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Re: What is some currently interesting/innovative hardware?

Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 3:39 pm
by Lost to the Void
Markus Wolf wrote:Does anyone own a Dave Smith Mono Evolver? I had one briefly liked it but sold it because it wasn't getting much use. Anyone like these little boxes. I remember having quite a few good presets to start off. If you could get over the matrix style programming on the desktop they can be had quite cheaply. I found one for 240 BP in great shape. Im probably going to pick it up tomorrow.
I had an original evolver. Never got on with it, sold it within a year, the sound was a struggle to get fat, the filters were weedy and just didn`t match the oscillators, which I later found out was a common held issue people had with them, and the interface was uninspiring (encoders were shonky as fuck too). I was so disappointed with it.
Did they update the filters with the mono evolver?

Re: What is some currently interesting/innovative hardware?

Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 3:40 pm
by HowieRis
Lost to the Void wrote:
Alume wrote:Funny how anti eurorack subsekt is in a way.
He did a superb modular live PA at the Brighton modular meetup.
I have absolutely nothing meaningful to add about hardware at this stage but I just wanna say - I keep coming back to this recording. In terms of texture and tension it's pretty up there with the best I've heard.

Re: What is some currently interesting/innovative hardware?

Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 4:32 pm
by xonetacular
Void is pretty accurate/fair with that description of eurorack

I had a few years where my whole setup was almost all one big euro system and tried doing everything in euro for some reason. It's easy to get sucked in, and patching is time consuming. I was even set on making polyphonic voices in modular. Then I got a rytm, and then an a4 and wondered wtf I was thinking. Why try to build a modular drum machine and more basic synth voices every time you want to do something when other things do it so much better without having to patch and repatch 40 cables every time?

So now my euro has shrunk down a lot to be much more focused, and now also one manufacturer to be more cohesive to be it's own thing to compliment other hardware that does its job a lot better. I rarely go to modular first anymore, but it's there if I have time and want to tinker with stuff you can't get easily from other gear. I think eurorrack as a format has gotten completely overwhelming and cluttered. It was for a while but even worse in the past few years- It's impossible to keep up with, there is a lot of junk, and when you start mixing and matching it's easy to get a system that looks and feels like a disjointed mess. I have other formats, and each is it's own thing but similar purpose/limitations but at least they all look and feel like professional fully contained instruments and you approach them as one instrument like you would approach other gear.

Re: What is some currently interesting/innovative hardware?

Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 4:44 pm
by WOLF!
Lost to the Void wrote:
Markus Wolf wrote:Does anyone own a Dave Smith Mono Evolver? I had one briefly liked it but sold it because it wasn't getting much use. Anyone like these little boxes. I remember having quite a few good presets to start off. If you could get over the matrix style programming on the desktop they can be had quite cheaply. I found one for 240 BP in great shape. Im probably going to pick it up tomorrow.
I had an original evolver. Never got on with it, sold it within a year, the sound was a struggle to get fat, the filters were weedy and just didn`t match the oscillators, which I later found out was a common held issue people had with them, and the interface was uninspiring (encoders were shonky as fuck too). I was so disappointed with it.
Did they update the filters with the mono evolver?
I'm an evolver desktop user and I like it very much. It was kind of a quest to get one. Not because they are rare but because of some bad luck I had.
My first evolver arrived but was not in the perfect condition that the seller put in the add.
Also the main chip was not the latest one so I needed to put in a new chip but that would have cost money.
I've sent it back to the shop and got a refund.
Evolver number two never got here because of some major fuck up with the Dutch post delivery.
Luckily I did pay for insurance so I got a refund after a investigation of about 6 weeks.
Evolver number 3 (the one that still around in my studio) is still here and I got that one by a trade of with some other stuff.

The comments about the filter are very correct. I don't like the Curtis filter they use but, it still is a very decent synth with all of the modulation options and the 4 osc's (with 2 wavetables). It's actually those 2 wavetables osc's that makes me use the Evolver. The 2 other oscillators are nothing special for me.
I'm very critical about encoders but the ones on my evolver work flawlessly. Also you need to find you way with the interface and the cryptical display.
Time will tell but if I keep liking the Evolver sound and a key version in perfect condition pops up I might buy it (it has a bigger display and better interface).
The Evolver is one of those synths I should put more time into. Also download 'The Definitive Guide To Evolver By Anu Kirk' if you want to master that synth... .

About eurocrack; I don't go that way because I think I'll end up with hours of droning without being productive.
I've had a MFB kraftzwerg and a MS20mini (so semi modular stuff) and I didn't like those wires cluttering up the interface.
Especially in the case of the kraftzwerg were everything is just to compact and to close to each-other.

Re: What is some currently interesting/innovative hardware?

Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 6:46 pm
by Lost to the Void
HowieRis wrote:
Lost to the Void wrote:
Alume wrote:Funny how anti eurorack subsekt is in a way.
He did a superb modular live PA at the Brighton modular meetup.
I have absolutely nothing meaningful to add about hardware at this stage but I just wanna say - I keep coming back to this recording. In terms of texture and tension it's pretty up there with the best I've heard.
Right?
He did things properly though, maybe pedantically, but he spent years perfecting his modular before moving over to a live setup and then really working it all out.
Not many people willing to put in that kind of time to master their craft. Just bang some arpeggios together, bit of distortion, 909 kick and tadaaaaa Techno live PA.

Re: What is some currently interesting/innovative hardware?

Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 7:37 pm
by sergiobR1
Thanks for those feedbacks.

Steve, is the minilogue able to reach a fat bassline such as the monologue does ? I'm aware that the minilog filter don't harsh and scream as the monologue. But the bass can reach the fatness ?

Re: What is some currently interesting/innovative hardware?

Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 8:11 pm
by Lost to the Void
Well I'm obsessed with bass ever since I ran Dirty Bass records, and it doesn't disappoint me.
I am, I think, going to get a monologue too though, but that's due to needing a dedicated mono for my live PA, and not because the minilogue is lacking.

Re: What is some currently interesting/innovative hardware?

Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 8:27 pm
by Lost to the Void
This comes out soon.
I want, fairly unique.
youtu.be/0euNzKE7Hqs

Re: What is some currently interesting/innovative hardware?

Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 8:53 pm
by xonetacular
kind of reminds me of a plumbutter

youtu.be/AGxmHhQJYeA

Re: What is some currently interesting/innovative hardware?

Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 10:07 pm
by Aureliano
xonetacular wrote:the e02 got me looking at the other studio electronics stuff, and the boomstar 4075 looks/sounds really good with a big range. just seems expensive at retail but ill look out for a used one.

youtu.be/teOEVET4Zwk
A friend has this synth and it sounds incredible. Every time I use it puts a smile on my face. The cross-modulation is wild and can create some cool sounding env. shapes, like odd-timing throbs, when you let it drone.

I just got the Tonestar (the Eurorack version) and it sounds wicked too, even with just the one osc. The filter drive is probably it's standout feature: loads of character and sounds amazing.
Not tried any other SE synths but they are known for their oscs.

I've tried the Mopho a few times and didn't like it either. Sounded garish and harsh to me. The DSI Tetra on the other hand is pretty cool.

As for the eurorack discussion, I'd disagree with the assertion that a modular isn't an instrument. The problem a lot of people have is that they let their modular systems get out of control and they become a cluttered, thoughtless mess. People get distracted by the process instead of focussing on the sounds and the music. That type of system isn't an instrument.
A small 6U case or a 9U, however, is an instrument. If you know your system well, and if you can moreorless anticipate the way certain modules will sound together (essentially just a total familiarity), how is it any different than designing sounds on a normal synth?
I get the whole intuitive need to get an idea out quickly with an instrument, I'm a guitarist too, but patching a small system doesn't take that long (I guess it's a question of patience) and for me, I can get frustrated with single synths when I have an idea but discover that I can't patch an LFO a certain way, etc. Perhaps I think sound design in a modular way these days so it's easy to get frustrated with normal synths.

Void, you mentioned that it's like creating you're instrument over and over... I'm not so sure. In a small system you'll probably have a few oscs, filters, env generators, vcas, lfos, and maybe some other funky stuff (but not too much). You design a small system to be like an instrument, that it should work and function well together. Idk for everyone else, but I go about patching the same way I see a lot of people working through normal synths.

Re: What is some currently interesting/innovative hardware?

Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2017 12:11 am
by Lost to the Void
The point is I don't want to design a small system to be like an instrument.
I am not an instrument designer.
I want something that has gone through a process so that all the design as been done, via a design and development period (that I don't have to take part in) and I can just use it.
I've seen a hard core pro working the gear, and I've played around myself and it's just not for me, too much fiddle, and patch leads are so.... messy and in the way. If they made synths that had leads just randomly dangling over all the controls no one would buy them.

I get some people like to work that way, totally. But for me.... frustrating as fuck and just doesn't feel like playing an instrument, switchboard operator maybe... I get frustrated enough with synths as it is.
I was working on my new metal EP today. Just picked up my bass and guitars and jammed out, I forgot how liberating that is, getting away from fucking nobs and faders and buttons.

It's why I'm changing my live setup. I want simpler task related stuff, more immediacy. Less nerdwork.

Re: What is some currently interesting/innovative hardware?

Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2017 12:48 am
by buffered
in terms of innovative hardware i think modular is where it is at. But i say this with caution. If you are focussed and know what you want to do or know what you are curious about, you can find it in modules. If you think your music is missing something but you don't know what and think modular is the solution....you could be in trouble.
Personally i think modular is strong in new sequencing possibilities with all the function generators and flexible gate sequencers.
They also have a few through zero oscillators which are interesting if you like pristine FM.
Modular is not a dirty word. If you are focussed, you can build a useable tool. It also helps if after making this tool, you learn it inside out and keep away from forums telling you that you need the next new module....for a while.

