I am building my first synthesizer, and I have questions

[Weirdofromouterspace]

first question: say I buy a pretty basic synthesizer, can I buy separate modulators and then hook it up to the synth so it'll effect the sound the synth makes?

Not sure whether I understood your question correctly. You can, however, use sound modulating FX units such as chorus or flanger (and that includes typical guitar stompboxes) with the (any, that is) synth.

can I put 2 different pre-made modules from two different companies together? so they'll work together?

Check out they're compatible for your system before buying, but basically yes. Using modules from various manufacturers is, erm, not really uncommon .

There are different modular systems. For instance, the Moog and MOTM modules use 5 height units. Eurorack (the German company Doepfer is well known for these modules) are considerably smaller (3U, and they use 1/8" plugs instead of 1/4" as in the 5U modules).

[willbanks]

first question: say I buy a pretty basic synthesizer, can I buy separate modulators and then hook it up to the synth so it'll effect the sound the synth makes?

Not sure whether I understood your question correctly. You can, however, use sound modulating FX units such as chorus or flanger (and that includes typical guitar stompboxes) with the (any, that is) synth.

can I put 2 different pre-made modules from two different companies together? so they'll work together?

Check out they're compatible for your system before buying, but basically yes. Using modules from various manufacturers is, erm, not really uncommon .

There are different modular systems. For instance, the Moog and MOTM modules use 5 height units. Eurorack (the German company Doepfer is well known for these modules) are considerably smaller (3U, and they use 1/8" plugs instead of 1/4" as in the 5U modules).

aww i was making blue prints and doepfer was looking really good for me, damn. what i meant is like if I got one synth, and say it didnt have a LFO. could i get a LFO module and then link the external LFO module to work with the synth?

[Stab Frenzy]

If you're talking modular, then yes to both.

[meatballfulton]

if I got one synth, and say it didnt have a LFO. could i get a LFO module and then link the external LFO module to work with the synth?

When talking about self contained, hardwired synthesizers, in general the answer is NO.

When talking about modular synthesizers the answer is YES.

From everything you have written so far, you want to build a modular synthesizer.

[willbanks]

if I got one synth, and say it didnt have a LFO. could i get a LFO module and then link the external LFO module to work with the synth?

When talking about self contained, hardwired synthesizers, in general the answer is NO.

When talking about modular synthesizers the answer is YES.

From everything you have written so far, you want to build a modular synthesizer.

yeah, im still a newbie to it so im sorry if im irritating you. This is everything that has happened:
I want to build my own synthesizer to save money and have some fun. I understood that you buy different modules for different effects, but when it came to putting it together, I got really intimidated.

I though modules were boxes, and all you had to do was get one of those wires and connect it to something and you're good, but it got extremely technical and above my current knowledge. The biggest problem I had was the oscillators and where the power came from, so I thought "Why not just buy a basic synthesizer, then attach different modules to it?". What you're telling me is that isn't possible.

All I want is for someone to just say what I need, not how to, what I need. I want to get the list down of what I should have, then I will dedicate the time to learning how to put everything together, then I will order and assemble

But everyone here just links pages to articles and doesn't tell me. I can't find answers there, and even if I could I have ADD so I just can't read those. I need a straight answer or visual learning help. People here don't seem to understand that, and I don't know what is so hard about just telling me a list, you know?

I still respect everyone here and mean no offense, I just wish I had a go-to person that could just tell me, I hate having to read these articles and I never get anywhere.

Thank you so much for replying, and hopefully you read everything I wrote. I just hope this project doesn't fail. I don't have a degree in this stuff, in fact I'm in my junior year of highschool. But my parents support me and I just want something to start with (again, I know all there is to sound design and what every module does, but the problem is the assembling of said parts.)

P.S. Is it possible to get a mentor or teacher for this kind of stuff? Like local or maybe online?

