Things To Buy Real Soon Now...
From the original Analog Industries archive. Some links and images from that era no longer resolve.
I’ve got a mental list of things I’m going to get in the not-too-distant future. These first two will finally complete my Analog Effect:
Moog MF107 Freq Box. I don’t know why this thing appeals to me so much, but I literally can not wait until it comes out. It occurred to me that with this, the ring mod, the LPF, and the phaser, I’m actually dangerously close to having a modular synth again, something I swore off semi-permanently last year. Well, as long as I don’t buy a MIDI-CV converter, I’m still safe, right?
Eventide TimeFactor. I already have an Eclipse so this is somewhat superfluous, as there is literally nothing in this box that the Eclipse can’t/doesn’t do. However, it’s an Eventide delay in pedal form, and it will finish off my Analog Effect nicely, and I even have the perfect spot for it, and it’s such a pretty blue…
Waldorf Blofeld. Essentially a Microwave Micro Q in a desktop form-factor, with some extra shit, right? In any case, I like desktop units because I can just keep ’em all on a shelf and pull the one I need out, and they all occupy the same footprint.
So, those are the next additions to my lil’ studio that you’ll be hearing about as they become available. What’s on your List?
46 comments
i thought the blofeld was more of a MicroQ and not a microwave? have they published more info?
Whoops. Mistype. Fixed now.
-CR
Yeah im waiting for word on the Blofeld, I bought a Microwave XT about two weeks ago and its really a hot synth. Now I'm lusting for a Micro Q (they should be in stock in stores by next week.) I'm going to wait for the Blofeld to see which one is going to work better for me.
i spent my precious time away from my booth with the access boys and their booth at namm 07. i gotta say that i'll go hungry to get the new virus ti desktop. the new os update is solid, i love the logic integration as a plug-in and the arp creator is inspiring.
what's the reasoning for swearing off modulars? is it a workflow thing?
The Timefactor is next on my list, too. Analog Heaven is expecting them in mid-to-late March. I'd considered the eowave Spacebug, since I was after a table-top delay and it's cheaper than the Eventide, but eowave doesn't have any made at the moment.
But, Chris, I'm confused: digital delay = part of your Analog Effect?
I just blew my wad on a Universal Audio 2-1176. All I can hope to pay for next is the splitters I'll need to run an Octopre and Manley DVC simultaneously to desk and SSL converter box. Last year I had to spend a lot on small stuff. Hopefully in the next couple years I can concentrate on pre's, comps, and mics, then musical instruments forevermore, as those are the truly fun purchases. Speaking of mics, the M-Audio Sputnik has gotten some incredible stellar reviews, very tempting.
Analog is a catch-all term these days that means "sounds old." It has nothing to do with what it actually is. ;-)
As for swearing off modulars, it occurred to me that the $3300 I spent on the Blacet modular and the $499 I spent on this Evolver resulted in roughly the same sounds, and the Evolver is the size of a video cassette, while the Blacet was the size of a small refrigerator, and the Evolver can remember its patches. Of course, I can't do some things with the Evolver, but those things are generally stupid, and I have work to do.
-CR
Slightly off topic... but this thread reminds me how interested I will be to hear the Analog Industries review of the Future Retro XS that is slated to hit the market this year :]
There won't be a review, because I won't be buying one. But FutureRetro makes excellent products, and have excellent customer service. I've bought their stuff before, and I'll probably get a Revolution at some point.
-CR
On the off-topic: After spending time on Doepfer/modular boards, it's depressing how many people are trying to find some backdoor-bargain way to a Minimoog, when, all told, a decent used Minimoog would cost less than a stack of modules + controller and actually would sound and feel like a Minimoog.
The reasons for getting into a modular are the same reasons for getting into British motorcycles.
what would be the reasons for getting into british motorcycles?
i was planning to start a very small plan b euro rack system soon. i like the idea of experimenting within defined limits. i enjoy using supercollider but it is not as immediate as i would like. that said, i am just pursuing a hobby and said "stupid things" are probably my bread and butter :)
Oh, by all means, if you have the time and the inclination, modular systems are a blast. But ultimately, I'm a very immediate person, and it was just a big money/time pit for my uses.
-CR
I'm still not sure if I should be lusting after the UA DCS Remote Preamp or not. Anyone hear this thing yet?
"what would be the reasons for getting into british motorcycles?"
If you like being wrist-deep in the mechanical blood and guts of the thing, and you're willing to trade modern convenience and reliability for some sort of vague, ill-defined mojo, and if you want to get chatted up by complete strangers when you stand next to the thing, then a British bike/modular of any nation is the ticket.
That being said, I share your "experimenting within defined limits" tip. I built a rack made up of Doepfer and Analogue Solutions modules, mostly filters, a couple LFOs and random voltage generators, and some other utility modules. As much as it can be a PITA to lug and set up, it sure is fun to play, and I enjoy the inability to bring about the same sound twice.
