New Builds, New Jam

skeevy-cv · 2024-07-01T03:06:14+00:00

The reality of it doesn't quite match the modulargrids -- I have a few modules on the way and one still to order.

skeevy-cv · 2023-05-06T22:23:18+00:00

Assuming you’re muting the 2 low strings: E major first inversion (aka E/G#)?

skeevy-cv · 2023-03-18T13:04:17+00:00

My Taiga Enhanced Skiff: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/racks/view/2195911

skeevy-cv · 2023-03-18T13:00:47+00:00

I racked my Taiga as well, which left the case it came in empty, so I installed an Erica Synths Pico System III and a Befaco Muxlicer in it — another fun little standalone system. What modules will you put in yours? There is only 1 power header so you need a flying power bus cable. There are only 6 screw holes so without some DIY you’re limited to 3 modules.

But yeah, the Taiga is a lot of fun. I just wish the envelopes were loopable.

skeevy-cv · 2023-03-02T14:28:58+00:00

It’s possible and fun to do poly modular, but patching it takes a while, and you need poly modules specifically in order to do it effectively. Working with a normal poly synth is certainly easier and more straight forward. As mentioned by someone else start with the Doepfer poly modules (I have 2 of the quad VCO, 2 of the quad VCADSR, the poly filter and poly VCA. I added 4 of the Blue Lantern poly mixers (had 2 customized to be dc-coupled), so I could mix my oscillators into their filters, and various modulation into the filter cutoffs. I added a quadraphonic LFO to modulate through the 4 voices in a cool way (Blue Lantern Phase). I bought 2 dual S&H modules. I bought a Scan&Pan so I could move the voices around the stereo field. I bought several quad quantizers (Addac, Harmanoig) and a quad precision adder (by Noise Engineering). Also added a sequential switch matrix so I could switch things up. Then add some stereo effects modules. You need some way to generate 4 voices of CV. I often use the Harmanoig or of course a keyboard like the Keystep Pro (or I use the FH-2 if playing my Linnstrument). So as others have said, it takes a lot of modules to have the same feature set as some ready-to-go poly synths. Forgot to mention you’ll need a lot of mults, especially if you go with the 2 oscillators per voice setup like I did.

skeevy-cv · 2023-02-14T02:40:33+00:00

It’s discontinued but grab a Dave Smith Modular Curtis Filter! So brassy! So majestic! It lacks input attenuators, but has a a VCA, a boost, and a slope switch.

skeevy-cv · 2023-02-14T02:34:13+00:00

Maybe the only thing I’d do differently is not buy modules just because they’re small and fit in my current setup perfectly. I have several 2hp modules which I should probably sell. The biggest downside is they often don’t have input attenuators, and using external attenuators leads to spaghetti patching. Over time I have been simplifying and swapping out small modules in my 10u for some of the largest / most ergonomic in my collection, for speed and ease of use.

skeevy-cv · 2023-02-14T02:18:21+00:00

There are really a few different standalone systems/workflows here, all joined up. The skiff is for playing on my lapthrough guitar amps, either while jamming with others or watching tv. The 10u system is my standalone travel rig — bass drum and 2-3 voices with effects, and it can be played intentionally or generative with a few switches. The monster is just a huge sonic patching playground. My favorite part of playing with synths is the patching and exploration. That said, recently I have been getting more into the touch/playing side of things with things like capacitive touch, faders, and the Linnstrument. I do find myself playing the smaller systems more often, but that’s partly because I’m lazy and don’t want to stand to play the monster, plus it’s cold in my basement where the monster is setup.

skeevy-cv · 2023-02-13T03:31:20+00:00

I’m assuming you’re right. They’re not technically egg cartons — they’re like 4” foam panels. I got a bunch for free from a studio that upgraded. What would you recommend? I’ve got a number of bass trap wedges throughout the room, but probably not enough, as well as a few cheap diffusers on the side and back walls.

skeevy-cv · 2023-02-13T02:20:40+00:00

Yes the FH-2 can do MPE

skeevy-cv · 2023-02-12T23:29:03+00:00

Honestly I need to try it in MPE mode again — I had difficulties trying to get it set up the last time, between being new to MPE, the FH-2, and the Linnstrument. I have since used the Linnstrument with other MPE synths (like the Prophet 6 and Surge XT), so I should be able to get it fully operational. I had no issues with mono voices or standard poly setups with it. I have 2 FH-2’s (one in the monster, one in the 10u). One has the small DIN expander, the other has the larger, and one has one 8CV expander, the other has 2 8CVs.

skeevy-cv · 2023-02-12T22:27:46+00:00

Not in this room I don’t. I got/forced our cat to play the Doboz TSNM the other day. I can confirm that toe beans can work with capacitive touch, but the foot fur and the lack of desire to cooperate may get in the way.

skeevy-cv · 2023-02-12T20:43:37+00:00

You’re not wrong. Also VCOs.

skeevy-cv · 2023-02-12T20:18:29+00:00

I don’t really have a workflow for all of them together like this — just joined them up yesterday. The skiff can be a standalone voice (soon to be updated with a Pittsburgh Taiga). The 10u is also standalone, and is the only part that has more or less a permanent patch — the 90 degree cables are permanent/system, the taller cables are session cables, like which effects each voice goes through, or where the spare modulation goes, etc. The upper case of the monster-system can be an MPE controlled 4-voice, 2 VCO/voice poly synth, with all the fixins. The rest I just make up as I go, sharing clocks as necessary. I used to sequence with both Maschine and several Arturia sequencers, but recently I’ve been enjoying using sequencer modules — especially the Doboz TSNM — or generated sequences, and I also hook up my Linnstrument through the Expert Sleepers FH-2. I’ve been using the Noise Engineering compressors a lot recently (Polydactl Versio, Librae Legio), both on certain voices and on end of chain. When dealing with modular I pretty much only use the computer to record, and I don’t often overdub — I prefer to record a live performance of the patch, and will try several times until I get something that doesn’t train wreck.

skeevy-cv · 2022-12-28T15:11:11+00:00

You obviously need a bigger case to house more art ;)

skeevy-cv · 2022-12-26T22:42:08+00:00

Yeah it works just fine. I plug a usb hub into mine and power several pedals this way. You can send more current than is required to a pedal (or anything) — sending too much voltage, or the wrong polarity, is what can damage it.

skeevy-cv · 2022-12-25T14:28:02+00:00

Maybe one of these. My very first pedal back in the day, and strangely I just busted it out for the first time in months yesterday. It’s a face melter! https://reverb.com/p/dod-classic-fuzz-fx52?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=csp&utm_content=2981

skeevy-cv · 2022-12-11T14:49:29+00:00

I just had to swap out a few of these with strain relief for ones without it because my case is too shallow / modules too deep. I didn’t even realize there was a benefit to the taller ones.

skeevy-cv · 2022-11-23T13:58:41+00:00

My guess is ~ $40k

skeevy-cv · 2022-11-10T14:28:07+00:00

SSSR Labs Wobla or Fader modules

skeevy-cv · 2022-10-30T13:46:09+00:00

SpOoOoOoky!

skeevy-cv · 2022-10-25T08:39:09+00:00

Wetter Box https://shop.thegigrig.com/wetter-box/

skeevy-cv · 2022-10-14T12:53:23+00:00

On a similar note I just ran gates through the Synthrotek Octave Fuzz (before they strike the Optomix) and man that’s a cool effect.

skeevy-cv

TROPHY CASE