All user reviews for the Clavia Micro Modular

polyphony 1-4 vote
99 programmable patches on PC
4 pots to grind live
2 buttons to select the patch
2 audio inputs and two audio outputs (mono 6.35mm)
1 headphone jack 6.35mm
1 + 1 MIDI IN MIDI OUT
1 PC IN 1 PC + OUT (MIDI connectivity, to edit patches on PC)

UTILIZATION

To play this synth, no lizard, one branch and it works. To edit the sounds with the PC is the modular synthesis thus a complex hair still ... but incredibly creative! and then the possibilities become endless.
The +: a small box that is autonomous once set for the live is handy.

The icing on the cake is the presence of audio inputs, which allow you to use the bug to apply effects, and even make the vocoder!

SOUNDS

I pretty much used the MM, probably because I found it easier sounds I was looking elsewhere (eg my MC909). I mostly used for bass sounds very synthetic and fat, and 2 or 3 times a dilapidated kind vocoder effect. I also find it fun to produce layers of sound that change randomly.
I used a little electro live for a moment, driven by the sequencer of my MC909.

This is clearly a synth and studio tool rather than focused on realistic electronic sounds, and requires the user a little experimentation, but with all the sounds that can be downloaded can possibly happen to wire boiboites on the screen! (I find it amusing ... I switched to Reaktor!)

OVERALL OPINION

A decade of intermittent use, sometimes with very long pauses (it must be two years that I have not used but writing this review makes me want to get back!)
Never technical problem.
And especially the original sounds that can change at will and can even create from scratch and effects

I do not remember the price at which I bought it, but I do it again this choice without hesitation (!)

everything has already been said.

UTILIZATION

easy to use as synth.
A program on the PC is more complicated, you must have some knowledge of synthesis.
It is possible to download sounds on the net, there are millions of patch.
It can hold 100 at a time.

SOUNDS

I had a lot of synth and frankly this one because of the price bin and I would not sell ever. The sound quality is superb, the virtually endless possibilities. Very good quality leads and all octaves. Very low acid incisors fatter than my or my RADIAS JP8000.
Synth less "crazy" than my ms 20 but a must have!!
Oh yeah and he also vocoder can process external audio signals.

Brief for the electro synth of any kind that will remain a classic I think (used by many artists)

OVERALL OPINION

Report his / size unbeatable.

Price / sound quality unbeatable.

case solid knobs too.

To possess!!

I will not go on characteristics: see previous posts! (And yes, I know, I scrolled!)

UTILIZATION

We can not say that this is exactly "simple" to use. But at the same time time, this is not the deal!
It is, indeed, a certain grip ... but it is largely paid off! I know that for me the MM is both a great learning tool that creation.
There is an effort to provide the box but we give a hundredfold.
The manual is very well done, clear, and especially allows a learning curve from the simple (eg, audio input, an effect module and output) to things more complex modules vocoder or FM synthesis.

In my practice I find the editor more stable than XP on Mac (some bugs we learn to avoid (especially related to renaming the modules, at home, on mac crashes systematically editor) but a good overall performance on OSX 10.6)

SOUNDS

That is the big argument MM. As it has been said in previous reviews: it sounds really good! A true digital sound especially powerful and truly versatile.

Of course, the GM has many restrictions (especially polyphony) but I think it is an object that requires a kind of critical approach. An attitude similar to that one can have against Max (even if the possibilities of MM are smaller of course). I must face the beast comes up with an idea in mind, a function, a journey that we want to inflict on her.

He serves primarily as a module improvisation in real time by exploiting this aspect (as Mark Harris fell) to combine in the same patch an IN / OUT with treatment (filters, distortion, compression) of the stream "live" with oscillators and noise generators etc.. I then uses a BCR2000 to control various parameters. So I can have on hand sounds very "raw" live oscilloscope but also a processing tool with filters etc..

OVERALL OPINION

I use it since 2007 (I think).

This is the first module of the type I had.
I think in the abstract whether I could afford a G2, I will! Restrictions on the MM are real: the DSP is mainly home often stuck between 95 and 99%. (Which does not affect the operation of the synth: if you have enough DSP while traveling, if there is not enough, there is no sound).
That it requires two finishes

Also, since I use it as much as possible live, the fact that it is sometimes a bit monotimbral frustrating.
(For swing mode Duracell (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3tMYTSImnY&feature=related)!!
But for the price paid (200 euros) at the time, I am more than satisfied!

