Noob Waldorf NW1 Rack - suggestions please!

Dear Modular Fans,

I'd like some help on my proposed rack, which I'd like to base around the Waldorf NW1. I currently own an Elektron Machinedrum and a Korg MS2000, and intend to control the modular from my DAW via midi.

Here it is:

The current set-up is getting towards the end of my budget. Based on things I've seen and heard on YouTube etc., the first three modules, the NW1, standard Doepfer VCO, and the filter, are all 'definite' in my mind. I'm interested in ambient and techno music and would like to make some classic analogue synth sounds in addition to more experimental stuff. I'd like to be able to send external audio, such as drum loops or the MS2000 through the synth. When the finances allow, and they are available again, I'd like to add a Mutable Instruments Clouds to the rack.

Basically I'd like some advice on essential modules following the first three. What's the minimum I can get away with?
I've chosen some Doepfer modules since they are relatively cheap in Europe, and I think my (tight) budget would restrict me to European-made modules only. I'm quite sure I've omitted some important things, and/or included modules that are not stricly necessary so I'd be grateful for your input.

Thanks for reading!

Hmmm no envelopes? You want to sweep through wavetables with complex envelopes!! Also no exponential/log VCAs for your audio?

The A-119 is a great combo with the NW-1 I'd think. For those who don't know, the NW-1 can sample, slice and load external input into user wavetables. Very slick. I like the rest of it, very cool so far.

Hi starkwether, thanks for your comments! Don't be fooled by my choice of a couple of interesting modules though, I really have almost no clue what I'm doing (yet!)

Don't sell yourself short, man! You haven't made the noob mistake of not buying utility modules to support your oscillators.

I do think you'd benefit from a complex envelope/function/slew to really animate those wavetables. The typical suggestions are the excellent PEG and of course Maths.

However both represent a significant financial investment and are American. Don't forget you might find them used in Europe with a little luck. An alternative might be something like the A-171-2, which is easy on the wallet and HP count, and does lin/log. Nothing wrong with lots of Doepfer at all!

Here are some "fun" suggestions which I think could really expand your NW-1. Note they're not essentials and are US in origin:

Warps is a bunch of cool modulation algorithms for smashing either two separate signals, or a single signal with it's onboard utility OSC. It might be cool to mess with incoming audio and then dump it into the NW-1. Did I mention it has several vocoders....vocal wavetables? Warps can really open up some timbral options that filters can't quite do.

A joystick like the Planar or cheaper Choices are a TON of fun for wiggling wavetables, a method known as vector synthesis.

Hope that gives you some ideas! Check those used listings, you can have modular grid alert you when someone puts a module on the used market.

Sorry to double post but:

Doepfer's got a nice inexpensive joystick, the A-174. Interesting...

Also, per my other post, this would round out your VCA capabilities nicely and not break the bank; the A-132-3. It does lin/log.

Thanks yet again starkwether. Following your post I went off and did some research on the modules you mentioned. I found a few useful videos on YouTube on Warps, Peg and Maths. I can see how easily a planned 'small modular system' could quickly get out of hand, haha. Still, budgetary restrictions in my case are probably a good thing - I can't immediately build a huge system that would be very difficult to get my head around at first.

I also discovered a new Doepfer module that I think would come in useful, being a combination of various functions, details as follows: A-184-1 Ring Modulator / S&H/T&H / Slew Limiter Combo. Still not quite ready to pull the trigger yet though!