Patching hardware synths into Modulars

Do you guys like to do this instead of using your modular VCOs? To do this, wouldn't you need some type of frequency convertor module? I was just thinking of seeing if it would be cool to get some of the unique modules out there (non VCO modules) and just warp your existing synths with them.

you can do it easily if you have a midi/cv converter. you just need to send the same midi signal to both the hardware synth and to the midi/cv converter.

Actually, I'm not talking about midi, mainly about using the audio output of synths and patch them into the modular for audio processing. I'm wondering if this is possible and the frequencies match up.

modulars have audio chains that take line levels and have control chains that work at higher voltages (CV's control voltages)

now if you're talking about using an fx like a phaser or a delay or even a filter you can just plug teh audio through it directly.

now imagine that you want to use an envelope with that filter, triggered simultaneously with the hw synth. For that you need some sort of midi/cv converter and use the gate signal to trigger an envelope that will then control the filter.

so it depends on what kind of things you plan to do.

Cool!

I was planning on getting the Cwejman MMF filter with a Doepfer casing and use that for processing my hardware synths through. That filter is sweet. Then I can add other modules later, but for now, I mainly want to use that filter.

If audio outs of a hardware can be patched into modulars, I don't see why more people get modular units and use them as an FX box. That would be really sweet if someone made a module like Frostwaves Decimator (called Alienator). I had that for a while and that was sweet, but only mono.

Originally posted by stikygum Cool! I was planning on getting the Cwejman MMF filter with a Doepfer casing and use that for processing my hardware synths through. That filter is sweet. Then I can add other modules later, but for now, I mainly want to use that filter. If audio outs of a hardware can be patched into modulars, I don't see why more people get modular units and use them as an FX box. That would be really sweet if someone made a module like Frostwaves Decimator (called Alienator). I had that for a while and that was sweet, but only mono.

I think for what you want to do, you dont need the "anything" module. That is just to bring voltage levels out of the modular to a more effect-pedal-friendly voltage and then back again.

Im not certain though. I havent run my MEK or Q through my modular setup yet

Anything run through the Q is instantly qool, especially since you can do a lot more than simply filter the sound and run it through the effects engine.

It would be like feeding it through a virus or any other synth. I don't see the Dif. You would really need to slow it down before it becomes a modulation source. Are you worried about it becoming a MOD source? Just curious what your fear is?

thats pretty much it. I use a kenton to pipe my waldorf Q into my doepfer sometimes (rarely though)

probably for a few reasons.

1. because of expense. A cwejaman MMF with a power supply to run it is gonna be pretty pricey for a filter effect box. You could probably get something similar for way cheaper from a company like electro harmonix.

2. because modulars arnt really about fx as much as they are about freedom to route cv where ever you want. Once you get into modulars you really start to see the possibilities with patching....and so for me, using it as an fx box is really the last thing on my mind cause theres already so much possiblity within itself.

certainly you can use them the way you are saying though. but it seems that your kinda missing the point behind modulars...which is cv routing. If your not inteerested in patching then your probably best off with a non modular synth.

not sure what you mean about frequency conversion?? as has been stated you just go from your hw synth audio out into the audio in of the MMF.

All cleared up, but for Freq convert, I had a Monopoly controlledby my old Pulse and the Pulse has different CV volts, for older gear. I noticed my old OB-1 and the MP worked with the same volt. What is it something like the old Roland System 700 that using a dif volt, or is it the Moog modular, not sure.

Ok, well I wanted to make sure that using modulars as a processor for other synths was possible. To me, there is nothing that sounds like a Cwejman MMF. Later I 'll add more modules, but I have it set now, this will be the first.

I know mutators aren't modular, but it's the same kind of principle as to what I was getting at. I was just thinking about Daft Punk and I think Basement Jaxx how they used the Mutators to get that specific sound. Well, it's the sound of Daft Punk. Looking at what they go for, maybe 7-800, it seems expensive for a filter box. So I just wanted to point out that, sure modulars can get expensive and if you don't use it in the traditional sense you might be missing the point of modulars, like electrobaby had said, but isn't that what innovative music is about: not using things in the traditional sense. If you put some modules together in a rack you'd probably have a way cooler effects box than the Mutator to really mangle your sounds, don't you think. It seems like this is the way to go for effects boxes. Really. Buy an Fx box and you'll sound like it, whereas put together a series of effects modules and it's harder to replicate and thus you have your own unique sound.

If you used a series of Fx boxes and someone tried to replicate you on your sound, EveryOne would say that the person copied you to get that sound, because he clearly went out of his way to put something together like you had first. Whereas on the other hand, you have people buying a Mutator and people will say 'Yeah it's the Daft Punk sound, but you know it's only a single FX box, easy to make that sound, so it's cool but nothing special' (except to the mass media and listeners who won't care if you what you use).

Anyways, I'm just trying to back up my point that modulars can be cool Fx boxes and much more fun because you can always add different modules and change routings to get completely different sounds.

But in the end, it's always to cool to have a modular in the traditional sense because they're so flexible, but I would definitely say, Don't forget to try it as a Fx box!