fotoelektrik
New Member
Jumping in to the world of modular synthesis ;)
Posts: 11
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Post by fotoelektrik on May 14, 2020 12:57:35 GMT
Hello everyone. I need a feedback with building my rack. I am new in to AE Modular and I need some comments or feedback if I am doing it right  My original setup is Ableton Live Suite 10 with Ableton Push 2 on my PC with the UR22C Steinberg soundcard. Softsynth are a lot: all the U-he plugins, Fabfilter plugins, all the Komplete. So in the software section i am all setup. Now I need to integrate the AE Modular where I can create my own sounds to then work in the Ableton Live (where the Ableton will send the midi signal to it). I saw the starter rack 2 and looks good. Now I am going to also buy other modules to put in there to make it more complete for me and live some spots left to later when I want to add something else. The music I create is a mix between Kraftwerk and C418 (Minecraft music composer). So a sort of ambient Kraftwerk music I could say. Is this setup I made a good start for this kind of music? I took a screenshot of the rack I made. I am looking forward to hear from you and to hear things I dont need or maybe things I need. Attachments:
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Post by arti on May 14, 2020 15:31:53 GMT
I would say You have quite a lot of sound sources but only two VCAs and two ENV. I would add 2ENV and 2VCA to be able to use and shape more of them at the same time. You have DRUMKIT so I assume You would like to build drumtrack within AEM. There would be more possibilities with Kick and Topograf on board. Of course it doesn't mean Your choise of modules is bad, these are just my impresions based on my personal experience and my personal needs Cheers! Edit: To make some room in your setup I would consider maybe droping the Delay module having MULTIFX. If You want use AEM combined with DAW, then maybe SEQ16 could be replaced by some virtual sequencer? And again these are just ideas, I myself have Delay and bought MULTIFX, and not working with DAW I'm happy with my SEQ16 so it's for You to deceide and determine what is Your primary needs. Eventualy You'll buy more modules and second rack anyway  |
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Post by funbun on May 14, 2020 23:16:08 GMT
In addition what Arti said, you might want to add a second mixer as well.
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Post by slowscape on May 15, 2020 3:10:44 GMT
All good points by Arti and funbun.
If you get the multifx, and you plan on having a stereo output of both wet and dry signals, you will need the second mixer. I'm currently without one, but wish I had another! You'll probably need another regardless, because you do have a few voices.
You may like to have a LOPAG, that'll get you some really nice smooth plucky sounds like C418. I'd also like to note that the VCO with the triangle ^ wave form is super nice for smooth sounds. I was going to go with another 2OSC/d like you have just because I saw it as a 2 for 1 voice, but after using my SR2 for so long I decided I had to have another triangle instead.
Ps. I've heard a birdie say we may be getting an announcement of some new modules soon, but not even a hint as to what they are.
So you may want to order the SR2 then hold off on the single module orders till news drops. In the past new modules have delayed orders as they were sort of pre-orders, don't know if that will be the case with whatever's coming.
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Post by admin on May 15, 2020 3:15:34 GMT
In the past new modules have delayed orders as they were sort of pre-orders, don't know if that will be the case with whatever's coming. Yes, that is the reason why Robert is now withholding info on new modules until they are actually available and in stock! |
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Post by Gaëtan on May 15, 2020 4:14:42 GMT
I would say You have quite a lot of sound sources but only two VCAs and two ENV. I would add 2ENV and 2VCA to be able to use and shape more of them at the same time. You have DRUMKIT so I assume You would like to build drumtrack within AEM. There would be more possibilities with Kick and Topograf on board. Of course it doesn't mean Your choise of modules is bad, these are just my impresions based on my personal experience and my personal needs Cheers! Edit: To make some room in your setup I would consider maybe droping the Delay module having MULTIFX. If You want use AEM combined with DAW, then maybe SEQ16 could be replaced by some virtual sequencer? And again these are just ideas, I myself have Delay and bought MULTIFX, and not working with DAW I'm happy with my SEQ16 so it's for You to deceide and determine what is Your primary needs. Eventualy You'll buy more modules and second rack anyway +1 for env and VCA. And since we're talking utilities, get a 4att/mix. Only one mixer and 2 attenuators is a bit short for a big rack. |
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Post by MikMo on May 15, 2020 5:41:28 GMT
The lesson we all can learn here is that no matter how you plan your system, you will want / need more  |
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Post by admin on May 15, 2020 6:21:00 GMT
The lesson we all can learn here is that no matter how you plan your system, you will want / need more Very true! At least you can slowly expand your system and grow it as you learn. If you want another LFO on a Mother32 you have to buy a whole new synth! |
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Post by MikMo on May 15, 2020 6:51:11 GMT
yes that is true.
Play with what you have.
Take some time to figure out what you need to do what you want to do.
That must be the generic advice.