[Weirdofromouterspace]

I though modules were boxes, and all you had to do was get one of those wires and connect it to something and you're good, but it got extremely technical and above my current knowledge. The biggest problem I had was the oscillators and where the power came from, so I thought "Why not just buy a basic synthesizer, then attach different modules to it?". What you're telling me is that isn't possible.

You can actually consider a 'classical' analog synth (e.g. a Minimoog, but it also applies to more recently developed units such as the Arturia Minibrute) as a combination of firmly connected, non-changeable modules - VCOs, VCF, VCA, envelope generator, LFO and so on. Advantage: It is all together in one ready-to-use-synth. Disadvantage: You cannot easily select or switch to a different module.

With a modular, you get to choose the VCOs you prefer, the filter you prefer (for instance a 24 dB/oct Moog style lowpass, or a state variable 12 dB/oct lowpass/bandpass, etc.) and so on just as you like. It is you who decides what goes into the synth. Want a third, fourth, fifth or sixth VCO? Buy and add them to your system. Want to be able to choose between the two aforementioned filters? Get one module each, install both and use them as you like.

All I want is for someone to just say what I need, not how to, what I need. I want to get the list down of what I should have

That's simply not possible. Of course you'll want 2 or more VCOs, filter(s), LFO(s) and so on, but which and in which combination is your decision. The freedom of choice is what makes a modular so great and unique. No one else can decide for you what you want or need.

There are hundreds if not thousands of different modules available from various manufacturers. No one but yourself can decide which ones are the right for your own personal setup.

[willbanks]

I though modules were boxes, and all you had to do was get one of those wires and connect it to something and you're good, but it got extremely technical and above my current knowledge. The biggest problem I had was the oscillators and where the power came from, so I thought "Why not just buy a basic synthesizer, then attach different modules to it?". What you're telling me is that isn't possible.

You can actually consider a 'classical' analog synth (e.g. a Minimoog, but it also applies to more recently developed units such as the Arturia Minibrute) as a combination of firmly connected, non-changeable modules - VCOs, VCF, VCA, envelope generator, LFO and so on. Advantage: It is all together in one ready-to-use-synth. Disadvantage: You cannot easily select or switch to a different module.

With a modular, you get to choose the VCOs you prefer, the filter you prefer (for instance a 24 dB/oct Moog style lowpass, or a state variable 12 dB/oct lowpass/bandpass, etc.) and so on just as you like. It is you who decides what goes into the synth. Want a third, fourth, fifth or sixth VCO? Buy and add them to your system. Want to be able to choose between the two aforementioned filters? Get one module each, install both and use them as you like.

All I want is for someone to just say what I need, not how to, what I need. I want to get the list down of what I should have

That's simply not possible. Of course you'll want 2 or more VCOs, filter(s), LFO(s) and so on, but which and in which combination is your decision. The freedom of choice is what makes a modular so great and unique. No one else can decide for you what you want or need.

There are hundreds if not thousands of different modules available from various manufacturers. No one but yourself can decide which ones are the right for your own personal setup.

well alright. i'll buy oscillators but I just don't know how to get it to work, cause apparently I need some power supply and I don't know how that works.

If I make a list of what I decided to buy, would people be willing to say if I have everything I need for a basic synth? Cause I want to build a basic one.

[meatballfulton]

All I want is for someone to just say what I need, not how to, what I need. I want to get the list down of what I should have, then I will dedicate the time to learning how to put everything together, then I will order and assemble

But everyone here just links pages to articles and doesn't tell me. I can't find answers there, and even if I could I have ADD so I just can't read those. I need a straight answer or visual learning help. People here don't seem to understand that, and I don't know what is so hard about just telling me a list, you know?

Go to the pAiA website and order the 9700s synthesizer kit.

If you are in the USA order this.

If you live outside the USA order this.

The only other thing you will need to buy is a keyboard with a MIDI output jack and a MIDI cord.

[Jabberwalky]

What I'm getting, is that you want a pre-built modular. Not something you want to build from scratch (soldering components)? Right?