Here is the little brother of the Nord Modular. In this small box you will find:
1 volume knob
3 assignable knobs
Display a 'patch number, etc.)
Three navigation buttons (Shift, in, in December)
2 mono inputs
2 mono outputs
1 headphone
1 MIDI in / out for controlling MIDI Classic
1 MIDI in / out for dialogue with the editor.
A power connector (external transformer)

Remember the basic principle of the series of Modular: to have a modular synth as in the days of analog modular monsters, with the advantages (scalability, power) without the drawbacks (stability, storage, etc.)

For this, a Modular has built-in DSP (1 for the Micro, 4 for the Modular) that will be loads of calculations in real time.
To program the device, it has a graphical interface Mac / PC which will interact with the machine via a MIDI port DEDICATED. not about to use the same port that sends messages of notes!
This creates its patches on the screen by selecting modules from more than one hundred (oscillators, filters, effects, etc.) and linking them by cables virtual.
In addition, each parameter of each module is assigned to a controller on the Modular and / or traditional MIDI controller, and controllers are available morphing (simultaneous action on several parameters in different ranges of values)
Once a patch created, it can be saved on the machine and / or on the computer (you can save hundreds of patches in memory in the Micro Modular), and you can disconnect the Modular, and go play elsewhere.

The maximum polyphony is directly dependent on the complexity of the patch (if your patch is 10% of the capacity of the DSP, you can get 10-note polyphony, etc.. Beyond 50%, you are limited to a single note polyphony)
The craft is the coup monotimbral in the classical sense (1 = 1 DSP patch load)

Treatments are performed in-house bits/96kHz 24, the input converter operating in 16 bits/48kHz and output in 18bits/96Khz

The OS of the machine is updated very easily with the free version available on the website of Clavia, using the MIDI connection dedicated to the editor (each corresponding new OS has a new editor)

All in a very sturdy metal case, with a workmanship that commands respect ...

UTILIZATION

It's be clear: if you not have some basic understanding of the synthesis, you will not make a sound out of the machine.
If you have some knowledge and if you like the sound design, then you will enjoy!
The editor PC / Mac is very easy to use and configure. Once the dialogue established with the modular, you start with a blank or existing patch, you select your modules by drag / drop, and you connect with a few clicks! The standard Windows keyboard shortcuts work, you can open a patch, copy / n colleru module group in another, etc ... It is as simple to define the MIDI controllers that will manage your settings and edit controllers morphing (4). It is important to note that a parameter is bound to a MIDI controller, it is in the receive and transmit any message received by the controller of Modular updates the parameter and any updating of the parameter causes the emission of the message controller. We can thus use the bench as Modular Controller.
The editor has inteliggents simple tools, such as a keyboard (no need to drive the MIDI synth while editing, you can try a few notes quietly), sounds a browser (on the PC / Mac and the bank of synths), a display utility assignments controllers, etc.
If you do not see anything or get lost in your patch, be aware that each module can be renamed, the cables can be hidden, and the color chosen based on their role (and there are cables that carry an audio signal cables vehicualnt control signals or triggers, etc.).
In short, everything is designed to simplify your life and focus on your sound creation!

The manual is more than enough, it is very complete! Each module is accurately described, after parameter settings and usage examples are given!

SOUNDS

What can I say, this type of gear is so special ...
With all modules, we can address the synthe subtractive, additive, FM, physical modeling, and even wavetable synthesis or granular! Nothing prevents you want to even mix these types of synthesis!
The audio inputs can be used directly, in real time, and the input signal can be retired, is ideal for DJs!

So that difficult to talk about sound .. All we can say is the sound "in general" the modular is clear, precise, ultra dynamic ....

Otherwise, there is limited only by your imagination and the computing power of the machine!

