-----Original Message-----
> From:
ModularSynthDotCom@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2005 5:50 PM
> To:
ModularSynthDotCom@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [ModularSynthDotCom] Re: Looking for affordable modulars...
>
>
> Hi,
>
> I know its been a while since this was originally posted but hears my
> spin.
>
> Firstly, I have owned many modular over the past thirty years. Buchla,
> Serge, Roland (700), Korg (3200), Digi, Doepfer, every ARP modular
> ever made, even PAIA, and many more. I currently own two Moogs (IIIc
> and an Model 25) and a s.com. I sold my Doepfer once I got the s.com.
> While Doepfer does offer a "crazy" selection of modules, this (and the
> rather lame build quality) is what was frustrating with Doepfer. And
> since the methods for sound generation are very unique to Doepfer it's
> difficult to predict what the outcome of your patch will be till you
> hear it. That can mean that basic synthesis will be counter-intuitive.
> More of a trial and error approach.
>
> And getting your fingers in between the patch cables to twiddle knobs
> because the modules are so small and so compacted with "endless
> possibilities" it is impossible to even make delicate adjustments with
> everthing in the way, even other other knobs get in the way of the one
> you're adjusting. And the sounds are not that spectacular anyway,
> relatively speaking, but that is subjective. I find I create the same
> complex sounds with my s.com as I could with my Doepfer.
>
> By the way, IMO the Buchla is the most interesting in terms of sound
> quality. It is very unique and has an ethereal quality about it, even
> with simple patches.
>
> It was the build quality and bad access to the modules once patched
> that drove me crazy with my Doepfer and prompted me to find an
> alternative. Understand I use my modulars both for recording and for
> live, so access and ease of use is a very important consideration. So
> even though my s.com is twice the physical size of my Doepfer, even
> with a smaller module count, I can do as much and do it easily in
> real-time. Ok ... so it's seven feet tall. But you have to see peoples
> faces at a live show. hehe.
>
> For myself the only great modulars built today are the s.com, the new
> Buchla, and MOTM. Oh yes and the new semi-modular Macbeth M5 if you
> like the 2600 thing. The other great thing is that MOTM and the s.com
> (and vintage Moog as well) use the same module sizes and are
> electrically compatible. Also if you need a patch cord all you need is
> to buy a guitar cable from any music store. Ever try to find a high
> quality cable with 1/8" plugs on it?
>
> Doepfer is what we call proprietary, which means it is designed with
> only using Doepfer products in mind, and compatibilty is a non-issue
> for them; powering, module sizes, patch cords are all somewhat unique
> to Doepfer, and you have to custom build cables and power-supply bits
> to make it work with anything else other than old ARP products, the
> Concussor, and the RS Integrator. That's a problem and shortsighted on
> their part. The "keep it simple dummy" rule is one that is lost on
> Doepfer. For instance they are the only current manufacturer that uses
> a +12v,-12v,+5v power supply scheme. And the form factor is eurorack
> ... eurorack! Grrr....
>
> The other thing is Roger Arrick, the guys at MOTM, and even Don Buchla
> are very accessible, communicate all the time, and really care about
> making their customers very happy. Roger is probably the best at this
> out of the three. That was the thing that really sold me on s.com
> modulars.
>
> Doepfer WAS a great entry level system with some advanced features for
> a while, but these newer manufacturers are much better at keeping it
> simple and pure, at all levels, and modular synthesis is all about
> purity anyway. Never again will I buy Doepfer. It's an old dog with
> too many tricks, and nothing but tricks and gimicks, and not enough
> real power, just lots of (cheap) jacks and toooooo many possibilities
> to be practical. Besides, all the gee wiz bang things Doepfer's do can
> be duplicated with any of these other synths given enough modules and
> a good working knowledge of how to design a patch anyway. In reality,
> all those "possibilities" present too many options and tends to slow
> you down trying to use them all or some or one. IMO the peopole who
> love Doepfer are people who want to do as little patching and real
> synthesis as possible, that's why a module that does sixty'gizillion
> things is appealing to them. Honestly, if that's what you want, go buy
> a Nord "modular". ok ... I'm kidding here ... sort of. You want a
> complex waveform generator, then synthesize one using a bunch of
> oscillators, noise, and maybe even a s&h, and I bet you can come up
> with "endless possibilities" too.
>
> For you, I'd say go with the s.com and I'm sure you'll be really
> satisfied in your investment, which for you is going to be a huge
> percentage of what you earn over the next couple of years.
>
> Just my perspective, one drawn from owning just about everything over
> thrity years. I think that counts for something.
>
> John LeVasseur
>