Re: What is some currently interesting/innovative hardware?

Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 12:39 am
by toob
I disliked the mopho's harshness at first, but the thing has really grown on me. It has a built in sequencer, 4 LFOs, lots of modulation, built in distortion, sub-osc... You have to spend some time with it though. The presets suck...

When you can modulate an LFO that's modulated by an LFO that's modulated by an LFO that's modulated by assignable Envelope 3 you realize you can go pretty deep in creating something organic that has a life of its own, which is nice.

Rather than get a new synth like O-coast or minilogue that everyone is buying like candy right now, maybe go on e-bay and buy something old and random like a nord rack. It just feels more punk rock! I myself am really scared of the modular rabbit hole.

Re: What is some currently interesting/innovative hardware?

Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 12:47 am
by Lost to the Void
I kinda want a Nord rack 1 or 2 just to run it it pelle mode.

Re: What is some currently interesting/innovative hardware?

Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 2:27 am
by toob
Yeah, pelle mode sounds interesting!

What about these synths as far as recent-ish stuff goes:

Future Sonus - Parva
https://futureson.us

Twisted Electrons - Therapsid
https://twisted-electrons.com/therapsid/

anything by Subtle Noise Maker
http://www.subtlenoisemaker.com

Oh! I almost forgot there is a new synth out called the SH-101 or something ;)

Re: What is some currently interesting/innovative hardware?

Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 7:11 pm
by td3l
Nord Racks are dirt cheap these days. The 2X rack was my first hard synth, I might have to go full circle soon and pick up one now.

Re: What is some currently interesting/innovative hardware?

Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2017 12:55 pm
by Markus Wolf
Well I ended up buying the Mono Evolver. I got a great deal about 240 BP. If you can get over the filters and dont mind matrix programming, this thing is a beast. Its very flexible and sounds very big and dark. The presets with a little tweaking sound amazing. This is def a little techno machine.

Re: What is some currently interesting/innovative hardware?

Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2017 10:38 pm
by SFBM
Markus Wolf wrote:Does anyone own a Dave Smith Mono Evolver? I had one briefly liked it but sold it because it wasn't getting much use. Anyone like these little boxes. I remember having quite a few good presets to start off. If you could get over the matrix style programming on the desktop they can be had quite cheaply. I found one for 240 BP in great shape. Im probably going to pick it up tomorrow.
I bought a DSI Evolver a few weeks/months ago for a great price off a mate of mine before he packed up and left for Germany. I think you can get a rubberized knob kit for it online somewhere (for $15-30, or so) which I'd recommend getting (I'm still yet to, though) as, due to the design of the unit, you're gonna be constantly tweaking the knobs on the front panel - unless you buy a software editor or something (although I'd still recommend upgrading the knobs).

I'm still yet to give mine a proper dive into all the features yet, program my own patches and sounds, etc. I've downloaded a great guide to programming it on the net that someone else has recommended on here before, and I'm still coming to terms with which patches/banks use internally sequenced patterns, which ones give external sequencing, and the such, and I'm trying to learn how to program a basic patch that I can sequence via MIDI with my Beatstep Pro successfully - but all in all, the few small jams I've had with it so far have yielded some amazing sounds. It's a really powerful unit. Although, that said, it is quite a bit older than most stuff out now and undeniably you could get an Analog 4 or minilogue or something and do tonnes more. But for the sort of unit it is, it's worth getting and rigging into your setup - especially if you can get a good price on it.

Re: What is some currently interesting/innovative hardware?

Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2017 7:58 pm
by xonetacular
Grendel Drone Commander? They're re-releasing it in pedal form and should be shipping in a week or two. I think I'm going to get one.

Re: What is some currently interesting/innovative hardware?

Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 9:57 pm
by Pagan
Sort of off-topic, but I'm considering a Mopho SE mainly for master keyboard duties (fits exactly on my tiny studio desk, quality keys with aftertouch), and the synth is kind of a bonus... but still a nice one. I like the sound, it's not Evolver-versatile but still has enough modulation to get really weird. But what specifically do people find wrong or bad about it?

I've failed to find any comparable quality controller keyboard with 37 or 44 keys. All the 49rs are too wide, have all sorts of retarded shit I don't need like automap, and shitty pads, knobs and faders which I already have for days anyway. And I'd have to place it on a stand to the side, in which case I could as well go for an old 61 key workstation style synth.

Korg Volcas are perhaps some of the more innovative modern synths mainly due to the form factor and successful balance of compromises and usability. Tons of interesting and great sounding synths pop out all the time, but I haven't really seen or heard much real innovation happening on the synthesis side, not even in software. Actually there aren't even many soft synth releases anymore.