And how would the user interface of such VSTs be ported on the Mod web user interface?
I agree, this is not an easy task.
Yes, no doubt there is a need for a laptop and audio interface when using Jamorigin Midi Guitar 2âŚi was assuming (maybe iTxncorrectly) that these would be pretty standard pieces of equipment for most folks that are into synth guitar. I can see that this would not be a cost effective option for those without this equipment, but for those with, its fairly inexpensive and easy to set up (no gk pickup required!)âŚ
Your assumption is not wrong. Since most synth modules migrated to software starting in the late 90s, we were all thrown into a computer setup in whatever capacity. Add to that Triple Playâs doom â initially a fantastic, self-contained unit with much of the Axonâs features in a smaller unit AND wireless being turned into a highly computer-dependent flimsy plastic semi-toy.
Back in the day, I had a non-computer guitar synth rig with the Axon, a synth module, and a nice interface mixer, all in a neat rack. Worked flawlessly, and I later added a Mac mini hidden in that rack that could operate without a screen. That thing was heavy and un-flyable, though⌠I had to drive for gigs. Other people had VG units and could operate with them alone.
What I mentioned in my initial response though was âless footprintâ, not so much cost. With the smaller SY units and the MOD you probably have enough to make a lot of sound. Using Midi Guitar app, not only you need more hardware, but think of this setup: guitar > interface > computer > midi conversion > interface > midi > Mod.
(I too assume everyone here has a computer and an audio interface, so the investment in that app makes total sense. Itâs just a question of practicality and functionality on stage.)
So, if one can use the SY and MOD, thatâs a modest footprint. And with a SY-1000/GP-10, one can even input midi into the MOD. Not nearly as sharp as the Triple Play, but very usable.
Yeah I built myself a Zynthian Synth months ago (while waiting for the Dwarf) on a Raspberry Pi and itâs pretty good. Even I wanted it low cost, so I used an audioinjector cheap soundcard for the Pi, it really works good. As you said thereâs a problem with input impedance, but itâs easy to build or use a preamp.
I still want to try making VSTs work on a raspberry, even if it doesnât work, itâs worth it for the learning.
I didnât know Matt Bellamy used that setup! Having the synth integrated on the guitar is great.
1 Like
The Zynthian is cool. I had one but sold it. It had the HifiBerry custom card and my pain stems mostly from selling that one, which is no longer made. Zynthian switched to its own sound card after V4.2, not sure how good it is.
He actually used this board with Elk OS. More information on how it operates is scarce.
Elk is currently working full time towards their (fantastic!) Aloha OS, so Elk OSâs development has come to a halt. Hopefully they will pick up on that soon. The dev boards have not been produced in quite a while. When they resume production I bet my life theyâre going to be at least 30% pricier⌠Right now an 8GB Raspberry Pi 4 in Italy is selling for ~130 Euros (!!), about 45 more than less than a year ago. Not fun.
1 Like
Oy, couldnât wait. Ordered the SY1, figuring I would have some fun for a few months, then sell it on Reverb and trade up to the 200 when itâs out. Thanks for all the advice!
1 Like
Hello @SillySovietNYC,
So how do you like your SY-1?
I hope You donât mind I changed your topic title to something more informative and to categorize it under
Using Mod Devices â Setup Questions.
You might change category and title yourself to something more descriptive and/or suitable.
Greetings and God bless, Marius
3 Likes
Sorry for the late reply on this. The SY-1 is fun, but I donât find myself going back to it. Now that the Dwarf has enough synth capabilities, Iâll be selling the SY-1, as I suspected at the outset.
8 Likes