Who's using an A4 cv to Modular?

tonight · May 28, 2016, 1:48pm

If so, are there any demos?

I would like to see, well hear how those 4 cvs can get a modular rockin.

Are there any problems getting it right?

Thanks

Tonight

Upright · May 28, 2016, 1:49pm

I have a 6U system that I’m using the A4 with. I’m constantly trying to convince my “Internet modular friend” to put off buying modules and buy the A4 to use with their systems. The A4 does SO much and covers so much territory that it’s allowed me to focus on modules that are unique and obscure…which is great since I only have 6U. In my opinion if you have a modular you should have an A4 to pair with it. (Sorry no audio examples at the moment.)

RyanElektric · May 28, 2016, 1:49pm

…or a Microbrute.

Awesome oscillator, LFO (In/Out), Envelope/Gate OUT, Filter with overdrive circuit (int or ext), 32 step sequencer with memory, clock generator, mod matrix sends internal voice out via filter, sends out 3 oscillator mods (saw, metalizer, PWM, and a controller keyboard.

All those things would translate to about $800 in modules. Amazing.

The biggest problem with the A4 is that is only has 4 CV/Gate outs, but the sequencer is so powerful that it balances out.

nedavine · May 28, 2016, 2:51pm

Can I ask what units you have? I’ve thought about a 6U system but not sure if it would be enough.
I’m looking at a second hand doepfer system but if I could make a smaller 6u wit the happy ending case that would be awesome.

JohnWynberg · May 28, 2016, 2:51pm

I have a Make Noise system in a 6U Doepfer flightcase. It’s basically a Shared System, plus some of the new modules (Function, STO), and recently added a 3U for Pressure Points and Braids. But a 6U is more than enough to make some serious noise, experiment with sound… One of the advantages of Make Noise modules is that they pack a lot of functions in every module. You could do more or less the same with Doepfer modules, and much cheaper, but takes much more space. But you can also go for a Harvestman system in a 6U or mix and match… It also depends of what kind of music you want to make.

I have some early videos with the A4, when I was just starting with my modular. Here are the links:

I usually use the A4 for clocks and gates, but you can use the CV outs for much more. And remember that you can also use the A4 to route the audio, through the FX track, or use the other tracks to use filters, VCA, envelopes…

If you can also add an Octatrack, with all its effects, you get something so powerful, that it can be overwhelming, you lose yourself in the system and never find time to shot a video again

I’ll try to do some more videos, but I’m not that much into ‘music’, to me it is mainly a ‘hobby’, or an obsession to experiment with sound, make some crazy shit that I can’t find and buy on records.

Suicidelane · May 28, 2016, 2:52pm

Here’s my A4 driving the pitch on a single MakeNoise DPO. A4 acts as a filter and VCA. https://soundcloud.com/suicidelane/make-noise-dpo-elektron-a4

Matthewsavant · May 28, 2016, 2:52pm

My A4 is glued to my modular, both as a CV box and effects box for my 6U eurorack and it’s brilliant. You are essentially adding your choice of 4 pitch/cv, LFO, envelope, gate, clock and in any combo you need. I don’t have any demos just a short vine video of when I first hooked it up: https://vine.co/v/hFwbM7lm16K

Polden · May 28, 2016, 2:52pm

A4 has been my gateway drug to modular.
My system is just an A4 and a 12U past-halfway filled eurorack, and all my music is made only with these. If you dare, you can check it here

To be fair the more my modular grows the less I use A4’s CV outs. Mostly a master clock to sync the two synths, and the occasional LFO, if all my modules are busy.
But my modular’s out is permanently wired to A4’s EXT IN to benefit from the excellent A4’s FX.

Cocker · May 28, 2016, 2:52pm

The A4 is a great CV/Gate sequencer or clock source. The p-locking of source and destination for each trig puts it way beyond the scope of most euro sequencers. Not to mention the DINs. I send DIN to my 606 and that in turn gives 2 programmable trigger outs. These can be used as clock sources or trig/gates sources or whatever you like really. DIN and analogue clock are rock solid. Kick the bollix out of MIDI on so many levels

Having said that though most euro sequencers go a bit further than just being a sequencer. They are instruments in themselves. I’m of the mind that you can never have too many sequencers to be honest.

