Doepfer

I know this is a loaded question, but hopefully somebody can give me some advice/thoughts.

What is the best way to start out with a modular system?

Upfront; I have a limited number of external gears, including Dark Energy, Flame Echometer, Doepfer MAQ 16/3 and some other external board (Virus MC-505, etc.

With that in mind I'm very hesitant to buy a pre-build modular system like (a100 mini basic system, etc.). I'm simply no sure the money would justify  what I get (particular since I'm overwhelmed with what I actually would need and/or want as modules) :c( 

Hence, is there some good starting point without buying a 'ready-made system', only to find out (learning as I go along) what I really would like to have as a module is not present? 

I think the question I pose is; what is the minimum amount of gear (component) I need in order to then start adding additional modules as I seem them fit? Or is a 'pre-build' started system the best way to get started?

I know this question is most generic, but I thought I ask.

For Example, does it make sense, for example (an only as a hypothetical example), to get a bare-case, a midi-cv controller, some Filter(s), one or two more VCOs, 1-2 LFOs an ADSR?

Again, in all this I want to keep my Dark Energy in mind (I know it is only semi-modular, hence I'm sure there are serious constraints integrating it downstream into a real modular system).

Cheers.

Hi Andrew,

That sure makes sense to me ;-)
I'm having the same 'problem' not being able to buy a pre-build system, so I decided to construct one myself, which in due case led me to Doepfer.
As you can see here http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Doepfer_a100/photos/album/1838015066/pic/list
I'm following the path you describe in your hypothetical example.

Although due to a financial constraint, I find it very satisfactory to do it myself. Getting to know your system so thoroughly is hardly possible in another way.

You might however run into problems not foreseen, but I hope the knowledge in this group will assist in solving those.

Happy constructing!

Warm regards,

Ton Akveld
 
--- In Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com, "kloppe_andrew" <andrew.kloppe@...> wrote:

>
> I know this is a loaded question, but hopefully somebody can give me some advice/thoughts.
> 
> What is the best way to start out with a modular system?
> 
> Upfront; I have a limited number of external gears, including Dark Energy, Flame Echometer, Doepfer MAQ 16/3 and some other external board (Virus MC-505, etc.
> 
> With that in mind I'm very hesitant to buy a pre-build modular system like (a100 mini basic system, etc.). I'm simply no sure the money would justify  what I get (particular since I'm overwhelmed with what I actually would need and/or want as modules) :c( 
> 
> Hence, is there some good starting point without buying a 'ready-made system', only to find out (learning as I go along) what I really would like to have as a module is not present? 
> 
> I think the question I pose is; what is the minimum amount of gear (component) I need in order to then start adding additional modules as I seem them fit? Or is a 'pre-build' started system the best way to get started?
> 
> I know this question is most generic, but I thought I ask.
> 
> For Example, does it make sense, for example (an only as a hypothetical example), to get a bare-case, a midi-cv controller, some Filter(s), one or two more VCOs, 1-2 LFOs an ADSR?
> 
> Again, in all this I want to keep my Dark Energy in mind (I know it is only semi-modular, hence I'm sure there are serious constraints integrating it downstream into a real modular system).
> 
> Cheers.
>

Hi Andrew

Moog started out with a range of modules and then put the best of them into a little case equipping it with an attached keyboard

Now you want to go the other way

Study the architecture and base your modules on that

You will mot have a Moog but you will have YOUR instrument based on the architecture of one of the most successful monophonic synthesizers ever made

We are talking individual modules (building blocks) here NOT reproducing that sound but giving you a basic instrument with a range of modules that will perform and allow you room for expansion as and when you require / can afford it

Make NO mistake about it, it will be when you can AFFORD it, this is not a cheep hobby but the rewards are many

Brian


--- On Mon, 6/6/11, kloppe_andrew <andrew.kloppe@gmail.com> wrote:

