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I also heard that a ring modulator would benefit my setup. Klavis Logica XT for a logic utility, and Mystic Circuits tree sequential switch would help as well. On the fence with Eloquencer for a sequencer- one guy I met had 4 of them in his setup and while they look cool they still have lot of menu diving like the Hermod. Perhaps WMD Metron, Circadian Rhythms may work? I also thought get a clock power module like Pamela and Expert Sleepers Disting EX when out.
Yes Metropolis is nice, if you don't know this one yet, then check this out:
First two minutes are kind of funny history lessons, after that it's getting interesting.
Hikari Instruments might be difficult to get, I was lucky to be in Japan last year summer for holiday and managed to get a few of Hikari's modules. I got the Triple AD as well, very nice module too (recommendable) and the Atten/Mixer, 7 channels mixer in 8 HP, nice and good but Triple AD & Quad Switch are my favourites.
Let me know how you like the Eloquencer, if you are getting one, I am not so sure about that one. Hermod, I heard is also good indeed but too much menu diving for me. I like to keep it easy and simple without wanting to remember how to use which button for what and how to do what in which part of the menu... but of course up to everybody, that's just my opinion.
Kind regards, Garfield.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
Yes I saw that MDLR case when you provided that link in one of your previous posts. That's indeed pretty impressive, the price too :-) I am not so sure, I need first a lot of space here at home which I don't have any more. I cleared up already some space for a new rack but that rack is going to be full soon as well I am afraid... I need to win the lottery to get a proper big house with tons of walls to put all full with Euroracks (and then the modules of course) ;-)
But yes, MDLR cases looks nice, just their price (here in Europe at least since we have to add on 21% tax (i.e. VAT) onto it...) should be about half of what they are asking now, their power modules can't keep up with the Doepfer ones, so that's yet another concern.
Kind regards, Garfield.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
Thanks a lot for your feedback on the Batumi. It's good to hear that's easy in use, I like that :-) Good hint about that Poti, I saw that already but it's good to remind me on that one. If I decide to buy the Batumi then indeed with the Poti.
Thank you and kind regards, Garfield.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
I love the Batumi so powerful, easy to use and works wonderful either as 4 independent LFOs or in unison mode and many other tricks up its sleeves. If you get one, do get the add on Poti module that gives you access to the switch to use the other waveforms without having to adjust the jumper settings on the back of the module. Wish I had done that when I bought it and before I installed in my first setup. I like how simple it is to use and fun for live performance. Yeah I had a cool formant vowel thing going on with it last night that kept saying wow to me.
Another alternative to Maths are Befaco Rampage and possibly Intellijel Quadrax or Quadra with the expander.
Then there is Frap Tools Falistri which has its own take. I just ordered the Quadra and expander since I already have a mini-maths in my 0-coast and wanted to try something different. I am finding utilities like mixers and buffered mults super useful as I start to build more complex patches.
Thanks Garfield,
Yeah Metropolis looks super cool. I also like the Winter Eloquencer- 8 CV gates out and tons of cool programming features. The Hermod and WMD Metron look awesome as well. Thanks for the tip on the Hikari quad switch will keep that in mind. I need a good matrix mixer and sequential switch in my setup as well as a solid master clock generator like Pamela New Workout. I have a Varigate 4+ arriving this week that should handle sequencer in box for now along with my external sequencer devices until end of year or next.
Thanks Garfield, yeah the Erica Synths Octasource is cool. I also like the Black Graphic VCO waveshaper to create own custom wave shapes. I did order a new IME Kermit MK3 module that has four channels and can function as an LFO, wave VCO, EG or more. Sort of a serious powerhouse module for the new case. I also ordered the new IME Bionic Lester MK3 which is powerful dual filter. Saving for a larger 4 row MDLR 12 case with 376HP of space or the 14U/126HPx4 Performer case to let me get larger modules and add a potent sequencer. I like the Frap Tools and 4ms modules but they are HUGE and require a lot of case space.
That case would give me 4x more space after I fill up my second Doepfer 6U case.
