Modular synthesis explained?
 

Hi,

I was just wandering about the new line of Nord Modular synths. In fact, I really dont know what this means, and was hoping someone could shed some light on the basics of modular synthesis. Doesnt have to be too technically specific, maybe just the basic difference between say, the Virus C, and the G2.

Thanks!

Jase

P.S and maybe soundwise too? If anyone owns one of these. I am looking at buying a Nord Lead 2 or 3, and thought I should consider the G2 aswel.

the basic in modular synthesis is... freedom....
you dont have to stick to osc-filter-amp
well you do in someway :) but you dont have to
you can use lfos as sound generators and such
basicly you can build what ever synth you desire...
the g2 it does offer much more then the nord lead series but consider that if you want instent sounds,modulars are not realy for you
because they need to be patched which takes a bit more time then programing a simple atrcitecture synth...

if you do want a modular synth and its for studio use only consider the creamware pulser 2 dsp card aswell
the modular 3 is even more powerful then the clavia ones and it offers many methods like granular synthesis for instence that the nm doesnt offer but it doesnt have pysical modeling modules...

in modular synths you have the possibility to create your own signal path, while on the virus and similar synths it is already established by the manufacturer and you can only bypass existing sections of the signal chain.

Ahhh.....I see. Basically a synth for those that are a little more into sound designing, that offers far greater customisation and options.

Thanks for the info guys! i think maybe the Lead is more up my alley.

Cheers,

Jase

Most synthesizers are 'hardwired' which means there is a set signal flow and ur programming is confined to the boundaries of the synth itself. Most hardwired synths (i.e. Nord leads, Virus, Waldorfs etc etc) encompass osc, amp, filter, lfo configurations. With a modular, you assign the 'modules' to work with each other....and because its not hardwired...u can basically patch anything into anything. Now, if u know what ur doing (a takes a little time...but im guessing everyone has th ecapcity to master modular synthesis).....you can create never-heard-before sounds. That is th eappeal of modular. Now from what ive read and heared th eClavia G2X is the best and sounds very good. Old 70's and 80's modulars are nowadays a prohibitive investment and cost a shitload to service and transport! The G2X is the best way forward......it actally sounds f*%@ing good.

Hopefully Access are going to tap into the modular market soon. Having said that....Since I own a Virus KC already....I will probably go with the G2X...purely because it doesnt have a Virus tone...and im a stickler for versatility. But we'll see........

DS

vintage modulars are just a waste of money
no memory,no midi,they will probebly breakdown... :)

I'd like to have a real modular before a g2-modular, why?

It's more fun to patch the real thing rather in a software.

No memory = buy a digitalcamera and take some photos of it.

No Midi = doesn't matter really.. use cv/gate or whatever - play live and sample it? much more fun

If I got a hardware modular it would probably be the Doepher stuff.

DS

ds:yeah that one is fat.
303: its too much hassle to sample and mess with unnececery problems
and remember most hw modular systems are monophonic...
im not a big fan of monosynths btw...

I am a big fan of monophonic-synthesizers! I wouldnt mind sample/use a cv/gate sequencer instead of boring computers.

About poly vs mono is another thing, i do like when the synthesizer takes it's all power into one note instead of making it play 128 notes at the same time.

If i had the money i'd go for an all hardware / analogue studio.

Pro-one, Dopfer modularsystem, synthesizer.com modularsystem, minimoog, and so on and so on. There are so many great mono-synthesizers out there. No shame in owning a poly-analogue aswell Jupiter 8 or something like that. Argh, money money money