The modules presented are divided into several groups
0) between outputs (MIDI, audio, detection of notes, etc.)
1) oscillators (all waveforms of subtractive synthesizers, banks sinus for additive synthesis, formant oscillators for drums)
2) LFO (various forms, clocks, random generation)
3) filters (static dynamqiues has adjustable slope or not, analog emulation, a vocoder - bands)
4) envelopes (ADSR, AR, crossovers, etc.)
5) mixers (n entries, switch, faders, multiplexers, faders)
6) sequencers (notes, events)
7) controllers (portamento, constants, mixers, etc.)
8) logic (slogiques is, comparators)
9) audio (phaser, chorus, delay, distortion, overdrive, wrapper, etc.)
What you suggests the power of the machine! Not only found all the modules of a conventional analog modular synth, but digital has added several modules unpublished, such as sequencers, sound modules, etc!
You can create a "piece" complete with rhythm, bass, etc. in a single patch!

OVERALL OPINION

I have this wonderful toy for 2 years and I keep discovering new things ...
If you add all features that a highly active mailing list allows you to chat with pundits of the synthesis, the Clavia site is full of workshops made by these same pundits, supporting examples, allowing you to dominate topics sharp enough, and that there was currently tens of thousands of patches available on the Internet, you finally only one regret: why I do not have enough money to buy the big brother, allowing greater polyphony (especially)!?

A few small regrets in bulk:
1) the limited polyphony quickly (but for the sound-design and effects, this is enough)
2) External power supply connector a bit fragile
3) the need to have at least two MIDI ports to make it work if you want to edit a sound and control via sequencer simultaneously

This small module for its red DIMENSIONS comparable to a minimum or a DSI Mopho Waldorf Blofeld is very well described in the previous opinion, that convinced me to try the adventure. Thanks to him the tricks of AF published in the section "tutorials and tips" are mine and make the trip possible.

That's how quickly a modular synth managed by a dedicated dsp motorola (unlike a VSTi that uses the DSP computer ....)

The polyphony is very just that the sounds are too complex (you can load the patches of modular, but sometimes it's scouik, as in the time!)

I am the driver with a lead north, and on the go with oxygen.

The editor mac is very well done and we just listen patches before loading to customize its micromodular.

patches of plants are not great, it's a little demo, it shows what you can do but they must be replaced according to his tastes from a selection pretty huge.

While a virus you offer an infinite number of its loan in the box, but this is not the same price and it forces us to customize the machine and just so we can get for I think a better return ...

UTILIZATION

trouble-free connection for me on the mac and patch management and loading easy.
The manual is very large, and very discouraging for those not used to the synthesis modluaire ...
the edition is easy to know that, but it can not be alle rau pif comm ESUR a lead north .... need to know a little.
but already it sounds somewhat from existing and modified slightly to tame the thing

SOUNDS

No I have not had time yet any load and listen ... it can be duplicated will lead the North, but I have the impression that it makes a kind of expansion, and the vocoder is not bad.

after if you want the sound moog, must take a moog!

OVERALL OPINION

I do not use the last two days so that I would from time to time ....
See list of stuff.
bcp I like the compactness, the filter keyboard to live on the mill, unwanted sounds ever so we can prepare his set
J loves not the power connector super fragile (like korg MicroX etc ...)
I'm not sure the sound is as big as the North has lead ... see ...

We will see in use. I wanted to take a dsi Mopho starting to add some leads live. but the opportunity presented itself, and as I adore the Nordlead ...

I will not return to the architecture of the small red box, the notice below explains everything well trs. If you need a little briefing on synthtiseurs modular, you will find here: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synth% C3% A9tiseur_modulaire

And all there is to know about The series of Nord Modular is here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nord_Modular?oldid=cur

Everything is configured from the computer to which the creature is connected via a pair of MIDI I / O ddies ... It is the strong point and weak point of the machine:

- Strong point because everything is related internally in the micromodular, to run it simply an old laptop running XP 50 euros hand and a good MIDI interface ... Or even an old Win98 desktop interface with a MIDI port parallle.
- And that was the weak point! One thing to know before buying a modular is that you buy it with MIDI than using the Previous Owner ' In fact, the only way I know of whether an interface is compatible is to try it. And fawns all forget the low-end interfaces such Prodipe.

Everything is editable in real time and settings of the software (not too practical live), the three knobs of micromod (not too convenient either) or with any MIDI Controller (a behringer BCF UC or evolution do the job well trs).

