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I highly recommend checking out things on YouTube like Red Means Recording, Mylar Melodies, Cinematic Laboratories, Monotrail Tech Talk. They all have really good educational resources for learning some of those terms so you can make better use of the modules you have. For the clock divider, one thing you could try already is instead of sending the trigger or gate out from the 182 sequencer directly to the envelope or quantizer, send it to the divider first. Take any two of the outputs from the divider and send those to the Doepfer mixer and use that output to trigger the envelope and/or quantizer. That way you'll have a less regular but still predictable sequence for when the sounds happen, and you can still use the CV from the sequencer to determine the notes that are played. The added interest there is that based on the divisions of the clock that are being used, different notes will be heard depending on when the triggers actually happen. Combine this with something that's happening more regularly and you've got a patch goin'!

When I say direct control, I'm thinking mostly about rhythmic/trigger sequencing, where something like the Intelijel Steppy lets you activate or deactive steps in a 16 step sequence so you have direct manual control over when the triggers are happening, which you can use for activating your envelopes or grabbing CV with the quantizer.

I love having at least a couple sample and hold modules (Doepfer A-118-2 is great and economical) or designated random modules (like the Wogglebug or the Source of Uncertainty). One classic use for these is to control filter cutoff in sync with your sequence, so your notes change in a predictable way but the brightness of the sounds changes every step as the filter cutoff moves randomly.

As for other sequencers I'd recommend, The Metropolis/Metropolix/RYK M185 are really interesting for getting rhythmic variation for both the triggers and the CV. The Rene is a classic too (either V1 or V2, but V2 is effectively like having 3 sequencers in one). Bang for buck I'd recommend the Arturia Beat Step Pro. That gives you multiple lanes of both pitch and gate/trigger information. I know it's an outboard piece of gear, but it's super powerful. A simpler/cheaper option is getting something like the Korg SQ-1 (or two of them!)
-- Progspiration

Thanks, will have a good look at the things in there you mention.

The clock divider I don't really have much of an idea how to use just at the moment. Triggers, random sources, direct control, you're losing me with all this stuff. I will keep scouring youtube and picking up what tips I can.

I would definitely suggest getting a good grasp of exactly what is a trigger, and how that relates to your current modules before getting additional hardware. Same for random sources, et al. Nothing will unlock your modules like understanding essential abc's. Agree that there are good online video resources, such as Monotrail Tech Talk or the like...

You definitely have enough to be able to sequence some Berlin style sounds now, so perhaps spend time on learning synthesis vs. on more modules that will only add to the complexity of a system.

Jumping in and patching relentlessly will teach you many things very quickly. When you get particulalrly stuck, go back to internet for ideas/solution, then keep pushing forward! Don't worry about making mistakes or "patching incorrectly"....that's most of the fun of modular, the exploratory aspect of it all.

Edit: Also, sitting down with the manual for each module goes a long way.

-- Jukeshoe

It's all a learning curve and true enough, it's all there to be learnt. There's endless demos, but little that has a method or explanation, I'll keep exploring though and see what I stumble across. I've got a grasp of the very basic basics, but still got it all to learn.

The Frap Tools Usta sequencer would work great with the voices you have.
And it's beautifully crafted hardware. Just a gem.

For me though, fixed step sequencers can get boring after a while.
NerdSeq can do everything, if you manage to figure it out. Don't know if I ever will.
If you want unique/musical/odd/depth, Eventide Misha does really fun things driving a three voice system.

-- noodle_hut

The Usta looks good - I've definitely realised I'm pretty limited with those sequences. Was also looking at an Erica Black. NerdSeq doesn't really appeal, the Misha looks interesting though.

Hi, thanks for replying. This is all owned, this is where I'm at. Did have a Model D in there to start me off, but been picking up a few modules as I go. I get the whole Behringer debates and arguments, but they are a cheap starting point for me to have a bit of fun with. The System 100 ones I've grabbed recently as they cover a lot of ground in this situation.

I am finding the sequencers a bit limited, and they will be amongst the first things I replace probably when I start upgrading things. I do have more VCO's that I think I want at the moment, that's fine, I will find my faves and remove the others.

The clock divider I don't really have much of an idea how to use just at the moment. Triggers, random sources, direct control, you're losing me with all this stuff. I will keep scouring youtube and picking up what tips I can. Is there a sequencer you would suggest? I think the Doepfer mixer I have is for CV's, or can be made that way by adjusting a jumper.

Cheers!

Hi folks, as per the subject, been chipping away for a while, but I'm still at an early stage in my modular explorations. I'm not absolutely green, but I couldn't really describe myself as anything other than a beginner with this sort of setup.

It's a money sink of course, so mostly inexpensive modules for the moment, just to get me going and fluent. Looking for Berlin style sequencing as much as anything, drones etc.

So my question really is what do I have in there that I don't want or need, and what am I missing, or what should I buy next.

Thanks in advance

Hi all,

Sorry to just on to somebody else's thread, but a new user cannot create a new one... (?!)

Anyway, total noob with modular, although I know a little about synthesis, waveforms etc. I starting with literally nothing, but I want a small simple setup to mess with some Berlin style riffs, think Rubycon, Tangram etc. I've just got a Behringer 960 on the way to handle the sequencing, I'll get a small case and power.... I need advice on other modules now. I have a Poly D that the 960 could drive for the moment, but I'd like to build the rack up to be self sufficient. It doesn't need to do an awful lot really, a couple of oscillators should be enough for now. Some delay, a filter of course. What else will I need? Midi conversion, so I can use a regular controller perhaps? I will learn more of course when I plug in and start to mess, but right now, it's all a bit overfacing to say the least.

All advice, examples etc is very much appreciated. Budget is fairly tight at the moment, as much as possible I'd rather keep things cheap and cheerful for the moment and then upgrade as I grow with it.

Many thanks in advance :)
Joe

EDITED Sep 2nd 2021, 11:52