3 ms·

$0.02 if you are really passionate it's going to end in Eurorack anyways, just start there

devin 5y ago
I would almost never recommend a beginner start with eurorack, no matter how passionate, unless you're talking about using VCV Rack or something. Physical eurorack is a money pit, and the people who own it are the first people to cop to it. Many modular systems I've seen are basically $10,000 worth of modules that add up to one well-built desktop synthesizer which you could purchase for $500-$1000.
- IvanGoneKrazy 5y ago
  Agreed that Eurorack or modular synthesis isn't something that I would recommend for a beginner. Also agree that a Eurorack system _could_ be an overly expensive version of an existing fixed-architecture synthesizer. Eurorack's potential, however, is a way to explore synthesis after you've learned the basics. It can be a very open playground to try synthesis ideas that may not be possible on a fixed-architecture system. To lower the costs of Eurorack, one could buy modules from the used market or the DIY method and build from kits if they have experience with electronics. The DIY path may also lead one to designing and building original Eurorack modules. Learn about synthesis and electronics at the same time! As the above post mentioned, VCV Rack which is a software emulation of Eurorack is a free way to see if modular synthesis is something that appeals. Other free software near-alternatives are Pure Data (https://puredata.info/ https://puredata.info/) (sibling of the commercially available Max/MSP), Bespoke (https://www.bespokesynth.com/ https://www.bespokesynth.com/), and SunVox (https://warmplace.ru/soft/sunvox/ https://warmplace.ru/soft/sunvox/).
- dharma1 5y ago
  Not to mention euro rack isn't particularly wife friendly and doesn't have patch recall! Maybe get something semi modular to start with, like a Behringer Neutron
scarecrowbob 5y ago
I love my eurorack gear but holy hell it's by far the most expensive way to make the boops beep. I have a Moog mother that I use when I want to teach folks synth stuff, but it'd be a really limited as an instrument.
DennisP 5y ago
Depends on the kind of music you do. Eurorack isn't great for polyphony, so for a keyboardist a good polysynth can be a better idea.

I would almost never recommend a beginner start with eurorack, no matter how passionate, unless you're talking about using VCV Rack or something. Physical eurorack is a money pit, and the people who own it are the first people to cop to it. Many modular systems I've seen are basically $10,000 worth of modules that add up to one well-built desktop synthesizer which you could purchase for $500-$1000.

IvanGoneKrazy 5y ago
Agreed that Eurorack or modular synthesis isn't something that I would recommend for a beginner. Also agree that a Eurorack system _could_ be an overly expensive version of an existing fixed-architecture synthesizer. Eurorack's potential, however, is a way to explore synthesis after you've learned the basics. It can be a very open playground to try synthesis ideas that may not be possible on a fixed-architecture system. To lower the costs of Eurorack, one could buy modules from the used market or the DIY method and build from kits if they have experience with electronics. The DIY path may also lead one to designing and building original Eurorack modules. Learn about synthesis and electronics at the same time! As the above post mentioned, VCV Rack which is a software emulation of Eurorack is a free way to see if modular synthesis is something that appeals. Other free software near-alternatives are Pure Data (https://puredata.info/ https://puredata.info/) (sibling of the commercially available Max/MSP), Bespoke (https://www.bespokesynth.com/ https://www.bespokesynth.com/), and SunVox (https://warmplace.ru/soft/sunvox/ https://warmplace.ru/soft/sunvox/).
dharma1 5y ago
Not to mention euro rack isn't particularly wife friendly and doesn't have patch recall! Maybe get something semi modular to start with, like a Behringer Neutron

scarecrowbob 5y ago

I love my eurorack gear but holy hell it's by far the most expensive way to make the boops beep. I have a Moog mother that I use when I want to teach folks synth stuff, but it'd be a really limited as an instrument.

DennisP 5y ago

Depends on the kind of music you do. Eurorack isn't great for polyphony, so for a keyboardist a good polysynth can be a better idea.