In your opinion, why use modular and analog synths over software? And in which cases do you prefer software?
Sound is subjective and although analog has a sound which I love, I don’t want to go into the typical “analog sounds better” snobbery, because no analog synth sounds like my Nord Lead 1 for example and I love the sound of my Nord Lead 1, as much as I love my Roland JX-8P. I use modular because I love the tactile interface. Patching cables in and out of panels, without having to look at a screen and click with a mouse, is like meditation for me. Even though we grow out of it, to varying degrees as adults, it is similar to toddlers that discover their environment, using touch. They are little explorers that are excited to discover the world, using touch and build their fine motor skills and confidence in the process. It's a fantastic way to get into a flow state and to me, the process of making a track is more rewarding than ending up with a banging track. I just want to be in that flow state, as often and as much as possible. It also makes me stand up from the studio chair, which is something we all need to remember to do.
Whilst I don’t have the same experience, programming software synths, I use them a lot. They are immensely practical, sound amazing in their own right and I can do a mad 8 bar riser with Vital using mod mapping in less than a minute. Doing the same in hardware, would take me a long time to patch and unpatch.
How do you balance live performance with studio production when using modular gear?
I have a 6U gig case that is a self contained synth, with two voices (Braids and Radical Frequencies DPVCO) with enough modulation to keep things interesting, with which I don’t patch anything outside of it. I use some switched multiples and 3 way crossfaders in order to juggle around audio and modulation sources/destinations, without having to (un)patch any cables, what so ever when I am on stage. I also have some nice tactile modules (LS-1 lightstrip and Erica Synths Black Joystick 2) that make the set “drunk-proof” (I don’t get drunk on stage of course…). I have a clock running into the modular from Ableton Live and then use a Euclidean Circles to clock things in the case (TiRNS Wobbler, Clouds, O_C) and throw streams of triggers and quickly control their density/mute, with one knob/switch. Visual feedback is important when playing out, so the aforementioned modules cover that part too.
In the studio I have one big 20U 126hp case (18U + 2 rows of 1U), a 9U case which is 90% Buchla / TipTop modules and a small 5U case with Oakley VCOs and VCFs. When I am producing psytrance tracks, I don’t make massive patches with lots of things going on but just use what I need, for the sound I am going for.
Do you have any advice for beginners wanting to get into modular synths without getting overwhelmed?
Do not spend a cent before trying out VCV Rack!
You’re starting out, you have no idea what to get, how to use it and in most cases, you only know what you have seen in other people’s racks… but you’re not those people and you don’t make the same music they are making. So get VCV rack, start making patches, learn the basics and as you progress you will understand, why utilities are so important and since many hardware companies, have their modules in there, you will discover which modules actually work for you and if / when you decide to buy certain modules, you will already have a good understanding on how to use them and other modules to put next to them. So, do not spend a cent before trying out VCV Rack!
