If you're thinking about going modular but don't know where to start, here's some advice! Idk if this is gonna be at all helpful, but if my personal experience is helpful to at least one person it'll have been worth typing. FYI: I'm not an expert, but I am quite familiar with this stuff, and I had to do it on the cheap, so if you're in a similar boat, maybe this can help There's a really bad catch-22 here: You absolutely need a plan for your modular before you start building it, or you'll waste a lot of time and money before you find a system that's right for you. But you can't possibly make a plan until you've spent kind of a long time using a modular synth and getting to know them. Unless you're fortunate enough to have a friend who already has a modular you can try out, here's how I would approach this dilemma: I started by splurging a little on my first oscillator, and then buying a few other much cheaper modules to make a functional system. I spent a few months getting used to this system and learning what I liked and what I didn't. With that experience I was able to make a plan for my system and start slowly replacing the cheap modules I didn't like as much with the bigger, cooler ones I was excited about. Here's what I'd advise starting with if you want to approach it this way: 1. Find an oscillator / sound source module that you think sounds fuckin rad. This is the only module you need to splurge on at this point. If you don't love the way your oscillator sounds, you'll have no fun at all. I started with Plaits by Mutable Instruments, and it's still in my case today The rest of the modules you get at this stage can be cheap and simple. You just need enough modules to have usable system, and you can replace them with modules you love later. (unless you can afford to swallow the whole cost at once) You can resell them on reverb.com if you don't end up keeping them. If you buy them on reverb in the first place, you can even get all your money back. You'll need..... 2. At least one or two cv sources. You just need enough cv generation to get your system up and running. Consider which cv inputs on your oscillator you're most eager to plug into, and how you'd want to control them. Common types include LFOs, Envelopes, random sources, and sequencers. Consider if you want your cv to be fast, slow, predictable, random, simple, complex, etc. 3. VCAs. You'll need at least one of these to control the volume of your oscillator (unless that oscillator has some kind of built in volume control). You may also want multiple VCAs so you can control the amplitude of your cv with other cv. There are a lot of modules which have multiple VCAs all in one, and they're usually cheaper and more space efficient than buying multiple individual modules. 4. Audio Output. Eurorack runs incredible hot so that audio and cv signals occupy the same voltage range, and are thus interchangeable. But this means you need some way to reduce your volume down to line level before you send it out to your speakers/mixer/audio interface/headphones/etc. Some more expensive cases have audio outputs built in, but your starting case probably won't. In that case, you need an attenuator to lower the signal. There are also dedicated audio i/o modules, but you don't need to worry about those yet. Remember that this attenuator output will be 1/8" mono, so you'll need a 1/8" to 1/4" cable to record your stuff, and a mono to stereo adapter if you want to use headphones. You now have a funtional system for as cheap as possible (minus the oscillator), which is unfortunately still kinda expensive. But once you're familiar with this system you'll be able to think about all your possibilities more concretely, and once you have a real sense for it you can start expanding / replacing modules. Some final tips: 1. Before you buy a single module, make sure everything you've got your eyes on will work together. Some modules need certain inputs to operate at all -- for example, envelopes and sequencers will probably require a trigger or gate signal from somewhere. If you don't want to get into triggers and gates yet, find envelopes with a built in trigger button, and sequencers with a built in clock. Imagine precisely how you might patch your system, and make sure it all fits together. If you're not sure about it, take your plans in to a synth shop, or ask somebody who's modular-literate, and they can tell you if your system plan is functional. 2. AVOID MUFFWIGGLER AND GEARSLUTZ AT ALL COSTS. If you've never heard of those, they're the two most prominent modular forums online, and yes, those are their real names. They're also terrible. People on there will tell you that they know exactly what's best for you, and they will curse you out if you disagree. They also tend to only value the opinions of old white dudes. Sometimes they're useful for specific info, and obviously not everyone on there is shitty, but when you're just starting out, they'll probably just lead you astray. 3. You DO NOT need a Maths. Maths by Make Noise is the most popular eurorack module of all time, and it is genuinely incredible. But many, many people will tell you that every eurorack system literally needs to have a Maths in it, and that's just not true. It's pretty expensive, and for a lot of systems it's not worth it. The Maths cult is irrational. But if you can afford it and want it, it's a great module. Certainly look into it, but think for yourself. 4. Precise pitch is not a given. Most cv sources don't produce precise musical pitches. That might not be important to you at this stage, but if it is, look into pitch sequencers and quantizers. Precise rhythm is also not a given, and for that you'll need a trigger sequencer. 5. If you have midi controllers, look into midi to cv modules. They're a great way of getting control over your modular with gear you already have and using it like any other synth in your setup. They also provide triggers/gates and precise musical pitches. And finally, there's really no right way to approach this at all. I find this to be the most beginner-friendly way of approaching modular, but something else might work way better for you. Good luck and have fun!

