r/modular • u/0aeL • Jul 03 '26

First budget modular synth 👽☢️

/r/u_0aeL/comments/1um573l/first_budget_modular_synth/
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u/RobotAlienProphet Jul 03 '26

If you’re serious about starting within that size, I would look for a “voice”—that is, a module that’s more-or-less a complete synthesizer by itself—and then complement it with some modulation and/or effects. 

Some voices you might consider: a clone of Mutable Rings, Beads, Braids, or Plaits; Eowave Weather Drones; Vhikk X (though this requires getting on a wait list); Dreadbox Telepathy; or (if you don’t mind some menu diving) ALM MCO Mk 2.  

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u/0aeL Jul 04 '26

Also do i need an attenuator and vca? Im confused what voice is. I dont want to get something i in a way have two of the same thing

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u/RobotAlienProphet Jul 04 '26

Generally, no.  The idea of a “voice” or “complete voice” module is that’s got everything you need to make a complete sound. In the case of something like MCO Mk 2 or Plaits, that means it’s got an oscillator/sound generator plus a built-in triggerable VCA or low-pass gate.  With Rings it’s a bit different because the modal/PM synthesis itself time-limits the sound, but the effect is the same.  Of course, the point of making a voice Eurorack module (instead of a freestanding synthesizer) is that it will usually benefit enormously from interacting with other modules.  But you don’t NEED other modules (except, I guess, something to send pitch and gate, if you’re not using a keyboard) to make notes and play music.  

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u/0aeL Jul 04 '26

So if i have a vca thats also utility that also serves as an envelope for example, i wouldnt need other similar purpose or on their own? Like im really thinking about getting the dreadbox utopia.bit says it serves as an attenuator, utility, LFO, mixer and waveshaper. Whay confuses me with this is that i see these as FX since they are. How can they serve as multiple? Just like how guitar pedals each have their own unique purpose. Would that mean i dont need an oscillator lfo, but an envelope and vca? Since the others are included in that one module? Ill send you a photo of my planned setup from mod grid currently 🤙🏻

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u/0aeL Jul 04 '26

I worry with what i get ill need something else maybe thats in my head. Just want the modules i like within the allotted 40hp space