[willbanks]

What I'm getting, is that you want a pre-built modular. Not something you want to build from scratch (soldering components)? Right?

yes, I want to order pre built parts and then put them all together. But HOW??? Do I get a wire and connect them? Do I just use a cable and plug one into the other? does each part need to have a power source? does each part have to be connected to some sort of master power source? No one will tell me and I can't find these answers anywhere! It seriously pisses me off, and it's such a simple question, why don't you just say instead of linking articles with thousands of words!

I'm not trying to be rude but I just want a yes or no because I want to get this project going. It just makes me mad how people are telling me different things when this is how simple I can break it down:

-I buy pre built modular from different manufactures, will they work together? Yes or no?
-How do I connect these pre-built modulars? Do I use a cable, or do I need to buy some power supply? Do I link it to a already existing power supply?
-What is the most essential parts of a synth? What do I need to actually make it work? Like do I need a power button?

I am not building my own modulars, I'm building my own synth by putting pre made ones TOGETHER. I don't know how the message isn't getting across.

I hope you or anyone else wasn't offended, please don't. I just want help. I just don't get it...

[meatballfulton]

-I buy pre built modular from different manufactures, will they work together? Yes or no?

If they are in the same format...for example, Eurorack which is currently the most popular. You need to buy a chassis which usually has the power supply built in. If not, you buy a power supply for the chassis. Then you buy whatever Eurorack modules you like.

-How do I connect these pre-built modulars? Do I use a cable, or do I need to buy some power supply? Do I link it to a already existing power supply?

Each module has a connector that plugs into a backplane in the chassis. You need nothing else.

-What is the most essential parts of a synth? What do I need to actually make it work? Like do I need a power button?

The power supply will have the power on/off. The essential parts of a typical synth: one oscillator, one filter, one amplifier, two envelope generators. If you plan to use a MIDI keyboard, you also need a MIDI interface module. You can buy keyboards that use control voltage (CV) rather than MIDI in which case you do not need the MIDI interface. If you plan to use a sequencer only and never a keyboard, then buy a sequencer with CV output. Then you will need something to plug the synthesizer into so you can hear it...if you have a stereo system that will work.

Are you in the USA? I would call Shawn at Analogue Haven in California and discuss with him your budget and what you want to do. He is a dealer for most of the Eurorack manufacturers and can help you order what you need.

I am not building my own modulars, I'm building my own synth by putting pre made ones TOGETHER. I don't know how the message isn't getting across.

Because you wrote "I want to order pre built parts" rather than "pre built modules". then you wrote about "parts" and "wires" instead of "modules" and "cables". That implied you were going to build everything from scratch.

Then you wrote "I can't find these answers anywhere! It seriously pisses me off, and it's such a simple question, why don't you just say instead of linking articles with thousands of words!". All we have to go by is what you write. You have to ask the right question to get the right answer.

[willbanks]

-I buy pre built modular from different manufactures, will they work together? Yes or no?

If they are in the same format...for example, Eurorack which is currently the most popular. You need to buy a chassis which usually has the power supply built in. If not, you buy a power supply for the chassis. Then you buy whatever Eurorack modules you like.

-How do I connect these pre-built modulars? Do I use a cable, or do I need to buy some power supply? Do I link it to a already existing power supply?

Each module has a connector that plugs into a backplane in the chassis. You need nothing else.

-What is the most essential parts of a synth? What do I need to actually make it work? Like do I need a power button?

The power supply will have the power on/off. The essential parts of a typical synth: one oscillator, one filter, one amplifier, two envelope generators. If you plan to use a MIDI keyboard, you also need a MIDI interface module. You can buy keyboards that use control voltage (CV) rather than MIDI in which case you do not need the MIDI interface. If you plan to use a sequencer only and never a keyboard, then buy a sequencer with CV output. Then you will need something to plug the synthesizer into so you can hear it...if you have a stereo system that will work.

