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Post by tfeaudio on Sept 6, 2018 17:57:07 GMT
Hey friends, Excited to join here. My name is Thijs. I'm a student of Music Design for Games and Interaction in the Netherlands. As many others, I've been getting into modular, and of course I'm addicted. After looking at Eurorack and all that, I realized I couldn't afford it. But AE modular is a perfect solution. It's so affordable. Now, I would like to ask for some help regarding how to start. I've been thinking about getting one of the pre built systems - either the big one or the smaller one. Recommendations would be nice. Or choosing my own modules. I'm struggling a bit as to what kinda modules I need. My music is... Well constantly evolving. I started if being into orchestral music, but now I'm more so into electronic things. Thanks to my studies I've also gotten into generative music. I would like to be able to make some generative systems with my modular rack, where possible. Though building "weird ambient sounds" is also Hella fun. What would you recommend I save up for? I hope this gives enough info. See y'all around!  |
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Post by ecleinjr on Sept 6, 2018 19:32:24 GMT
I bought the two rack system and the only regret that I have is that I didn't purchase the 16 step sequencer.
I would recommend having a build based off the two rack system but with the step 16, multiFX, and/or spring reverb. If you don't have any pedals or other effect units you may get bored of just hearing an OSC being manipulated through a filter.
I do a lot of ambient stuff with tape and I found that effects are crucial to getting a good tone with AEM.
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Post by NightMachines on Sept 6, 2018 20:02:29 GMT
I agree with ambien01's advice. If you decide to start with the one-row system, do get it in a two-row case though to have more room to expand. Unlike with Eurorack, AEM cases are cheap too  |
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Post by thetechnobear on Sept 6, 2018 20:16:56 GMT
both complete systems offer a 'discount' over buying individual modules etc and all the modules included are very useful, nothing that you wont use, so id definitely go for one of those as a base. I went for the two row, and was completely happy with it... and didn't add any more modules till recently. but I guess if id been on a tighter budget, I might have gone for the single to get a feel for modular, and then evolved it slowly. (the great think about AEM is the case is not expensive, so upgrading later is no big deal - unlike eurorack!) if your not quite sure what to add, then id say, get the base, then play with it, and see what you feel like you want to extend... this will be down to what you find yourself actually using it for (rather than planned for, often differs ) e.g do you need more voices, more modulation, sequencing. 'extra' modules to perhaps look at: generative : divider and 3switch (and logic on single row) for melodies, one thing, I think, AEM currently lacks (but is planned) for generative is a quantizer. so possibly also a sequencer... or you could sequence externally via midi or cv. (my preferred route) also keep an eye out for algodrone being released, based on bytebeats I loved this when saw/heard it at superbooth! ambient: the new multi-fx and/or spring reverb hope that gives you some ideas. |
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Post by robertlanger on Sept 7, 2018 7:09:07 GMT
Hi Thijs,
I agree with the previous posts, the 2-row rack offers more space for extending the system what will happen if you go the modular way. As the AE modular system is relatively new, the module palette is (and will be) growing a lot, in the fields of sequencing (from classic sequencers to generative things that are very appealing for me too!), drums, filters, FX and more specialized modules. So I would say a basic AE system is great for getting familiar with modular synthesis, and you can extend it step by step according to your taste. And of course you are invited to share your ideas and wishes for new modules; I'd like to see the AE development also driven by the community (although my head is full of ideas - but often I find them in line with suggestions I receive).
As NightMachines said, it's also a good idea to start with the 1-row system, but mounted into a 2-row case, and yes, adding the MULTIFX and/or SPRINGREVERB is highly recommended.
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Post by tfeaudio on Sept 28, 2018 19:15:07 GMT
I'm making the 1 rack system rn in VCV Rack (roughly, since there are a few differences in modules) I already added spring reverb, seeing as having that would be fun and an extra LFO because that's never bad. I messed around with it and then I ended up having a string sound coming out of my delay xD fun stuff Attachments:
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pol
Wiki Editors
Posts: 1,349
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Post by pol on Oct 6, 2018 20:46:43 GMT
If you like weird, ambient sounds, I really like the Lo-fi delay module! I started with the 1 rack system (for cost), and have since cherry picked the modules I wanted to fill it out with; I am now intending to buy the 2 rack case but, as started in other posts, this isn't a major expense really. I'll keep the single rack case anyway, as one day may need to go to 3 racks....
Whatever you do, I would recommend not starting with a full case, so you can have a play, and decide what you'd like/need to make the synth/sounds you want.
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Post by tfeaudio on Oct 26, 2018 18:38:39 GMT
Any indication on when the AlgoDrone will be released? I'm about ready to order my first system, but I might want to wait if AlgoDrone is released soonish. |
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Post by ecleinjr on Oct 26, 2018 19:54:32 GMT
Any indication on when the AlgoDrone will be released? I'm about ready to order my first system, but I might want to wait if AlgoDrone is released soonish. I'm not sure exactly but I know Robert has been working on it for awhile and it will probably be the next module released. |
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Post by tfeaudio on Oct 26, 2018 20:14:18 GMT
Ah, cool! I'll wait a little while then with my order. The good thing is that there's no shipping cost (I think) in Europe so ordering more modules is not a big deal. :3
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Post by thetechnobear on Oct 26, 2018 20:24:12 GMT
according to the sunrise page, the production ready modules are wavefolder and racklink, so perhaps next?! that said, triq164 came out of the blue - so perhaps that's just to 'keep us on our toes' btw. theres an 11 euro shipping charge in Europe (at least to Spain that's what it is) not too bad, and it seems that Robert is brewing lots of new stuff, so bound to be other modules you'll want soon have to say, Algodrone is one Im really looking forward too as well though |
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Post by admin on Oct 27, 2018 5:19:21 GMT
Hi all,
Robert has indicated to me that he plans on releasing the Algodrone sometime in December. While the hardware has been ready for quite some time, he is still working on the algorithms and with the influx of orders he didn't have much "creative" time lately.
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Post by tfeaudio on Oct 27, 2018 8:29:07 GMT
Thanks for the replies! I think I'll just get my system. I can't wait any longer!!!
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