The big intrt of MM is its small size, it fits in a jacket pocket. And the default is that it has an external power almost as big as him.

UTILIZATION

The configuration is as complex as that of a true modular synthtiseur. This is normal, it is! But unlike a hardware synth, you can find dozens of patches on the net and plenty of tutorials particulirement well made (see the trick that I post) that will help you understand how the gear - expect a few months to adapt when even if you never touch a synth in your life.

SOUNDS

The sounds are what you do, nothing more, nothing less. Once familiar with the principle of the editor and synthse modular, you will find sounds amazing. And you will find yourself as I often do let it run a patch "noodle" and the costs, staring into space, without touching anything A patch is a patch of noodle gnration more or less random image noise that can gnrer the brothel fawn glitch / noise or pretty Młoda running alone. When I finished bader, I often use to improvise over, and I love: having as support a improvisation gnrateur Młoda seems random image of a man alliance / extraordinary machine.

The rev limit is M. computing power, the complexes will often monophonic patches ... vowed, and a system 100, an ARP 2600, EMS Synthi is a polyphonic? In fact, almost the total modular hardware synths are monophonic!

A function that is not often on the GM is using as a module of effects: one can use the audio inputs, use the modules to produce effects. And we can all make, including a real delay (600 ms-1 sec max depending on how you ProCD and what you put on the other) and a rverbe for a small tip. Not to mention the effects such bizarrodes step phaser, filters callus tempo, etc.. Magic!

OVERALL OPINION

I've had a year and my Nordlead ct 2, and as it is screwed in the office and he is not ready to leave - unless one day I find a Modular Rack change or I win the lottery.

It filters all in the studio, dirty sound of the Micron, it's bizarre effects with the Electribe. And the more he plays himself as I said above.

A must have!

Analog modeling synthesizer, publisher via software such as "modular". 1 in/1out noon sharp to the editor, and 1in/out noon for the game

4 pots, 1 and 3 assignable master volume. Fully configurable midi.
Polyphony by percentage of CPU utilization. Example: one using 50% of its resources, polyphony is 2.

UTILIZATION

The general configuration is a little confusing, since it must inevitably a multi MIDI input / output for playing and editing sounds. On the other hand the microphone does not output MIDI Through, which is quite annoying. The manual weighs a few pounds, and the grip is not instinctive for the neophyte in analog synthesis. However, after a few hours and with thousands of free sound banks making available on the net, not a real problem, everyone can get out of something. Although very

SOUNDS

keyboard type, the possibilities are endless sounds. It is neither more nor less, a classic Modular with a single processor instead of 4. Just go see the comments on this synthesizer.

Despite its small size, modular micro Rams 99% of analog synthesizers numerical modeling. The low point in all extremes, the highs can be hissy, piercing, soft, deep ... The sounds available are so diverse that it fits in almost any studio, regardless of the type of music. This is the keyboard, everyone uses it, and it's nice to have the sound of the synths that are usually worth 10 times more. Imitations of tb 303, sh 101, Moog and other junk are very different from the originals, but have almost the same potato. We took the opportunity to do some experimentation, and with minimal training are lots of low pork (no kidding, sometimes 909 tr swimming in the mist on the side) or acid loops absolutely insane.
Despite the limited polyphony, I 'm regularly serve, and for 10 years. Like all synths of this type, we never really did the trick.

OVERALL OPINION

I took it to replace my heavy synths and heavy to carry: my minimoog, the system 100 and other trinkets of 15 pounds that are boring like everyone to use. Start synths slowly, the keyboard remains. Unthinkable without them. On occasion it is around 200 euros, it's really unbeatable. A look at Korg elektribe and their sounds-squeaker squeaker, there's no picture: in this price range is one of the best choices.

However it is difficult to learn, and sometimes we would like some more polyphony, especially on complicated sounds that are usually monophonic the coup. I found the answer: I bought a second.

Little more: it is indestructible. I dragged around in backpacks, he slept outside, has trailed in the dust, smoke, never had a squeak or a loose connection.

virtual synth expander module the size of a guitar pedal, but it contains a Motorola DSP.

