[jnovek]

I tend to thing that non-modular is a better place to start. Modular is great, I've wasted untold shameful consumerist dollars on Eurorack, but I think it's better to get the core concepts from a well-known fixed-architecture synth (like a Minimoog clone/VST) before moving on to modular. Modular can be very overwhelming when you're new.

[jghn]

To this point, are there any free/cheap apps/browser apps that clone simple/older/well known synths you'd (or others here) would recommend for skilling up a bit? Doesn't need to be anywhere near pro quality sound-wise, not what I'm after.

A million years ago I had some analogue korg model and have been interested in playing around again. But I know myself well enough to know that my interest may very well be fleeting and I don't want to invest much in the way of $$ to go that route.

[nprateem]

Sylenth has a free trial. Garageband probably has an analogue synth in it. There's also v station:

https://stgdownloads.novationmusic.com/novation/novation-sof...

[jnovek]

I’m a fan of Helm but it’s got some complexity under the hood.

If you’re an iOS user there are a ton of good soft synths on iOS that are criminally cheap. E.g. Moog has a version of the Mini that’s like $15.

[diggan]

I guess semi-modular is a good half-way :)

Personally, I'm not into modular synths, so I don't recommend them as "Stop buying synths and start doing modular synths" but more like "If you're already into synths, but want to learn more about how they actually synthesize the sound, give VCVRack a try", merely as a learning tool.

[jnovek]

That’s fair, I misunderstood GP’s post thinking you were making that recommendation to total noobs. Modular definitely has enough rope to hang yourself.

If someone is going to buy a hardware synth to learn on, I think a well laid-out semi-modular that has a good default signal path is a good way to go. Just ignore those funny 3.5” jacks until you’re ready.