Roland U-110 PCM Cards Demonstration

YouTube via zibbybone
"Demonstrating the additional PCM sounds of 5 popular cards that can be used with U-110, U-20, U-220, D-70, MV-30 (Studio M) and Rhodes Model 660 & 670:
SN-U110-02 Latin & FX Percussion
SN-U110-03 Ethnic
SN-U110-05 Orchestral Strings
SN-U110-11 Sound Effects
SN-U110-13 Super Strings"

EML Electrocomp 101 birthday cake

via Maya

"This is an attempted EML Electrocomp 101 birthday cake I make for my husband. He didn't want to eat the real one he already has :)"

James Bond and the EMS Vocoder-System 3000

YouTube via VoiceEncoder
"James Bond and the EMS Vocoder-System 3000."

Update:

Picture of an EMS Vocoder-System 3000 as Used in 'Never Say Never Again'

Full hand (Gephex + Plogue Bidule)

YouTube via GruithuisenCityMan
"Hello ! My name is Frederic Gerchambeau. I have made this movie and this music. The music has been made entirely with Plogue Bidule in only one take, no overdub and no edit. The virtual images have been created with Gephex. Enjoy !"

battery collection - future ruins

audio here

This one in via reader Joe:
"i just wanted to drop you a line to let you know about my new release under the name battery collection. it's called "future ruins" and it features a vast amount of vintage analog synths; some of which i acquired via links from your site and all of which i learned about and drooled over via your site. it also features remixes via friends ro, tehn and edison. anyway, i thought some of my fellow synth nerds might enjoy it. so feel free to check it out at the address below."

You can find more pics of Joe's studio here.

midipad

http://www.midipad.de "midipad is an exciting new app for the iPad/iPhone for music creation and live-performance.

The striking feature of midipad is its ability to directly communicate via network-MIDI-protocol. So there is no need to install any communication - peer - software on the Mac! Simply plug-and-play via Apple Bonjour - wireless. This kind of connectivity has not been used in any similar iphone-software.

This multitouch-capable midi-controller-application communicates with your Apple Mac your Windows-based PC and even standalone hardware-synths via Wifi.

So you can control all of your music-applications with just a few finger-gestures without having to sit at your desk and no annoying cable.

In the production-environment midipad can control host-applications like Apple Logic, Steinberg Cubase/Nuendo, Ableton Live etc.

It can also be used to control stand-alone applications from companies like Native-Instruments, Spectrasonics and many more.

As a live-musician you can control sub-mixes of your virtual keyboard-rig, activate setups and change parameters of the virtual instruments or even hardware-instruments - all in realtime on stage.

If you are a DJ, you can control your favorite application wireless as well. So you just might take a stroll through your ecstatic audience.

midipad incorporates various commonly used controller-types like buttons, trigger-pads, sliders, ribbon-control in one & two dimensions, rotary-knobs, or complete functionality blocks like transport-control.

midipad also reacts to midi-data from the connected remote computer, to provide instantaneous feedback for your performance.

Preconfigured setups, divided in seperate views can be activated concurrently. Using multi-touch various functionality of the remote-software can be controlled. The features to be controlled can be configured by the user in the setup."

Jen SX-2000 Synthetone Vintage Analog Mono Synth

via this auction

Specs via this post:

"* Polyphony - Monophonic
* Oscillators - One VCO (sawtooth, square, 2 rectangular waveforms); 4-octave range (32', 16', 8', 4')
* LFO - Square or triangle waveforms; intensity and speed; can modulate VCO or VCF
* Filter - 1 VCF Filter with cut-off, emphasis; 3 preset envelope settings: Repeat, ASR, and AD.
* VCA - 3 preset envelope settings: Repeat, ASR, and AD
* Keyboard - 44 keys"

