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I may as well have named this 'shadowplay'. This patch is starring the new Atari Punk Console Theremin module by Alizon Devices. More info in the video descirption.

First of all, if you DON'T have anything resembling studio monitors to hear what you're doing with the synth, you have a problem. Secondly, if you have monitors without an amp, you REALLY have a problem. You cannot hook a modular synth up directly to a pair of speakers unless they're powered, and it doesn't sound like those are.

Second, there are some who use headphone-outs for their modular's audio out. I don't recommend this at all. For one thing, the headphone output can vary widely from one module that has that to another, but in all cases you're dealing with a preamplified (and NOT line-level) signal that also probably has an impedance mismatch between its output and whatever line-level input you're using. It's also not impossible for the headphone output to be DC-coupled, which as Garfield mentions, is quite bad...especially if any DC it's passing gets some amplification and then...well, this:

Thirdly, if you're still sussing out how to get audio out of your modular, I would suggest STOPPING those cash-dropping plans for a bit. I'm already hearing how you want to use a Rosie as a mixer...which it SORT OF is (it's more related to a DJ mixer/crossfader), but not necessarily in a way that's useful for all rigs. It also doesn't sound like you have a proper working environment set up, either...some sort of basic mixer might be useful, an amplifier for the whatever-those-speakers-are (the connectors are to connect the speakers to an amplifier, NOT for line-level signals at all), and so on. These are actually far simpler to sort out than the modular itself, so I've got some concerns as to what your build actually looks like and consists of.

It's EXTREMELY easy to get into an idea that you've got your build sorted out on a first (third, seventh, nineteenth) try and that you're ready to drop some plastic on it. Therefore, it's equally easy to wind up with a semi-functioning build due to that mindset., and also equally easy to be out a few grand when you pay for something that can only semi-function that leaves you wondering why it behaves lousy and sounds like refried poo. Note also that you've been "...reading up over the last month in preparation for my first rack purchase". That's almost certainly NOT long enough to properly come up with something with zero background and experience. Remember: Modulargrid is NOT a video game. There are no bonus scores for coming up with your build as quickly as possible...but there definitely can be one hellacious booby prize waiting if you think you can! You're talking about an investment in a few thousand $$$ here, after all.

One other thing I would suggest prior to coming back to this idea would be to actually get some experience at this via VCV Rack. That's a Eurorack emulator, with many modules that replicate operations (and even some actual modules) found in modular synthesis. It's also FREE, so it's definitely better to spend some time with VCV prior to dropping ANYTHING on physical hardware so that you've got some better ideas of what you actually need before this gets spendy. https://vcvrack.com/

Keeping my Clouds...

Just upgraded my er-301 to an ES-9 and Ableton, so smashing it on the granular synth front

I'm keeping my Monsoon, but have preordered Beads. It's going to be a blast with my banana gear.

Hehe, I just popped by to see how many Clouds were for sale in the Marketplace!

Oh my.... and it's still stereo. Well... we'll be needing this then.

It's here.
https://mutable-instruments.net/modules/beads/

sequencing: yeah, not sure about pitch sequencing to be honest. I havent found anything small and convincing for in rack sequencing, so im considering a beatstep pro.. if u have any leads, let me know! for drum sequencing i will use euclidean circles for kick hats and dfam.

I think you are going about the the wrong way - as are a lot of others - especially those who ask "how to fill my Xhp gap"

start with the modules that mean something to you and fit the case around them (with space for expansion) - NOT buy a case and try to cram everything in - which happens so often - especially with people 'trying to economise' - small cases = false economy
or
just get used to getting more and more cases!!!

Noise Engineering have a weekly question on instagram, a while back it was what is your main sequencer? - my reply - pams, sinfonion, erica pico SEQ, marbles, branches, zularic repetitor, beatstep pro and fader step... they are sequencer modules - that combine to make a sequencer

I can recommend Hugo Paris at Tiny Crush Mixing for the mixing part, and Nathan Moody at Obsidian for mastering.

http://tinycrushmixing.com/
https://obsidiansound.net/

They are both stellar, neither are cheap. Like, not even near cheap. However, they're both worth every penny.

If I do another all-the-way album, I may find someone local to me for mixing, but I will definitely go back to Nathan for mastering. If I had label backing I'd request Hugo again in a heart beat.

One of the things to keep in mind is what you need. Are you looking for MIXing, or mixing? If you're pretty happy with how things are sounding and just need to make sure levels, EQ, etc, are good to go for mastering, I don't think you'd want to go with someone like Hugo. If you want a deep dive though, he's the kind of mix engineer you want.

Nathan's my guy for mastering, period.

There are many, many, MANY others out there though.

live performance of my latest modular track: ANTITHESIS
Full video:

Good luck.

