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Post by admin on Jul 24, 2018 10:07:02 GMT
Hello and welcome to the AE Modular forum.
As this is the beginning it all looks a bit empty for now. So please help and liven up the place by sharing your story of how you heard about AE Modular, why you made the decision to by a system and how you now think about it. Are you using your AE Modular regularly in your setup? Are you performing with it? What do you love? What do you miss or wish for? |
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Post by peejayy on Jul 24, 2018 13:41:42 GMT
After finding out about and buying the sound machines ns1 I went on a searching spree to find more synths using these little jumper cables. The most interesting thing I found was the tinysizer which unfortunately had been discontinued already and carried a bit of a price tag (which I gladly would of paid). Then I finally found AE modular! Which was everything I was looking for and more being completely modular (meaning I could add, take out and completely rearrange modules). Where none before that I had found could do this. I mostly use my ae modular for experimenting with complex patching. Something I would probably cost me thousands in eurorack modules. Need a another module for one of my patches I've been dreaming up? Not a problem a few hours in work and I've probably got enough money for two of those modules haha. Another reason I've got my ae is because eurorack is just so vast and I'd hesitate buying modules incase there was something better or I wouldn't use that module it just wasn't enjoyable for me building a system. Bit long I know sorry haha
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roche
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Post by roche on Jul 24, 2018 16:10:36 GMT
I had become intrigued with modular systems ever since I saw legowelt using one in an old video on youtube. The sheer scale of sound design made me research some of the modules, many of whom were from Doepfer, and I read about the format and the possibilities. With this particular format, however, I find its everything I want: massive sound design possiblities and module curation with small footprint, cost etc
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Post by thetechnobear on Jul 24, 2018 21:27:02 GMT
I saw AEM come up on Kickstarter, just around the same time as I was considering Eurorack (and hearing constant references to it being a 'money pit'), I was also interested in it from a DIY perspective, as id been playing with a Casper Electronics OMSYNTH. so I thought, great price and a single 5v DC makes it simpler for building modules, and making a mistake would not result in a ridiculously expensive mistake. Its been great, that's let me explore what modular is, what I want from it, with a proper hands on feel (unlike software, which I do like too  ) I did (much later) start a (small) Eurorack setup, but the AEM has meant that could be quite a bit more 'specialised', and whats great is now with the 4IO and Eurorack adapter, I can link the too... (These have arrived today, so experimentation will start in earnest soon on that front) also its so light/small, really easy to use with a usb battery bank and 12v adapter for portable fun - Ive just added a HP amp module, to make more use of this in the summer months. |
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Post by fugubot on Jul 24, 2018 23:39:20 GMT
I also saw the Legowelt videos. That was the first I'd heard of it. I researched it and was blown away. I will be purchasing my first set in the next few weeks. The Eurorack adapter and the 4io modules sold it for me. I've posted the video links to the Behringer Neutron Facebook group because I know there are people new to modular who will see the value of adding the AE system to their new semimodular synth. People are not aware of this product and I believe the potential for growth is extraordinary, because the modules they chose to produce are so smart. I can see a lot of Eurorack users wanting a more portable solution or a quick way to get an extra oscillator, the Steiner filter or the Wasp filter. Just smart choices by Tangible team.