They are all so different. The euro manufacturers offer a more diverse range. Not too many things seem to overlap in anything other than general function… if that makes sense. There are gnarly sequencers like the Z8000 or the Mutable Grids that will do stuff the A4 couldn’t dream of… not too mention the Intellijel Metropolis or Rene

Hands down though the A4 is way better value for money (prior to the price hike anyways) than even the cheapest 6U modular.

nedavine · May 28, 2016, 2:52pm

Thanks for the links and sounds guys. What I am wondering is what is the bare minimum I need to get going?

Theres a second hand A100b/s going for 189,000 yen which is cheap but still loads of money especially considering theres no space in the case for expansion and that I am kinda interested in a few other modules.

However with a happy ending case I could probably grab a Z3000 today both for 45,000. But I am wondering what else I would need to run. Could the A4 provide the envelopes and LFO’s ? Do I need an amp or a mixer?

Basically I want to know the best order to buy the modules so that I could start making noise as soon as possible.

Cocker · May 28, 2016, 2:52pm

Ned, I went for a Doepfer A100 mini system as my first starter modular. A basic bread and butter system. I found pretty quickly that it’s pretty much a basic mono synth in a box. Which was great but in hindsight I kind of wish I’d picked some modules that weren’t already covered buy gear I had already. There’s so many interesting and unique euro modules that, if I was starting again right now, I would have almost certainly picked some more original stuff to start off with

But I did eventually start picking up more gnarly stuff… as you do

Defo get a case for room to expand. This shit will eat your life and money away. An empty 6U with power is a perfect place to start.

I think the Doepfer ones are like 84 HP (horizontal pitch) where 1 HP = 5mm

Always keep an eye on the HP of a module. The slimmer they are, the more will fit in your case before you need to expand

If you have an A4 already then you’re covered for a sequencer, MIDI/CV convertor for the time being.

Initially you will want either a pair of oscillators, or a dual oscillator. Duals usually have sweet cross-mod/FM capability (without using any patch cables)

A nice multi-mode filter with more than one input. Lack of inputs will get your goat if you don’t have them

A VCA or a Lowpass Gate (or a combo of both). Good to know the differences and similarities between the two. Had no idea what a Lowpass gate was when I started getting euro. Now I have 4 LPGs and 1 VCA.

I prefer Lowpass gate.

A modulator / Envelope generator (with a cycle mode for LFO type stuff). Make Noise Maths is perfect for this shit. An essential module.

And not to forget a small sub mixer module. 4 or 5 inputs, 1 sum output.

It really is a bit daunting at the moment. There is so much available. You kind of have to look at features you like/need in a good synth and see if these are represented in eurorack form. The more CV ins and outs the better.

Modular Grid is well handy. Has all modules indexed by manafacturer, function and price. Plus you can put together mock up systems to see what will fit in you’re set up

http://www.modulargrid.net/

Edit: Oh yeah and defo join the muffwiggler forum and check out their marketplace section. Those guys have an awesome second hand eurorack market. I’ve bought a bunch of stuff on there always in good nick, hassle free and much cheaper than buying new. Just make sure you buy off someone with a decent post count and rep

nedavine · May 28, 2016, 2:52pm

Thanks for the detailed response. Spent the whole day looking around. Really interested in the dpo but probably too pricey… For now.

Checked out modular grid. Nice site. Getting stuff in Japan seems a bit harder but clock face modular seems cheap and to stock lots.

If I sell my MnM I may be getting underway much faster but for now I think I might order the happy ending 84p case and a Z3000. I figure the happy ending kit is cheap and easy enough to add a second one. I want to build a digital analog hybrid for some mono P12 type fun.

Polden · May 28, 2016, 2:52pm

I started with just one module and Doepfer DIY kit #1. I built the case myself with some plywood (not that difficult).
I am (should be) adding one module per month. If you start with just an oscillator you can use A4’s CV OUTs and EXt INs for what’s missing ( if you use EXT IN from the OSC page you can exploit the synth voice signal chain at the cost of one track).
I find this strategy to have two main advantages.
First, you move to lusting for the next module when you have at least a decent knowledge of the previous one’s innards.
Secondly, you can develop your system according to your real needs instead than some superficial guessing on modular synthesis.
Also, you feel less the financial drain (until you verify your bank account after six months, that is. You are facing a money pit, you need to know this).
Since I started eurorack I have also delved deeply in SDIY. This also helps to slow down the addictive pace, and to save a little ( but not that much). The knowledge acquired reveals itself quite useful when patching, and, the more, one day I’ll build the MetaPsychagogic Oscillator and lead humanity to a new dimensional plane…

wintermute · May 28, 2016, 2:52pm