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fotoelektrik
New Member
Jumping in to the world of modular synthesis ;)
Posts: 11
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Post by fotoelektrik on May 15, 2020 7:34:06 GMT
Thanks for all of you! It's really helpful! The one thing i don't understand about ordering an AEM is that when you order a starter rack 2 it comes with all you see in the description with some patch cables and midi to cv cable and power cable and so on but when you make your own synth you dont get that much right? I mean the Starter Rack 2 is perfect but i wish it was possible to for example swap one or two things and then buy also extra modules all in one order (i am thinking about taxes of import here in Norway, because everything will get really expensive). Because there is the VAT thing for ordering from Europe pluss when you order things from outside norway I have to pay an extra tax when I am picking it up 😔
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Post by arti on May 15, 2020 8:00:13 GMT
Thanks for all of you! It's really helpful! The one thing i don't understand about ordering an AEM is that when you order a starter rack 2 it comes with all you see in the description with some patch cables and midi to cv cable and power cable and so on but when you make your own synth you dont get that much right? I mean the Starter Rack 2 is perfect but i wish it was possible to for example swap one or two things and then buy also extra modules all in one order (i am thinking about taxes of import here in Norway, because everything will get really expensive). Because there is the VAT thing for ordering from Europe pluss when you order things from outside norway I have to pay an extra tax when I am picking it up 😔 As far as I know it's perfectly doable. You may change a bit Your order - add or remove what You wish and it still will be treated as Starter Rack 2 order. You have to sort the details with Robert. |
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fotoelektrik
New Member
Jumping in to the world of modular synthesis ;)
Posts: 11
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Post by fotoelektrik on May 15, 2020 8:05:51 GMT
Thanks for all of you! It's really helpful! The one thing i don't understand about ordering an AEM is that when you order a starter rack 2 it comes with all you see in the description with some patch cables and midi to cv cable and power cable and so on but when you make your own synth you dont get that much right? I mean the Starter Rack 2 is perfect but i wish it was possible to for example swap one or two things and then buy also extra modules all in one order (i am thinking about taxes of import here in Norway, because everything will get really expensive). Because there is the VAT thing for ordering from Europe pluss when you order things from outside norway I have to pay an extra tax when I am picking it up 😔 As far as I know it's perfectly doable. You may change a bit Your order - add or remove what You wish and it still will be treated as Starter Rack 2 order. You have to sort the details with Robert. Cool! That`s good to know! I wasn`t sure if it was possible |
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fotoelektrik
New Member
Jumping in to the world of modular synthesis ;)
Posts: 11
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Post by fotoelektrik on May 15, 2020 8:27:19 GMT
Now I have edited the rack while reading your tips and reccomendations. How does it look now? Is it a better configuration for what I need? Attachments:
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fotoelektrik
New Member
Jumping in to the world of modular synthesis ;)
Posts: 11
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Post by fotoelektrik on May 15, 2020 8:31:23 GMT
And I also made a version with the sequencer (when justincase I dont want to use the DAW as a sequencer and want to play standalone ). Which one seems the better choice? Attachments:
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Post by arti on May 15, 2020 9:03:46 GMT
And I also made a version with the sequencer (when justincase I dont want to use the DAW as a sequencer and want to play standalone ). Which one seems the better choice? I would probably choose to leave some room for more modules You would like to add later, when You figure out what more do You need. If it will be SEQ16 You may still buy it later, if it will be something else You wouldn't have to buy another case yet. If not with DAW You may sequence AEM with other hardware/midi controler. I use small and cheap SQ1 and there are many other solutions, maybe You would like to have some sort of keyboard controler - many of them have sequencer onboard. As for the DRUMKIT - even without Topograf You may combine triggers and clocks using TRIQ64 and other trigger sources (LFO, Square waves) sending them to logic module, so You're covered. Another VERY useful thing with creating complicated rhythms without Topograf would be 3VCSWITCH. Another mixer seems a good idea, it will allow You also to attenuate some signals if 2ATT/CV wouldn't be enough. |
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Post by Gaëtan on May 15, 2020 9:07:30 GMT
And I also made a version with the sequencer (when justincase I dont want to use the DAW as a sequencer and want to play standalone ). Which one seems the better choice? I would probably choose to leave some room for more modules You would like to add later, when You figure out what more do You need. If it will be SEQ16 You may still buy it later, if it will be something else You wouldn't have to buy another case yet. If not with DAW You may sequence AEM with other hardware/midi controler. I use small and cheap SQ1 and there are many other solutions, maybe You would like to have some sort of keyboard controler - many of them have sequencer onboard. As for the DRUMKIT - even without Topograf You may combine triggers and clocks using TRIQ64 and other trigger sources (LFO, Square waves) sending them to logic module, so You're covered. Another VERY useful thing with creating complicated rhythms without Topograf would be 3VCSWITCH. Another mixer seems a good idea, it will allow You also to attenuate some signals if 2ATT/CV wouldn't be enough. I also don't think you need two 2osc/d : that puts you at 5 oscillators, which is quite a crazy amount for a small rack. |