Thanks very much @farkas !

I just would prefer used for money reason, and on top of that, I forgot to mention but I'm in EU (France), so shipping + custom fees $$...

Come on, anyone thinking about swapping those hps ;-) ?

Looks like Analogue Haven still has some.
https://www.analoguehaven.com/audiodamage/adm18/

I'm looking for a Shapes from Audio Damage, now not on production anymore, if anyone wants to sell one.

Take care everyone, and thanks if anyone can reply :-)

This is great, Garfield. Very similar to the layout that I unconsciously ended up with in many ways. And I agree that this is an excellent primer for beginners in the types of necessary modules and functional grouping that should be considered when planning a larger rack.
I've been making some small tweaks to my layout, and even removed a few modules that weren't seeing any use (gasp Goodbye Clouds!). I've come to the conclusion that I will probably never finish tweaking it, as my needs change and I embark on different kinds of projects.
Thanks for putting this image together for us to consider. Have a great week.

Well, now I've replaced clouds, by Prism. Yes, I know, they aren't the same thing... but I'll keep it for the next rack. In this one I've notice I don't use it so much, clouds sounds too much to clouds :D

In this rack after de replacement, I have 6 hp free. At the moment, I've thought to add a pip slope and another multi (buff multi from intellijel), but I'm not sure if I'll need it, unlike my first config I've missed a lot more modulation, in this case I think I have a lot, so add another more it seems no sense. In other hand another FX Aid seems interesting to me, but anyway I don't know. Or maybe an uFold from intellijel give me another tool to audio sculpt.
What do you think? If you have 6 hp free in this rack, wich module you miss?

P.S. I try to make ambient, experimental and idm stuff with the rack.

EDITED Feb 16th 2021, 10:28

I absolutely agree. One doesn't need to set out with the goal of becoming the next Subotnick or Ciani or EDM giant. You don't need to have any goal at all beyond wanting to check it out. There is an air of gatekeeping here that I don't think is necessarily intentional but is present nonetheless. Curiosity as a starting point should never be discouraged.

-- baltergeist

While I'd agree with most points, aren't people overthinking their music-making a little too much?
It makes the assumption that every musician's goal should be becoming successful or having some kind of mystical experience out of it...
I don't know, some of us just make music because it's our favourite thing to do in our spare time. I learned decades ago that my music is nothing special and is going nowhere, yet precisely because that wasn't my goal, I'm still at it 35 years later, and enjoying every minute of it. For the sake of it.
I'd say, yes be aware of your budget and measure how important things are to you, but don't overthink it. It's just a hobby like any other. If you lose interest after a while. Sell on and move on.
-- Mazz

I'm glad this thread popped up again because I remember reading last year and being put off by it. I think Mazz and baltergeist have it dead on - for most of us, modular and music making is a hobby. If it's enriching your life in some way and you can afford it, then go for it. You'll probably make mistakes, get frustrated, spend too much money, and make mediocre music, but if you enjoy the journey, I think it's time well spent.

I think Lugia's original post is a useful discussion on the limitations, misconceptions, and general pitfalls of modular. I think if this post was called "Things to be careful of before you start your modular journey" I wouldn't have such a problem with it, but unfortunately as it stands it reads a lot like "modular is very serious business and is for a certain type of musician". It seems to minimize the many different reasons one might take the modular plunge. I hope thats not the intent - I hope its just a veteran trying to compile and share their wisdom with the community they so obviously love. I certainly wouldn't be where I am without the thoughtful contributions and feedback from the more experienced folks around here!

I got into modular because one day the YouTube algorithm showed me Rings making beautiful sounds next to some succulents and I just HAD to learn everything about it. I had never thought much about synthesis, but as an engineer and hobby musician, I discovered that the modular world (especially patch programming and generative music) really scratches all sorts of itches I didn't even know I had. I jumped in and spent more money than my partner wanted, but it's been an incredibly rewarding journey.

Ultimately I think if you approach it like you would any hobby everything will be fine - do your research, have reasonable expectations, understand what you're investing into, and do it for yourself.

I'm down @Greenleo, I'll send something over in the next few days!

Sent link via Twitter. Thanks a bunch for putting something cool together.

I do have an email setup: CMEdemos@gmail.com. Most people seem to like shooting me a DM with a link and that works just fine too. Harsh Noise is welcome. This is a wide open no holds barred culture jam. What ever moved you enough to capture on a recording is awesome!

Hi Farkas, All,

I finally got this picture and I hope it works here below:

Ah, it works :-) So, please keep in mind this is just an example, it doesn't have to be exactly like this but that you just get the idea of my above post.