Roland SH-32 Synthesizer

via this auction
"This 4-part multitimbral synth uses new Wave Acceleration Synthesis to deliver up to 32 voices of fat synth waves and entirely new waveforms. There's also a full complement of knobs and sliders-plus analog-style drums, DSP effects and a killer arpeggiator-giving musicians desktop access to a range of stunning synth sounds at an unbelievable low price.
# Powerful desktop synthesizer with massive realtime control
# New Wave Acceleration synthesis creates a variety of synth waves-67 total
# Includes standard synth waves plus new waveforms like Spectrum and Noise
# Up to 32-note/4-part multitimbral operation
# 2 main oscillators and 2 suboscillators with ultra-thick Subsonic mode
# Pulse width modulation and oscillator “hard” sync capability*
# Insert and Loop effects processors with 10 types of reverb/delay and 35 multi-effects
# Programmable arpeggiator for creating synth lines or drum patterns"

KORG MS-10

via this auction

Crumar Spirit Vintage Analog Synthesizer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction

"Crumar Spirit one of only a couple hundred made, some people say only a hundred were produced but the serial on this is a bit over a 100. This comes with the original carrying bag and is overall an excellent 9/10 condition and still has a new feel to it, just a couple minor blemishes here and there it's not perfect but stunning to look at and play... To me the sound is like a modernized minimoog with a splash of pro one and roland sh. I really like the synth and it has a very unique sound, the filters are incredibly smooth and the synth sounds really good in modern music but still has a great vintage sound to it."

CLICK FOR MORE »

ELEKTRON SIDSTATION 8 BIT MOS 6581 SYNTH

via this auction

box shot

Blue Yamaha srs 10-r KEYTAR

via this auction

Stuck in 1996 house beat

YouTube via vinyljunkie07
"Dub edits and whisky coke"

Sequential Circuits Pro One Mushrooms

flickr by white.label.syndicate
(click for more)

POKEY sound chip experiments

YouTube via hotchk155. Anyone else remember that tune?
"The Atari POKEY was the classic soundchip in the Atari 8-bit home computers and many 1980's arcade games. This clip shows some of my experiments in driving a POKEY from MIDI. A PIC receives MIDI data and two 74HC595 shift registers are used to assemble the 12 lines of bus data for the POKEY so it can be driven from a humble 14 pin PIC16F688. A 6N139 isolator is placed between MIDI in from PC and the PIC's serial input. The POKEY is clocked at 2MHz from the PIC's internal clock output.

I am using REAPER to sequence some MIDI files I found on the internet. Credit goes out to the authors of these MIDI files.. also to YouTube member little-scale, whose clips inspired me to poke about with the POKEY in the first place, and Bryan Edewaard, whose crib sheet I could not have done this without."

New MFB Samples via Zero Divide

See the update to this post.

WS-101 Online Virtual Synth

via Angry Octopus. You can find it here, and more online synths by the same developer here.


Be sure to see the Online label below for more.

CoolColJ Alesis Andromeda A6 Roland Samples

I was recently chatting with Mr. Array of Ocean Orbit about the Andromeda A6. I remembered some samples by Co0lColJ that did an amazing job at emulating classic Roland sounds. The A6 has two filters, one modeled on the classic Moog and one modeled on the Oberheim SEM. You might not expect the A6 to be capable of Roland timbres. You can the find samples here. Note all drum sounds are the Andromeda as well.

EMS Synthi Pics and Videos

Note this unit is for sale. You can find more pics and details on noise design. Videos below.



EMS Synthi AKS - 3 osc. and noise source test
YouTube via ofiroman123

EMS Synthi AKS - filter and trapezoid action


EMS Synthi AKS - noise through filter


EMS Synthi AKS ring modulator and reverb test


Update:

EMS Synthi AKS - testing the mods...wmv

YouTube via ofiroman123

EMS Synthi AKS - trapezoid and shape mods.wmv


EMS Synthi AKS envelope generator and trapezoid

Moog Modular V2.5 Filter examples

via UniQue Werkx in the comments of this post.

