First module to order

Ted2 · Post by **Ted2** » Sat Jun 16, 2012 8:05 am

I am going to start a Frac Rack (starting out with some Blacet) and I can't decide which module I should order first... It is going to take quite a while to save up for each module, so I though that maybe I would start with the Filthy Filtre or the FX/Reverb, so I would at least be able to use them with my other synths, but I am not sure. I also thought that perhaps a cheaper module such as the DAD would be good to start with, because I am not sure if I trust myself with the more expensive ones yet...(Not only that but I think that the DAD is probably more essential to have) Anyways, this is a bit of a silly question, but any suggestions?

Cat-A-Tonic · Post by **Cat-A-Tonic** » Sat Jun 16, 2012 9:05 am

I think you're on the right track about starting with a processor.

I think the Klangwerk is a good starter.
It has enoough gain on tap to process external synths,
built in envelope follower with attenuverters,
VCO,
triple waveshaper,
and can be used as a VCA or Ring Mod.

Otherwise, it might be good to get an I/O for boosting your external sound sources , extracting envelope followers (with levels and Ch2 with Slew),
and extracting triggers and gates.

Regardless of what processor(s) you choose...
At some point you will definitely want a Micro LFO or 2, and an EG1.

Ted2 · Post by **Ted2** » Sat Jun 16, 2012 10:14 am

Alright- Thanks! Will look into that.

noisefor · Post by **noisefor** » Sat Jun 16, 2012 11:11 am

you mentioned other synths, if you already have an oscillator(s) you might find the miniwave fun to mess around with in the interim. it has lots of flavor and great utility, including waveshaping, quantizer bank, and yields some wild distortion. i'm thinking about adding a second one i like it so much.

vmgas · Post by **vmgas** » Sat Jun 16, 2012 12:47 pm

do you have a plan for your system overall?

Ted2 · Post by **Ted2** » Sat Jun 16, 2012 3:21 pm

I only have some cheap digital synths, could I use that with them? That sounds quite interesting!

I have sort of planned out a rack, going to have some Blacet and Wiard, etc. and then hopefully later I will begin a Euro rack to compliment it, but I am not sure.

So my current plan is to get the Blacet VCO, DAD, Quad mixer, filter, klang werk, and then the Hex Zone or the midiverter, and after that I'll just add on to it here and there.

noisefor · Post by **noisefor** » Sat Jun 16, 2012 3:34 pm

Ted2 wrote:I only have some cheap digital synths, could I use that with them? That sounds quite interesting!

I have sort of planned out a rack, going to have some Blacet and Wiard, etc. and then hopefully later I will begin a Euro rack to compliment it, but I am not sure.

OH! Not so much then. You might go with your original plan and Cat-A-Tonics suggestions, as processing mods will give you more to play with until you get rolling.

I started with a Blacet system and then added Euro and use the two. I had a lot of outboard gear when I began so my first module (build) was the VCO, then the LFO and so on. Before going modular I was using two Rolls Testoscillators with pedals and a soft synth and decided to dive into proper modular synthesis... Super happy with Blacet as my core system!

Another thread that yielded some interesting opinions:

viewtopic.php?t=54463

Ted2 · Post by **Ted2** » Sat Jun 16, 2012 4:02 pm

Thanks for the input! I really appreciate it

I will probably get the mini wave after I have gotten some more modules

vmgas · Post by **vmgas** » Sat Jun 16, 2012 4:39 pm

id say hex over midiverter

noisefor · Post by **noisefor** » Sat Jun 16, 2012 5:03 pm

vmgas wrote:id say hex over midiverter

ditto

Cat-A-Tonic · Post by **Cat-A-Tonic** » Sat Jun 16, 2012 7:14 pm

Ted2 wrote:I have sort of planned out a rack, going to have some Blacet and Wiard, etc. and then hopefully later I will begin a Euro rack to compliment it, but I am not sure.

It is hard to find Wiard modules (other than the Mini-Wave) in Frac these days.

The MOTM stuff for Frac is good if you can find it.

BugBrand is great too, although ones with 3.5mm jacks are rare.

Blacet makes an excellent, and cost-effective core system.

MetalBox is still making complimentary modules.

Euro plays fine with Frac when you need to expand in different directions.

Ted2 · Post by **Ted2** » Sun Jun 17, 2012 2:43 am

Okay, going with the Hex!

Is there a way to use a single module without the official power supply? Just as a temporary thing, until I buy it

Darn, Wiard looked like it had some cool stuff

zerosum · Post by **zerosum** » Mon Jun 18, 2012 12:30 am

I though that maybe I would start with the Filthy Filtre or the FX/Reverb, so I would at least be able to use them with my other synths

Miniwave.
That module will be more fun when you have other modules to use with it.
But you can process your other synths audio through the miniwave for some bizarre results!

Miniwave = Favorite module ever. I have two of them.

MUFF WIGGLER

MUFF WIGGLER

First module to order

First module to order