The idea here is that for each "functionality" block you see here, you could take, if you have a lot of space, one rack, or if you have less space consider each block as a row in your racks. With two large racks or with 3 small racks this is getting quite realistic. If you have less space then use for each functionality block a certain HP space reserved; at the end, it's up to you. It's just to give you an idea on how a (medium till large) rack could be rearranged.

For beginners it might be interesting to see what kind of functionalities one might need to think about, it might give ideas and also perhaps a perception on how much HP/rack space you might required.

Farkas: Good luck with the rearrangement and please keep us updated :-)

Kind regards, Garfield.

Some dude on the Facebook eurorack forum said I need to shave my arms lol in the video that was too much hair.
Guess people are super weird these days!

Thanks Garfield! Yeah the Richter modules are wicked crazy and especially when fed into FX processing like Mimeophon create some wild soundscapes. I am saving for a Doepfer 14u monster case to stack on the base case after I move to larger studio later this year then can get more sequencers, effects, support modules, mixers and some more percussion and few more sound sources and some granular sampler modules like the Instruo Arbhar or Qu-bit Nebulae for chopping up and processing audio in modular.

Hi Steve,

Oh that's a nice "playful" track. Nice to listen at, gives a positive feeling, I like that!

One little thingy... where are the other 14 minutes? 17+ minutes...? ;-)

Nice little jam, I hope this leads to more? Thank you very much and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Sacguy71,

Ah, now I know what I missed from your videos, some rough sounds from the Borg (Richter) module ;-) Nice to have a video with this module back into play!

Thanks a lot for sharing this and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi DesertS,

Welcome to modular :-)

The best way is, to get an audio interface that has at least (stereo) output. If you like to have input possibilities as well then you need both input & output. A nice example is Intellijel - Audio I/O.

Eurorack signals are (much) higher than line audio signals hence the need of an audio interface module. Some members here save money on such interface and by turning down the gain completely on the external mixer and then slowly pulling it up to see if it goes well.

If you are going to do a lot with DC signals, it's recommended to use an audio interface so you wouldn't have DC signals towards your speakers (since DC would destroy your speakers).

Up to you. Have fun with your modular system and kind regards, Garfield Modular.

Hi Greenleo. Thanks for letting us know.
I have a harsh noise wall style track if you are interested in including it on your comp.
Have a great week.

I run a netlabel of all free releases called Community Modular & Electronic. I'm putting out a compilation of modular noise that is set to be finalized in one week no matter what.

All are welcome. These are just for fun jams to be used on a free comp.

Let me know if you want to be a part of it!

https://communitymodularelectronic.bandcamp.com/

I run mine through a sound board with phantom power. You can get a phantom preamp by itself for like 20 bucks. Not sure if its a necessity though. Might work without it. Just bear in mind you are going to get mono out.

Hello,

I am new to modular synth and have been reading up over the last month in preparation for my first rack purchase. I am fairly confused on one area that I have had trouble finding info on. How do you send audio "out?" I am looking at the Make Noise Rosie to send the sound to headphones. However, if I have speakers I want to send the audio to do I need an inline amp? On the mentioned module, I only see headphone jacks. My speakers use BPA-38G banana jacks which requires 4 out (2.LxR). Any way to dumb this down for me?

Some thoughts:
1) I think I'd swap the Nin and VCF3 for an analog oscillator, maybe an Instruo Ts-L. IMHO Nin loses it's oomph in a generative rack, and you don't need three filters, so an analog oscillator (always a nice thing to have around) is a nice replacement that can help create some contrast with Plaits and Rings.
2) I like Cold Mac, but for your purposes here I'd probably just get a Links and Kinks, they do a lot and it's all grok-able.
3) Rosie seems too big for what you're aiming for here, I'd replace it with an ALM HPO which gives you 6 more HP.
4) Since the quad VCA cascades I'm not sure you need the mixer. I'd pick something interesting like a wavefolder or distortion module (Instruo Tanh or something from Noise Engineering maybe), or pull some more effects into the rack like an FX aid (a common recommendation).

Hope this helps!

Took another crack at this patch, I think it needs a third voice, or a little different development, but sound wise it's pretty nice... Serge rules.

https://stevehand.bandcamp.com/track/staging-acid-2

Props to @Ideo, @DirkB, @mopoco, @WarpHead and @mech808.
It's been a pleasure to deal with you guys.

To chime in with Lugia, here is a minimal FX setup: I have 4HP of multi fx processor (Disting MK4) which is fun, too.
For a minimal setup of pedal board FX I send things out via a headphone Cue and returing it via Mutable Ears. In my case it worked great with the BOSS DM-2W Delay, because I could also mix it back in the FX loop for well controllable feedback :)

PS.: Next up will be an FX Aid as dedicated processing module ;)

Good communication and nice transaction with @exzs
Danke Simon !