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fotoelektrik
New Member
Jumping in to the world of modular synthesis ;)
Posts: 11
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Post by fotoelektrik on May 15, 2020 9:24:17 GMT
I would probably choose to leave some room for more modules You would like to add later, when You figure out what more do You need. If it will be SEQ16 You may still buy it later, if it will be something else You wouldn't have to buy another case yet. If not with DAW You may sequence AEM with other hardware/midi controler. I use small and cheap SQ1 and there are many other solutions, maybe You would like to have some sort of keyboard controler - many of them have sequencer onboard. As for the DRUMKIT - even without Topograf You may combine triggers and clocks using TRIQ64 and other trigger sources (LFO, Square waves) sending them to logic module, so You're covered. Another VERY useful thing with creating complicated rhythms without Topograf would be 3VCSWITCH. Another mixer seems a good idea, it will allow You also to attenuate some signals if 2ATT/CV wouldn't be enough. I also don't think you need two 2osc/d : that puts you at 5 oscillators, which is quite a crazy amount for a small rack. Thats what I was thinking with the rack without the sequencer. So you mean that I can also take out one of the 2 osc/d? When you say that there are 5 oscillators in the rack, can you tell me all the oscillators you see in the rack? Each of the osc/d have 2 oscillators as I understood, so it makes 4. where is the other one? hehehe I am struggling to find it |
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fotoelektrik
New Member
Jumping in to the world of modular synthesis ;)
Posts: 11
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Post by fotoelektrik on May 15, 2020 9:29:46 GMT
Something like this? Attachments:
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Post by arti on May 15, 2020 9:31:24 GMT
VCO is the fifth one. As pure sound sources that would seem as (too) many indeed, but maybe You would like to keep them for modulating other oscilators in the spirit of FM synthesis This VCO module has the more subtle triangle wave mentioned by Slowscape above. |
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Post by admin on May 15, 2020 12:27:53 GMT
VCO is the fifth one. As pure sound sources that would seem as (too) many indeed, but maybe You would like to keep them for modulating other oscilators in the spirit of FM synthesis This VCO module has the more subtle triangle wave mentioned by Slowscape above. Or you can use all 5 oscillators in an ambient drone. Your comment instantly inspired me arti and I made this video just now: |
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Post by arti on May 15, 2020 13:44:52 GMT
Sorry for hijacking this tread for a moment, but admin, could You explain the one particular sound, about 8:30 'till the end?. How it was achieved? It is very "Kosmiche", not unlike early Tangerine Dream drones |
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pol
Wiki Editors
Posts: 1,349
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Post by pol on May 15, 2020 17:28:07 GMT
My six penny worth on this is just to start with the starter system, they are all modules you will want/ need going forward; get it all working with the computer, and then you'll see want you really want to add after seeing how it works with your soft synth set up, how they blend together with your work flow (e.g. do you need FX at all if got in the computer). It is fun to agonise over which modules/equipment should I buy/not buy, but this is what will really answer the question for you. I agree with others about not starting our with a full rack, as you will definitely decide you will want more VCAs, LFOs or Envelopes at some point, and just as you fill your rack another new module comes out you would really like....
More seriously there will be an initial WTF experience when you start up your AE modular for the first time - I have over 30 years of synthesiser experience and it got me! If you start off too complicated you may give up, or just not use modules effectively...
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Post by slowscape on May 15, 2020 20:02:20 GMT
I 100% agree with pol . I was actually going to mention the same but felt my reply was getting winded already 
I was very happy I went about it in that way. Got my feet wet without being too overwhelmed, then upgraded with a better idea of what I was actually after. Now I'm about to upgrade again with an even better idea of what I want.
edit: actually, for bare minimium, especially if you like the minecraft music, get the starter2 with the multifx and a mixer and an extra set of patch cables. For me, that would be the ultimate starter 2 without going overboard.
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Post by admin on May 16, 2020 0:50:57 GMT
Sorry for hijacking this tread for a moment, but admin, could You explain the one particular sound, about 8:30 'till the end?. How it was achieved? It is very "Kosmiche", not unlike early Tangerine Dream drones Very simply only one oscillator going through a VCA and the SV Filter with a slow LFO changing the VCA amplitude. Sometimes the simplest things just work Tomorrow I plan on doing a "deconstruction" video where I'm explaining the whole patch. I think there is a lot of potential in this patch to learn the basics especially for beginners. Each individual part is simple enough and when put together the whole sound and atmosphere emerges. |
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Post by arti on May 16, 2020 1:08:37 GMT
Sorry for hijacking this tread for a moment, but admin , could You explain the one particular sound, about 8:30 'till the end?. How it was achieved? It is very "Kosmiche", not unlike early Tangerine Dream drones Very simply only one oscillator going through a VCA and the SV Filter with a slow LFO changing the VCA amplitude. Sometimes the simplest things just work Tomorrow I plan on doing a "deconstruction" video where I'm explaining the whole patch. I think there is a lot of potential in this patch to learn the basics especially for beginners. Each individual part is simple enough and when put together the whole sound and atmosphere emerges. oh, so SV filter goes higher on my list! |
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