> From: kloppe_andrew <andrew.kloppe@gmail.com>
> Subject: [Doepfer_a100] Starting out with a module system
> To: Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Monday, June 6, 2011, 2:25 PM
> I know this is a loaded question, but
> hopefully somebody can give me some advice/thoughts.
> 
> What is the best way to start out with a modular system?
> 
> Upfront; I have a limited number of external gears,
> including Dark Energy, Flame Echometer, Doepfer MAQ 16/3 and
> some other external board (Virus MC-505, etc.
> 
> With that in mind I'm very hesitant to buy a pre-build
> modular system like (a100 mini basic system, etc.). I'm
> simply no sure the money would justify  what I get
> (particular since I'm overwhelmed with what I actually would
> need and/or want as modules) :c( 
> 
> Hence, is there some good starting point without buying a
> 'ready-made system', only to find out (learning as I go
> along) what I really would like to have as a module is not
> present? 
> 
> I think the question I pose is; what is the minimum amount
> of gear (component) I need in order to then start adding
> additional modules as I seem them fit? Or is a 'pre-build'
> started system the best way to get started?
> 
> I know this question is most generic, but I thought I ask.
> 
> For Example, does it make sense, for example (an only as a
> hypothetical example), to get a bare-case, a midi-cv
> controller, some Filter(s), one or two more VCOs, 1-2 LFOs
> an ADSR?
> 
> Again, in all this I want to keep my Dark Energy in mind (I
> know it is only semi-modular, hence I'm sure there are
> serious constraints integrating it downstream into a real
> modular system).
> 
> Cheers.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------------
> 
> Yahoo! Groups Links
> 
> 
>     Doepfer_a100-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
> 
> 
>

thanks to all your feedback, thus far. your comment is very helpful, York l.. As goes for the rest of you.

Yes, i'm trotting down the path of electronic/techno.

I agree, additional VCO definitely are something that should be part of the basic stable. That's one thing definitively which the DE, obviously, is short in. 1-2 more vco will, it seems, add additional depth. texture, what have you.

as for dietary advice, well i think i'm already well on that way regardless .. maybe not ramen, yet! :c).That said, i'll have to check with my fiance on the general-life trajectory! :-o

Thanks for the article. I'm native German, so i'll take a look at that article.

i'll take a look at the A-143-X, as well.

Cheers, for all thoughts thus far.

--- In Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com, "York Luethje" <ybl@...> wrote:

>
> Hi Andrew,
> 
>  
> 
> It depends on what you want to do with your system. For instance, in a
> techno-based setup you could do without another MIDI controller as you
> already have two (very nice) sequencers. 
> 
>  
> 
> Some routes to explore: the DE only has one oscillator, another one (or two)
> will greatly add to your sonic palette. Same goes for a noise generator.
> 
>  
> 
> The DE filter is low pass so a multimode filter would also be nice. 
> 
>  
> 
> As everyone who has done some modular synthesis will tell you, VCA's,
> envelopes and mixers as well as multiples are what you end up missing.
> Doepfer and other manufacturers have a lot of options there, for example the
> A-143-X range of quad modules. 
> 
>  
> 
> On the Doepfer homepage there is an example of an expansion system with two
> mini-cases:
> 
>  
> 
> http://www.doepfer.de/Dark_Energy_A100_Mini_Combo.htm
> 
>  
> 
> Amazona.de has an interesting article about adding a mini-case to a DE:
> 
>  
> 
> http://www.amazona.de/index.php?page=26
> <http://www.amazona.de/index.php?page=26&file=2&article_id=3322>
> &file=2&article_id=3322
> 
>  
> 
> It's in German but perhaps the sound examples can give you some indication.
> 
>  
> 
> My personal advice: Just surrender. Drop your significant other, sell your
> car, resign yourself to eating ramen for the rest of your life and get a
> monster case full of modules. Only then will you be happy. 
> 
>  
> 
>   _____  
> 
> Von: Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com] Im
> Auftrag von kloppe_andrew
> Gesendet: Montag, 6. Juni 2011 09:26
> An: Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com
> Betreff: [Doepfer_a100] Starting out with a module system
> 
>  
> 
>   
> 
> I know this is a loaded question, but hopefully somebody can give me some
> advice/thoughts.
> 
> What is the best way to start out with a modular system?
> 
> Upfront; I have a limited number of external gears, including Dark Energy,
> Flame Echometer, Doepfer MAQ 16/3 and some other external board (Virus
> MC-505, etc.
> 
> With that in mind I'm very hesitant to buy a pre-build modular system like
> (a100 mini basic system, etc.). I'm simply no sure the money would justify
> what I get (particular since I'm overwhelmed with what I actually would need
> and/or want as modules) :c( 
> 
> Hence, is there some good starting point without buying a 'ready-made
> system', only to find out (learning as I go along) what I really would like
> to have as a module is not present? 
> 
> I think the question I pose is; what is the minimum amount of gear
> (component) I need in order to then start adding additional modules as I
> seem them fit? Or is a 'pre-build' started system the best way to get
> started?
> 
> I know this question is most generic, but I thought I ask.
> 
> For Example, does it make sense, for example (an only as a hypothetical
> example), to get a bare-case, a midi-cv controller, some Filter(s), one or
> two more VCOs, 1-2 LFOs an ADSR?
> 
> Again, in all this I want to keep my Dark Energy in mind (I know it is only
> semi-modular, hence I'm sure there are serious constraints integrating it
> downstream into a real modular system).
> 
> Cheers.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Hi Andrew,