Are you in the USA? I would call Shawn at Analogue Haven in California and discuss with him your budget and what you want to do. He is a dealer for most of the Eurorack manufacturers and can help you order what you need.

I am not building my own modulars, I'm building my own synth by putting pre made ones TOGETHER. I don't know how the message isn't getting across.

Because you wrote "I want to order pre built parts" rather than "pre built modules". then you wrote about "parts" and "wires" instead of "modules" and "cables". That implied you were going to build everything from scratch.

Then you wrote "I can't find these answers anywhere! It seriously pisses me off, and it's such a simple question, why don't you just say instead of linking articles with thousands of words!". All we have to go by is what you write. You have to ask the right question to get the right answer.

yeah I am bad at fully explain things, when I made the original post I didn't know the right words to use. I got really irritated and I apologize.

So, for this chassis, do I need one for the entire thing? Or one chassis per module? And I'm guessing I have to buy them seperatly?

Also, why do I need 2 envelope generators? What's wrong with one?

[Jabberwalky]

You should also check into Pittsburgh Modular. If you stick with everything from them, you know it will all work together as a base starter setup. They also sell the synth block, which is a fully functional synth in one module, which you can expand upon once you feel you understand how things work.

http://pittsburghmodular.com/foundation-3-1/

However your quote "I want to build my own to save money" is simply unrealistic. You'll start to see that when you price out your own modular.

[meatballfulton]

So, for this chassis, do I need one for the entire thing? Or one chassis per module? And I'm guessing I have to buy them seperatly? Also, why do I need 2 envelope generators? What's wrong with one?

Here's a chassis:





See the connector for a power cord on the back? This one has a power supply in it. You can also see the backplane (the green board with connectors on it attached to the back panel).

You put your modules into the chassis like this:



Yes, you only need one envelope generator, most people like to have one for the amplifier and one for the filter, but that's your choice.

What is your budget? It would be a lot simpler for you if you just bought a standard system with the modules chosen for you. That way when you open the box, you're ready to go.

Pittsburgh Modular System 10.1 $709 is ready to go but half the chassis is empty for you to add more modules as you have the money.



Add any keyboard with a MIDI output. Here's one for $76:



Then a sound system of some sort...your stereo, a guitar amp, powered speaker...

[willbanks]

So, for this chassis, do I need one for the entire thing? Or one chassis per module? And I'm guessing I have to buy them seperatly? Also, why do I need 2 envelope generators? What's wrong with one?

Here's a chassis:





See the connector for a power cord on the back? This one has a power supply in it. You can also see the backplane (the green board with connectors on it attached to the back panel).

You put your modules into the chassis like this:



Yes, you only need one envelope generator, most people like to have one for the amplifier and one for the filter, but that's your choice.

What is your budget? It would be a lot simpler for you if you just bought a standard system with the modules chosen for you. That way when you open the box, you're ready to go.

Pittsburgh Modular System 10.1 $709 is ready to go but half the chassis is empty for you to add more modules as you have the money.



Add any keyboard with a MIDI output. Here's one for $76:



Then a sound system of some sort...your stereo, a guitar amp, powered speaker...

my budget is about $1,000-2,000. first off, thank you so much for explaining what a chassis does, I'm starting to get how everything works. so this means if I order one from euro rack, it'll be ready to go? if so then awesome. do they come with a built in power supply too?

you said "modules chosen for you". does this mean I can get someone to recommend me the best parts, or does it mean I order the parts and it is put together by someone else?

I have a sub woofer system and a keyboard with MIDI support so that part shouldn't be a problem. but since my speaker only has one plug, it would only go to the module system. I was hoping to be able to have the modular system to be able to play through a DAW. I'm sure it's possible, and there is probably some device that allows one speaker cable to go to multiple devices.

and the premise modular system you suggested me getting looks great, I'll look into it more.
thank you again.