Modular synthesis explained?

[Hollowcell]

Although they don't have memory you can always leave a pre-determined signal patch patched, then program as you would on any other analogue without memory slots. Once you get tired of that signal path, try something completely different.

Having said that though, this pic bellow would have so many patch possibilities, that I wouldn't know where to start.



There are always synths like the MS-20 which have a hardwired signal path until you plug patch cables in. Having true analogue modulars can let mix and match machines too.

I think if I were going for a modular I would go for a small one though. Maybe a system 100 set. Anything too big would be too much work.

I have an Analogue mono (not modular) and having no memory slots isn't a problem at all. Programming it is so damn easy and because most mono synths have their speciality (bass for example), then you are using them for one style of sound.

[3o3]

I'd love to sit by that modularsystem and having 500 cables around me for patch-n-play. hehe

I don't mind, i could spend hours just making up new sounds

[jasedee]

Holy shit! That HW modular looks crazy.....

It would take up so much room.....It's no wonder people are so amazed that they can own a shit load of synths all running inside their computer. One day we will see digital synths being able emulate the classics almost exactly...technology is only getting better, and more advanced.

Very exciting stuff!

[Tomer=Trance]

is that the roland system in that picture?

well hollow its easy because it doesnt have many parameters but imagine in a modular when you have 1000s ?!
its a pain to reprogram complex modulation sounds
say i always wondered how do you set the amount of mix in modulating filter with an lfo for say
each type of cable has its own capasity which determens the amount of mix?

[anykeystudio]

It's no wonder people are so amazed that they can own a shit load of synths all running inside their computer. One day we will see digital synths being able emulate the classics almost exactly...technology is only getting better, and more advanced.

I not sure about that. We had processors and DSP technique for 30 years. The computers and synths we have to day relay on old algorithm from the 70-80?s. Sure they have changed them a bit. But nothing new has happen on the side for long.

I think we will see new analog/digital components that you can program for different purpose. Saw a filter, a oscillators what ever. We are not going further with bigger bit depth and higher sample rate. But that just my opinion.

[Juho L]

Originally Posted by anykeystudio

We are not going further with bigger bit depth and higher sample rate.

Nope. We are extending the algortihms. DSP's get more powerful -> More complex algorithms are possible. And the more complex the algorithms are the better the sound is (or what ever the DSP is used for). Computer technology is still developing fast even the progress has been incredible for years. We still haven't met the limits of computing (actually we have hardly even passed the prelude of computing force). Then we start to be on the limit when the computers work on atom level or even on quantum level. And believe me, if Access would be still making synths it would sound quite different than what Virus sounds now. Hoho.

[Juho L]

Originally Posted by Tomer=Trance

say i always wondered how do you set the amount of mix in modulating filter with an lfo for say
each type of cable has its own capasity which determens the amount of mix?

You have an amount knob of course.

[anykeystudio]

Do you really hear much differents from a virus A and virus C. When it comes to pure sound osc/filter. Except the the new filter type of course? To me not much has happen in that respect for the Access product. Maybe they have killer algorithms they are holding back ?

[Juho L]

Originally Posted by anykeystudio

Do you really hear much differents from a virus A and virus C. When it comes to pure sound osc/filter. Except the the new filter type of course?

The new filters are the new algortihms. Also the extra DSP power in C is used for extra oscs and polyphony.

Edit: And why to fix something that isn't broken?

[Tomer=Trance]

think of ecconomic algorithems LOL