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Post by thetechnobear on Jan 18, 2019 18:01:56 GMT
teenage.engineering/products/po/modularseems to be eurorack compatible, but you cannot switch/add new modules - as the chassis is the faceplates for the modules. but id not be surprised if they start doing eurorack faceplates/adapters, given they are saying its compatible in size and voltage. (they also need a ribbon adapter by the looks of it for powering) edit: found a comment on the main page about individual modules being sold later this year, and adapting to eurorack/pocket modular.
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Post by dmoney2000 on Jan 18, 2019 20:54:00 GMT
I’m just starting my AE setup and for a second I thought this was going to provide serious competition to the AE line, but on second thought the AE modules are much more flexible and completely different from this. Still, the TE system sounds pretty good and I’m excited to see what people can do with it.
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Post by ecleinjr on Jan 18, 2019 21:23:27 GMT
Is every major company just now hoping on Modular formats?
I thought each company had their own reasons to stay out of it but I guess now everyone is coming out of the woodwork as modular is gaining more and more traction. What a time to be alive.
(Also just gotta say, I love the design of these)
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Lugia
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Post by Lugia on Jan 18, 2019 23:38:55 GMT
I see some distinct flaws with this right away.
First of all, these are kits. Mind you, they're not kits in the sense that you're going to have to solder, just assemble the device. But in the process, you're required to bend some pre-perforated joints. Now, this has the potential for trouble right off the bat. Bend too fast, and...well, will it break or won't it? Depends on the panel material, really, and without a clear indication of what their "sheet metal" is, you run some risk of snapping part (or, worse, ALL) of these bendables in the joints.
Second, some of these modules are kinda underwhelming. The 400, for example, is listed as having "three VCOs". And technically, that's correct. But what we're used to as VCOs, with multiple waveform outputs, is not TE's idea. Instead, these are fixed-waveform oscillators, so while you could hook each of them up as separately-CVed, you'd get three timbrally-distinct sounds, instead of something that you could blend into a more proper polyphonic sound.
Third, there's an important module missing outright: multiples. While it seems like TE thinks that having several outputs for many of these modules solves this, I can guarantee that there will be users who will run into this limitation.
Mind you, I'm not against TE's idea here. I think small modular is good. But given the choice between AE, where the module designs are being clearly thought-through and the system is designed to behave as other modulars do, and TE's version where significant aspects are missing...well, I'll keep my eye on this, but it doesn't change my budgeting for later this year any. AE's still my pick.
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Post by robertlanger on Jan 19, 2019 8:16:41 GMT
Interesting to see budget modularsynths now coming out here and there... For me definitely an encouragement to strengthen and making the AE popular, this is the year for it! Especially the extensibility, a broad and growing module palette and DIY friendlyness, plus commmunity-driven and third-party modules should establish a solid fundament for the AE modular! Let's do it together!
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Post by thetechnobear on Jan 19, 2019 13:19:58 GMT
I think TE (and Korg, and more to come?) are testing the waters, perhaps seeing that whilst modular might be niche, its also a bit too popular to now ignore... so these, are interesting starter kits (and they do look nice), but their plans for where you go next... are not yet announced. I think if they are popular, and TE want to do more modules, then they have to provide faceplate and power ribbon options and perhaps even a Eurorack case. (an affordable case solution is something thats going to cause issues for budget Eurorack imo) BUT... once you start adding faceplates and more functionality to the modules (e.g. bring nearer AE), then I reckon the modules are going to be ~40-50/euro, so double AEs price, then Eurorack case and patch cables (these are ~2 euro each), it adds up fast!. also once its put in a Eurorack case, everything gets slightly bigger/less portable, and because Eurorack cases/power are more expensive, HP/functionality ratio becomes important in small/budget setups - (current TE modules are poor HP/function imo) (also Ive durability concerns with the jack sockets, as they are not panel mounted, so pulling in 3.5mm is likely to cause strain on the circuit board) I think robertlanger is right, it helps focus the mind - but still AE is unique, more affordable and lets remember can still be connected to Eurorack, and if it gets musicians thinking more about modular in general, then this is a good thing for AE too. anyway, looks like 2019 is going to shape up to be modular year! |
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Lugia
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Post by Lugia on Jan 20, 2019 2:17:30 GMT
Actually, if they continue on to discrete modules, I hope they stick with their 2U form factor. To me, the reduction in size is a huge selling point; it's one thing that attracted me to George Mattson's Mini Modular for a hot minute, until it became clearer that there seemed to be serious supply issues with the available modules themselves. That's also part of my rationale for going with AE as the build-up continues here; I can easily haul around a sizable AE system in a deep SKB case with properly-cut foam, and the cased size would easily beat out any similar case-sized Eurorack in portable functionality.
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