Modular duophony + analog keyboard splitting

[RD9]

I guess you can file this under analog modular duophony...

Pardon the noob question, but does anyone know if it's possible to split an analog keyboard such as an MS-20 or SH-2 if you connect it to an external modular system? And also, if that is programmatically possible, is it possible to play bass sounds locally and simultaneously play lead sounds (if sending cv/gate to an external modular)? I'm guessing it's probably not possible with a monophonic keyboard, but please correct me if I'm wrong.

If it's not possible, does it mean the only way to play a modular duophonically is to use a polyphonic MIDI keyboard where you send on two channels (bass + lead) to separate oscillators on your modular? Can a Doepfer system do this?

[theglyph]

I could be wrong but I believe the only thing available to give you what you're looking for is:

http://www.cluboftheknobs.com/polyclavier.html

If you're doing this via MIDI you'd need a keyboard which can be split to two separate MIDI channels and then somethings like this:

http://bigcitymusic.com/index.php?main_ ... ucts_id=77

[RD9]

Ugh... looks really expensive. Maybe the easiest way to do it is just use two mini monophonic keyboards side by side that send to two separate modular sets.

[sqweebking]

Would it be possible to run the cv from a mono keyboard into a splitter and then put a variable resistor on one of the outputs to reduce the voltage to the desired octave? This seems like it should be possible..

[theglyph]

Ugh... looks really expensive. Maybe the easiest way to do it is just use two mini monophonic keyboards side by side that send to two separate modular sets.

Yeah, this is the best way to go for what you're interested in! You can rout each keybard's CV and Gate out to the particular modular setup for bass and lead!

Considering your modular journey you need to go to:

http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/

Cheers,
Aaron

[theglyph]

Would it be possible to run the cv from a mono keyboard into a splitter and then put a variable resistor on one of the outputs to reduce the voltage to the desired octave? This seems like it should be possible..

You could send the keyboard CV out into a comparator and use a specific voltage point to change a voltage controlled switch. It's tricky and would require several modules but perhaps it's possible.

[moremagic]

There was also an ARP "learning system" keyboard that had individual CV, gate, & trig outputs for the low and high notes. Pretty rare, but itd be just what you want.

[Automatic Gainsay]

The Synthesizers.com modular controller is capable of duophony.

[pricklyrobot]

This is the most economical poly MIDI-to-CV device I've come across: http://www.elby-designs.com/polydac/polydac-about.htm
I think he sells them assembled as well as in kit form.

[RD9]

The Synthesizers.com modular controller is capable of duophony.

Awesome, thanks. That's exactly what I was looking for. I wonder if that's solid wood? Looks like it weighs a ton.

[hfinn]

I can't imagine it weighing that much... probably no more than your average 49 key midi controller.

[Synthacon]

I have dabbled with Modular polyphony twice now.

My first system was an RSF Kobol rig, it had 4 Kobol Expanders, an Expander 2 and was run from a Polyclavier. This gave me a nice 4 voice system with lots of extra patching capability as well. However I was never pleased with the outcome to be honest. Obviously the main reason to play polyphonically is for chords, but it just did not sounds right at all to me and I tended to get better results form a dedicated poly.

The second time I tried this was with a 3 cabinet System 100M and 184 controller I got from Jay Kay of Jamiroquai, whilst this sounded totally different from the Kobol system in regards timbre, the basic results were the same.

I think Modular gear is best for mono lines to be honest.

[Automatic Gainsay]

The Synthesizers.com modular controller is capable of duophony.

Awesome, thanks. That's exactly what I was looking for. I wonder if that's solid wood? Looks like it weighs a ton.

It is solid wood, but it isn't heavy at all!

[chamomileshark]

I've set up an arrangement like this myself. I had a polyphonic keyboard (Roland U20 - they are very cheap now) and Kenton Pro 2000. I assigned low note priority it channel A on the Kenton, high note to Channel B - then routed the A and B CVs and gates to the modular.

[RD9]

I've set up an arrangement like this myself. I had a polyphonic keyboard (Roland U20 - they are very cheap now) and Kenton Pro 2000. I assigned low note priority it channel A on the Kenton, high note to Channel B - then routed the A and B CVs and gates to the modular.

Woah, cool. Is that just a note priority hack? So you can play bass notes with the left hand and lead with the right?

I also just found this interesting Doepfer unit called the Dark Link which would allow you to connect a MIDI controller and control up to four CVs. Pretty cool, but it's not out yet I think. There's a desktop version for Dark Energy as well as a modular version A-190-3 (for the A-111-5 mini synth units). It seems that you can chain two A-111-5 modules to get a duophonic analog synth for about $1200.