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Bass > Modular Synth

Cat-A-Tonic

Cat-A-Tonic

Guest
Jan 7, 2015
162
100
Yokohama, Japan
#1
Is anyone else here processing their basses through modular synthesizers?

I find the level of control, and the variety of timbres to be an endless source of fun.

It's like a pedal board taken to the next level + control voltage.

I use Frac, Euro, and some Metasonix that don't conform to those formats.

Wavefolders are amazing processors that you don't find in the pedal world.
Kind of like fuzz or distortion depending on the unit, but somehow unique.

It seems hard to find other vacuum tube processors with as much color and character as those in the Metasonix lineup.

Yesterday I was running my G&L bass through an Ian Fritz 5 Pulser (as Fuzz) and then switching between filters (SM2044, GX-1, Moog Ladder) for different flavors.
I modulate the filter with an envelope follower through a bit of slew.
 
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#2
I haven't screwed around with bass and pitch-to-voltage converters since the pre-MIDI days, but way back when ARP was still in business and my roommate was an MIT student with a penchant for building wacky signal processing I did a handful of sessions using a modified Avatar hex pickup, some PAIA modules, and a gorgeous 2500 console. Tracking was wonky, but the sound design possibilities were inspiring.

These days if I want my bass to go "BEEEEOOOWWWWW" I find it faster and more reliable to use a Korg G5...and, conversely, when I want to delve deep into modular analog synthesis I tend to leave the bass in its case and just trigger stuff from a keyboard, ribbon controller, or a trigger button.
 
#3
Same here, although I do have an amazing assortment of fx pedals that give me tons of "synthy" sounds on bass guitar. But, if I really want synth tones, I own several hardware keyboard synths, both analog and digital, that do it all, including sequencing. I think more and more bassists are becoming keyboard players as well
 
#4
I have some MS-20 ESP clones in the build pile, but until I finish one there is no proper pitch to voltage in my system.

Envelope followers are a different story though.
I wouldn't say I'm making synth tones so much as patching up custom effects to process the original bass sound.
I'm using it as a glorified stompbox.
 
#5
Cat-A-Tonic said:
Envelope followers are a different story though.
I wouldn't say I'm making synth tones so much as patching up custom effects to process the original bass sound.
I'm using it as a glorified stompbox.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I used to do a bunch of stuff running the bass through the envelope follower on the ARP 2600. Kinda wish I still had one of those.
 
#6
bumping for the (processing bass with) modular synth love.

' ^__^

Of course, this makes more sense in a studio environment.

Live you would usually want to use more compact effects solutions
(for practicality of transport, and minimizing setup time).

That said, modular allows you to patch up all sorts of combinations of
gates, compressors, distortions, filters, tremolos, vibratos, choruses, delays, and more
with dynamic modulation from an envelope follower tracking the amplitude of your bass
in addition to other modulations (LFO, sequencer, noise, chaos generators..).

Recently there have been a few pedal releases that have patch points and voltage control.
WMD Protostar For example:
Protostar

Such pedals may bridge the gap between pedal effects and modular systems.
 
#8
qersty said:
Check out this thread Experimental Fully Modular Bass Rig. not so much using it for extreme effects, instead as an eq. Still worth checking out. Do you do eurorack or another format? I have been wanting to get into modular but I have yet to have had enough money to start and I want to prioritise other music related purchased. Have you tried using oscillator syncing like on the moog freqbox?
Click to expand...
I use Euro, Frac, and some other bits and pieces.

I haven't tried the Moog Freqbox,
but (Hz/V)FMing the Metasonix TM-3 (dual gas-filled tube oscillator with variable stability sub osc)
with other audio sources like bass/guitar sounds kinda like sync.
I have also tried syncing other oscillators to bass guitar after squaring up the signal with a window comparator.
 
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#9
Cat-A-Tonic said:
I use Euro, Frac, and some other bits and pieces.

I haven't tried the Moog Freqbox,
but (Hz/V)FMing the Metasonix TM-3 (dual gas-filled tube oscillator with variable stability sub osc)
with other audio sources like bass/guitar sounds kinda like sync.
I have also tried syncing other oscillators to bass guitar after squaring up the signal with a window comparator.
Click to expand...
Does comparators sound good on their own on bass? can you do the PMW thing with them on bass too?
 
#10
qersty said:
Does comparators sound good on their own on bass? can you do the PMW thing with them on bass too?
Click to expand...
A comparator can sound fine on bass.
It depends what sound you're going for.
Expect really square.
Yes, you can get PWM sounds if the window comparator you're using has VC width.
The Blacet one is nice for this.

An alternative for similar sounds is the 5Pulser by Ian Fritz.
 
#11
I've been messing with Moogerfoogers and homemade CV control modules for some time now. When I can't find a CV control I would like, I will design it into pedal format from modular schematics.

The sonic capability is endless, and I refuse to go down the full modular road because it would consumed me (further than pedals already do).

Control over detail is what attracts me to it - and somehow that detail is not lost in the mix like some pedals, and can easily take it over.

Something that piqued my interest is the Sonic Smith Convertor and Squaver which provide some critical CV outs perfect for use with CV gear. I haven't tried one yet, but am excited to try.
 
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#12
T
Cat-A-Tonic said:
Is anyone else here processing their basses through modular synthesizers?

I find the level of control, and the variety of timbres to be an endless source of fun.

It's like a pedal board taken to the next level + control voltage.

I use Frac, Euro, and some Metasonix that don't conform to those formats.

Wavefolders are amazing processors that you don't find in the pedal world.
Kind of like fuzz or distortion depending on the unit, but somehow unique.

It seems hard to find other vacuum tube processors with as much color and character as those in the Metasonix lineup.

Yesterday I was running my G&L bass through an Ian Fritz 5 Pulser (as Fuzz) and then switching between filters (SM2044, GX-1, Moog Ladder) for different flavors.
I modulate the filter with an envelope follower through a bit of slew.
Click to expand...
hat sounds interesting!
Would you be able to post a full list of things you use?:)
 
#15
Cat-A-Tonic said:
Sorry, the list would get a bit out of hand if posted in full.
Not all relevant to bass anyhow.

I do video synthesis with a modular too. ;)

If anyone has specific questions, I will try to provide more detail.
Click to expand...
I'd love to see some pics of your set up. I'm working on a cool two person project now where I'd like to get a modular setup to manipulate our overall sound (like in the mixers effects loop). It's not exactly bass oriented, but if I could put my bass in there I absolutely would.:)
I'm also extremely interested in video synthesis. I'm disabled and can't stand, so I have been wanting to add a video synthesis aspect to my music, so when/if I gig it gives the audience something to enjoy other than watching my sit there and play.

Anyway, I'd be very interested to see your set up and hear more about how you use modular with bass and especially video synthesis.
 

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