Celebrating my birthday with a analog synth!

Tecx · #1 01-07-2008, 09:49 AM

In 2 days I am another foot (or so) in the grave... So I decided to take the plunge and buy a Doepfer! The list is as follows:

I was going to get a A-136:

But AnalogHaven had a sweet ass deal on a used A-116, but hey its modular. I can swap it out for a A-136 if I feel like it!

All for just under 5 bills shipped, I am a happy ass camper!!! This thing is going to make some awesome bass drones.

Alex

bassteban · #2 01-07-2008, 10:04 AM

OK, I'm ignorant, but interested. Do you plug a bass or other instrument through that, or do you need a keyboard? I had a Yamaha CS-15 years ago & would like something similar, but things have changed so much(I think)that I don't know just where to start. Is there some TB-esque website that would answer lots of dumb questions on this subject?

Tecx · #3 01-07-2008, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassteban

OK, I'm ignorant, but interested. Do you plug a bass or other instrument through that, or do you need a keyboard? I had a Yamaha CS-15 years ago & would like something similar, but things have changed so much(I think)that I don't know just where to start. Is there some TB-esque website that would answer lots of dumb questions on this subject?

Nope this is a self contained analog synth, no keyboard is needed. I assembled it with the intention for drones, no Stevie on this baby. Just 2 pure analog oscillators being squished together by a ring modulator creating beat frequencies that are then altered by a waveshaper. Straight up power electronics.

bongomania · #4 01-07-2008, 10:48 AM

Love it! I used to be deep into modular synths back in the early '90s, and I foolishly sold them all off. My favorite was an Aries system, about 12 modules.

I don't know if there's a site that explains all this stuff exactly, but the Analogue Heaven email list used to be the place to go for modular synth education and geekery. I don't know if it's still running, I've been out of the loop.

Tecx · #5 01-07-2008, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

Love it! I used to be deep into modular synths back in the early '90s, and I foolishly sold them all off. My favorite was an Aries system, about 12 modules.

I don't know if there's a site that explains all this stuff exactly, but the Analogue Heaven email list used to be the place to go for modular synth education and geekery. I don't know if it's still running, I've been out of the loop.

There is plenty of info scattered around the net... I am re-building my synth arsenal, so I have been doing a lot of googling...

fretlessrock · #6 01-07-2008, 11:20 AM

Economics prevent me from buying a lot of synth gear, but I really do love softsynths. There are so many great free and cheap ones out here that you could keep yourself busy for a long time without buying a big-dollar VA clone or hardware. There are some really great plugin hosts out there too, so you don't need a full-bown DAW to use them.

I'm an MacBook user, and I use RAX (reborn thanks to audiofile engineering) as my inst/fx host, which makes things very simple. It keeps up to date on my installed instruments and effects, and I can build a new setup in less time than it takes to write this post. It also makes it easier (for some reason) for me to keep my MIDI controller organized.

But not to hog: Nice score on the Doepfer! That is one fantastic synth. If you don't do it already, make a habit of MatrixSynth .

Tecx · #7 01-07-2008, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fretlessrock

Economics prevent me from buying a lot of synth gear, but I really do love softsynths. There are so many great free and cheap ones out here that you could keep yourself busy for a long time without buying a big-dollar VA clone or hardware. There are some really great plugin hosts out there too, so you don't need a full-bown DAW to use them.

I'm an MacBook user, and I use RAX (reborn thanks to audiofile engineering) as my inst/fx host, which makes things very simple. It keeps up to date on my installed instruments and effects, and I can build a new setup in less time than it takes to write this post. It also makes it easier (for some reason) for me to keep my MIDI controller organized.

But not to hog: Nice score on the Doepfer! That is one fantastic synth. If you don't do it already, make a habit of MatrixSynth .

Softsynth and analog synth are just soooooo different, especially if you get into discrete stuff. You just can't duplicate the quirks and quarks (

)... Soft synth has its place, but I'll take real circuits over 1's n 0's any day. Unless that is, if the soft synth is being controlled by a monome...

fretlessrock · #8 01-07-2008, 02:10 PM

I'd love to have a modular, but I mention VA's because that is how I have been getting my synth-fun without dropping the $$$ on a modular or a Moog, etc... Also, a virtual synth like the Arturia Moog Modular V is a great way to learn and experience modular technique without needing to own and maintain a modular. The simulation won't have the character of the analog synth, but it does serve a purpose (musically and technically).

Tecx · #9 01-07-2008, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fretlessrock

I'd love to have a modular, but I mention VA's because that is how I have been getting my synth-fun without dropping the $$$ on a modular or a Moog, etc... Also, a virtual synth like the Arturia Moog Modular V is a great way to learn and experience modular technique without needing to own and maintain a modular. The simulation won't have the character of the analog synth, but it does serve a purpose (musically and technically).

They do make a good practice for the real deal... I have used the Moog Modular V, its a good time.

RickenBoogie · #10 01-07-2008, 03:28 PM

Right on, that'll be good times all over the place. I'm a big analog synth fan, got a Little Phatty last year, and some day I'll run my bass through it.

**David Wilson** · #11 01-07-2008, 04:10 PM

nice one Alex, happy birthday!

Tecx · #12 01-07-2008, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidmwilson

nice one Alex, happy birthday!

Thanks Dave! I have been thinkin' about you lately, I hope you, the little lady and the (not so) wee babe had a great holiday...

Sean S · #13 01-07-2008, 10:34 PM

i hate you

I want to get into synth stuff someday, but right now, I just can't afford it

**TheMutt** · #14 01-07-2008, 10:45 PM

Looks like I need to take a drive down to Analog Haven... seeing as how it's like a 5-minute drive for me...

mactac · #15 01-07-2008, 11:07 PM

nice! I have a full doepfer and a full MOTM modular... i use em all the time ..you'll love it. let me know if you need tips.

Tecx · #16 01-08-2008, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mactac

nice! I have a full doepfer and a full MOTM modular... i use em all the time ..you'll love it. let me know if you need tips.

Thanks... I am no stranger to analog synthesis, this is however my first true modular. I also have a few custom made "modular" boxes, my favorite with is 2 vco's, a 24db resonant vcf, and a waveshaper - in a sansamp sized enclosure (and completely patchable). But since your down with the Dopefer, I may just have a query or two.

TaySte_2000 · #17 01-08-2008, 06:25 AM

Happy birthday man now go blow up a PA

these_go211 · #18 01-10-2008, 11:40 AM

that looks cool man. could you post some soundclips?

Tecx · #19 01-10-2008, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by these_go211

that looks cool man. could you post some soundclips?

Will do.