@RedMeansRecording

4 жыл бұрын

This is WONDERFUL advice

@stashusclay

4 жыл бұрын

Co-sign on final tip #5 . I was 2 years in before I invested into a polyend poly and it should have been one of my first. Allows me to sequence and save up to 8 tracks of pitch, gate, velocity, modulation through my mpc. It also provides a few neat clocking tricks to sequence modules with clock in from the MPC sequencer clock.

@LyoshaLozhkin

4 жыл бұрын

By the way, you can buy a Pico system to understand a little about the modular synthesizer. Maybe in a couple of months you'll realize you don't want to do it at all)))

@emokarlffm

4 жыл бұрын

if you are planning on building up on the 0-coast and the pico there is one very good thing: you dont have to buy all the (cheap) basic modules noah is talking about because you already got them all. with the two semi modulars you got an output, enough vcas, envelopes, mixers, cv sources etc. you can just get a fun oscillator you like and start exploring. keep it slow, every new module is like multiplying the possible patches you can make, so there is very much to explore. play around until you get an idea of what you are missing. i dont think there is any need to plan to far ahead in the beginning, but imho keeping it slow and exploring a lot is crucial.

@2mbst1

4 жыл бұрын

Having started my modular journey now about a year ago, I can say that this is 100% legit advice.

I'm finally building my first eurorack setup specifically because I found that every time I'd sit down to make music, I'd end up feeling like crap, because I wouldn't finish a composition, I wasn't making "songs," or I'd get endlessly wrapped up in the minutia of one measure instead of actually working through an entire composition, etc... but when I'm not worrying about that and just playing with synths, I just... enjoy myself. Without worrying about... writing some song that will change the world. Just... the joy of making music and improvisation. I decided that trying to be a 'composer' was just making me miserable, and what I was missing in my life was just simple, selfish joys. Living in the moment. Making weird sounds. Plus, frankly, modular synths are beautiful objects and having one around makes me feel good, like a painting on your wall that you really enjoy. Screw expectations. Make joy instead. It's really delightful to see composers that I really admire (that's you, btw) find that joy, also!

@robsinHL

2 жыл бұрын

Jesus dude, this sums up my expectations, experience and next steps to a T. I quit literally for years till I came back with the realization that I wasn’t going to be an artist and not going to write songs worth beans. I make bars with my modular, record them, and usually they don’t even play well together. And sometimes when I make the right sounds I get so content, I fall asleep. Happily. I don’t finish manuals on things like Maths. I don’t even understand it all. Free of the expectations and understanding my “limitations” I’m free to just look at them in my room and appreciate my hobby.

@athaphian

Жыл бұрын

Exactly. The current social media environment makes you believe that you should become a real composer and release tracks on a regular basis. But just jamming, playing, fooling around, without ever hitting record is just hipnotizing. Enjoy your moment!

this has the chill, friendliness, and positivity of a Bob Ross episode, I love it

i LOVE your (basically) love letter to modular :)

@RedMeansRecording

4 жыл бұрын

:) ❤️❤️

@PandaPotPies

3 жыл бұрын

make a modular synth video :)

It's only for yuppies in the sense that they get all the newest stuff and can buy all or most of their systems in one go, I'm a broke disabled dude and I've very gradually built a system and I love it, just ignore the weekly module release hype and take your time. I've suffered from anhedonia for years and the fun of patching is one of they few things that can elicite some positivity, it's magic.

@AA-gl1dr

11 ай бұрын

You should look into making your own circuits!!!

@Ncklowe

9 ай бұрын

Can you get a placard for anhedonia? Collect disability?

@Ncklowe

9 ай бұрын

Not trying to be cheeky. Legitimately intrigued. Just had to Google anhedonia.

I love the laid-back attitude on the video. Everyone's trying to be flashy on YT "hey, look at me, I need to capture your attention", I'm guilty of this myself. This video sounds like a video-essay and I love it.

@josh-lewis

4 жыл бұрын

Yes! It's like it tells a story, and Jeremy is our guide through these musical thoughts. It's more than a just a tour or a review, somehow.

@filterfrost8330

4 жыл бұрын

It was such a nice way to see it unfold. His attitude took a great synthesizer experience and made it exceptional.

@brandonmacdonald7802

3 жыл бұрын

@@MolloyPolloy Maybe thats just his personality? The world needs less hate and more love. Don't be a hater. Your life will be so much more enjoyable.