Update via UniQue Werkx in the comments: "the first sound is based on Radiostern by Kraftwerk, the second is RUSH's famous Tom Sawyer OB-X filter FX. The third is similar to Van Halen's "1984" type filter sweeps. Fourth is similar to Gary Numan's Car's Poly Moog lead (Vox Humana). The fifth is a based on the classic Moog bass sound in a random sequence. The sixth is a high res sequence and the seventh is a high reso bass sequence with lots of filter modulation."

Update via UniQue Werkx in the comments: "I just did another example of RUSH's Tom Sawyer sweep on the Moog Modular V2.5. Of course, it's originally done on an Oberheim OB-X. I actually think this is better and closer to the sound then the OP-X does! The OP-X is a VST plug-in that's modeled after the Oberheim OB-X. However, I think the new Moog Modular filters are actually able to get a closer to the Oberheim OB-X filter! Just listen....

http://www.synthmusician.com/index.php?t=player_audio&s=Cobalt3&mode=song_hifi&band_id=138&song_id=455"

tintinnabulome "STEPS"

tintinnabulome "STEPS" from Gattobus on Vimeo.

"In this video I'm using tintinnabulome software with novation launchpad.
All the sounds are from Waldorf Blofeld in multi mode.

Enjoy! :-)"

Korg Monofive

YouTube via Newueel
"- 1 analogue sequencer (SQ-10)
- 3 analogue synthesizers (MS-50 + 2x MS-20)
- 5 different sound circuits

That's why I called this one: Korg Monofive

This vid is recorded in one take, no cuts and no edited sounds (although the video is edited :-) . All sounds are coming (live!) from the gear as shown in the vid and described below.

Most of my actions are explained in the vid, but in case you are interested, below you'll find a more detailed analysis of the 5 different sounds/circuits/outputs:

1:) MS-20 (right) white noise filtered by the MS-20 ESP bandpass filter, triggered every 17th step (out of 64 steps). This sound uses just a little bit of a phaser effect from the mixer.

2:) MS-20 (left) white noise also filtered by the ESP bandpass filter and the MS-20 HP + LP filters. The sound is triggered only every first step (out of 64 steps). The HP + LP filters use high peak values. They are modulated by the MS-50 modulation generator (LFO) which speed/frequency is changing continuously, controlled by random values coming from pink noise + sample & hold + integrator (for smooth transitions). This provides a unique sound every 64 steps. Each sound is repeated a number of times every 16 steps by the BPM delay (Kaoss Pad). This way each 'random' sound is hearable 4 times, before it changes to the next 'random' sound.

3:) MS-50 white noise basically for hi hat purposes, but also used for subtle ambient noise adds. The sound uses two envelopes for different purposes. The MS-50 EG2 envelope is (also used for the MS-50 drum sound) is reused. This envelope is triggered each step and is used as volume envelope. Because we don't want a hi hat sound each step, this envelope is controlled by another envelope using a VCA. By default the second envelope is MS-20 EG1, which is triggered each first step (out of 64 steps). The envelope has a long delay time, so it is hearable around the 15th step only for a short time. By changing the patch, the secondary envelope is switched to MS-50 EG1, which is triggered every 3th and 7th step (out of 8 steps) so it functions like a hi hat. This envelope offers a nice extra feature, because by increasing the MS-50 EG1 release time, it 'passes through' more hi hat steps, which is very useful for creating fills.

4:) The MS-50 plays a 16-step drum groove. The pitch of the drum sound can be tuned for each step indepently using SQ-10 channel A+B steps 1-8. A step can also be 'disabled' by tuning it out of range. This makes it possible to create more complex drum grooves and it allows you to create fills on the fly.

5:) The MS-20 (right) plays an 8-step bass line, triggered each step, pitch controlled by SQ-10 channel C. This sound is also uses the Kaoss Pad BPM delay.

Enjoy!!"