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Post by NightMachines on Jul 26, 2018 6:20:31 GMT
My modular journey started around 2012 with a very unsuccessful build of a 6U Eurorack system ... I was intrigued by modulars but didn't actually know how to use them or what to use them for. It was very frustrating and I sold the whole thing a few months later and went back to regular synths. Some time after that though it somehow "clicked" and I knew what I wanted to use a modular for, because of constraints I felt with the non-modulars sometimes. But because I wanted to stay safe and not get lost designing my own system again, I chose the Tinysizer as a pre-configured and self-contained one, to learn modular synthesis with. I still own it today and love it! It also uses similar sockets and patch wires as the AE modular, so when I heard about the format, I immediately wanted to try it. I've built a bunch of Eurorack systems by now, but they are always big, heavy and expensive - even the portable ones - so a tiny, light-weight and truly modular system at a low price point (which can even be battery-powered easily, as I later found out) seemed like a game changer for me. I met Robert a SuperBooth then, we talked for a bit and he gave me a demo of the system. It seemed very cleverly designed and the good sound actually surprised me. I was immediately convinced and ordered a fully packed two-row case  |
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Post by admin on Jul 26, 2018 14:13:52 GMT
I'm really a "wannabe" musician. I wanted to play synthesizers since the 80's when I listened to Tangerine Dream, Kraftwerk, Jean Michel Jarre and Vangelis. But my parents didn't want to buy me a DX7 at the time and gave me a Guitar instead which didn't go so well. Fast forward to 2014 and the amazing documentary "I dream of wires" which rekindled in me this wish for being creative with electronic instruments. I then looked at how to build a synth myself and I started buying electronics tools, a solder station, voltmeter, and various books on electronics. Then me and few other weird people in my town formed a Synth Club and I somehow convinced them that we should each build a modular synth from DIY kits. So we started building Eurorack modules from Elby in Australia. Some people in the club were already very adept in electronics, so we could all learn from each other and some racks grew and grew. Alas not mine .. I made a dumb connection on my power distribution and saw ALL my modules go up in smoke  I managed to fix some, but not all and left the DIY feeling quite frustrated and dejected. Then I saw mention of the AE Modular system on Synthtopia and although I couldn't afford to participate in the Kickstarter at the time, I kept an eye on it. This year I saw that Robert had quietly added more and more modules to his store and then some really cool videos started to appear on Youtube and Facebook, especially by NightMachines and peejayy . I believe that this system can grow as big as Eurorack over the coming years, as it can demonstrate great sound at a very affordable price. Even if you build your Eurorack modules from parts you can easily pay up to $200 in parts alone and some modules, eg. the Mutable Instruments are very complex and hard to build for a novice like myself. My house is quite small (for Australian standards anyway) and my 6U 84HP Eurorack would be the maximum I could fit on my desk, but that is only a few modules! The same size can fit dozens of AE modules, and it is light enough to carry anywhere! I've seen the videos by thetechnobear and they have given me hope that I can also return to DIY with a safer Voltage this time and I'm looking forward to integrate my AE system with a breadboard full of CMOS chips or other such things. However if AE Modular is going to revolutionise the world of modular synthesizers, then it is really nothing without the people, the community. When I saw the depth and breadth of talent of AE users on Youtube and Facebook, but saw that there wasn't really a dialog happening between all these wonderful people I approached Robert with the idea of building this forum as the home for the AE community. I see this forum as the second kickstart in the life of AE Modular. The first kickstarter campaign realised the technical possibility, enabling Robert to grow the variety of modules and turning his passion into a viable business. In this phase we gather all the creative talent in this yet small community to spread the word, explore and demonstrate the possibilities and together shape the future of this new format. (getting off my podium now  ) |
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Post by MikMo on Jul 27, 2018 14:26:15 GMT
I actually once build a small modular many years ago, based on some very early MFOS designs, but before he sold PCBs and kits, so i made everything my self. It ended up working, but each module took a painstakingly long time to complete.
Then i fell into circuit bending and finally arrived at Lunetta / CMOS style noise machines.
Then i started out to do what Robert actually did, create a small modular system based on Lunetta / CMOS style modules and i made some progress, but my design skills are somewhat limited, so making all the modules play together nicely was a challenge. I still have the system in my basement right next to my AEM :-)
Then by coincidence on my birthday (november 2017) during the AEM kickstarter campaign i stumbled over it, and after drooling over it a few hours, and seeing that it was 5V and compatible with Arduino levels (i love Arduino), i thought it would be a perfect birthday present for myself, so i jumped in and chose the "large" system".
I have not yet bought any more modules than came With the original system, but with the new modules available i will soon expand, and probably need another 32 module case too :-).
I have a working prototype for a DIY Arduino based sequencer on bread boards hooked up to mine, but designing the PCBs for it so it still fits the AEM formfactor might be over my head.
Have some other DIY ideas rumbling in the back of my head too, i have just been too busy with new job and family stuff to spend enough time with it lately.
