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RME FIREFACE-800 [2008 – ]

I set out to get a decent audio interface, and this is it. Plenty of ins and outs, and solid as a rock. 

The way this works, as opposed to an analog mixer, is this: when the analog mixer sums all, say, 12 inputs to a stereo pair (= two outputs), these are then sent to the computer’s left and right input channels (seen by the DAW as left and right, respectively), this one sends each input as a different output to the DAW software. So with a standard analog mixer I can only record one instrument at a time onto one stereo track, as mixing several synths in the mixer together wold result in several synths ending up on one and the same track, which is undesirable. The FireFace publishes all channels as individual audio ports to the DAW, meaning I can simultaneously record all my synths so that they end up on different tracks in the DAW. Moreover, I can have realtime effects on these tracks and monitor each synth live on its own track.

Wow.

Insanely flexible routing with hte accompanying mixer software. I stopped using the Yamaha when I got this. Highly recommended.

Got another one later as well…

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ROLAND SPD-S [2006 – 2013]

Yeah! Drumming again! This is just what the Octapad should have been. The mechanical noise is about the same as the DTXPress pads, so this is quite drummable even late in the evening, and it’s really compact. 9 pads, plus two trigger inputs. It turned out I could patch my modular synth in such a way that an ordinary switch pedal can function as a (non-dynamic) kick drum pedal. I can also send triggers to it using an analog sequencer, or just about any method to generate analog gate signals, to trigger the drum module. And every time it triggers, it also sends a MIDI note, so I have a nice gate-to-midi converter 🙂

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SHURE SM-58 [2006 – ]

I need a mic. I’m not picky. My brother said this was good, and I keep seeing it everywhere. And it’s been great. It still is.

I would not want to be this microphone. The stuff it has been forced to listen to…

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WIARD MODULAR SYNTHESIZER [2006 – 2015]

The more, the merrier. The Wiard modules seem to be quite expensive, but I got two FracRack-format cheapies, which turned out to have an enormous impact on the realtime tweakability of the modular’s parameters: a nice little joystick and a joystick axis generator. The joystick axis generator is a kind of Modulation Matrix Lite: it takes two input CV’s, and spits them out in various ratios through a number of outputs. Up, down, left, right, and in-between, plus middle and the complement of middle. Patch in a joystick or two LFO’s, connect all the outputs to appropriate inputs, and listen to the sound change drastically and becoming really alive. The JAG comes highly recommended! 

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SYNTHESIZERS.COM MODULAR SYNTHESIZER [2005 – 2015]

My main Modular of choice. I sold my Doepfer (and a spitload of other gear) to finance this, and I am not one bit sorry that I did. The feel is very reliable, the sound is massive, and it simply looks like a modular should look. A shame I could not actually a/b the sound of this and Doepfer, but this sounds really wonderful. My plan is to build a flexible modular, which will include interesting modules from several modular manufacturers, and in which the dotcom will be the core. I have had loads of fun with this already, and this is again one of those investments that have a potential to be for life. 
At first I wanted to get a custom walnut cabinet, but it turned out that my modular Muurame bookshelf is a perfect fit for rack gear. And I have a lot of Muurame modules…

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DOEPFER A-100 MODULAR SYNTHESIZER [2006 – ]

Butt-ugly or not, the amount of available interesting modules is quite overwhelming, so I really saw no reason not to include Doepfer in my rig. As with Blacet, the idea is to complement the main modular. The first modules I got were two theremin modules, which should prove fun both to me and my daughter. Doepfer’s got a huge amount of filters and other sounds processing modules, so I think it will grow out of proportion and that I will feel quite good about it, all things considered. 

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BLACET MODULAR SYNTHESIZER [2006 – 2015]

The first “next” manufacturer to be added alongside the dotcom modules. Blacet modules come in kits or assembled, and without hesitation I went for the assembled ones. I don’t quite trust myself behind the soldering iron, I might end up with something not-so-safe. Blacet uses the FracRack form factor, and the same annoyingly small jacks as Doepfer, but I figured I shouldn’t be too picky about these things. Blacet have some fun modules, and there really is no reason not to get some, as they integrate quite nicely into what is now becoming a Frankensynth.

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MOOG MINIMOOG VOYAGER ELECTRIC BLUE [2006 – ]

A Moog. Pronounced “Mogue”. This is a heavy piece of work, and it just oozes quality. It sounds exactly the way you would think a Moog should sound. Solid as a rock and absolutely no complaints about its sonic properties. There’s one interesting design flaw, though: when the electrical cord is attached to it and the panel is lowered to its lowest position, the entire weight of the panel ends up resting on the cord. How could that ever get a green light? Oh well, nobody’s perfect.

I actually put this one for sale after Judgment Day, but nobody wanted it. Go figure. So I still have it. I would probably like to go simpler, meaning I would not mind trading it for a re-issue of the Model D. Drop me a line if you’re interested.

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