My Modular Synth Plan - Purpose

These days, a modular synth system can be anything you want it to be. From a traditional subtractive synth voice, to a generative, self-composing machine, to a powerful, signal processing beast, modular systems can be put together to actualise the sounds in your head, or push into directions you could never imagine. Knowing this, I've tried to narrow down the parameters for what I want my modular system to be able to do, especially areas which I'd like to focus on initially.

So, what do I want my modular synth system to do?

1. Host some inspiring synth voices

Firstly, I want some synth voices to play around with. At this point, I don't have specific requirements a synth voice, so I would like to make the voices versatile. In saying that, I would love to be able to emulate some of my favourite synth sounds, especially those that inspired me to begin this modular journey. These include the synth sounds of Look Mum No Computer, Muse, Radiohead and so many great 80s Sci-Fi movie soundtracks. These sounds were created by awesome synths such as the ARP 2600, Roland Juno 60 and Sequential Circuits (Dave Smith) Prophet 5. These synths are built around the idea of subtractive synthesis, where a sound is generated, and then the timbre and dynamics are sculpted through the use of filters and voltage controlled amplifiers (VCAs). In modular circles, this is generally referred to as an "East Coast" approach to synthesis, whilst a West Coast approach utilises additive techniques to create synth sounds (read more here). Whilst I'm more interested in creating great sounding traditional synth voices initially, I hope to explore additive synth in the techniques in the future.

I can't get enough of Muse's use of synth arpeggios. This is one of the first synth sounds to capture my imagination.

2. Ambient sounds

In recent times, I have become a disciple of ambient modular music. I have been fascinated with creating ambient atmospheres ever since first discovering Andy Othling's fantastic ambient guitar sketches. Whilst I still love the ambient sounds you can create with a guitar, and effects pedals, I have been taken by the sounds and inspiration that modular ambient setups can offer. Whilst there are a vast number of guitar effects available, there are limitations to the sounds you can create, whether they be pedalboard real estate, the routing of the effects, or even your own creativity or playing ability.

Modular smashes through many of these boundaries, and when looking into generative modular music, granular synthesis or even just utilising LFOs to modulate the sound, the sonic possibilities appear boundless. There is LOADS I don't understand in this space, but I want learn about these more unique methods of generating music and sounds, and incorporate them into my system so I can more fluently express my Eno-isms in this way.

Ann Annie has fast become one of my favourite ambient artists, often combining a number of generative modular patches to create beautiful soundscapes.

3. Processing External Sound

Coming from a guitarist perspective, its easy to see the parallels between synth modules and guitar effects pedals. One of the first things that piqued my interest in the modular synth format was its capability to process and mangle sounds. In this way, modular can be treated as flexible outboard gear, and be utilised as outboard gear would be in the studio. I want to incorporate this ability to take on external audio and to process it through the system.

A stunning demonstration by Marcus Fischer of how he incorporates his guitar with his modular setup.

4. Drum machine

I used to not be a fan of "fake drums" at all. Now, I don't think there are many sounds cooler than an old Roland CR-78 or a Linn Drum. These sounds marry so well with synths, and together defined an era of music. I want to incorporate some of these sounds with my modular, whether they be sample-based, or as analog circuits.

Look Mum No Computer performing with his DIY modular setup, featuring DIY analog drum modules, and an externally controlled Linn Drum.

5. Experiments

One reason I've chosen to go down a DIY path with my modular synth is that I want to create a totally unique instrument. As a part of this, I want to experiment and come up with some of my own modules based on my own ideas.

One current example floating around my head is a CV controlled tape player that could accurately play back pitch, to achieve similar sounds as a Mellotron. This would be in a similar vain as the Onde Magnétique OM-1 Cassette Synthesizer , or the fantastic work of Xavier Gazon.

The very cool sounds of a modded tape player with pitch control, through a VCA, courtesy of the Onde Magnétique

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Initial ideas for modules

Having thought about these functions for my future modular system, I have developed a list of modules which I hope will give me a firm foundation from which to build my instrument. These particularly address the first three functions I listed, and hopefully will give me a good idea of where to progress in the future once I've got a solid core.

1. Synth voices

Oscillators

• Mutable instruments Braids

• CEM3340-Based VCO (similar to LMNC VCO)

Filters

• MS20-style HPF & LPF (similar to LMNC Filter)

VCA of some description

2. Ambient Effects

• Mutable Instruments Clouds

• Delay of some sort (PT2399 or Bucket Brigade-based?)

3. Utility Modules

• Midi-to-CV Interface

• Instrument Interface (instrument level inserts and sends to allow guitar and effects to interface with the synth)

• Envelope Generator

• LFO

Now... Time to get to making stuff!!!