep sometime too.
Trying to find a decent MIDI to CV converter circuit using Arduino. Seems like this should be doable. An arduino nano for $5 has 8 analog pins so I should be able to control 8 channels. The code would just get the midi note info and create the appropriate voltage on the analog pins. I'd like to get into this hardware modular synth stuff but I am going to have to make all the circuits myself on the cheap to be able to afford it. Isee the delay module alone is like $350 wow. Know of any good resources on the web with schematics for eurorack modules?
+Jennifer Gwinn I dont know anywhere to find schematics. Maybe you could contact the makers directly on analogue heaven and see if any would be willing to give you a schematic?
We Just got a model 15 moog and and haven't got a clue about modulars, thanks for this page !! check out our moog on our page...any help how to switch it on appreciated !!
I am a noob and I am interested in syncing different pieces of gear via MIDI clock and other means. Recently I learned about CV gate and became fascinated with clock multipliers and dividers. It appears to me that there are virtually no such things besides modules such as Eurorack modules. So I am toying with the idea to build my own small modular system whose sole task is to make a master clock signal slower and/or faster. So for example, if the master clock comes from a loop station and controls the speed of a synthesizer's arpeggiator, I'd like to branch off the clock signal, run it through the Eurorack modular clock divider and control a drum machine at half the speed. Besides the problem with converting MIDI clock signals to CV gate clock signals and vice versa, would this idea work out in principle? If so, could anybody point out additional information in form of videos, blogs or plain web pages that deal with this topic?
+whiterottenrabbit what your saying makes sense to me but i dont have any modules or experience like that to confirm what your saying. when i want to sych something i use my computer (ableton live) connected to my minibrute and that sends the CV signal to my modular rig to it can synch to the drums im programming in Live
***** Thanks for the reply. I already checked out the RCD, a handy little piece it seems to be. But how can I take a MIDI clock signal and turn it into CV, so that the RCD can divide the clock? Also, how can I turn the divided CV pulses back into MIDI again, so that I can synchronise other gear?
I learned so much from this one video. Most modular vids are so dense. This one was indeed an "intro". Props.
Very clear, thanks. I was surprised at how difficult it has been to find a book on the basics of practical modular usage and this answered a number of fundamental questions in my head. I'm only just starting to build a Eurorack, though primarily for processing, having begun with Mutable Instruments Clouds and Roland Bitrazer - now thinking about Peaks to modulate Clouds as the next step. I would be very grateful of any pointers regarding building process-specific systems for unusual, non-standard effects.
Neu Gestalt, you are so correct. Even most of the into Eurorack videos on TH-cam are far from intro.
Good one man....The sleeping cat was a good wrap up. Very well done vid.
This is awesome man! Keep it up.
THANKS! glad you enjoyed it.
Excelente intro a la síntesis modular! Tengo un Minibrute también y me preguntaba que clase de módulo podía sumarle para comenzar mi experiencia modular...estaba pensando comenzar con un vco...como se comportan las entradas y salidas de cv en el Minibrute? Podrías profundizar un poco más en ese tema en particular? Saludos!
nice intro! I love the ufold
SirCat Me too, it's a fine module. One of my 'go to' modules. It does SO much, really good if you use it with LFO waves too, strange things happen then.
Great filter, sounded like a Cat meowing :)
Thank you. This was a very helpful video. :)
hi, great video, is the second module from left a kind of mixer/interface or what? thanks
Lorenzo Napoli Its an in-out moodule. It allows me to convert a 1/8in plug into a 1/4 in plug so i can record whats coming out. It also lets me take a 1/4in audio source and convert it to 1/8in so I can use the other modules and effects on it. both the input and output have volume knobs. i usually use the output of my minibrute synth to go into the modular rig so i can combine it with the oscilators in my rig
Nice demonstration, one sub more for you 😉
The cat is so lovely.
Good explanation would be helpful to go into more explanation about how utilities with modular gear work like clocks and mults and how to setup modules in terms of power voltage control.