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Post by ecleinjr on Jul 27, 2018 18:35:33 GMT
Hey Everybody, I know this forum is pretty new but I just joined so I thought that an introduction post would be a good trend to start. I'm awaiting my first AE Modular system (Which Robert told me should be finished this week) but I have a variety of regular synthesizers I use now (Minilogue and Volcas). I make music with a band named port henry and we play shows in the Philadelphia area. I'm trying to get into more experimental systems like AEM so that I can really explore synthesis and interact with systems on a much more physical level. I had fun using software like VCV Rack and have always been thinking about modular so I thought it would be a good idea to just go all in and get a setup started. I hope that I can build up a eurorack system and implement AEM into it in the near future. I'll put a soundcloud link below to some of my released material using tape looping and synthesizers. Thanks for having me, ecleinjr link |
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Post by thetechnobear on Jul 30, 2018 19:27:23 GMT
welcome, AEM is a great way to explore modular ... i did something pretty similar, going from software modulars, to AEM, to eurorack.... k, so introduction threads are about who we are i guess. me... Mark aka TheTechnobear Im a (very  ) amateur musician, my profession is a software engineer... but Ive kind of stepped back from that, and Im now living off-grid in the mountains in Andalucia (Southern Spain, nr Granada). oh, and I should publish some more music, I've only a few bits on my youtube channel, which has gone a bit technical of late (though at least its music tech)... and definitely need to do more on AEM soon! youtube.com/cortijogazquez |
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Post by thehandoflenin on Aug 12, 2018 23:33:31 GMT
I am glad it has been a success for Robert. I’ve been into Eurorack for many years but space dictates what I can have. Saw the AE modular on Kickstarter so went for it with the double row.
Yes, you can perhaps get a better looking semi-modular synth from a larger synth company, but you are always going to be limited with want you can do with it. The cost of the AE modular means you can add new modules without breaking the bank. Something I know was one of the main factors in the Kickstarter campaign was that Robert wanted a truly modular synth that could be expanded but at a price everyone could afford. As the AE modular is modular it acts much it’s larger Eurorack brother so it’s a great start for a young inspiring synth player who just can’t afford a Eurorack System. My whole AE modular cost less than my Eurorack case! Plus it sound masks it’s size and that’s what stood out for my in the Kickstarter.
I’m looking forward to some of the new modules even going to have to get one of those expansion cases.
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gaeel
New Member
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Post by gaeel on Sept 15, 2018 10:34:44 GMT
Hey everyone, I got into computer science originally because I wanted to make music software, I'd been playing around with FL Studio, PureData & Renoise, then I accidentally slipped into making video games and interactive/digital art. Since then I've spent a LOT of time staring into the abyssal pixel grid, typing in code, and watching shapes and colours happen, and I've sort of lost the knack for music over time. Not because I don't enjoy the musical process any more, but because it just feels like more computer, and I kind of phase out. I have been making some stuff still, mostly soundtrack for my video games or just random stuff. I played around with a modular synth at a friend's place (fun Eurorack setup with a bajillion oscillators all feeding into each other) and I felt right at home, I tried some VCV Rack stuff and while, yeah, it's fun, it's still more computerI started to look into modular gear for myself, and I found that most starter kits seemed a little underwhelming, especially for the steep entry price. So it stayed a little background dream for a time when I could feel comfortable dropping two thousand odd euros on a hobby. Later I stumbled onto the Erica Synths Pico System, which suddenly seemed a lot more reasonable as a starter system. There's a LOT of stuff in there for just a little more than one thousand, and so, had I not stumbled onto AE Modular this summer, I would probably have gotten that. So now I have a two row system, I added in a SEQ16, the Nyle filter and an extra 2VCA, and here's my first ever patch!I have a bunch of Arduinos and Teensies lying around, so I'm hoping to build some custom modules. |
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Lugia
Wiki Editors
Ridiculously busy...ish.
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Post by Lugia on Sept 22, 2018 2:34:58 GMT
Wheee...hi, Robert & crew. Finally made the jump over here. Hm...intro...40-ish years experience in electronics and electroacoustics. Lots of composition studies w/ Thom Hutcheson, Sal Martirano, Jack Lennon, Karlheinz Stockhausen. Had my own studio since 1993, equipped with everything from the latest digital whatevers all the way back to 'raw electronic' devices such as various filters, oscillators and the like. Worked in a lot of different musical directions over the years, but these days I mainly concentrate on longer ambient works, aside of a probably-unhealthy interest in vaporwave. Much of what I'm up to can be found at daccrowell.bandcamp.com Oh, and I'm also over on ModularGrid, but quite honestly I'm more taken by the AE system because of numerous factors, not the least of which is the cost-effectiveness. Portability is a plus, too, so when my studio upgrading nonsense (currently ongoing) hits the right stage, I'm planning/budgeting to jump into AE in a very sizable way. Just seems right, to be honest. |
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Lugia
Wiki Editors
Ridiculously busy...ish.