Waldorf Blofeld + NI Maschine - Florentine

YouTube via ittaital
"Florentine -

The next track using my Waldorf Blofeld combined with NI Maschine.
Video is from another magnificent movie - called "Baraka". It's a 1992 film by director Ron Fricke.

Check it out !

For a high quality sound version please contact me. Thanks !"

RC CIRCUIT BENT MANTRA-MACHINE AMBIENT DRONE SYNTH

via this auction

video here

"SPECIFICATIONS: ON/OFF PUSH SWITCH SOUND SELECT PUSH BUTTON PITCH DOWN CONTROL THE LEFT CONTROL DIAL ALLOWS YOU TO RADICALLY DROP THE PITCH, ALLOWING FOR WARPING DRONES AND ELECTRO NOISE, PITCH UP CONTROL THE RIGHT CONTROL DIAL ALLOWS FOR EXTREME GLITCH MADNESS, PREPARE FOR SOME STANGE SOUNDS! LED INDICATOR PROVIDES A VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF THE CHANGING SOUND ENVELOPE

CONSTRUCTION:
HIGH QUALITY BRUSHED ALUMINIUM CASING
AUTHENIC TIBETAN DESIGN VINYL DETAILING
ONE-OFF IMPORTED UNIT BY RESONANCE CIRCUITS
POWERED BY 2 X 1.5V 'AA' BATTERIES
1/4" JACK OUTPUT"

Jingle Bells on the Bliptronic 5000

YouTube via proteowizard. via this auction

Prophet 5 Demo Record In sleeve

via this auction

Vintage Korg "Maxi Korg" Analog Synthesizer Model K-3

via this auction

TWEET-SONG (Tenori-On)

YouTube via 808mmman
Tenori-On (Tnr-O)

electro-music Spring Equinox 2010 live set

electro-music Spring Equinox 2010 live set by cebec
"originally performed 1630 GMT, March 20th, 2010 for radio.electro-music.com Spring Equinox 2010"

via cebec
"I played my first live set for an audience yesterday via radio.electro-music and wanted to share it more broadly for anyone who's interested and missed it. It's performed using 3 of my Serge panels. Thanks to everyone to hosted and participated in this event."

Musikmesse: MFB MEGAZWERG and MICROZWERG

via mfberlin.de

"* semi-modular system with ten sections
* analogue VCO with analogue ring modulator
* 12dB/oct. multimode-filter
* built-in Digital Delay
* modulation-sequencer
* AHDSR-envelope with loop option
* MSRP: 480, - Euro

Although MEGAZWERG and its many useful functions are meant to serve as an expansion to MFB’s KRAFTZWERG or any analogue modular-system, MEGAZWERG also serves as an independent full-featured synthesizer. Its ten sections can be used individually or combined.

A brief overview to the sections of MEGAZWERG:

The oscillator offers triangle, saw tooth and rectangle waveform shapes. Its pitch can be set over an octave range using a trim-pot. Pitch is controlled by its CV-input using sequencers or keyboards. The output is prewired to the Y-input of the ring modulator, which is built analogue unlike the unit found in KRAFTZWERG. The ring modulator may also be used with two external signals.

The state-variable multimode-filter runs with 12dB slope per octave and offers Lo-, Hi- and Bandpass-modes as well as notch-filtering and resonance up to self-oscillation. Both, cutoff and resonance can be modulated using dedicated CV-inputs. In addition, a pitch-dependent cutoff-frequency control can be achieved using the key follow function. Key follow is prewired to key-CV respectively MIDI-pitch.

The envelope generator offers Attack, Hold, Decay, Sustain and Release stages. Besides its normal mode, the first three stages can also be looped with an active gate-signal, and then followed by the release stage. This section also contains a VCA that serves as CV-controllable audio-output for MEGAZWERG. The envelope is prewired to the CV-input of the VCA.

The onboard 12-bit-Digital-Delay does not only create echo-effects. Its read-out-speed can be varied over a two-octave-range manually or by CV. In addition, there is a freeze function that sets the effect signal to last endlessly. Send and return jacks are provided to insert any module into the delay’s feedback-path, just like a filter or a ring modulator.