 

It depends on what you want to do with your system. For instance, in a
techno-based setup you could do without another MIDI controller as you
already have two (very nice) sequencers. 

 

Some routes to explore: the DE only has one oscillator, another one (or two)
will greatly add to your sonic palette. Same goes for a noise generator.

 

The DE filter is low pass so a multimode filter would also be nice. 

 

As everyone who has done some modular synthesis will tell you, VCA's,
envelopes and mixers as well as multiples are what you end up missing.
Doepfer and other manufacturers have a lot of options there, for example the
A-143-X range of quad modules. 

 

On the Doepfer homepage there is an example of an expansion system with two
mini-cases:

 

http://www.doepfer.de/Dark_Energy_A100_Mini_Combo.htm

 

Amazona.de has an interesting article about adding a mini-case to a DE:

 

http://www.amazona.de/index.php?page=26
<http://www.amazona.de/index.php?page=26&file=2&article_id=3322>
&file=2&article_id=3322

 

It's in German but perhaps the sound examples can give you some indication.

 

My personal advice: Just surrender. Drop your significant other, sell your
car, resign yourself to eating ramen for the rest of your life and get a
monster case full of modules. Only then will you be happy. 

 

  _____  

Von: Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com] Im
Auftrag von kloppe_andrew
Gesendet: Montag, 6. Juni 2011 09:26
An: Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com
Betreff: [Doepfer_a100] Starting out with a module system

 

  

I know this is a loaded question, but hopefully somebody can give me some
advice/thoughts.

What is the best way to start out with a modular system?

Upfront; I have a limited number of external gears, including Dark Energy,
Flame Echometer, Doepfer MAQ 16/3 and some other external board (Virus
MC-505, etc.

With that in mind I'm very hesitant to buy a pre-build modular system like
(a100 mini basic system, etc.). I'm simply no sure the money would justify
what I get (particular since I'm overwhelmed with what I actually would need
and/or want as modules) :c( 

Hence, is there some good starting point without buying a 'ready-made
system', only to find out (learning as I go along) what I really would like
to have as a module is not present? 

I think the question I pose is; what is the minimum amount of gear
(component) I need in order to then start adding additional modules as I
seem them fit? Or is a 'pre-build' started system the best way to get
started?

I know this question is most generic, but I thought I ask.

For Example, does it make sense, for example (an only as a hypothetical
example), to get a bare-case, a midi-cv controller, some Filter(s), one or
two more VCOs, 1-2 LFOs an ADSR?

Again, in all this I want to keep my Dark Energy in mind (I know it is only
semi-modular, hence I'm sure there are serious constraints integrating it
downstream into a real modular system).

Cheers.





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]