Posts: 556
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Post by Lugia on Sept 22, 2018 3:52:14 GMT
I've used modular gear both in the studio and live for decades now. I love taking it out live for the sound possibilities and the general 'holy crap!!!'-factor of having something like that in the rig when gigging. But I hatehateHATE the chore of dragging it around! In the past 15 or so years, I used a tandemmed ARP2600 plus a 22-module case of Digisound 80 modules (Aries format, sort of like MOTM-sized) as the stage modular rig, and both devices were total pigs when it came to moving them. Recently, though, I've been doing some major retooling of my studio and, consequently, my live setup, but the question of how to deal with a honkin' big modular system really made me cringe. At 56 and with some back issues, I'm not exactly in shape to shlep huge devices around!
So, poking around YouTube one night, I came across these early videos for this teensy-weensy-looking...thing. Clearly a modular. Clearly sounding totally OUT, which impressed me for something so teensy-weensy. I was thinking that this had to be some DIY thing. But it was something called the AE modular.
Did some research. Saw the Kickstarter campaign, which had just successfully finished up. Saw the initial module lineup. Annnnnnd...the PRICES! OK, hellzyeah, now I'm intrigued!
More research showed that there were other firms in this format. Not as many as Eurorack, but clearly, something was afoot. So one evening, I dropped Robert a line, asking quite a few questions, offering some suggestions...and heard back pretty quickly. I like a man who answers his own email!
So, tossed some module ideas around with Robert, was suitably impressed, and decided that the proper course of action here was to allocate NOT for a Eurorack system, which would be huge, and clunky, and as noted elsewhere, a 'money pit'...but instead, to put the new modular allocation for the upgrade aside with an earmark for a sizable (relatively!) AE system. So as time's rolled along, and as the upgrade work gets into the bigger tickets, plus as Robert expands the line and (lo and behold!) a couple of other firms start making AE-type things, the time's drawing near for me to start acquiring this stuff. I had sort of been waiting on the XL Case expansion, but since a different tack of expansion via case connectors is now being considered (and I think that's a GREAT way to proceed, frankly!), by year's end some of the first AE stuff for my studio should be on order. Taken a while to pull the trigger on this, but I make equipment choices very carefully, not merely because of the monetary outlay, but because gear that I get has to 'feel right' to me as an instrument, plus it has to be highly-integratable with the rest of the studio, as it might be used for literally ANYTHING with the way that I work. This should be fun...plus, I can probably carry around several cases of AE for live work without risking a quadruple hernia! THAT, I definitely like!
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Post by leonsdl on Sept 29, 2018 8:24:56 GMT
Hey everyone,
I am a musician for about 12 years, I started with several band projects and then I got into synthesizers about 5 years ago. I started with stuff like MFB Tanzmaus, Korg MS-20, Volcas, Roland Boutique stuff and so on. Especially the MS-20 got me hooked on working with patchcables. So after a while, I decided to sell all of my synths and go fully modular. I really loved the eurorack format and I made a lot of music and two albums with different modular setups over the years. After I had spent around ten thousand euros on my modular system, I began to think about it critically. Of course, the eurorack scene is a great thing with many awesome inventions and the stuff sounds amazing but it is so damn expensive and there are new modules out there almost every week. Basically, I somehow felt addicted to selling and buying modules after a while and I always wanted new and differtent gear. This whole rather unhealthy behaviour had a really bad impact on my creative process until I felt totally blocked in my mind and I couldn't really make music anymore. I always thought that I need this module and that new module and I have to sell this one in order to be able to afford the new stuff. Also, I got a second job to be able to buy all these things. Even if it was a tough desicion, I decided to quit eurorack and sell both of my systems and I felt really free after that. I didn't make any music then for about 4 months and I bought a new roadbike and traveled with it for a while. About one month ago, I reallized that I want to create music again as it had always been a huge part of my life, but I didn't want to enter the eurorack rabbithole anymore, neither were "normal" synths an option for me anymore. I remebered, that a friend of mine had this rather tiny, "weird" modular system and I asked him what that thing was called. A few weeks later I ordered my AE Modular Rack 2 (still waiting for it). Even if I did not recieve it yet, I think this is the best way to get (back) into modular synths. I love the concept, there are already so many great modules available and I can afford it without having to work too hard or get into financial trouble. I also like, that I can only buy modules by one manufacturer, so I don't feel overwhelmed by too many different modules. Every module from AE seems toally usable, essential and at the same time limited to the functions you need the most. I am super excited about my rack and I hope it will arrive soon. Can't wait to get back into the modular world and create some music!