The modulation-sequencer serves to create simple, adjustable rhythmic modulations of two, three or four steps in length. Each step has a dedicated control to set the according control voltage. The sequence tempo can be adjusted with the sequence or follow the clock-input.

The dual Glide section offers two independent delay/lag units with different characteristics. You may use these to smooth the steps of the modulation-sequence or create portamento glides.

Two attenuators are available in the Dual-Attenuator-Section. In excess of limiting audio- and control-signals, these units can also serve as CV-sources. With the input not being patched, the output sends a fixed control voltage of up to 8V. This can be used to increase the maximum speed of KRAFTZWERG’s LFO or set the VCO-pulse width to a constant value.

The mixer section offers three inputs, where only inputs 1 and 2 are variable in gain.

Two multiples allow doubling or tripling CV- or audio-signals. Essential, where one LFO needs to modular two or three targets.

The signal-path VCO-VCF-VCA as well as envelope control over the VCA is internally prewired, so that MEGAZWERG can be played immediately. All further routings are created using the patch jacks. These can be used or controlled by MEGAZWERG itself or any compatible external device.

MFB’s MEGAZWERG has the following dimensions: 310 x 165 x 38/72 mm.

External power supply included."

"* semi-modular analogue synthesizer
* dual oscillator, dual multimode-filter
* separate inputs/outputs for both filters
* 18 patch connections in signal chain
* two LFOs with „One Shot“-function
* CV/Gate and MIDI control
* MSRP: 320,- Euro

MICROZWERG not only bridges the gap between NANOZWERG and KRAFTZWERG. Due to its dual multimode-filter, it also offers an individual signal-path with specific sound potential. MICROZWERG’s numerous patch connections are simply inviting to be modulated by our flexible step-sequencer URZWERG or to interact with the multifunctional MEGAZWERG.

Individually operated and due to its dual oscillators and dual multimode-filter, MICROZWERG offers a lot more than typical analogue basses and lead sounds. Prepare yourself for some special timbres. The signal path and modulations are quickly reconfigured using a few patch chords with the result of an enormous boost in sonic variety. Combined with other members of MFB’s ZWERG synthesizer family or even a modular system, MICROZWERG’s possibilities grow further.

A brief overview to the sections of MICROZWERG:

Both oscillators offer triangle, saw tooth and rectangle waveform shapes. Where oscillator 1 also offers a needle impulse, VCO 2 has a built-in noise generator. VCO 2 can be detuned by plus minus one octave in reference to VCO 1. Both oscillators can also be synced, using a patch connection. In addition, the separate output of VCO 2 can be used to modulate the filter. Finally, ring modulation is possible in combination with MEGAZWERG, where the ring modulated output can be fed back into MICROZWERG.

The two state-variable multimode-filters run with 12dB slope per octave and offer lo-, hi- and bandpass-modes as well as notch-filtering. The filters are prewired in series to increase the slope when used in same operation mode. Here, the slope is variable because both cutoff-controls can be shifted against each other using the slope control. Combining a lo- and hipass-filter result in a variable band pass with adjustable bandwidth and individually controllable resonances. When preferred, a parallel routing is possible using a patch connection, too. In this case, MICROZWERG allows two separate shifted bandpass-filters, notch-filtering with variable bandwidth or a combination of bandpass-filter with followed lo- or hipass-filter. Resonance can reach up to self-oscillation for both filters. The cutoff-frequencies are manually controlled simultaneously or by envelopes. They can be shifted against each other using the space-control. Modulations by LFO or CV can address either filter 1 or both filters.

A simple patch from Key CV to the contour- or mod-input can achieve pitch-dependent cutoff-frequency control. Because both filters offer independent in- and outputs, MICROZWERG is also destined to be used as an effective dual-filter for external sound sources.