Yeah, LFOs are nice and crazy at the same time. Okay, it might be a bit early for you to get it since it's a complex thing but you can put it on your wish list (if you like to consider it, that is) and when you ready for it then get it :-)
I am talking here about, I am calling it myself, a psychopath of a module. This module has some serious issues ;-) But in a fun way! It's the Erica Synths - Black Octasource, it's a total nutcase LFO with 8 outputs (phase shifted). Even your most dull modules can be lighten up with this LFO. It can do some serious crazy but funny and nice things. I have to warn you though, this beast is difficult to tame and you need to get to understand it first before it becomes useful. So don't give up after a few attempts, this needs a bit more patience approach and "understanding" the craziness of this beast. But once you start to understand and appreciate it, this beast becomes a beauty! My top LFO by far.
Kind regards, Garfield.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
Fun sequencer (that can do ratcheting) that's still on my wish list but I am not daring to order it because yes, lots of fun with it I think however expensive and for the moment I want to have a multiple track sequencer.
If you look for a VCS (Voltage Controlled Switch) then consider a Hikari Instruments - Quad Switch or one of those from Doepfer, for example the A-150-8.
I wish you a lot of planning & design fun and kind regards, Garfield.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
@toinouvltn the Maths does a crap-ton of things you don't think you'll need but you'll be patching one day and I think "I wonder if I could do this" and Maths will be sitting right there ready for you. To top it off, I prefer its envelopes to the Zadar a good bit, very responsive to wiggling, which is one of the joys of modular, and with a nice expressive range. I'd say this second case looks pretty good!
-- troux
Maths is an excellent module I would probably buy it before any of the others if I had the choice - read through the illustrated manual - the others are modules, Maths is a patch programmable analog computer
let's see what we can take out to get a bit of space for more important modules
do you really need 2 stereo inputs?
how are you mixing? audio submixes/cv/final audio - I see a STmix and a triple vca - and the middle section of maths - not a huge amount - maybe enough; may not! try patching in your head! or on paper - count outputs - count inputs - have you got enough ways to combine different things?
do you need a buffered mult? only really needed for v/oct - which you don't really need - use stackcables or headphone splitters
the mute module? how are you planning on using it? do you need 4 channels? better to use on gates than on audio
and the offset module from NE - I would rather have a matrix mixer - AI Synthesis or Rebel Technology - you can always do offsets with maths
"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia
Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!
@toinouvltn the Maths does a crap-ton of things you don't think you'll need but you'll be patching one day and I think "I wonder if I could do this" and Maths will be sitting right there ready for you. To top it off, I prefer its envelopes to the Zadar a good bit, very responsive to wiggling, which is one of the joys of modular, and with a nice expressive range. I'd say this second case looks pretty good!
Indeed, there is a lack of VCA and utilities and I feel a bit tight in this case for the futur (wasn't expected to dive so fast into modular), so Mantis would be a great option. I will look for a used rack.
For Maths, I didn't think it was a priority due to the Batumi/Zadar/Samara trio. Will it make a huge difference to combine all of these ?
Here is the way I think it could be great to go (still think a multimode filter could be a good addition but don't know if the Happy Nerding 3 VCA will be enough or if I preferably go to something like the Intellijel Quad VCA) :
Yeah they are super crazy modules and very unique take on the Richter Wiard 3000 designs. Each module is really like several different modules in one. The Anti-Oscillator has a crazy LFO mode and wave shaper feature and two different VCO cores one is the flute mellow triangle the other is the zany mayhem one. Feed that into the Malekko Dual Borg filter and infinite sound exploration is possible. It gets wild with Batumi man that is one crazy LFO. So many modes to Batumi it is a very deep LFO module in and of itself. I think that I really am loving wave shapers and crazy LFO modules. I did order more utilities and a small sequencer so will so how that works.
Ah there is the rub! Muxslicer! Need to check that one out when the Black Fridays sale arrives in few months. I ordered a lot of gear because the savings were superb. I must have saved $500 this weekend on new gear :-)
Plus I love wave tables and the IME Kermit and Bionic Lester are hard to find in stock. Now I just need more utilities, sequencer and another case.
I took advantage of holiday sales to buy fun new gear.
Here is what I have planned thus far:
I did get a few utilities like Links and Kinks along with the hex VCA and Intellijel Quadra with expander. Thoughts?
I plan to wait until the next sale around Black Friday to add to this second rack- perhaps a ratcheting fun sequencer? Add in a sequential switch, maybe another attenuator tools, clock like Pamela's New Workout and not sure if matrix mixer needed?