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pol
Wiki Editors
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Post by pol on Oct 6, 2018 20:21:19 GMT
I was one of the original Kickstarter supporters; I had been pondering a Eurorack system for many years but could never get to justifying the expense versus other kit for my studio on a value for money basis (i.e. what it could provide for my studio's capabilities for my budget). I've forgotten how I found the AE Modular, think it was a synth forum somewhere, and signed up straight away, for a one rack system to dip my toe in modular waters...
A few months later a box from Germany turned up. I was very excited, and the best bit was I was blown away by how good it sounded; as Robert opened his shop I ordered more modules to fill my rack. It's been used on 2 songs so far, one very soon after I got it (elsewhere on this forum), and have really enjoyed the modular approach. I trigger it via an Arturia Beatstep Pro. I'm planning to order a 2 rack box, cable and some more modules to expand my system soon.
I've liked playing with the AE so much, I'm also intending starting a Eurorack as well! I have started with the Behringer Neutron as a semi-modular (another great sounding synth), and I'm looking at getting the Minibrute 2 for it's patchbay and to be the Midi/keyboard contoller etc., possibly the rackbrute to start with. My plan is to have a small "sub-studio" for modular, still tied back to my main set up for midi control/clock and recording. This may get in the way of actually completing songs but I'm enjoying myself....
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Post by mobius on Oct 22, 2018 1:00:49 GMT
I don’t remember exactly when or how I found ambient electronic music, but I’ve been rather fascinated by it since then. I enjoy ambient both as Eno coined it, and the idm/techno/chillout stuff with more rhythmic and loop based elements. Out of this fascination grew a desire to create my own pieces that could fit in this wide span of the genre. So off I ventured into the world of trying to figure out how to make ambient electronic music… preferably from the comfort of my own couch, kitchen table, or wherever I might be for the hour or so that I have to relax in the evening.
Jumping ahead a few years - I found that I despise trying to create music in a DAW environment; music programming environments (PD, SuperCollider, etc) are very interesting, but still primarily require sitting at a computer; same goes for VCV Rack and other software modulars -- I know what I’m looking to create is possible with any of them, but I found myself uninspired staring at a screen or digging through menus. And even a modestly functional eurorack system was going to be a) more than I could justify spending on a hobby and b) probably a bit less portable than I would like.
In my searching I also spent some time poking around in the lunetta forums. I was intrigued by the idea of cheap little circuits that could be patched together in the same manner as a “proper” modular. I very much enjoy DIY, but my DIY electronics knowledge is novice at best and ultimately I didn’t feel confident committing to building my own system from the ground up, at least not with the functionality I knew I would be hoping to have.
Then I stumbled upon the videos put out by Robert, Mark, and Felix demoing this AE Modular system. After watching them several times I was pretty convinced this was the type of system I had been looking for. Affordable and compact, yet still offers the full hardware modular experience and is practically begging to be integrated with microcontrollers and breadboards. After a few emails with Robert and Felix, I put my order in - a Rack 1 system + Divider in a 2 Row case. It arrived a couple weeks ago and I’ve been able to spend a good 4-6 hours with it so far. I haven’t created anything great yet, but this system has given me that same feeling and satisfaction of sitting down at the piano or with a guitar and just playing for the sake of playing. That is what was always missing for me with anything software based - the immediacy and physical elements of turning a knob or changing a couple wires and seeing what happens completely changes the entire experience.