The ADSR envelope is internally prewired to control the filters’ cutoff-frequency. MEGAZWERG or any modular system can jump in via patch chords whenever a second envelope is needed.

The two LFO offers four waveform shapes each and a one-shot-function, where the selected waveform is played only once after a gate-trigger, thus imitating a simple envelope that might be used for pitch or VCA control. LFO 2 includes a sample & hold.

Internal modulation wirings offer LFO control over the filters’ cutoff as well as the oscillators’ pitch or VCO 2’s pulse width. LFO 2’s speed can be modulated by an external control voltage, allowing increasing or decreasing the speed by a factor of 30. Using this feature, MICROZWERG is capable of extreme slow and fast modulations.

The control signals of the envelope and both LFOs are available as CV-outputs and can therefore be used to control other functions of MICROZWERG as well as in other analogue synthesizers and modular systems.

The signal-path VCO 1/2-VCF 1/2-VCA as well as the common main modulations is internally prewired, so that MICROZWERG can be played immediately. All further routings are created using the patch jacks. These can be used or controlled by MICROZWERG itself or any compatible external device.

MICROZWERG can be controlled by MIDI from any compatible keyboard or DAW. Note commands are received as well as pitch-wheel (+/- 2 semitones) and modulation-wheel data, the latter controlling the filter’s cutoff frequency.

MFB’s MICROZWERG has the following dimensions: 175 x 125 x 38/72 mm.

External power supply included."

Also see:
MFB-URZWERG Full Details
MFB-NANOZWERG Full Details
and this post for more pics

Remember to click on the Musikmesse label for more announcements.

via Justin

Updates to the Ondioline Website

via Dana Countryman:

"Hi All,

Just a quick note to say that there have been many improvements to the Ondioline.com web site.

Peter Urso has joined up with me, and he has worked hard to add lots of info about the amazing Ondioline.

If you do own one, please contact the email address on the web page, and we’ll add you to the owner’s map.

If you have photos of your Ondioline, please send them to that address, as well."

Is It Still Winter

In case the MP3 link did not work for you in this post, there's a new link.

YOGGYONE 'PADWRITER'

YouTube via EKLEKTIKREC
"Directed By Thomas Lesourd in Vienna (2010)"

Musikmesse: MacBeth Mk1 Voltage Controlled Oscillator module

via Ken MacBeth on Muff's

"Hi Guys- well I thought I'd stick a post on here about the 5U modules that are about to hit a production run. Pictured is the first module- the Mk1 Voltage Controlled Oscillator module. THis module, and the subsequent ones to follow form part of the Mk1 Voltage Controlled Synthesizer that I now want to do. The Mk1 VCO carries on the way that I did the X-Series Dual Oscillator and 'Backend' filter combo- its as close to vintage parts being used as I can get!
This pic is the formalised artwork for this unit. Today the PCBs were made and just need drilled and fitted up.
My plan is to get my engineering company to start production around two weeks from now for this one. I do intent to produce a full line up of the favourite 'vanilla' style modules at least each month...!"

via Mr. Array of Ocean Orbit

DIY FPGA 8 Operator 16 Voice FM Synth

via JovianPyx on this electro-music.com thread.

Full details here. Note this is in the making.

"The path labeled "Operator 0 Feedback" is a connection for feedback of operator zero into it's own input. It is used as an envelope controlled waveshaper. This feature is disabled by setting the feedback LEV and feedback BIAS controls to zero.

The path labeled "Operator Modulation" is the connection which links one operator to the next. When the LEV control is set to zero, the link is disconnected making the next operator the starting operator for a new sound generator..."

Why You Should Consider Getting a Modular

I wasn't sure when I was going to put this post up, but considering the previous post on a grunge effects module, I figure now is a better time than ever. You will see more effects based posts moving forward, but they will be focused on using them from a synth perspective. My gut tells me you will begin to see more effects based modules over time as well. Here's why, and why you really should consider getting into the modular world if you haven't already.