Nice, thanks. Would love to see the JV-1080 run through the InOut
yeah! that would be a cool experiment. Im sure i could get some really crazy sounds. I just wish i had more modules if i were to do this
The module is called MICRO-FOLD, the u is actually the symbol for micro.
Thanks for this informative video,I like the way you explained each module in the rack& an example of how to connect them.
I just got started with building a basic modular & I've already spent $700 & I only have 2 modules!(vco,vcf) Plus rack& power supply. I think buying used would have been a ok choice for me, it would have saved me cash& I'd probably have a near complete if not complete system,like yours. So, good point you made. About something else you said: you have the "in out"module to get your sounds out of the modular synth & recorded into your computer, being that You have a minibrute can you just sync your modular with the mini then sync the mini to you computer for getting the whole system in sync with the computer's master clock? Can you get the modular's sounds out from a main output Jack on a mixer module? Do you really need an "in out"module ?
Yes you can synch the modules to the mini then the mini to the computer. Thats the only reason why i dont have a midi input on my eurorack.
You could try just outputting the master 1/8in out from the modules and plug it into an 1/8in mic input on your computer if you wanted to record. The in/out just allows me to record on my interface which will be higher quality because its a higher quality A to D conversion. I would say its necessary for me but unless you have an interface and nice speakers, you may not be able to tell the difference.
Nice video, you should do more of them as they are helpful in learning modular synths.
Somaaa yes,I use good speakers& interface.
NYCPAUL PAUL I think I will. Anything particular you'd like to learn?
Somaaa yeah, I'd like to know exactly how I'd make a acid house style track with modular system alone excluding the drums because I'd use a drum machine,but the acid parts& bass& whatnot, I'd like to have all that with the modular,& I'd like it to possibly be making more than 1 sound(example:- an acid bass,an addition to the acid bass) , exactly what type of modules would I use? & how many of each? Would I have to get more than one vco,lfo,vca,adsr,vcf??
very informative
How much did your setup cost? I want to get into analogue/ modular synthesis but I'm not sure what to start out with. Any tips?
Very informative video! Thanks a lot~ Just a question, I didn't get exactly were does the power for the VCO comes from. I know it's a pretty noob question, but I'm just starting with modular synths ^^"
+Jose “zomfg” Zavala the uZeus on the left is powering them all from the back. theres a standard connector and cable for all of them
So if I was just getting into this, you'd recommend the MicroBruite over the MiniBrute? Thanks for this video, it's been much more useful to me than many others. Approachable. thanks.
+Jennifer Gwinn For general use as a synth I like the minibrute better but if you are getting into modular synthesis the mictobrute has more flexability and CV outputs that will help you out.
I'm curious about prices and access to buy modules online. As far as I know, eurorack is the way to go, and I feel it'd be great for beginners getting into actually owning an analog, modular synthesizer.
How much would everything shown in the video have cost?
not including the minibrute I paid around 700 for the modules and 150 for the power and rack. Most of what I bought was used from ebay though and I got some good deals. Everything works pretty well even though it was used
I'm new to this too,&I can tell you from some experience it's an expensive game, so be careful,read, ask questions,& buying used can save you ca$h! Our diy if you can build your own circuits, they sell allot of modules in kit form fir a chunk less cash, but then you have to build it yourself.
Man, will like to get in touch for some “modular assistance “.
Owner of an Elektron analog keys and want to start my modular and use the AK to sequence and control the modular ...just starting , very newbie.
Let me know
Cheers!
Hi, nice video ! Just a quick question, how much this basic setup cost you ?
I dont remember the price of everything but I tried to buy used in order to save money. This setup probably cost around $1000
What do you think of hardware modular synths compared to modular synth software? Do you think they model the sound well enough or do you think the physical analog circuitry is superior? Reason I ask it is it is going to be quite costly to do the hardware route.