Many thanks to Robert and Felix for the kind words and guidance. The system is a great affordable way to experience the hardware modular synth world, and I think the DIY potential is out of this world; something I am looking forward to digging in to! I’m slowly working on ideas for a simple slope generator and port of the MI Branches module’s basic functionality - if I’m successful I will post more info in the DIY section.
Cheers!
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Post by Synths&Things on Oct 24, 2018 17:59:22 GMT
Somehow found the first couple of videos of the AE system on Youtube. Couldn't bite the financial bullet even though it is rather cheap in comparison with the regular eurorack stuff. I didn't want to buy eurorack as it was way too much for me. There too many manufacturers and simply too many modules that could define a "finished" rack. This felt like a sonic ecosystem on its own which really appealed to me. Next to that, it seems small, but not extremely tiny. I like it light when playing gigs, so an eurorack would not be an option anyway. 4 weeks ago I got the opportunity to finally buy a 2 row. Can't wait to start using it! I'm planning to do little tutorial videos which are quick and easy, just for people to briefly explain the possibilities per module.
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Post by admin on Oct 24, 2018 22:23:32 GMT
I'm planning to do little tutorial videos which are quick and easy, just for people to briefly explain the possibilities per module. Hi Synths&Things, I think it would be fabulous if you could post a few tutorial videos! Please let me know if you would like any help, they could be a great resource for people new to the forum and to AE Modular and I would make sure that they get featured here and at the tangible waves website. |
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Post by Synths&Things on Oct 25, 2018 16:54:44 GMT
I'm planning to do little tutorial videos which are quick and easy, just for people to briefly explain the possibilities per module. Hi Synths&Things , I think it would be fabulous if you could post a few tutorial videos! Please let me know if you would like any help, they could be a great resource for people new to the forum and to AE Modular and I would make sure that they get featured here and at the tangible waves website. Sounds great! Still need to receive the system and going on holidays first, but that's exactly the intention of the videos. Just simple brief explanations of the do's and don'ts to make sure everybody has a certain sense of how to use their modules. |
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pol
Wiki Editors
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Post by pol on Oct 25, 2018 21:21:08 GMT
I bought my first synth in 1984, a Korg MS20, which I still have in my studio; I've kept 95% of the gear I've accumulated over the years; the things that have left are since I really focused my studio around Midi control and my MPC; I sold my Pro 1 for instance (bought for £99 in 1995) as the midi/CV converter just kept pissing me off, and needed another box to click the sequencer. the Pro One is the only thing I've sold I'd like back although I'll never pay the price classic gear is selling for these days - the Behringer Pro 1 will join my studio I expect; more stable tuning and Midi built in!
I have been in a couple of bands (Vocals, Keyboards or Bass Guitar - latter now given up) but mostly just work on my own; I have bought gear with the intention of playing my music live but never quite got around to it; my favourite synths I would never gig.... I did release a CD in 2004, which did OK, and sell some music on Bandcamp, Amazon and iTunes. My main thought going forward since giving up Facebook is to make videos on Youtube - a couple of very basic ones, the better has a link below. Really not sure I want to try and become a video expert though, early days.
