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Post by sisyphus on Oct 26, 2019 12:39:00 GMT
Hello all!
I've been off and on interested in modular systems for nearly 20 years (boy, time flies D:) I remember looking at PAIA systems around the 2000s and drooling.
Over that time period I've taught myself coding, became a professional web applications developer/engineer. I've learned the Rust programming language over the last few years, which can be thought of as a "modern" C/C++ language with a big focus by their core team on the embedded space (Cortex M, etc.).
Now have started dabbling in electronics. I recently learned enough KiCad to order my first PCBs which was a Teensy 3.2 breakout board. It is pretty straight forward. I highly recommend attempting if you have any interest in it! So much fun to submit an order then get some PCBs you made in the mail a few days later, then solder everything up.
I'm going to be setting up a "prototyping lab" in a spare outbuilding I have. I'm building the desk today. Definitely love the price and hackability of the AE system. The welcoming mix of digital and analog meshes nicely with my skills and interests. I'm definitely interested in DIY stuff. Over my professional career I've appreciated the open source coding community and intend on bring that spirit to the modular world. That is, help others as they have helped me! 
I'm also a musician. I started in middle school playing orchestral percussion, marched drumline in high school, played bass in many bands throughout my 20s, etc.
So on to where I request a bit of advice. I'm going to be purchasing an AE system shortly and wanted a list of suggested modules. Price/size isn't necessarily a concern, even to the point of buying an extra 2 row rack.
My current thought is basically buy the 2 rack system, then ensure I have "one of each" of the rest. I do know that people generally recommend multiples of some modules. VCOs, VCAs and the like. I see it has a few doubles, but that's mostly the bit of advice I'm looking for. For example, I've heard one cannot have enough VCAs.
I'm sure y'all get this question a lot so even pointing me to resources/blogs/videos is appreciated! In accordance with most standard forum etiquette I did do some cursory searching and didn't really find too much in this vein. I also understand that new modules are being introduced all the time so the further I went back in time perhaps the more outdated the advice could become. Anyway, it could even be eurorack content as the advice, I'm sure, is generic enough.
From poking around on here it seems like this is an awesome community! I'd love to make a home here if y'all will have me!
Thank you for reading. My post ended up a bit longer than I had hoped. I blame the coffee I just had!
Take care, sisyphus
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Post by NightMachines on Oct 26, 2019 16:41:15 GMT
Hi! Sounds like the AE Modular will suit you well  Buying a Rack 2 and then adding “one of each” modules should work out well. The starter rack is already a great configuration by itself. You could add another 2ENV, 2VCA and an 4ATTMIX as utilities, but really, just add what interests you. Looking forward to the DIY creations you come up with! Synth DIY has been an incredible (learning-) experience for me with the AE Modular. It’s just so easy to have successful projects, compared to other formats. |
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Lugia
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Ridiculously busy...ish.
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Post by Lugia on Oct 26, 2019 20:33:58 GMT
My vote would also go for the Starter 2, given that I've heard one in the hands of someone whose work I know VERY well. And they could make that thing _tear up_ in the most impressive way! I wouldn't advise getting something like I'm currently waiting on (the 8 x 20sp Gargantua, cases of which Robert is currently drilling like Swiss cheese to allow adjustment trimmer access...yaaay!!!), but one of the VERY nicest things about the AE stuff is that it's insanely cheap; I tried modeling a similar system on ModularGrid some time back, and while Gargantua will come in at $4k-ish (if I remember right), the same setup in Eurorack would cost about _$24k,_ cases and power included!
You only need 2nd grade math to understand that sort of cost-to-benefit ratio!
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Post by admin on Oct 26, 2019 22:52:55 GMT
Hi sisyphus, as NightMachines and Lugia have already stated, the starter 2 is a great deal and good starting point. Depending on your existing setup you may want to add the SEQ16 for sequencing notes and the MultiFX for those nice reverbs and Shimmer effects to spice up the sound. Especially if you're new to this, I suggest to start small and add more modules as you understand more what your current system can do. Otherwise the choices can be a bit overwhelming. I have a big system (Godzilla) that I have spent the last 10 months to "learn" and I'm still often intimidated by it. That's when I reach for my little system (Pipsqueak) to get inspiration for its limitations. Both have their place. While you're pondering about what to add ... try the fantastic configurator at grid.aemodular.com/ made by Gaëtan. It lets you plan your dream setup and while you can't (yet) order directly from it, it will definitely give you a good sketchpad of what modules are out there and how to fit them all in. "Godzilla" "Pipsqueak" |
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Post by loopier on Oct 27, 2019 8:41:22 GMT
as NightMachines and Lugia have already stated, the starter 2 is a great deal and good starting point. Depending on your existing setup you may want to add the SEQ16 for sequencing notes and the MultiFX for those nice reverbs and Shimmer effects to spice up the sound. Especially if you're new to this, I suggest to start small and add more modules as you understand more what your current system can do. Otherwise the choices can be a bit overwhelming. Totally agree.
