Why I Downsized my Modular Synth for an FX Rack!

I've done the unthinkable... made my modular synth SMALLER!
And I could not be happier! I'm feeling way more inspired with my new, minimal set-up, and I don't really miss those mono oscillators one bit!
In this vid I attempt to show how easily an FX rack can create interesting and engaging compositions with only one FX chain and some modulation.
Peace x
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[@andytawse]

That was interesting. I started out with modular wanting to build an FX rack. Something like my own personalised Sherman Filterbank. It didn't really work out that way, but I still run other sounds through it sometimes. Favourite module for that just now is the Soma FX.

[@TheUnperson]

I've had my eye on the Soma FX for ages. If it was stereo I'd absolutely buy it... I'll probably buy it anyway lol

[@LoganGabriel]

Really great stuff! This inspired me to build something similar, for a while I haven't really seen a big advantage of modular when I already own a Novation Peak, but I think FX racks like this are something most people don't talk about. Most of my effects come from guitar pedals hooked up to the Peak, but by design guitar pedals are more "macro controls" vs the deep individual control and possibilities it seems like modular can give you. Question - I'm new to modular so I don't really understand what MATHS is doing here. Is it mostly providing utility for adding variation to the patterns that PNW is giving you?

[@TheUnperson]

Awesome man! Yea the good thing about modular fx is that you can have them all interact with each other, and be synced up to the same rhythm/tempo. I do love guitar pedals too tho! I’m mainly using maths to modulate other modules (in this vid it’s modulating the cutoff frequency on the filter). It’s a powerful modulator because it has attenuvertors and goes into the audio range too :)

[@dantarradellas7351]

Awesome. I was thinking granular too. Great explanation. Thanks

[@JoostDNonsens]

Interesting point at the beginning, about the tendency in Eurorack to always go bigger. When I started to build a Eurorack system, my goal was to not go bigger as 84HP (I have a niftyCase too). The reason is, when I searched for inspirational Eurorack videos on youtube, the best musical examples tend to came from much smaller cases then walls full of modules making space noises. My personal direction looks quite the same as yours, to build a kind of FX/Filterbox-machine. In addition to that, I will try out integrating a Squid Salmple in the system to be able to resample on the fly. Edit: I'm not sure about getting a FX Aid or a Z5000, what are your opinions about both modules?

[@TheUnperson]

Same here man - I always preferred the music coming from the smaller systems! I think having less to work with can make for some more creative patching. I've got my eye on the squid sample too, tho may settle for the Bastl GrandPA since space is tight! As for the multi FX: the Z5000 has very good delays and reverbs but lacks variety. The FX Aid has decent delays and reverbs but also a lot of other cool stuff (flangers, phasers, bit-crush, ring mod, compressors, etc). It is a bit squashed tho - maybe I'd go for the FX Aid XL!

[@jamierobinson7564]

The stereo effect on this is lovely.

[@TheUnperson]

cheers dude! :D

[@bobschrei2029]

Thanks! I was wondering😂Agreed!

[@planetplex]

Really cool to hear your thoughts on this unit you’ve put together! I love your videos man you put me over the edge to getting data bender it’s on it’s way lol I really dig your music too man!

[@TheUnperson]

cheers man! Let me know how you get on with the data bender when it arrives! I'm sure you're gonna love it :D

[@planetplex]

@@TheUnperson I love it so much it’s a perfect match for me 😎👍

[@Psionetics]

Great video! Really enjoyed seeing your approach

[@TheUnperson]

cheers man! Enjoying the lofi jams on your channel too :)

[@dpalaoro]

So how do you get line level signal out of the OP1 into a modular set up??

[@TheUnperson]

You can get a signal booster module to bring the op1 up, but in this video I’m not using one and it works fine :)

[@EspenFrafalne]

Regular synths may be more limited than modular synths, but after getting the Electribe 2, i have realized that limitations means you have less things to consider, which gives you more time to practice using the functions that you have - which will result in a much faster workflow, where you know how to create what you want, instead of having to experiment too much. So if you ask me, the best option is to get a synth with good basic features (waveforms, envelopes, filters, and modulations), and then get a limited amount of external effect units that - unlike the built in effects - will be tailored to your personal needs. Multi effects units are of course also limited in this regard. This being said; i do think the "Zoia" and "Poly Beebo" seems very interesting, but i think im gonna go with either a modular effect rack, or a pedal board with some carefully selected pedals. The simplicity of using pedals make it seem like a good option for fast workflow, but their limitations when it comes to modifiers make modular seem like the way to go. Not sure where ill end up...

