At the end of 2010

It didn't took me long to choose new modules. I started with my first non-dotcom module: the Synthethic Sound Labs 1310 VC Digital Delay. I also added some Megaohm Audio modules (their filters are great), and of course some Synthesizers.com stuff, like the new quantizer bank, a couple oscillators, and a very much needed power supply.

This is how the modular looked on December, 2010 (sorry for the crappy quality iPod photo):

In the course of 2011, I plan to move the Mobius sequencer to the top of the left stack and fill the 14 spaces left with modules from STG Soundlabs, Grove Audio, and Synthesizers.com.

Here is a boring video of one of my new modules, the SSL Digital Delay:

The third cabinet

In September, 2010 I was still getting it together after the experience of buying a new house, but I decided to get a little something for my birthday. I found a cheap second-hand 22U rack cabinet (equivalent to 32 module spaces) and started planning how to spend my Xmas bonus.

The new home

I didn't add anything to the modular from April/2009 to May/2010, partly because I was saving for a new house, and partly because I "upgraded" a few pieces in my studio. In June/2010 I added a Moog MF-103 Phaser to the setup.

This is a picture of the modular in its new home, taken in August, 2010.

Here's another picture with the synth fully patched for a live jam (Sept. 15, 2010):

And you can hear a recording of the patch here: 0915.mp3.

Second cabinet full

By April, 2009 I had already filled the second cabinet. The last module I added was the Q119 Sequencer, a great companion to the Mobius. I also bought other Electrix boxes: WarpFactory and MoFX. These work great in a modular setup.

Here is a picture of the whole thing:

Eventually, I grouped the three Electrix boxes and the Mobius in a single rack:

Starting a second cabinet

In 2008 things were stable again, and I was able to get a second dotcom cabinet and a FutureRetro Mobius sequencer.

This is a picture from September, 2008 - click to see in full size:

With this setup, I started recording some live jams. Here are some videos:

2007 purchase hiatus

During the last third of 2006 and most of 2007, I had many changes in my life. After moving back to my hometown, having my income slashed nearly in half, and a baby coming, I couldn't afford any modular gear. At the end of 2007, I got a nice bonus and treated myself with a Nord Modular G2.

Here's a picture of all my modulars (though I later sold the Nord Micromodular):

First cabinet full

By August 2006, I had added a Q150 Transistor Ladder Filter, a Q125 Signal Processor, and a Q117 Sample & Hold. With my first cabinet already filled, I started including other gear (Yamaha E1010 analog delay and Electrix Filter Factory) into the modular paradigm.

Here's a patch using it all:

Here is one of the tracks recorded with this setup: 3xO+ks

One year later...

After a few months, I finished with the Entry-System plan, and started adding some extra modules. By June, 2006, I already had three oscillators, two envelopes, two amplifiers, noise source, mixer, multiples, SVF, and the MIDI interface. Only four spaces left in the cabinet.

The beginning

After some research, I decided to go with Roger Arrick's Synthesizers.com (dotcom) brand for my first modular. They are a Texas-based company with excellent customer service and the best price/quality ratio. I started with the Entry-System monthly payment plan, and asked Roger Arrick to hold the first shipments for a few months in order to save some shipping expenses, so when I received my first shipment, it already contained a minimal but workable selection of modules.

This is me opening my first Synthesizers.com package on July 2005.

As you can see, Roger packs his stuff extremely well.

What was inside? A nice portable cabinet with power source, Q137 Power Interface, Q104 MIDI Interface, Q106 Oscillator, Q107 State Variable Filter, Q108 Amplifier, Q109 Envelope, and a few patch cables.

My first patch: a typical oscillator->filter->amplifier with gain controlled by the envelope.

And this is the first thing I recorded with this system: Modular1 track. As you can hear, even such a minimal setup can achieve a wide range of sounds.

Welcome to Sintesote

Sintesizers are one of my passions, and modular synthesizers are my favorite.

In 2005, I started building an analog modular synth from Synthesizers.com. In 5 years, my modular has grown quite a bit. I found some old pictures and decided it would be a good idea to write a (b)log about the progress of (becoming addicted to) building a modular.