I got a starter 2 a month ago and I'm very very very satisfied with it. I quickly built a very small sample library of AEM sounds and recently performed in a live coding set using exclusively these sounds. Didn't need any extras.
SEQ16 and MultiFX are great additions. After that I guess is up to what you expect from it.
Looking forward on your DIY modules!
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Post by slowscape on Oct 29, 2019 18:45:06 GMT
I bought a starter 2, and at the time had no real method of sending pitch CV. I didn't have a midi controller. This was a bit frustrating. So I would suggest either getting SEQ16, or some other midi controller (I went with a Beat Step Pro) if you don't already have one that you like.
Modules on my current wish list are:
- Multifx for that awesome reverb. Delay feels limiting to me since I like washes of sounds.
- 2ENV - extra would be great
- 2VCA - same as above
Edit: Welcome to the forum! |
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pol
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Post by pol on Nov 10, 2019 19:39:56 GMT
. So I would suggest either getting SEQ16, or some other midi controller (I went with a Beat Step Pro) if you don't already have one that you like.
Edit: Welcome to the forum! I'd put a vote in for the Keystep as the Midi controller for the AE Modular, it works a treat. The Beatstep works well too but is a much more complex beast, I have both and have moved the BSP onto other things after seeing what other people were doing with the keystep and AE. It may sound bad, but makes the AE more like a "normal" synth, at least for my brain to deal with. The complexities you can get into with the AE means it doesn't need any help! I'd also suggest the starter 2, I started my system with a Starter 1 and fairly quickly had to get a 2 row box as more modules became available. The starter sets offer a saving over buying the parts individually so worth going for as much as you can afford there. I'm now on my 3rd row as I've decided what modules I needed to grow, whether new releases or more LFOs, envelopes etc. I also welcome you to the forum, and hope you take the plunge, it's a great system (and I have received no payments from Robert!) |
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Post by sisyphus on Nov 12, 2019 0:51:14 GMT
Hey all!
I really have appreciated all the time spent by y'all providing me with your input. I have been in the background mulling on choices and weighing all the advice given so far.
I ended up going with a starter 2, plus one of the rest of the modules, then duplicates of the more traditional modules. We'll see how far that gets me.
As far as sequencing goes, I'm planning to work on something custom for myself, maybe via super collider. I am a programmer by day and I can envision me writing code to control my physical systems. Maybe something akin to a personal "live coding" environment.
I even bought an "analog" computer keyboard. It is capable of registering how far keys are pressed. It comes with an SDK. My hope is to use this and some sort of vim-like editor to compose sequences.
We'll see how all that pans out, however.
Anyway, just wanted to provide an update and a hearty "thanks" for all the replies. What a great forum this is.
Cheers,
Sisyphus
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Post by slowscape on Nov 13, 2019 1:22:14 GMT
Live coding environment for modular sounds awesome. Would love to see where you take this! Now you’ve got me thinking along these lines haha
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Post by admin on Nov 13, 2019 1:33:35 GMT
Another cool live coding environment is SonicPi at sonic-pi.net/ it allows to send MIDI data out, then you can capture the audio and run it through its internal effects! Also it seems much easier to program than Supercollider or Chuck IMHO .. but I may be biased, I've given courses to children on how to program music with SonicPi  |
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Post by rodney on Nov 16, 2019 7:51:53 GMT
I started with the starter synth setup with an added sequencer, wave folder and a headphone amp. However, I had it put in the wide (20 unit) format case instead of the standard 16 unit one.
I really like the extra real-estate. However, I might recommend the standard one actually because, even though I love the extra space, at 50+cm, I find that it is always just a little bit too long to fit in carry-on luggage or any neat little case I find on the street or in shops. I was planning to take it on a trip with me but may end up leaving it at home because i don't yet have a safe way to transport it, especially with a patch set up ready for a gig.
It may not be an issue for others but it is something I might have considered if I went back in time to my first spree in the AE store.
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Post by 101 on Nov 16, 2019 11:10:10 GMT
I'd echo what others have said. Get an additional 2VCA and a midi ccontroller/sequencer like a beatstep pro or a keystep. I really like my keystep as it can do polyphonic sequences. Lots of cheap and good quality second hand rack synths knocking about for that e.g. Kawai, Roland, Yamaha etc.
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Buying a Rack 2 and then adding “one of each” modules should work out well. The starter rack is already a great configuration by itself. You could add another 2ENV, 2VCA and an 4ATTMIX as utilities, but really, just add what interests you. Looking forward to the DIY creations you come up with! Synth DIY has been an incredible (learning-) experience for me with the AE Modular. It’s just so easy to have successful projects, compared to other formats.