After your Evlover post from last week, I've had an itch for that little devil. I went to GC and played with a PEK for awhile - a little more muscle than I need, but it sure was fun.
I've also been toying with the idea of an Avalon 747 - can anyone talk me into or out of that notion? I work entirely in the box, with all of my external synths and fx running into the inputs of 2 x 828mkII's - I envision sending tracks and groups out to a 747 and back in again just to give them a little more character. Possibly also for the occasional master bus processing. Thoughts?
Cue someone telling me I should invest in better converters instead in 3...2...1....
I also swore off modulars years ago. I love them, but realized it's like model railroading - loads of fun but not to be confused with actual productive railroading (or musicmaking), unless you want to write TO the sounds, which I don't.
The UA DCS preamp.... remains to be seen if it's up to snuff. It's too cheap, given the fancy remote control with built in monitoring fx, to be in the same class with the 610, 110 or that nice discontinued one based on the 2108. For $1200 you've got several nice choices (vintech, langevin, grace), and if you can do with just a single channel, lots of really stellar choices from a V72 repro to Chandler Ltd. Germanium, pretty much anything you like short of an original API, Neve or Massenberg in the used market.
If you really need a two channel pre, but not the fx or sexy remote particularly, I'd look elsewhere and go for quality over zazz. ..it pays off big.
Next up is acoustic panels. I'm building them myself based on Auralex Sonosuedes, only I'm not about to pay $1200 for suede fabric on top of 705 fiberglas. After that, god help me, I'm thinking about a third ADAM S2A so I can mix in 5.1. (Well 5.0, then a Sub10 to upgrade to 5.1)
good for you synthetic. auralex is a ripoff. it doesn't bother me so much that they charge way too much for their effective products, but the fact that they sell so much shit which is purely cosmetic and totally useless for acoustic control really is annoying.
...blastioff. Mike, how about an API A2D for $1600? you get the great pre's and the improved AD all at once for what would be a reasonable price for the pre's alone. Since I guess you do mostly overdubs, this would give your sound a big improvement for the $.
Comparing modulars to British motorcycles and model railroads is spot-on. Coincidentally, just last night I was looking at X-Y tables for my drill press with the notion that it would make it easier to drill holes in both PC boards and panels for my modular. One of the X-Y tables I was considering is sold by a tool company that seems to cater largely to model railroad construction.
I'm not sure that I really have anything on my List these days.
--Adam
when you look at something like the Evolver.... well, modulars are just expensive. I'm blown away by the the evolver but i like all the possiblities of the modular. Don't even try and compare modular price to the evolver... it's rough, but then why isn't there a patchable eveolver? As much as i love the evolver the modular is still a lot more fun to play with, and the possibilties a bit more open. It's only like trains and shit if your into the DIY thing... other than that it's about as simple as any synth to install maintain. And the same synthesis principles aplly for sound design, just more options. If only the evolver had cv/gate, heh! dave smith hates for you to ask that since he pretty invented midi... but, sadly never really anyone improved on.
"One of the X-Y tables I was considering is sold by a tool company that seems to cater largely to model railroad construction."
Micromark?
(I'm a geek on so many levels.)
Mike: If you're looking for a little color/analog voodoo, you want to be looking somewhere besides the 747. The word "clean" doesn't begin to do justice to Avalon products. You get out what you put in, only louder. Keep in mind that with high-end pro audio, the "color" that you hear spoke of is largely imperceivable, and very subjective. A good mic pre simply doesn't color anything. That's why it's expensive. If you go in to your purchase expecting some magic dust to be sprinkled on everything, you're going to be sorely disappointed.
Now, if you actually _want_ magic dust (i.e. color) I think the Cranesong HEDD is probably your best purchase, if you have the coin. Magic dust is its stock in trade, and it is a top-quality A/D/A besides. The API A2D looks like a fantastic deal, but again, you're not really going to hear things better. If you recorded something through low quality (e.g. MOTU) pres, then the A2D/747/whatever isn't going to fix that; if anything, it'll make it worse. However, the HEDD just might.
-CR
hmmm...the A2D, as you know is a pre & DI box, in addition to being a converter. it sounds like Mike is sequencing and/or playing hardware and printing it into the computer. since that can be done in multiple passes, running everything thru those API opamps & trannies and API AD conversion would be a big improvement over running the synths thru his MOTU stuff, don't you think? And if he ever goes to mixing OTB, he'll be better off capturing it with the A2D than a MOTU. I agree it won't spout "magic dust" but quality audio sounds quite a bit more magical than prosumer audio, no?
of course the first modular in a box was the oberheim matrix 12 & Xpander. That'd have been a room full of emu or polyfusion modules.
