Hello,
I’ve been look around for something a bit different to add to my setup to use with the Hapax. I’ve always want to get into modular, but feel like semi modular is the best way to go and just see. I love ambient music. My current gear is:
Digitone 2
Digitakt 1
Novation Peak
Bluebox Mixer
For effects I’m using send effects to my iPad. I’m not sure of this yet and wonder if a physical effect device would be better for this, what do you use here too?
Thanks
I’m already a few years lost in the bottomless abyss of modular, and I’m sad to tell you that it sounds like you’ll end up there sooner rather than later. Join us. 
My slippery slope was actually the Korg Volcas, then tinkering with VCV Rack alongside a Digitakt, then Digitone, then “just a little rack for a couple of modules”, then ultimate financial ruin.
If I were going to go the semi-modular route with what I know now, though, I think the Moog Mother-32 is definitely where I’d go. I’ve never used one personally, but lots of people I respect seem to love them, and they have a lot of flexibility.
The closest I’ve got to a semi-modular is the Deckard’s Voice module for my Eurorack, which i bought as my gateway ultimately to mortgaging my least-favourite kidney for a Deckard’s Dream. It’s quite a particular sound, but I absolutely adore it.
I have lots of semi modular and zero modular things. My thinking was “Eurorack is is too expensive I’ll save money by staying semi modular” and … it’s not quite correct.
From my own experience I can recommend the Behringer Neutron or maybe Proton (I chose the Neutron because it’s gnarlier, but Proton might fit better for ambient).
If your budget is higher, the moog Labyrinth is really amazing and works surprisingly well for ambient. You have to open up to its almost collaborative approach to making music, but it fits in really well with the Hapax in that regard too. Or a moog Subharmonicon, which is still on my wishlist (and has a cheaper Behringer clone, unlike the Labyrinth at this point).
I can’t recommend Intellijel’s Cascadia enough for a powerful semi-modular synth. The sound is amazing and can go far beyond basic subtractive tones. I have a pretty decent-sized eurorack system, but the Cascadia is still a centerpiece even with all of the capabilities of the “regular” modular system.
I’d have to recommend the Taiga as one of the most interesting semis out their currently. I guess you could consider it a hybrid east-west coast synth with FM, wave folders, LPGs, and a phenomenal filter.
I would (and did) go with 0-coast. Utilities make or break modular, and 0-cost is one of the best price to utility (and fun) ratios out there.
I was going to ask what would be a good semi modular to go with to use with the Hapax and what did you use for FX?
Thanks
Oh wow I was just looking this up! Does it have built in fx? Looks very interesting and pairing with the Hapax and a way to learn modular.
That does look amazing.
These are some great ideas, maybe it’s best go semi modular, the Proton, Labyrinth and Taiga look nice. Oh there is so much choice, I’d need have an fx pedal or something though or use my iPad for that.
This is such a useful reply, I need to read it again later and go through it again. Semi modular seems the best way to bridge the gap to full module and see if it’s the way to go. I’d like need to add some FX somehow though as ones like the Neutron is only dry and sound so good with a nice reverb.
You always need a good reverb. Or six.
For modular, and semi-modular, modulating the effects is often a key part of what makes it unique, so that’s why there are so many amazing fun effects modules in Eurorack.
One thing I found strange at first, though, is that there aren’t as many reverb modules as you’d initially imagine. I’m fairly sure it’s because reverb tends to be an end-of-chain effect, and not one that you will typically want to modulate that much, like you would with most other kinds of effect. That means that, even for full modular, you often want to run it out to an end-of-chain reverb, either in the DAW or via a pedal or effects unit.
(There is the Strymon Starlab, of course, but that’s a bit of an outlier, and I’d rather have the very similar pedal that doesn’t take up a huge amount of precious space in my limited rack. Most other in-rack reverbs tend to be very small modules that just plug and play, or part of a multi-effects unit like the MFX.)
If you’re unsure of what FX to get I’d say a good start is the Zoom MS-70CDR+. Lots of effects to choose from, can chain multiple in a row and it’s battery powered and sounds good. Once you find certain setups you like with something like this you’ll be better prepared to make purchasing decisions in the future.
Yeah, I’ve got the MS-70CDR myself and it’s quite neat. I barely use it myself because I like hands-on controls and specialized pedals offer more of that. But I’ve also somehow managed to add distortions to it, too - it’s possible if you look for it.
If you already have an iPad, that’s very cool too!
MFX does look very nice as does the other 2 pedals you mention. Also FX Aid.
I’ve also been looking at how I can use VCV rack to process FX too for an interim test/learn. Doesn’t look that easy though. I need to use an Audio8 with my Motu Audio interface it seems.
I’ll give another vote for the MS70CDR as a great, inexpensive, stereo multi-fx box. You can pick up a used one for <$100, and a new one won’t cost you much more. Zoom Effect Manager (Zoom Effect Manager) will allow you to freely load any of the Multistomp effects from all their other pedals. Get the MS70 though as it has stereo I/O.
i would start with vcv rack since its quite the same result. get a big touch screen that transforms to a horizontal surface. there is a dell thats not too expensive, link below. to me most modular oscillators just dont cut it unless youre FMing them. actually a deepish FM might qualify for ‘semi-modular’ like preenfm2. blofeld also has a big mod matrix. FM is all in how you use it! if you must have patch points and cables etc, id say PWM Malevolent is a good starting point. you can add a behringer or 2 in there like the neutron or crave etc
The new Seashell by Instruo looks pretty sweet.