I don't know, but after following you for years, "this makes me feel like a kid again" paired with the music made me wipe my eyes. Love you, and thanks for being here.

This week, on This American Life, we navigate the exosphere with modular synthesis.

@Gabriel092286

4 жыл бұрын

This is Red Means Recording, and you're hearing Echoes on NPR.

@DrewDavisGumboot

4 жыл бұрын

Came for this comment. Good goosebumps... Wow Jeremy!

Love "Popcorn" at 5:25. OG's get it.

I feel like this is how every soundtrack of indie pixel artsy sentimental game is made... and its incredible

I feel like if anyone is gonna get me fascinated with Modular Synthesis, it's going to be Jeremy ;)

@GuidoGautsch

4 жыл бұрын

Fuck yeah

@ab_aliens

4 жыл бұрын

Colin Benders..

@bedlegs

4 жыл бұрын

Luke Cresswell check out @Hark Madley

@easytiger5380

4 жыл бұрын

@@bedlegs I will do, thank you

The mood in the intro of this video is absolutely brilliant. The way it all works together and builds. Just, incredible timing with music and dialogue working in tandem. Edit: now that I've finished the video, I personally think this is one of the best videos you've ever made, perhaps even the very best. Fantastic!

@EstuaryEstuary

3 жыл бұрын

nerd

@ignitiondj4025

Жыл бұрын

Yeah it's really fucking great

This was 2 months ago and you've already outgrown 2 rackbrutes. The modular rabbit hole is truly terrifying

Everything about this video is incredible. Mood, value, incredible music... Thank you Jeremy.

your air filter fan "BLOWS"

So glad to see you finally have jumped into modular! So excited to see where you go with it!

I just LIKE the videos as soon as I start them now, you never produce less than exceptional videos.

I'm so glad I bumped into your channel. I'm learning a lot. I'll be watching this over & over to tie and join different things together. Thank you Modular Baby

Appreciate the fresh take on modular! Lovely and thoughtful video as always, dude.

Welcome to the world of modular. I’ve only begun to explore it, but it has been so much fun and inspiring. Excited to see you exploring it as well!

You summed it up so well... makes you feel like a kid again. I couldn't have put it better. You helped me realize why I have so much fun with my (extremely minimal) semi-modular gear. Thanks!

This is so great. It feels like a visual podcast episode, perfect pace and storytelling.

Possibly the best semi-modular demo I've heard in awhile. I'm stunned.

It is all about turning nobs and plugin things into things! I love this playful attitude. Thanks for making this so musical and chilled!

I can't stop thinking about cat, when i hear that voice, but don't see face. Big love from Russian fans, Jeremy, your content great.

@RedMeansRecording

4 жыл бұрын

Cat will be back!

@CardCarryingPsycho

4 жыл бұрын

@@RedMeansRecording Cat! Cat! Cat! My brother and I have been known to break into cat chant when your tracks come on in my car.

@Subfuture

4 жыл бұрын

All hail cat

Yaaaaaaaaaay! Red Means recording going modular at last! Loved the video :) Hope we get more of these from now on :)

If I wasn't already deep into Eurorack for years, this video would have definitely got me into it! Nicely done!

Thank you for this -- I've been looking for an easy intro into modular and your approach was excellent. And your 'feel like a kid again' comment ... *feels*

Omg this is so awesome and so interesting to know which cables do what and stuff !!! I love it, more videos like this Jeremy please, they're so chill

Your timing for this video couldn’t have been more perfect. I have always wanted to learn this stuff and had really been looking into it over the last week, but was wondering where to start...... and then this comes out. Feels like destiny!!!

Love the experimental side of music and just having fun and remembering why we make music ! Thanks :)

Excellent video. That's how modular made me feel as well. Not being limited by traditional instrumentation and notation in general is just extremely liberating. Not that you want that all the time, but some days traditional music will just fail to express what's going on in your head.

I always love your videos man. Your videos and music are what I listen too if I ever just need to take a break for a moment. It's great.

this is one of the most honest videos from jeremy. it really spoke to my heart. i've been on modulars for about 4 years. i'm not deep into music theory, but i do love to patch and discover new sounds. you also discover new grooves just by fiddling with envelopes. now i play on a 12u rack, but in a slow pace, module by module. whatever you already have, that is everything you need to make music.

You’ve made a ton of great videos and this is among the best. I’ve had a eurorack setup for a little over a year, but still enjoyed your overview. Couple cool patch ideas too!

Until today I was so ignorant towards modular synthesis, but this video absolutely opened my eyes! I now wish to build one myself in the future. Thanks for this video!

