[sdiy] Thinking Modular

[David Moylan]

I agree with the other posters that it depends heavily on what you want 
to do with your modular.  If you've already got other equipment that you 
can interface with your soon-to-be modular then I might start with a 
filter.  That way you can process your other equipment immediately then 
move on to other modules.  Many filters can also self oscillate so you 
can at least use it as a sine wave VCO.

LFO would probably be very nice to have after building a filter.  Then 
you can add a VCA so you can do filter modulation and tremelo (woo 
hoo!).  Something like the MOTM-320 LFO is voltage controllable and can 
go to audio range too, but don't know what your pricepoint is.

If you have gear that can output a gate then I'd move to ADSR (or any 
other envelope generator type).  If not, then I'd think about what type 
of controller you're going to use, you might like joystick, or 
sequencer, or CV keyboard or midi->CV or none.

3-9 VCO's is a medium to large set up to me.  Trust me, you can have 
large amounts of fun with only 1 VCO, especially if you have an LFO you 
can also use at audio rates, and a VCF that can self oscillate.

In general though, concentrate on modules you can use right away.  It 
will keep it interesting and feed the addiction.  If you're not an 
experienced DIYer stick with assembled modules or complete kits at least 
for the first few otherwise you're likely to get frustrated sourcing 
components.  If you are looking for kits check out bridechamber.com, 
they've got kits to go with other manufacturers PCBs.

Dave



Dump Static wrote:
> You might consider purchasing 4-5 modules (VCO, ADSR, Filter, VCA) so that you have a very basic synth, then start building modules to add to it (LFO, Mixers, etc).
> 
> That way you'll have a way to immediately use your first project.  The CGS Utility LFO is a nice starter  :)
> 
> Drew
> 
>>>> Ian Smith <taciturn_unquiet at hotmail.com> 07/09/08 19:45 PM >>>
> 
> Hey all,
> 
> I've started to put together a list of modules that I want to build or buy when I start making my modular in the fall and I've come to realize that I don't really know how many of what makes a good start for a modular. I've poked around and seen things like the number of VCOs ranging from 3 to 9, for example. I'm a little overwhelmed. Does anyone have any thoughts for me?
> 
> -Ian
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