Its kind of funny I feel like every time I sit down in front of a slightly different synthesis system I have a slight imposter syndrome moment of “do I actually understand any of this stuff?” looking back it is pretty fun to not know stuff, probably part of the reason I ended up grabbing the Strega. You will have the hang of it soon.
My favorite thing of late is running oscillators into a VCA pre filter, just be a bit cautious with the resonance as there isn’t anything to tame your filter back. You can get some really nice dynamic sounds this way around that really plays with how driving the filter effects the resonance, and teaches you about how your filter will act under different gain settings. Honestly I am a bit surprised that there aren’t more non modular synths normaled with this topology, such organic sounds can be found that way.
I apologise, I obviously posted with the wrong tone. I am by no means an expert in anything, certainly not in modular synthesis. This community is generally very welcoming and helpful, and if I wasn’t it was not by intention. If you look at my post history, i posted similar questions 3-4 years ago when I bought my OT.
That looks like a great first system! I’m just starting with modular as well and I’m really enjoying it. It’s been a couple of days since you posted and it sounds like you’ve got the basics covered. How are you making out so far? Do you have the basic signal flow patched up or are you stuck on anything? Once that basic signal flow is patched up you can do the interesting bits with CV modulation of parameters.
Curious to hear where you’re at!
EDIT: Looking at those VCOs and wondering if you could turn the FM knob all the way ccw, patch the Sine (or any other wave out) into the FM patch point, then self-modulate those voices for some FM sounds.
If I was ever going to get into modular, one of the Erica Synths systems would definitely be my first choice. I’ve always had a soft spot for the Polivoks as well. Do let us know how you get on with it.
Thanks man. Yeah, I got the basic signal flow down. I’m finding some interesting movement with looping the EG’s with different release settings, experimenting with the LFO and FM modulation. That first patch after only working with hardwired synths was the hardest one.
quite a few: Minitaur, Typhon, Boomstar, some others in the past. Honestly, I don’t see how this experience makes it obvious how to patch a modular synth. But I’m definitely not an expert at synthesis. I’m just trying to have some fun, man. I definitely did not want this thread to turn into a debate over how uptight I am for finding it annoying that I can’t ask for help without ‘amusing’ people.
I wasnt implying that it does. Actually I was asking as I’m curious as to what synths you have used prior, from a sonic point of view, so I get an idea of your sonic frame of reference when you start telling us how much you like/dislike it.
Not a comment about patching at all. I’m totally with you on the fun adventure groove man, dont lump me in with the rest of the modular nerds, cos I aint one of them. I don’t own any, and most likely never will.
I wouldn’t have a clue how to set it up out of the box either.
Anyway Im stoked for you and am curious to follow the journey and explore this lovely instrument vicariously.
@Microtribe, I didn’t you were implying anything, sorry, i was speaking more generally to the vibe from some folks in the thread. I appreciate the encouragement. I had a little bit of buyers remorse when I looked at all those patch cables, but once I got going and heard the oscillator through the filter, remorse went out the window. I forget to mention, one of the monos that I’ve worked with is the Bassline DB-01. That’s partly what made me look at the Polivoks system. They’re doing something special there at Erica Synths. I’m excited to keep exploring this thing. I don’t think it’s going to lead to a modular addiction. For me it’s about this particular system and collection of devices. But having to manually patch connections will undoubtedly force me to learn a lot about synthesis. Thanks, man.
I know what you mean. So many of the Erica systems appeal to me. And I almost bought a polivoks clone ( cant remember the brand) a while back. In a way I’m releived i didn’t.
However, I agree, the Erica stuff is something special. I’d buy all of their systems if I could!
Congrats on getting the Polivoks system, I imagine its the kind of thing that would make all your other analogues redundant.
Post some sounds when you get comfy with it
It does seem like it shares DNA with the DB-01, for sure. But the raw voice feels more textured and I want to say the filter has more character, but that might just be because it’s new to my ears. I don’t know if i’d use the DB-01 for lead sounds whereas this I totally would. I think the two will get along like old friends once I introduce them. I’ll never sell the DB.
It’s a very nice beginner system; there’s something to be said for jumping into modular with a complete system. It’s basically your run-of-the-mill duophonic subtractive synth but without normalled connections (and other subtle but important goodies). Looks good.
I’m curious if you might keep something in the back of your mind for me: I have the MIDI-CV and sometimes it seems to “freeze”. I have a lot going on with my MIDI chain so it could be anything. But if you happen to notice any freezing with that module, could you let me know? I’d appreciate it.
Keep in mind the mod out on the MIDI module. If you can somehow send a random cc to it, it would open the system up a lot.
I agree! Have fun.
It’s quite confusing sitting in front of a completely unpatched modular for the first time, and a different story to semimodulars or software modulars
My first patch attempts were in miRack and I felt a bit confused for a short while. I have a solid grasp on synthesis but for some reason I got hung up on VCAs for 20 minutes. I can’t remember what I was thinking that didn’t make sense but it eventually clicked.
Happy to hear you’re get on with it now! I very much enjoying mine too