Been away from my system for a few weeks and this is getting me jazzed to go back to it and have some fun, love this video

how much i love the sounds of modular synthesis

I just came back to this video after 3 years. It's magical how you are able to show the Pico III's melodic side! Most of the other videos about it are just drones and noise but you managed to show that it's a proper synth with nice sounding oscillators and LPG (around the 14 minutes mark)

incredible work as always Jeremy. Thanks for your videos.

Your the reason I blow all my money on awesome musical tech, and I couldn't be happier

this is one of my favorite videos you’ve ever done

This was JUST what i needed to get my O-Coast going - thanx Red Means ! 👍

So this is where it all (modular) began! Very cool video to look back on. Still slowly easing into Eurorack with semi modulars and a few modulation modules. This video is very inspiring.

I love this channel more with every video you post.

Thanks for that intro. All the things going through my mind when I think modular. Hope the rest of the video wins me over too.

This was such a joy to watch! I need you to teach me how to use all of this haha. Thank you so very much Jeremy.

This is one my favorite video's of yours. Amazing.

This is just as much a beautiful advocation for control voltage to traditional keyboardists as it is a demonstration of how melodic patches can be when you've got access to a powerful piano-like controller with sequencing capabilities. This experience you were feeling was exactly how I felt when I started playing the Buchla Music Easel, and the results sounded pretty similar too. Great familiar keyboard control paired with unfamiliar synthesis is a great match.

geremy man, i discovered ur channel couple of dayz ago and it really belongs to my top 5.... no shit!!!! much love and support from munich/germany

dude...wot can i say..ur awesome...the feeling of this video is so amazing....the short performance at the end was pure magic and plz give us more things like this..love u mate! thx

inspiring, i have been watching so many modular videos just geeked

Ah I love this video! This setup is amazing and the keystep pro seems powerful enough to control even my fridge. Btw I still don't understand why even a small loop of yours sounds incredibly chill and catchy while I get bored of the ones I make and throw them away soon after.

This is exactly what I wanted to see. Thanks Jeremy!!

Feels like a loopop video. And I mean that as a powerful compliment.

Thank you for this. I’m about where you are. Best way to learn is to show others. Great job!

It’s really cool to listen to everything in this video. I love the way skeptical cynicism gave way to a childlike exploration. I can’t afford this stuff, but it was amazing to watch. Keep up the awesome work.

“Good kitty….” That just about sums it up really, doesn’t it? Loved it! 👍🏻

I love the exploration in this video. More like this!

I wish this video (and also the keystep pro) existed when I first got into modular - it's one of the best modular videos I've seen, both from an instructional perspective as well as a musical perspective. The 0-coast is a lovely synth - It is the only instrument that I have ever sold and then re-purchased later - I sold it when I thought I knew a ton and that it was too limited for me. I bought it back when I realized I was wrong about everything, and started learning just how much I could get out of smaller systems.

That is just wow man! Thank you for this very helpful video.

Guess we’ll see your modular journey on RMR’s channel. You have a way to always make these things look simple. Looking forward!

You always seem to achieve such a nice balance, that was lovely ♥️🤗

Everybody is hesitant at first and a lot of people talk trash about it which is just uninformed. I’m glad you got over all the stereotypes and are taking the plunge. I look forward to seeing what you do!

You gotta just love a demo when the intro is Popcorn! Amazing!

I've loved this kind of music since I was a little kid in the '70s. I don't know beans about making music, stuff like this sure makes me want to try.

"made me feel like a kid again" - and that's why I've just finished assembling my first collection of modular stuff. I have no keyboard skills whatsoever, but I can make an (occasionally, thus far) beautiful noise with a setup like this. And even when the sound is unpleasant, I'm having fun tinkering, modifying, improving, experimenting, pretending to be a switchboard operator. Thanks to you (and Loopop and Omri) for showcasing these instruments and VCV Rack.

Awesome video, I once considered going modular a few years ago but ultimately avoided it as my career headed away from music. Can't wait to hear what you create with your new modular system!

wow you are an incredible narrator. i just getting started with modular & looking forward to what this video is about...

This jam was very good and made me feel something good. Thank you.

Welcome to the rabbit hole. Edit: Great vid, and good points on modular mindset. Last night I went to town on modulating my 0-Coast as much as possible, and in the middle I realized I was getting literally "bleep bloop" sounds, I mean, cliche AF. And it was glorious. Probably nothing anyone else would care to hear, but that doesn't matter at all.

most of the time i skip your videos, mostly because ive got more interesting things to watch/do and im far from making music myself, but on the small chance I actually watch one, im always captivated and have to watch it to the end. I guess, maybe i should get into some of this stuff in the future. Anyhow thanks for the gr8 videos from 4 years ago (when i saw you for the first time) to now and keep at it.

it's always a pleasure listening you man!

