A modular filter bank?

RichShan · Post by **RichShan** » Thu Apr 01, 2010 1:05 pm

Chaps!

I'm currently thinking about getting a modular filter bank together. My reasoning is that there seems to be a plethora of manufacturers offering clone type filters. Doepfer, for examle, offer SEM, Xpander, MS20 and TB303 (for starters) and there are lots of other manufacturers who offer simliar types. My goal in putting this kind of thing together is to have a rack of filters which copies, or comes damn close to the filters in these venerable old machines, which to buy would cost £5k+! A rack with PSU and filters would come in at less than a fifth of that.

I'm pretty sure I'll go for a Eurorack type case. So, that means that I'll be able to use Doepfer and other european manufacturers.

My questions to the initiated are 1, whether anyone else has any experience of building this type of system. 2, How "accurate" are these clone filters? Has anyone A/B'd the clones with the original synths? 3, As I'm going to be using this for processing audio, will I need to buy envelope generators and/or source mixers.

I was planning to start small, with this filter array, and then probably build up the system later with VCOs, LFOs and maybe some of the weirder stuff out there. I don't have a lot of money to drop straight away, hence the idea of dipping a toe in the water gently.

Your comments would be appreciated.

pflosi · Post by **pflosi** » Thu Apr 01, 2010 2:16 pm

regarding 3.: yes, if I'd build such a system, I would want envelope generators and (cv and audio) mixers, as well as multiples. some manufacturers also offer instrument interfaces (guitars and mics) and envelope followers, which would be a nice addition too. LFOs and sequencers would be nice too. maybe a metasonix vca for overdriven stuff?

you could also make it stereo, if you buy two of the same filters... that would be interesting

nice idea btw.

RichShan · Post by **RichShan** » Thu Apr 01, 2010 3:08 pm

Cheers, Pflosi... Some good suggestions there. I think that that is the basic problem when considering modular systems- ie when do I stop?

But it's definitely a case of building the filterbank first...

Actually, Ill need to check that some of the audio outs on these filters are hot enough to mix... I guess I'll be needing a VCA or two as well!!!

pflosi · Post by **pflosi** » Thu Apr 01, 2010 4:25 pm

you'd definitely need a vca

SubliminalEffect · Post by **SubliminalEffect** » Fri Apr 02, 2010 8:48 am

Sherman (of Sherman Filterbank fame) had a Quad Modular Filter about a decade ago. basically, it was four customized Filterbanks plus a jack bay in one tabletop housing. very strictly limited edition to 100 units for the entire world - the distribution was allocated geographically. sales were all direct, full payment pre-order. the only one that i ever saw at a retail store was at Five-G in Harajuku (Tokyo). i have seen a few come up on eBay.

gd · Post by gd » Sat Apr 03, 2010 1:54 am

I am just starting to look into the same thing as the OP - adding an MOTM 480 and a new SEM (midi/cv).

kraku · Post by **kraku** » Sun Apr 04, 2010 9:18 pm

Analogue Solutions SY02 is an accurate clone of the MS20 filter. Highly recommended! It's the best clone of this filter. It sounds like the original, at least that's what people are saying who own the thing and a real MS20.

Analogue Systems RS500e is the real EMS Synthi filter.

Doepfer A-124 is pretty good Wasp filter clone. Check it out. Rest of the Doepfer series filters aren't that accurate clones of the originals.

soundxplorer · Post by **soundxplorer** » Mon Apr 05, 2010 7:24 pm

RichShan wrote:As I'm going to be using this for processing audio, will I need to buy envelope generators and/or source mixers.

You'll quickly find that you want as many modulation sources as possible. If the only way you can manipulate the frequency of the filter is by turning the knob with your fingers, you'll get bored rather quickly.

RichShan · Post by **RichShan** » Tue Apr 06, 2010 2:12 pm

Thanks for all the input.

It's becoming clear that I need to do a lot more research about my filter bank... I like the idea of being able to modulate the filters with LFOs and using EGs...

I guess what I'll be building will amost be a full modular but (initially) without oscillators. I'll be using my existing synths for that...

Although, as I've been looking at what's on offer from various manufacturers, I notice a variety of available oscillators and drum modules!!!

It's no wonder some people end up with cabinets full of modules

A modular filter bank?

A modular filter bank?

Re: A modular filter bank?

Re: A modular filter bank?

Re: A modular filter bank?

Re: A modular filter bank?

Re: A modular filter bank?

Re: A modular filter bank?

Re: A modular filter bank?

Re: A modular filter bank?