Thanks for your response,
At the moment i'm routing my audio flow throught ableton for effects. I'm thinking about getting an effects module. z-dsp, Black gole, fx aid of specialized module like a spring reverb or rainmaker. still processing everything I read.

Good day to you !

EDITED Feb 15th 2021, 12:31

wow, thank you all so much for this valuable feedback!
Fx Aid XL is added, I was also considering it! thanks.
@JimHowell1970
I replaced the Quad VCA for the veils, added links and kinks, will drop the adsr for simpler vca.. check!
sequencing: yeah, not sure about pitch sequencing to be honest. I havent found anything small and convincing for in rack sequencing, so im considering a beatstep pro.. if u have any leads, let me know! for drum sequencing i will use euclidean circles for kick hats and dfam.
drums: @troux I only need a kick and hihats in my rack as I have the dfam but ill definitely check out the mutant series! thanks.

@Lugia wow thats so much input, thanks a lot! it ll take me a while to go through every module but im very happy, i can definitely take up some ideas!!

Ah, I'm not sure what's going on with the second image, but it is messed up for me. UBurst is supposed to be in the empty space, and below it is Mutable Branches!

Hey all, I'm looking to fill out my 6u 88hp synth, made mostly for generative ambient style music. I have a focus on adding more utility and control over my sounds, and hope that what I've come up with is relatively self-sufficient/not lacking in some notable aspect. The first link is my current set of modules, and the second is what I envision for my endgame. Please let me know what you think!

I'm getting this error "Could not duplicate: numeric" when trying to duplicate a pedalboard. Seems to happen on all boards, even empty ones.

Had fun making some acid trance tonite

I dont know for Arbhar but Morphagen can handle signals from modular and from your sound card output.

Page 38 : The Auto-level procedure has been replaced with an improved input gain staging, accessed with a 4-step gain selection (blue-green-orange-purple). To use, Hold Record, and Press Shift to step through the gain settings: Blue, low -3db, Green, modular level, Orange medium +6db, Purple high +12db.

I'm struggling a lot with the mixing and mastering part of the process and I think hiring a professional mixing / mastering engineer will help me get a better sound for my tracks and learn something on the way.

Can you guys recommend someone? and how much should I expect to pay for the mixing and mastering?

To Sample from a Laptop Out or a Phone or iPod i use the Erica Synth Pico Input. You can go directly from your Laptop or Phone Headphone Out with a 3.5mm Stereo Cable to the Pico. From the Pico you can go with two Standard Patchcables into the Morphagene or Arbhar (but its just Mono In)

With the Pico Input you can also Boost the incoming Signal.

Hello, after careful consideration I’ve decided to take a dip into the fascinating modular world. I’ve been watching the State Azure channel on Youtube since I’m into ambient myself as Sonmi451. So I've purchased a Pico Case with an Instruo Arbhar, a Make Noise Morphagene and a Happy Nerding FX Aid. But now I'm stuck... Can someone please explain what cable to use in order to get a sample out of the stereo out laptop or AC out of my Focusrite One into the Arbhar input? Same question for the Morphagene input. I have some mono patch cables but I’m in a bit of a conundrum on the switch/difference between AC and VC. I have a little Behringer USB mixer: how do I output the modules out’s to the inputs of the mixer? I’ve seen 3,5 to 6,3 patch cables: can I use these to lead the signal to the Behringer? For the moment, the Behringer is the only mixer I’ve got, the Focusrite One only has a guitar input which I use for my Mother32. I've searched and searched but I can't find a clear answer on the internet. Any advice highly appreciated !

Thanks @farkas, it's new in my rack but definitely impressing so far. I think I might get a Jumble Henge for one of my smaller racks too.

Yeah, I kinda forgot about Marbles being in control, its nice that it has so much variety but keeps 3 lots of gates and 3 lots of pitches all muddling along nicely.
Though I did start off with Marbles just throwing Gates at the 2hp Turing machine or ARP which was doing a good job anyway before re-patching over to totally Marbles.
Its really feeling like Marbles is the module I've been looking for to help tie everything together. I need another VCO now so I can use the full 3 channels as all analogue goodness :)

Oh, wow. In addition to your excellent composition as always, the EQ, separation, and use of the stereo field are outstanding.
I have been eyeing both the Worng Soundstage for a while, and the new ALM variant. May have to make room in the rack.
Thanks for sharing!

EDITED Feb 14th 2021, 17:00

@Mazz
That's too healthy an attitude to get into modular. Sorry, mate! ;)

(Oh damn, this is a sticky thread! Should have contributed something more profound. Next time.)

EDITED Feb 14th 2021, 16:42