2 in and 2 analog audio out

Modular architecture is a software program from WinXP or OSX MacOS9 see (but less stable, which is not too serious because when the app crashes, the machine does not crash and just restart the app)

2 midi in out:
Midi in and out for communication with the computer programming of the gold (otherwise it is not used)
Midi in / out for connecting a keyboard or a controller (the midi out not used here only connect the controllers used it seems t)

24 bit 96k seems to me there but to be confirmed on the other hand, as a starter I think it's 18bit 48khz.

This patch contains 100 usable without computer course.

I put 10 because at the time, except in midi programming and limiting the DSP, it has not aged a bit!

UTILIZATION

The machine is autonomous, a faith that its patch creation and registered in the machine ON A COMPUTER NEEDS MORE! ! ! And this stage is to hell because it does not crash ever, it does not take place and it sounds downright better than many other digital.

The app is free and downloads on the site. The patch made only weigh weigh a few kilobytes for sending email easy to exchange.

The manual is quite complete but I can very used because the modular architecture is finally simple to my taste than machines to interface defined.

It's simple, it creates the machine if you want a classic analog synth type, cable is an oscillator, filter, an envelope (which manages the amplitude at the same time), an input keyboard, and its output was Basically, if you want complicated, there are lots of different modules (the synth in some ways our dreams ).

Each module takes a percentage of the DSP (like in the 8% power oscillator with a lot of features, like a filter through a filter of vocoder cons without generator takes 50%). Unlike a soft, here you can download the PSD to 100% without any problems it poses (or a CPU is showing signs of fatigue and becomes unstable at 70%).

We can assign three pots that we want but we can also easily assign midi controllers.

There is also a combination of keys on the module that allows you to send a note.

The Micro Modular is much more convenient for my taste as modular or modular keyboard that can be 18 pots and 4DSP (so a 4 x Micromodular) but are slower and less convenient to change patch ...



SOUNDS

It's digital does it well! The sound has character and even some sounds are difficult to reproduce with the Modular G2 cons I think the audio inputs are correct, but no more (compared to Modular G2 audio inputs which are one level above).

He can make the drums banging, good analog synth style sounds (literally good for the digital), comprehensive treatments etc. crazy! ! ! It is a modular architecture so we can shape the sounds in his own way.

There is no latency problem if it is that these converters. The machine lets you create your own multi-band compression algorithm for example, or to make a home vocoder (!), Although the patch integrated vocoder sounds really great (for a digital of course) and already provides all sort of possibility as transposition of frequency bands etc etc. ...

In short, the machine is a killer especially for the time! ! !


OVERALL OPINION

I have two choices and I would do this without problems of course! I tried many before and since machine

I use this machine for about ten years I think and I also use the Maudular G2engine (because less bulky than the keyboard as much as I rarely use the keyboard eventually).

(I had a Micromodular and bought a rack Nordmodular I finally sold it to buy a second Micromodular I find more convenient.)

The value for money is easy, there is no equivalent to the G2 hand but that does not exist in this format and arrested the Clavia Modular G2 the same ...

(Which is a shame ...)

This small machine got ALOT. The only thing i miss is some memory for making my own delays n' stuff + use own waveforms in an oscillator. 2 an-inputs and 2 an-outputs (and phones ofcoz..). 2x2 midi (1x1 control and 1x1 data). 4 knobs (one for volume, 3 for user defined controlling) + 3 buttons. (2 of them can act as a 4th controlling-knob). I use OS version 3.03

Price paid: $300 USD

UTILIZATION

Do you know how a modular synthesizer works? Then it's no prob.. the editor is very easy to use. If you are interrested in how a synthesizer works... this must be one of the best ways to learn!

SOUNDS

Well.. this is imho the best VA (after it's mom and dad, nord modular rack and klav.. same synthesizer but with less DSP power). Most dynamic and best sounding (it can do all nord lead 1 and 2 sounds with some work).

OVERALL OPINION

I've misstreated mine pretty much.. it has never acted strange (except before i throwed away my old midisport 8x8 interface that just didn't seem to handle the modular). It's very good built. The knobs really knows their place.

I'm gonna get the nord modular klav... some day..

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: Unknown ( 5-, 2002)