+Jennifer Gwinn I like hardware better because I can physically manipulate it in my hands. Creatively I dont think anything can beat hardware. I am more likely to experiment and try new things then just use presets. Some hardware sounds better then plugins and some plugins sound better then hardware. You can combine them both by sending a plugin oscillator out to modular effects or vice versa. I dont want to argue that one is superior then the other because both have their place but lately ive been using hardware synths more. Just got a Korg MS-2000 not to long ago.
+Soma Studios Personally I used to always think some software was on par with hardware, but the more hardware I get, the more I start to realise software is not much of a comparison. I can certainly achieve a great sound with software, but i feel hardware gets one to that point a lot quicker with a more intuitive flow. Nothing beats a proper piece of hardware in my eyes! I just got an MS20, and my oh my - it sounds incredible. I feel like I need to process software quite a lot to get to the same level of power/energy in a sound, which i almost feel is counter intuitive to the music making process.
Oh and great video - I was a bit baffled by some of the modules I had seen (game system module by pitsburough modular for example) and was curious to see a basic setup - eager to get into modular. I used do electronics, so the analog logic flow of the modular makes a lot of sense to me - digital menu stuff always deterred me from a creative point of view!!
Subbed to your page, thanks!
I have a beatstep pro sequencer. i was going to use to pitch (cv) out and gate out. can't seem to find many VCO's with gate it? would i need to buy a midi to cv converter? that seems to be the only module i can find with gate in for some reason?
+Zakk Blews I am a little rusty with my modulars now but i think you could send the gate to a filter or envelope -> filter and send the oscillator to the filter to get it to open and close the oscillator sound. I plan on getting a beatstep sometime too.
Trying to find a decent MIDI to CV converter circuit using Arduino. Seems like this should be doable. An arduino nano for $5 has 8 analog pins so I should be able to control 8 channels. The code would just get the midi note info and create the appropriate voltage on the analog pins. I'd like to get into this hardware modular synth stuff but I am going to have to make all the circuits myself on the cheap to be able to afford it. Isee the delay module alone is like $350 wow.
Know of any good resources on the web with schematics for eurorack modules?
+Jennifer Gwinn I dont know anywhere to find schematics. Maybe you could contact the makers directly on analogue heaven and see if any would be willing to give you a schematic?
nice cat!
he thanks you
hear 8:38!
We Just got a model 15 moog and and haven't got a clue about modulars, thanks for this page !! check out our moog on our page...any help how to switch it on appreciated !!
I am a noob and I am interested in syncing different pieces of gear via MIDI clock and other means. Recently I learned about CV gate and became fascinated with clock multipliers and dividers. It appears to me that there are virtually no such things besides modules such as Eurorack modules. So I am toying with the idea to build my own small modular system whose sole task is to make a master clock signal slower and/or faster. So for example, if the master clock comes from a loop station and controls the speed of a synthesizer's arpeggiator, I'd like to branch off the clock signal, run it through the Eurorack modular clock divider and control a drum machine at half the speed. Besides the problem with converting MIDI clock signals to CV gate clock signals and vice versa, would this idea work out in principle? If so, could anybody point out additional information in form of videos, blogs or plain web pages that deal with this topic?
+whiterottenrabbit what your saying makes sense to me but i dont have any modules or experience like that to confirm what your saying. when i want to sych something i use my computer (ableton live) connected to my minibrute and that sends the CV signal to my modular rig to it can synch to the drums im programming in Live
+Soma Studios Thanks for the reply and keep that music coming! :)
I'm not too sure where my comment went, but you should check out '4ms Rotating Clock Divider'
*****
Thanks for the reply. I already checked out the RCD, a handy little piece it seems to be. But how can I take a MIDI clock signal and turn it into CV, so that the RCD can divide the clock? Also, how can I turn the divided CV pulses back into MIDI again, so that I can synchronise other gear?
whiterottenrabbit Pretty sure there are midi to cv converters, vice versa
liked for cat nap
Sleepy kitty