Moving into Modulars
2000-04-10 by blacklotus@cstone.net
Folks, I am on the verge of purchasing a modular system from our own beloved Paul. I just wanted some user perspective on this decision with respect to giving up my digital VA's with their kerjillions of pre-sets (which is what I'd have to do to buy a modular before I turn 90! =:-0) Pardon my ignorance in what follows. I do like the variety of sounds in my Jp8080 and Audity 2000 (which is a software modular set-up--like it A LOT) ; the sound designers have done a fab job but.....its still "someone else's sound, when I really want to make my own. My work is ambient/experimental/deep space/sound design. I do have hard-disk recording (to a Mac / Pro Tools ) and a Boomerang Phrase sampling (with 4-minutes recording time ! So I can layer, edit, and build as dense as I like (I like!). I'm confident I could get sounds I'd love out of a MOTM rig, and I love keeping patch charts from my days with a Micro Moog and a Sonic Six, but still wonder if I'd be jones-ing for those "astoundingly lush pads" that somebody else designed on my digital machines. Realizing this is all dependent on the MOTM modules that I'd have to begin with, and after talking with Paul, I'm thinking: 180 Sub Oct Mux 300 VCO (x 2) 420 Filter 440 Filter 110 Ring Mod/VCA 800 Env Gen (x2) PSU, Rails, Kenton Pro 2000, etc. All to be interfaced with a Lexicon Vortex, Korg AM8000R, Boss SX-700 (With Surround) and midi-driven by 2 Intercative Light Dimension Beams (infrared controllers). Now, I could sample the patches I have created of course, and use them from the Mac so I wouldn't lose "everything" I like about the VA's. I guess I'm asking, is the process of working on a true modular "too" minimal for me (miss my lush pads?), or can I arrive at the same fullness and beauty with simply, more elbow grease (gallons??) and creativity on a mod. Thanks in advance, John Hunter Black Lotus Sound