Modular software & programmingMaxMSP, Reaktor, Pure Data, Jeskola BUZZ, and other modular programs. Any questions relating to these programs (patching, favorite ensembles) should be posted in this forum.
but i think the best place to start would be a budget and an idea of what kind of modules you will need.
you will probably want at least one oscillator, filter, an amplifier, a keyboard, some envelopes/LFOs, a case, power supply e.t.c., but most of these are just suggestions (the glory of modular).
Try the Muffwiggler forum, it's the place to be if you want to learn about modular synth. I will also recommend you to know what you want to do with the synth (Drones, trad synthesis, glitchy stuff), you can do a lot a of things with a few piece of modules.
Not sure if you mean that you want to actually want to buy a full modular hardware beast or just try and learn what modular is all about and give things a try so apologise if this isn't relevant. In case it is, ill post it anyways....
I was in a similar position not long ago. I had learnt bits about synthesis but my goto had always been 303 emulations. When it came to non 303 type synthesis, modular for some reason got me interested. I did some research and bought KarmaFX vst. For a simple piece of software, the amount of routing, modulation and most importantly learning that you can do is amazing (and very accessible). Now im glad i chose to learn with something modular rather than a standard subtractive vst and am craving modular hardware!
unless you have lots of expendable income I would recommend NOT starting.
From what i understand its easier to quit smoking crack than it is quit buying modules.
Yea...start with a low interest bank loan...
muffwigglers is probably a good place to look for info. I almost took the dive recently but have realized I dont need to go that route to do what I want to do. Feel like I dodged a bullet there as my gear lust is bad enough thanks...but muffwigglers had all the info I felt I needed to start.
I started with a semi-modular Doepfer Dark Energy, its small not overly expensive and combines well with a Dark Time (which was my second by).
They're both great in the aspect of using them with your computer, the dark time can sequence soft-synths and so on...
After you understand some of the modular basics you can buy a case and start adding modules which expand the dark energy, like an oscillator, modulation sources,...
The Dark Energy acts as midi/USB to CV converter and is mobile if you want to use it in a live situation.
And also i sue Algorithmic Arts software program developed by John Dunn called Artwonk which is a very deep programme, that used to he commercially available but recently made free due to health reason of the developer. I use it with my MC909.
NI Reaktor is good to learn Modular synthesis models.
If you want go hardware and the everlasting need to buy a module once a month:
I started with a Ringmodulator and VCA. Just to mangle signals. Then added LFO, to automate Parameters. Then a VCO, which I controlled with Arturia Minibruet CV outs. Then a filter and an envelope and I had a simple synth voice. If you know how these modules work, you know what module you want next.
