Get This Instead of a Semi Modular Synth

Get this instead of a semi modular synth! In this video we are looking at what modules you could start with and why semi modular isn't a direct gateway into Eurorack.

Up Your Modular Case here;

[laokoon]

DX7>synths with mod matrix> semis>modular>patch programmable modular> kyma; egan matrix>self-designed&built modules; max> pure data> >self-developed language

[PorchBass]

Buy a behringer Neutron and modules later. You won't get any better value for money and you forget about the patch spaghetti.
'buy granular fx first' is strange advice. Get a Neutron used for 150 and usb it to your pirated daw software. Work out where you wabt to go sound wise

[kurisuchiinathecrocodile]

I think i like semi-modulars themselves more than eurorack, lol

[denis_lengart]

I like semi modular. Modular system is more like laboratory with flasks and test tubes, where you can mix and chemist everything with everything anyway you like. But semi modular synth is a whole synth with formed character and soul. It's itself can be deep and interesting for learning and investigating it. And in the same time you can patch it with other modules if you like.

[Subtronik]

Whatever happened to less is more? Let’s just make music!

[snorrevonflake]

I just wish i went the other direction, after spending 5 K on Eurorack within a few months (and another 5 K within the next year) i think i should have stayed with the Neutron + SQ-1 or the 0-Coast for a longer time and learn and play with those. I even prefer the MS-1 to a couple of System 100 modules.

[daneguitarist]

in 'merika we call it a "half chub"

short story time, ya bastard,
i was in a band with a girl singer
and.. a... uhhh... shady booking agent said "nobody in the crowd should leave here without a half chub"

... lol

[zgrn]

It all depends on if you wanna make sounds or music

[pinatacolada]

The new Korg ARP 2600 is a refined version of a 50 year old legendary synth. Think about how many experts worked tirelessly in the 60s to build cohesive synthesizers. How many failed synths there were. How, over time, the world organically decided the ARP 2600 is the best and used it in famous records and sound effects (like R2D2).

If you think you can build something better than this with your limited knowledge, you're deluded. Avoid Eurorack and just buy a new ARP or MS20. I have both.

[AceGarpTruckingCo]

I learned Softube Modular first in 2018 or so because I got it for "free" when I was buying Volume 2 or 3 for guitar/drums. I looked into 'real' modular but I knew if I had that I'd never finish any music — because I'd be too busy wigging out on patches. So my studio has two rules: semi-modular only and all effects* ITB. This is just so my ADHD head can finish anything at all. I need constraints, and these are the ones I chose. Still got an Intellijel Cascadia and an 0-Coast, still wouldn't go modular. It just wouldn't work for my attention span. Which I think I saw you more or less say in another video — that modular easily becomes a separate thing from making music. Wise words, those. 

*had. I bought a delay pedal just because of Cascadia's unique fx loop.

[pablowentscobar]

What they need to do, is have a "like" knob or a "Subscribe" fader. Then the synth nerds would get more involved.

[stefanhansen]

This was absolutely great! I like your approach. Any chance we can have a chat? I'm getting into modular synth and I'm confused.

[InFamousProductions]

" I do like money".. epic. I have a ton of synths, and not a real modular set up.. and I'm planning my modular.. but I think there is a place for both. but cool insight .

[LillySchwartz]

Although I kinda agree, it’s not really straight forward. In retrospect it’s always easy to say “I should have done x”, when in reality the learning process makes it impossible to know what would be best from the start. I actually thought like you and that’s why I started with a modular system - an AE modular rig with 3 VCOs, a couple filters, a couple VCAs, envelopes and a bunch of utility stuff. Costs about as much as most of the non-Behringer semi-modulars. It actually confused the heck out of me, because I didn’t really know where to start! It only opened up for me when I got myself a Behringer Crave semi-modular too and that sort of made it clear how someone who knows what they’re doing would patch an east coast voice. After that I added a bunch more utility + drum stuff and effects (including Monsoon 😀) in Eurorack. However, to figure out what was missing I first needed to figure out what I was doing and for that a semi-modular was better suited.

To be honest, I think it’s even somewhat unwise to start with single modules, because it’s hard to figure out what goes together and what doesn’t if you’ve never owned any modules. One basic mistake I made was assuming that modules from different manufacturers always play nicely together. Envelopes from my Mutable Peaks clone don’t seem to open up my Befaco A*B+C fully when using it as a VCA, so my plan of using those together with my third AE modular VCO amounted to nothing. And while not all Voltage Controlled Amplifiers actually amplify the A*B+C actually does, which means that using it as an attenuator for the Peaks into the Crave was kinda risky. Peaks LFOs already go to +/-8V anyway, amplified even more which isn’t great if the Crave warns not to overload the +/- 5V inputs. Accidentally turn the wrong knob and I have more than double the intended voltage, yikes! Both great modules by themselves that I use all the time now, but the two of them together for my scenario back when those were my only two modules? Nope! Which of course I could only figure out by making that mistake. So, I agree generally speaking, but in practice, for anyone who doesn’t own any semi-modulars going straight into modular means jumping in at the deep end. Or possibly falling overboard near the bermuda triangle? 😂

[digitaldiezel]

I disagree. I’m glad I tried the Neutron first. I really don’t want to deal with not being able to save my presets. This revelation was real and true and I moved away from the idea of modular. But now I’m back, and not just because it’s cool but because I need to create a synth that is not on the market. This is the true benefit of modular to me and the only reason I would put up with the less glamorous realities of modular.

[beauhannant]

Recently been thinking I wish I was still doing music, so watched a few videos. Fuck, you are funny. Intentionally or not, you make me laugh out loud. Seriously, love the content, keep it going!

[aaronparys]

LOL .. I started with Semi and worked my way into full Modular .. and have no issues incorporating both types units .. yes Semi is sort of a cheat but it's all about having fun and make Noise (Music) .. still learning but that is what makes it fun !! My Crave works will within the Modular environment !

[MrStanley]

Exactly, I went down buying 4 semi modular synth clones and all by themselves they were great, but in most cases the individual components have limited access to use them in other ways - its a patchbay with intention and therefor premade decision went into design in most cases. I ended up selling every four (pro-1, neutron, model-d and k2) - the two-tier stands were not a thing that day so having 4 synth cable clutter unable to stack them left me with a selfmade shelf with books below... I kept moog m32 and dfam because I really like them inside my ikocase (big bonus inside the case is they have a power switch :) Getting individual modules with a lot of cv options will allow more freedom of patching in the long run. Every new module will multiply options :)

[crimsonfancy]

Can I trade back some 80's tattoos I got for a new synth? I made so many mistakes and want a do-over.

[RSTypeContent]

i wouldve been mad, but then i realized that im broke and i cant even afford one 💀