[@TheUnperson]

I totally agree man... i much prefer a well designed synth as my sound source. The reason I'd go for modular FX is that they can all be synced and modulated together, and being able to modulate parameters increases the depth of sound design so much.

[@EspenFrafalne]

@@TheUnperson Yeah, modulation is awesome - but it is also pretty awesome to be able to stuff my electribes in my backpack, and go make music outside in the summers - and i think pedals seem like a better option for portability than a modular setup. If i need more functionality, then i have Komplete 11 Ultimate - and being able to design your own modules in NI "Reaktor" gives a *lot* of freedom and possibilities. Experimenting with making ones own delays and reverbs - with filters and/or effects in the "delay loop" - can give some really cool unique sounds..! Starting from scratch, with no previous experience with building things in Reaktor, it took me about a month to make a pretty comprehensive synth and sequencer, with modulations (LFOs and envelopes) for every parameter that could benefit from it, as well as "analog emulations" for the oscillators, custom knobs, faders, buttons, and skin - and even a few "animations" (neon girl dancing in sync with the BPM, and a logo of an LCD screen, with the words "Dream Machine" flashing on/off). With MIDI controllers, it can be pretty difficult to remember which knob controls a certain parameter, but if you design a synth that has a similar layout as your favorite MIDI controller, then you will have a really good memory of the layout of the synth, and which knob/fader/button does what... Having thought about this, im tempted to just buy a good midi step sequencer, and see if i can find a MIDI controller with a layout that is better for a synth than my Novation "Launch Control XL".

[@apparently_sonam]

And then I hear a fellow Scotsman. Bravo chap!

[@TheUnperson]

Haha cheers! Yea there doesn't seem to be many Scots in the synth scene lol

[@CHONKERBOT]

That was very helpful. I'm wondering if it's a good idea to design and build a small case only around the effects with external synths in mind. Every synth I have can deliver a raw OSC wave, but what about feeding a chain of data bender, beads, etc. with a more defined Minitaur bass or Minilogue XD plucks? Is it makes any sense? And is it worth it (of course, it's very subjective - tinkering alone can be fun and worth it) compared to building a pedal-based setup for synths?

[@TheUnperson]

A chain of data benders - now you're talking!! I would absolutely say it's a good idea. The FX rack is my most used piece of gear!

[@planetplex]

Es 8 and disting mk4 will give you good audio line levels and a compressor plus so much more. Or disting ex if you want even more options. Anyways this is at least the second time I watch this if not the third or so LOL one of my favorite videos of yours for sure 😎👍

[@TheUnperson]

Cheers dude! I ended up going for the pico input module as I found a cheap 2nd hand one. I used to have the disting mk3 but I hated the interface so much! Maybe it’s better on the new ones ~ it would be really handy in a such a small case.

[@sendalunar2974]

Just what i was looking for! Around how much would it be to build something like this? I want to pair it with the subharmonicon /DFAM . Thanks for the video!

[@TheUnperson]

Cheers! According to modulargrid.net it costs about 1900 euros all in. Would go very well with those two synths! I made a more recent video with a better thought-out system IMO. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKGknISwqc6Nn5Y There's a link to my modulargrid page in the description :)

[@Grauskegg]

Hey. Sorry Im late to the game but, are you connecting the OP-1 directly into the uVCF? Im always using an in/out module for external sound sources. Cheers

[@TheUnperson]

Hey! In this video I#m just going straight in yea, I have subsequently gotten a Pico Input to bring the level up :)

[@aernan]

Is the first module amifying the input to eurorack voltage levels or does the op-z have 0-10v out?

[@TheUnperson]

That module is a VCF actually and isn't being used in this video But since making the vid I have bought a Pico Input to bring the OP1, etc, up to modular level.

[@joanofworms]

Thank you :)

[@christurbiville8365]

so is the stereo out of the OP1 going into the FX rack and you are effecting the entire output?

[@TheUnperson]

In the video I’m going into the fx rack in mono, but it’s totally possible to go in stereo too. I am effecting the entire output. I guess it would also be possible to mult the input and send it to multiple places tho ☺️

[@lennartrauhe]

You should get a Distressor!

[@pigeonfarmboy]

Sounds great, good on you to downsize. Wish I could do that as well sometimes.

[@TheUnperson]

cheers man! I see from your videos you got a shared system - that's one of my dream synths :D

[@pigeonfarmboy]

@@TheUnperson Yeah that was the slippery slope that started a much larger system!

[@hyderhydra3269]

i just keep making multiple mini synths its all over the place think im just gonna make 1 big one

[@TheUnperson]

Haha this often happens in the modular world. I’m also considering getting a bigger case 😅

[@studio48nl]

You downsized 1 hp to much 🤣