I remember getting to chat with you about modular back at a certain convention in Atlanta. So glad to see you getting more into it and I hope this will help motivate me to do the same haha. Loved the music!

dude i just picked up the pico system 3 module and this video was soooo helpful!! thank you!!

That first song got me to another dimension. Thank you.

My brain hurts a bit and I love it. This looks like a dream to all of us who can get totally lost in sound discovery for hours upon hours

"but this made me feel like a kid again" can probably sum up the modular experience for MANY modular enthusiasts :) it's so raw, so organic, so adventurous.

Dude, you cracked me up with the intro!

I think people have their notion of modular just being a weird scape of atonal bleeps and off-time imaginary percussion because it is majorly supported by people that are not necessarily musicians but rather electronic/math enthusiasts that are more interested in the physics of having this big shelf of modules that are using their own functions to define themselves. That's cool for those enthusiasts and I'm glad they have their hobby, but I think the little niche of people trying to write something more like conventional music will continue to grow as performance-oriented modules continue to advance. NAMM every year makes me more excited than the last.

@phantom_spaceman

4 жыл бұрын

I love the semi-modular / small performance oriented eurorack trend. Honestly the KeyStep Pro was the key that really unlocked my modular system though. I finally feel like I can make songs not just music, if that makes any sense.

@PaulJBurns

4 жыл бұрын

Or, they can be both. But a rare breed.

@scamlikely1442

4 жыл бұрын

OMG I realized I'm really just a math enthusiast

Thanks very much...the mist starts to clear on modular & looking forward to more from you :-)

6:25 Cool trivia for Eurorack enthusiasts like you and I Jeremy, The way the envelopes behave in the 0-Coast with regards to exponential envelopes getting shorter in length *as well* as more exponential (rather than just more exponential but at the same length of time) is a result of it being completely analog. It's harder to make a circuit that doesn't behave like that, usually manufacturers that seek to stop that from happening move to digital envelope generators with a DAC :)

hi Jeremy, gotta say man, I love this video and the outterspace sounds of it all!... your videos got me to buy my OP-1 and I don't even know how to play piano (but learning) ; I play guitar tho so is definetly helping... just stopped by to say that I like your work man, the simple format, for me is the best!. keep it up man. greetings from México!

The intro patch is so good I love it!

I absolutely need a full version of that intro jam, oh my GOD that was good

I've wondered what you'd sound like with modular gear. Mystery solved. Sounds like you. ( Relieved )

modular is my best friend and enemy when it comes to productivity, sound design, composition and overall confidence and quality :D

First and foremost, whoooo popcorn snuck in as an initial bit! Always nice to see little touches like that ^_^ Secondly, loving that you've gone and done something with two semi-modular synths that are more well known for being harsh and aggressive and come up with something that's downright delightful. Don't get me wrong, I love just how insane both of them can get (especially the Polivoks Erica Synths is so fond of), but it's definitely refreshing to see the other side of things that they're capable of.

Thanks dude - this made me smile.

This is awesome, would love more content on modular synths!

Love that video. Thank you for making it.

Great to see you experimenting. Honestly, though, it just seems like you're a wiz at all of this.

The opening sequence of this really hit me with its similarity to the Moby track at the ending of the film Heat (God Moving over the Face of the Waters), which always makes me well up. Just beautiful.

I just started down the modular road recently and have no regrets since the amount of experimentation and creativity are nearly endless. I started with a Mantis case, MI Platis,NE Clep Diaz, Doepfer Wasp Filter, Intellijel Quad VCA and Dual ADSR. Im sequencing it with a SQ1 for the moment until I can figure out which way I want to go with that.

1) Certain cats see all those wiggly, gummy cables with a satisfyingly-hard center and...either even glitchier sounds or reorder some patch cords. 2) Modular patches are much like our Lego sessions of yore (or present) in that building them is most of the fun. 3) Standing back and appreciating a modular patch masterpiece is much like a Lego masterpiece in that you want it to last forever, but know that soon you will have to steel yourself and painfully obliterate it in order to start another creative journey.

What you said in the beginning was really true tho You're an incredible musician approaching modular so yeah you're Killin it

Great video!! I thought modular was silly at first also. But I gave it a shot and it opened up a whole new dimension to my music making.. haven't looked back since.

Only at the first jam and I’m already feeling tears coming; your music is just stunning dude. Thanks for doing what you do.

The Pico System sounds pretty good. Much better than I imagined.

Jeremy I love you man, what a beautiful video. I hear that Brian Eno influence in that chord progression!