Thanks to those who took the time to respond. I try to have conversations like this with my girlfriend and it just doesn't work out so well.
Chris: I wasn't necessarily looking for the "magic dust" - I've been let down by that quest before, as I am sure we all have (although the UAD Neve plugs certainly come close sometimes).
Although I try to incorporate my beloved outboard synths and fx as much as possible, I am increasingly turning to soft synths and fx (a special thanks to my AD plugs!). I find that sometimes it's difficult to obtain separation in my mixes when using too many soft synths, and one of my cures (warning: subjective analysis approaching) for this problem is to take a part or group and run it outside of the box - maybe through an outboard compressor,eq or a synth filter. When it comes back in, it tends to sit better in the mix. Now this is probably just because I'm crazy and the D/A/D conversion is dirtying the sound, thereby making it stand out from the pristine tracks left behind.
I guess I was intrigued by the possibility of the 747 because 1.) it's a stereo unit and therefore would be better suited for my uses (processing stereo busses and groups) 2.) i was assuming that you could drive the tube stage via the input and add a bit of harmonics 3.) i've heard nothing but good things about it's eq section, basic and fixed as it may be.
The HEDD looks very cool indeed, although a pretty hefty price tag. I'll trade someone a bag of Twizzlers for one...mmmm Twizzlers....
i'm finally giving in & buying a PT HD2 next month
partly cos i'm getting us$4500 trade on my (very) old
TDM system (as in Nubus PTIII)
& before anyone rails against the idea, I need the track count
plus 5.1 panning/routing as I deliver to a PT equipped film dub stage...
but next on the fun purchases list will be:
ringtone pedal
http://www.zvex.com/ringtone.html
echolution pedal
http://www.pigtronix.com/products/Phi.htm
& maybe on the mic list, if i ever get to test one
a core sound tetra mic
http://www.core-sound.com/TetraMic/1.php
Anyone on this list should own an Evolver. As Chris notes, the price/performance ration for the lil' desktop one makes it more or less free. It isn't a full-blown modular synth, but it contains worlds. Seriously. At least go play with one.
As far as my studio, my lust is to actually spend more time working with what I have - to make patches every week on the Evolver or Ion or Reaktor synths or Absynth or SOMETHING.
I find it all too easy to lust after gear - sure, I'd love me a Moog Voyager, or more likely I'd just get the Poly Evolver Keyboard - if I had some money - but I feel like I barely use what I have. I'd rather make more tracks/patches and have LESS gear.
Which reminds me - anyone know where I can get a sustain pedal for an old Fender Rhodes electric piano?
An evolver desktop and a kp3, kp3 imo has stage mojo, plays drumloops and glitch style fx, not to mention it takes away from the no im not checking my email syndrome, I'll take 2 kp3's, and throw in an MFB SynthII while your at it. Minimal,effective,both synths have seq with banks and are portable, kp3 will do me for drum loops and mangling. Oh and a a new Fender/Roland Jammie with the midi pick ups. Than I awaken, should just save the coin for the Boomchik!
Want to get an evolver and other cool electronic toys, but first I'm getting an electric violin (expensive) and a pair of A7s. I also think I should spend more time figureing out the depths of what I have, which could take a while. I'm kind of frustrated with the Ion, though. It sounds really pretty, for a VA, but I haven't really been able to get any sounds with real balls or grit out of it except by running the oscillators through my sherman.
damn, I just checked out that pigtronix echolution someone mentioned, and it looks really sweet. Even more than that eventide. Does anyone know when they will be available?
my next thing is either the dangerous d-box, the upcoming ua monitor master or just a coleman. something along those lines.
W
Yes, the X-Y table vendor is Micromark. I think I'm going to get the one from littlemachineshop.com, however. The price is about the same, the specs are about the same, but the latter is made entirely of metals whereas Micromark's is partly made of "engineering polymers" which is a euphemism for plastic, I assume. Somehow a plastic drill-press vice just doesn't do it for me.
Even aside from the DIY issues, I still think that the person who compared modulars to model railroading was right. We're not talking about maintenance, which is indeed about the same (in my case, dusting stuff off with a feather duster). The point is that working with a modular is an activity that can become all-engrossing in itself and not lead to any particularly practical outcome. My modular brings me a huge amount of amusement and delight but it's far from being a practical instrument.
I used to have an Xpander, too. Nice instrument, except for the incredibly mushy envelopes.
The Boomchik is definitely on the List--I forgot about that. However, it's currently nothing but a poster and a bunch of conversations between Dave and Roger, and I try to avoid lusting after gear that doesn't actually exist.
--Adam
re the pigtronix echolution
i emailed them to ask price etc...
"The Echolution is $469.99 and worth every penny.
If you like the triplet and double heads on the Roland tape delays, wait till you hear the Golden Ratio delay!
