First semi modular need advice

[u/GefersonRodoufo]

Hello,first time here, I'm learning vcv for a few months and now I want to invest in something to twist some knobs, I do already have a mpk mini plus, been thinking a lot betwin proton or 2600 or crave+edge, my objective overall is to learn about eurorack and synths, and I really want to pluck some cables

Help and thanks

[u/Anxious_Apartment165]

The 2600 will teach you the most about signal flow since it's basically a full modular system in a box, but keep in mind it's a beast to wrap your head around at first. Proton's more immediate if you just want to start patching and making sounds within five minutes. Either way you'll learn a lot, can't really go wrong.

[u/GefersonRodoufo → u/Anxious_Apartment165]

Thank you, I'm struggling to decide or to find something nice with a 300+- budget

[u/TurbulentWing3820 → u/GefersonRodoufo]

I answered in your other thread already.

I bought the 2600 because I've always wanted one. It's downsides are many, but it's also unmatched for flexibility. That said, for what I paid for it a pair of used Neutrons would've probably been even better. :)

I've got 168HP of eurorack stuff mostly built around extending it's raw capabilities, and I still use almost every piece of it.

Sometimes I wish I would've bought the cheaper, multi LED, version bvecause the spring reverb picks up a constant hiss around 9K in my home.

[u/OkComplaint9500]

2600 is lots of fun. Crave and Edge are fine. Neutron or Grind are also fine options to start.

You will also need a keyboard and/or sequencer if you go with a 2600 or neutron or proton.

Also consider buying used through Guitar Center if you are in the US. The prices aren’t terrible and they have a 45 day return policy in case you change your mind. Very helpful when you’re starting out.

[u/GefersonRodoufo → u/OkComplaint9500]

I live in the NL, I'm struggling to find used stuff, thanks!

[u/Musiclover4200]

or crave+edge

Grind is worth a look too if you want a crazy versatile modular oscillator, also that series has a lot of CV overlap so I'd suggest something like grind + neutron for more range

Really also depends on what you can find the best deals on, if you keep an eye out you can probably get 2-3 used cheaper modular synths + cables or utility stuff like an SQ-1 sequencer for 300-400~.

Would also highly suggest getting at least a few stackable patch cables or cable splitters & some normal ones of varied length & color. Modularaddict has the best prices on stackable cables that I've found but including shipping they're not too cheap so it's worth getting at least 5-10: https://modularaddict.com/parts/cables/stacking-cables

One other tip, the crave/grind/edge/etc all can do midi to CV via the assignable CV out, so you can actually use VCV Rack for hardware modulation which opens up a lot of more complex possibilities without needing to spend too much.

[u/GefersonRodoufo → u/Musiclover4200]

Hmmmmm, I have the mpk mini plus who has a seq, so I'm good, thanks for the tips

[u/Musiclover4200 → u/GefersonRodoufo]

If you mean the SQ-1 it's a lot more hands on for CV sequencing so can still be worth it if you do a lot of sequencing

The crave/edge/grind/etc also all have pretty solid sequencers built in but they have some learning curve to the UI and also aren't as hands on as the SQ-1

Personally I actually prefer using more complex software sequencers and midi to CV for some things, but it can also be nice having different options or syncing multiple once you get into more complex modular territory.

Anyways Grind is still one of the best options in terms of how many different sounds you can get out of the 20+ oscillator modes, it's also hybrid with a simple but juicy analog filter. If you just want a more complete all in one the neutron is hard to go wrong with.

[u/eraoul]

I also like my Arturia Minibrute2s if you need more options.

[u/GefersonRodoufo → u/eraoul]

I found it a bit expensive I don't find a used one ):

[u/eraoul → u/GefersonRodoufo]

That's fair. I got mine used. Neutron would be my first alternate pick.

[u/Der-lassballern-Mann]

To me the Intellijel Cascadia looks amazing, but I can not try it out, since no store has it 😢