there's no harm in being passionate about the kit you're using, the only reason why modular isnt completely taking over the techno scene right now, is because a) its too expensive relative to other methods b) it requires some knowledge of synthesis and a hefty amount of research before you even start.oblioblioblio wrote:your right tony. it was a bit strong.tone-def wrote:
there is more to music technology than modular synthesizers. samplers, effects units and microphones are all very useful and can do things synths can't. i agree though, mono synths that aren't modular of semi modular are a waste of money (unless it's a mini moog).
i do feel strongly about modular, and I do feel that it's a bit misunderstood... i dunno whether people think it's all too prog rock or something.
eurorack scene is really making things accessible, and some seriously exciting designers, picking up a lot of the designs that haven't been easy to get hold of before, like Buchla, Serge, Wiard. And people doing stuff that no one has ever done before, like the Metasonix range abusing and using tubes that have been sleeping in boxes since the 50s, Tony @ MakeNoise doing things with sequencers that no sane person should ever have thought of.
Like, every day I pretty much sh!t myself with excitement in my studio, and I really can't rationalise that so many people are uninterested.
(sorry, another rant about modular there!)
i've made techno in every way imaginable, and modular beats every other method hands down by light years, but you have to commit alot of resources and time to it.
in that respect if you're a noob, then its probably the wrong way to go.
i argued the exact opposite in my thread on modular synthesis a while back, but now that i'm totally absorbed in it, i can see that its a big commitment, and theres no turning back, i can honestly say that i will be still doing this till the day i die, its so deep and intellectually engaging.
ive learned more about music and synthesis in the last year than i did in the previous 25.
i'm up at 8 in the morning and cant wait to get in the studio.
the danger for noobs buying hardware is the same as it was when i bought my first hardware, and that is that you're buying a piece of crap.
i bought some shite back then because i had no idea what i wanted or really needed.
the lower end of the synth market is always going to be populated by poorly designed machines.
my advice would be to wait till you can afford something that will really make a difference to your productions, start saving, sell anything you're not using in life, when was the last time you went out on your mountain bike ? etc. etc. and in the meantime research, learn, lurk.
the best synth in the world today by far is the Moog Voyager, the RME model may just be affordable with a big push and a savings regime. it will really make a difference to your productions, and the hands on controls are second to none.
and anyone who says 'but its just a monosynth' doesnt have a clue.
