From: Les Mizzell (lesmizz@bellsouth.net)
Subject: Modular Synth - My New System - Part One
Newsgroups: rec.music.makers.synth
Date: 2001-12-07 02:14:53 PST

Modular synths never really come up on this group very often, but they're
out there. You don't have to buy vintage to get a great system. There
companies like Modcan, Serge, Wiard, Arrick (synthesizers.com), Analogue
Systems, MOTM, Analogue Solutions, Doepfer........

Anyway, after going years of really missing working with a modular, I've
decided to put one back into the studio again. Thought I'd post the progress
bit by bit as I assemble my system and let everybody know what the results
are...

I took delivery of an Arrick QKB15S (synthesizers.com) keyboard controller
today. The Arrick is a 5-octave keyboard controller that generate control
voltages. I thought long and hard, and finally decided that running a
modular off a MIDI controller with a MIDI to CV converter just wasn't the
way to do it. Control Voltage all the way as far as I'm concerned! The
Arrick *will* convert incoming MIDI signals into control voltages as well,
and transmits MIDI, but that won't by my primary use.

Build quality of the controller is excellent. The mode selector knob feels
good and tight and clicks firmly into place when selecting among the 4
available modes.
My main controller in the studio is a Yamaha KX88, so I'm used to playing a
weighted controller most of the time. The QKB15S isn't weighted, but has
just the right amount of firmness to it to keep me comfortable.

The wood finish is very nice, and is going to look great once integrated
into the studio. I'll start posting pictures on a site I'm setting up soon
as I begin changing the basic layout to accommodate new stuff.

My only gripe is that I would have preferred to have the MIDI connections on
the back panel of the keyboard instead of on the left hand patch panel.
Won't be using MIDI very often with it, so perhaps this is a non-issue, but
ergonomically it just makes more sense to me than where it is now.

I cannot yet talk about controlling any modules, or the quality of the MIDI
to Control Voltage conversion with the QKB yet, as I don't have any modules!
I'll be using the controller for a hybrid Modcan, Arrick, Serge system that
I will be putting together over the next 6 months or so. (No banana jack
jokes please!)

Reviews of modules and how everything integrations together as soon as more
parts begin to show up! I expect my first batch of Modcan (banana jack based
system out of Canada) very soon.

Good job on the keyboard there Roger. Can't wait to start playing sounds
with this thing!

This is exciting! I really miss my days in the electronic music lab at
school. There was a new Arp 2500 system with two cabinets, an Arp 2600 and
an Aries, and to be honest, I did plenty of work in there that simply blows
some of my MIDI/Computer stuff away!

Les