I'll try to keep this short: a modular doesn't have to be a full blown synth. It doesn't have to be a synth at all. It can be an extension to your existing setup; it can be a simple way to process your synths, guitar, drums, etc.

Start with an empty case that suits your needs and budget. Then buy a single module or two max. Be sure to pick the right size format to start (see this post for modular formats). Once you have a case, a modular can actually be a more affordable way to deal with GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) than other gear. Modules are usually cheaper than synths. Also worth noting, is if you are into effects pedals, a modular system is much less messy and much easier to transport. In time I'm sure more effects oriented modules will be made. What's interesting to note is most modules do not have an on/off bypass switch like pedals. You'll need a bypass mixer module to work around this if this matters to you.

Note the biggest price of entry will be the case, but they can be affordable.

An example would be the following:
Monorocket Mission6 Case - $350
Tiptop Audio Happy Ending Kit - $149 (added 1/20/11)
Or if you want to go really minimal - a Doepfer beauty case for $120
Note the above are just examples and are both Euro-rack format cases.
Be sure to see the format chart for others and plan before you buy. See the shops below to research more and of course search for the other formats.

As for modules and what to start with. There are far too many to list. What you'll want to ask yourself is how do you want to use it. That will be dependent on your current setup. There are pretty much three types of modules to consider - those that process sound (filters, ring mods, effects, etc...), those that produce sound (Oscillators, noise sources, etc...), and those that control sounds (LFOs, envelopes, sequencers, etc).

Examples of how to integrate a modular with your synth:

1. If you have a Pedal input on your synth you can start with any controller module like a sequencer or LFO. I use a Tiptop Audio Z8000 sequencer for example. Plug it into the Pedal or CV in on any of your synths and let it sequence whatever you can route to. You will need something to clock the sequencer or in layman's terms, to get it going. If you have a drum machine, you might be able to use it to clock and sync the sequencer. For example on a Roland TR-909 you can use the Rimshot Out to trigger the sequencer. If you don't have something to clock it, you can get a low cost LFO module.

2. If you pick up a filter or effects module, simply run your audio through it. Pick up a second module like an LFO or sequencer to modulate the filter.

3. Add a sound source module to the mix.

The point of this is that you don't need to buy a full blown modular to get started. My experience was kind of funny. I was waiting for years to get a modular because every time I priced out a base system it was just too high. I finally picked up a Mattson Mini Modular because I wanted a Syntar but knew I couldn't afford one and by the time I did it might not be available. Once I had the MMM, I thought great, now I can get a eurorack case and buy a module here or there over time. I picked up my case and then found myself using it with my synths more than my MMM!!! It was a very duh moment. I realized I could have started a long time ago.

As for what modules to start out with, there are way too many to go into detail here, and it really is a personal thing. The best thing to do is to research and start thinking about what would make sense to you - size/format, cost, and what sort of modules would best work for you.

Shops to research modules and prices:

US:
http://bigcitymusic.com/
http://noisebug.net/
http://analoguehaven.com/

UK and Europe:
http://schneidersbuero.de/
http://postmodular.co.uk/motm
http://modularsquare.com/

BTW, I want to be super fair in this post. If I missed any shops for modular gear, let me know and I will update the post. If you prefer to remain anonymous shoot me an email. My contact info is on the bottom right of the site.

Modulars are like legos for synths - legos of the synth world.

Arduino Based Voltage Controlled Grunge Pedal

"I've talked about doing this forever, so I am happy to finally be able to introduce my 95% complete, voltage controlled DOD Grunge FX-69! Frac-rack modular synths have been in my opinion missing a voltage controlled distortion module, with wave-folders being about as close as I could find. I had a torqued FX69 sitting around, and figured it would sound wonderfullyterrible in my synth setup."

Full details on oldmanfury

Oberheim DPX-1

flickr by Leslie Chew

"digital sampler player
8 analog isolated outputs"

Yamaha Design Masterworks - GX1

flickr set by Knothole eyes
(click for more)