Wiardgroup

Very well stated Doug.  Some of us use the modular synthesizer as a real
time control surface, whether performing or recording live, playing the
knobs, not the keys.  I spent three years of synth VA (Reaktor back when it
was Generator) and another 10 years before that in non-realtime software
synthesis (Synthia Pro on the Amiga).  I found the difficulty in interacting
with the VA synth in realtime to be a hindrance.  My music was lacking
spontaneity without a one to one mapping of knob, switch, LEDs and other
controls to the actual synthesizer.  I have an Encore Slidemate for the VA,
but it can't match the ergonomics of an entire analog modular system.

And from the sound of it, I would love to hear some of your music!

John Loffink
The Microtonal Synthesis Web Site
http://www.microtonal-synthesis.com
The Wavemakers Synthesizer Web Site
http://www.wavemakers-synth.com


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Doug Pearson [mailto:jasret@mindspring.com]
> >
> >Only because there was no practical choice at the time.  Modulars on
> >stage are essentially window dressing.  And that is NOT a troll.
> 
> Not taken as one, it's a very legitimate assertion (bands LOVE it when I
> bring the Wiard with all the flashing lights).  But it should be clear by
> now that our musical interests are very different, perhaps to the extent
> that's what is a valuable tool to me might be worthless epherma to you
> (and
> vice-versa).
> 
> For me, the analog modular synthesizer (especially in the Wiard format) is
> the ultimate performance tool.  Granted, I could do most of what I do with
> one with an analog monosynth or decent VA (perhaps I'm the only person who
> hears the difference, but since I am not a professional, who am I making
> music for except myself?).  But neither of those allows me the freedom to
> spontaneously create such a broad array of sonic textures (generally not
> notes - but never say never).  Like I said, you wouldn't like what I do,
> which I can best describe as being the "bug" musician in a rock (or
> "improv") band, interacting with other musicians in real time.  And yeah,
> for that purpose, I use the dual joystick controller (an integral part of
> the overall Wiard *system* - an aspect of the Wiard that several people
> have commented on that IMHO sets it above the other modulars, in my
> experience, excellent as they are), no keyboard, don't give a rat about
> tracking (but visual feedback - in the form of flashing leds - really
> helps
> on dark stages).  I have even also successfully used it to play melodies
> in-tune in the studio :^).  To me, for performance purposes, "modular
> synth" is as legitimate a choice as violin, "keyboard", bass, guitar,
> "electronics", monosynth, piano ... all different instruments (that I can
> more-or-less play) which have their own individual uses.
> 
> But modular synthesizers have a lot of uses, more than just what I use
> them
> for (and I haven't even begun to describe all the things I use them for).
>