You can order the pedal directly from us. 50% up front will get your pedal started. The build cycle is 6-8 weeks. The balance is due upon shipment of your Echolution."
they have no dealers here, so not sure if they sell direct in usa etc...
I had looked at the Echolution recently. Cool looking thing, only trouble from my perspective with it is that it doesn't have stereo inputs. Which isn't a problem for guitar or most synths, but I wanted a portable delay to use primarily with a sampler that does have stereo outs. I could just not connect one input, but why bother when the Eventide does have stereo ins?
I remember when I used to ride my Honda CBR600 (rice rocket) to the Rock Store with buddies (that's where hundreds of bikes of all types converge on Sundays in the summer in SoCal), the only thing the Harley types and sport bike types could agree on was laughing at the poor fools breaking their legs trying to get their Norton/BSA/Triumph P.O.S to start! My Honda ran like, well, a Honda, as did the '72 (!) CB500 that preceded it (I regret selling that bike more than I regret selling my Roland Vocoder, and I LOVED that vocoder!).
I have a .com modular that I'm doing monthly play with. I don't know what my past motorcycle ownership says about it!
This may be somewhat in my head, but the reason I got it was because I figured being all discrete, it would make the best bass sounds ever (though depending on your deifinitions, it isn't 100% discrete, as there's op amps all over the place). And I figured that it would do crazy audio range modulation really well, because I love a laser more than Dr. Evil.
But I hate the whole nerdy fat dude vibe... who's never actually created a hummable song in their life that is usually the owner of a modular. And maybe a train set. And 12-sided dice. And lots of other things that prevent interaction with naked women.
It's kind of weird that modulars (and lots of other synths) have become a hobby for some that has nothing to do with creating songs.
mitchell
I think there were a really great comment about modulars...
> unless you want to write TO the sounds, which I don't.
It is a fucking daily struggle to avoid this pit. And I think I avoided the esoteric modules or random voltage generators and the like while concentrating soley on lots of different filters. Regardless of the tone of the VCO - and there are opinions out there claiming it has as much to do w/ the sound as the VCF - there just is something special about quickly patching between a CS80 to a MS20 to a 904A filter. And that is something which really can't be done w/o a modular.
"It's kind of weird that modulars (and lots of other synths) have become a hobby for some that has nothing to do with creating songs."
Mitchell,
I'm not surprised because I saw the same thing happen to guitars. There's an entire genre of guitars and amps that are exclusively for collectors who will shuttle the instrument off to a humidity-controlled environment and maybe take a picture of it for the back page of Vintage Guitar Magazine. The only people you see playing top-end PRS guitars are endorsees and doctors.
When you start seeing synth modules in mother of pearl and rosewood, time to katy bar the basement door.
I need a stereo pre (or a pair) to hookup to my folcrom rms216. currently i have one chandler germanium preamp/di, one Millennia td1 and one UA Solo 610. I had been thinking of buying a second chandler but i am now thinking of going a different route. I had pretty much decided to buy the Great River MP-2NV but overnight i have developed a strong interest in the Daking Mic Pre IV. Then, there is of course the Portico. Anybody have input/experience here. Or any other suggestions (the guy at L&M insists i should buy the Presonus ADL600 that is on sale right now).
I figured this was applicable as this is what is on MY wish list.
Neilium-
I was actually thinking the exact same thing when I wrote that (I play guitar too). I guess the difference is that there's really nothing you can't do on your tacky $23,000 PRS mother-of-pearl inlayed dragon monstrosity that Carlos Santana once pissed on that you can't do on a $400 Mexican Strat (especially if you put nice hardware on and have it set up really well... now it's $600).
In a way, it's even more revolting because at least modular nerds are using them, as opposed to owning expensive guitars in the Cameron's dad's Ferrari kind of way.
Mitchell
Well, at least now the modular re-enactment guys have Youtube so that they can share with the world how they are able to power up their gear.
In my own defense, emanations from my modular have appeared on two commercially released CDs. I'm not overweight, either. I am white, however.
--Adam
I'm way the fuck fat and white, but I've actually gigged my modular, and it didn't sound at all like Tangerine Dream or Yellow Magic Orchestra.
I certainly didn't mean to imply that there weren't ANY musicians making "real" music with modulars... (if you send me hate mail about 27 minute tone clusters being a song, I will shoot you in the head... I know it's music, just not the kind I'm talking about or want to ever listen to).
there's Reznor/Alessandro-whatever his name is (though I don't think Trent's ever come even close to PHM or Downward Spiral), there's Depeche Mode (who haven't done crap since Violator...), oh yeah, there's Goldfrapp who are fucking divine and there's modular synths ALL over their shit. I'm sure there's more. I'm about to whack out some guitars for a soundtrack through mine... may the force be with me!
mitchell
Vermona Retroverb...much more than a spring reverb.
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