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zardo
New Member
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Post by zardo on Nov 16, 2018 8:44:37 GMT
Hello Everybody, thought I'd drop a few lines here to introduce myself as this seems a very friendly and helpful forum! I've been into synths and electronic music for more than 30 years now, when it was much more expensive an activity than nowadays. I've owned/played 101's, Junos,samplers of every kind, went ITB, came back out, got into diy and and battery operated stuff (Volca's etc) but never really thought about modular (too expensive etc) then I bought a Bastl Kastle earlier this year and LOVED it. I just thought it was a shame it didn't have a filter, env, vca etc. This is how I came across AEM. first I just wanted some modules to add functionality to the Kastle, but that didn't last long! I now have a healthy set of modules, and planning more, also planning some diy bits n bobs which I will post when I get round to them. It's exciting to be on the ground floor of a brilliant concept, and Im sure that soon there will be a whole ecosystem of modules/ gadgets for AEM. Any way, thats me, long read I know, cheers guys! - Zardoz poinG
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Post by testsound on Nov 23, 2018 23:22:23 GMT
Hello, this is test_sound (test_session on Twitch). I've always been a fan of electronic music, but never thought I could be a musician. That was until I got frustrated with the direction electronic music was taking in the US (EDM, then "DubStep", then all the variations). Then I discovered this thing called DAW-less Jammin' and watched videos of people creating music on Euroracks or tables full of gear and thought "hey, I could do that". Also saw videos of skilled producers making professional sounding tracks on mere Volcas. Purchased my first Volcas to cut my teeth on. Later, I purchased the NS1 NanoSynth and Qunexus keyboard keyboard as my first step into the world of modular. While the NS1 is very configurable, only having one oscillator was really limiting; also the Qunexus is not a true hardware sequencer  . After seeing an amazing video of someone jamming on a Make Noise 0-coast using an Arturia KeyStep and only three notes, I impulse bought the 0-coast. Even though the 0-coast is a wild beast, it's not truly "modular" and has it's limitations. Then I saw an article about a new Kickstarter for an affordable patch-wire modular synth. Was thoroughly impressed by the demo videos, number of modules, and the philosophy of "a modular synth for everyone", so I became backer #026. Once I finally received my AEM Rack 1 I had a ton of fun making all sorts of apartment shacking PWM, Sync modulated, and FM sounds. After a while I began to notice that sometimes the Master Module would skip MIDI notes or end up with the Gate stuck on. I contacted Robert about the issue and was surprised when he sent me not one, but two, replacement Master Modules free of charge; the v3 MIDI firmware resolved the problem. That's real dedication to one's project! I'm still happy with my AEM Rack 1, even ordered an additional 2OSC, VCO, and LFO to fill up the three empty slots. I'm especially interested in hooking the patch-wires up to other microelectronic things, such as a Soft Pot potentiometer strip. My next big project will be assembling a Eurorack 3U skiff and Befaco modules from scratch, all so I can finally get that classic Acid Bass sound with the Doepfer A103 VCF. |
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Post by spacedog on Nov 30, 2018 20:16:43 GMT
My excitement had been ramping up for a while and then this afternoon it peaked - yes, my AE Modular arrived in its well-packed box. Within minutes, I had my first sight of the object of my excitement and I probably said what a lot of people must say... "Wow, that's small". Bizarrely, it arrived on the same day as my copy of Edgar Froese's autobiography, "Force Majeure" and there's very little difference between the two in either dimensions or weight The AE Modular is joining the small array of instruments in my tiny studio from which I launch music in the guise of The Soviet Space Dog Project - a project that is basically me working out how to make Berlin School Electronic Music within a very confined space and with limited instrumentation. You can see why the AE Modular called to me. I've been listening to the music I love since the late 70's, starting with Tangerine Dream and Klaus Schulze, and trying to make my own version of it from pretty much the same time. Starting with guitars and ARP equipment, I moved on to Roland, then Waldorf, Yamaha, Nord, Korg, etc., but never anything modular. I did also play in the band Kubusschnitt, including a few small gigs and a number of albums that I have recently remastered. For the first time, we're seeing a bit of money from our endeavours and that has funded this purchase. The later Kubusschnitt albums feature a reasonably-sized Synthesizers.com modular (not mine) and one live album even features two (still not mine). I did have my Nord Modular and I could dream, standing next to those monsters. Back to modulars... At first, I couldn't afford one. Then when I could afford one, I didn't really have the space. Now I can afford it, and it fits in the space. Double Bubble, as we say in the UK. I'll wait to hear what emerges from my experiments with my lovely new AE Modular, it should be fun. It will find its way into the live sessions I have been doing, of that I'm sure. |
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pol
Wiki Editors
Posts: 1,349
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Post by pol on Dec 20, 2018 18:16:39 GMT
Update to my AE Modular story; had my 3rd order now; the Multifx is everything I hoped, love the Nyle Filter and, for anyone who hasn't bought the purpose made patch leads, do so, they are great! I had have a full 2 rows, and the patch link to start my 3rd row, that will be particularly for the more sophisticated Envelope modules as they come out, more LFOs and other things to give me more modulation options. Also hope one day Robert will do a VC Mixer and some of the sunrise products I will probably want too....
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I managed to fix some, but not all and left the DIY feeling quite frustrated and dejected.
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) amateur musician, my profession is a software engineer... but Ive kind of stepped back from that, and Im now living off-grid in the mountains in Andalucia (Southern Spain, nr Granada).
. After seeing an 