In any case, this new setup will be tons of fun to use with my first rack!
Glad to help out. Lots of great masters here are helpful and when I got into it, wanted all the cool flashy toys as well. But the boring modules will come in useful. I ended up using my buffered mults quite a bit as I get into patching to route signals across my setup. I still need a few for my second case mostly attenuators/attenuvertes, sequential switch, matrix mixer. Fortunately, those essential utility modules are way less than the big voice modules.
Hey Sacguy71 - thanks for the feedback! I plan on getting a 2x84hp case, but didn't want to just post a half-empty rack here. I appreciate the advice, though. Also, thanks for the utilities suggestion. Real easy to get caught up with all the weird, fun, noise-making/noise-shaping stuff! I'll go get that book and invest some time into finding the right utility modules.
I am new as well to modular. I highly recommend the book Patch & Tweak. I bought this bible of modular recently and been reading it as I learn to patch my new system. Glad you are using vcvrack that is a great free learning tool. One thing that I highly recommend from your post, buy a bigger case than you think you will need. I started with a Doepfer A100 Basic system that had the core modules from Doepfer plus 84HP free. I already filled that free row of 84 HP and ordered a new case. Also, from looking at your rack setup, I don't see any VCAs or utility modules except for the one single VCA. I recommend a larger case at least 168HP in size 2-3 rows minimum so you can fit those in. You would benefit from a buffered multiple module, mixer that can blend CV and audio voltages, and an attenuator of some type plus a switch module. These are small cheap but essential modules and don't get the flashy coverage but will open up many new patch opportunities. For a case, some good low cost options are the Tip Top Audio Mantis case that gives a lot of space I believe 2xrows of 104HP each or the Doepfer 9u powered case.
I've been reading endlessly, watching YouTube reviews and tutorials for 12 hrs a day, playing on VCV Rack, but I still feel kind of lost. Haven't even bought a case yet, but would like to stop imagining building a rack and start actually building one. Music-wise: I want to make everything from weird soundscapes to lo-fi hip-hop. I have a Digitakt for drums and sampling purposes. Any - negative, positive, neutral, whatever - feedback would be really great. THANKS.
Lots of interesting modules here @toinouvltn. My personal suggestion would be to get a powered case, remove the RackBrute and the Quad Buffer, and add a Maths. It'll open up a lot of the other modules here, and its enveloping and LFOs will be a nice contrast to the Zadar and the Batumi (and I'll edit to add that that's not even mentioning all its other functions, attenuator and mixer especially coming to mind).
Here is my first 6U system build in a rackbrute and I would like to have feedback about it and how can I finish it.
I am currently trying to make industrial techno and I also own a Jomox Alpha Base as a drum machine.
I was thinking to add a bionic lester MKIII.
not a lot of utilities in the rack - these are usually the key to patching differently imo
specifically for improving modulation - which is probably where you are struggling
mutable kinks, matrix mixer (get a 4x4 if possible), another modulation source, some passive mults/attenuators, a sequential switch, some basic mixers would all open up patching more for you
it's also very easy to plug the same output of sequencer into the same module - swap these around
also try tuning oscillators to different notes/octaves (within same scale)
use clouds as an oscillator instead of an effect - put something in the buffer!
"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia
Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!
Hi everyone.
I'm new since a couple of months to modular world. I've bought all modules used or did some DIY kits. I have great fun playing on my modular with a Roland TR8S for beats and I can improvise easily 1 hour with both.
The thing is that I'm kind of stuck on the same patch since the start and when I try to change it I don’t have enough creativity on my patches! How would you patch this up?
I've been using the device always in the same room and area, I'll try other spots of my apartment and outside to discard the possibility of a specific RF creeping somehow in the device and keeping the VCA's slightly open. Still waiting for the Befaco - Out v3 module, will inform of what happens.
Enjoy your spare HP, don't rush to fill every last space, this is not like filling sticker books. Resist the urge to 'complete' your rack, its never complete so just relax.
All points are relevant besides it is next to impossible in this day and age to make a viable living just as a musician of any form and type. Most pro level musicians either end up teaching to pay bills or work day jobs as engineers, lawyers, doctors, plumbers or whatnot. I know super talented musicians both on guitar and also with synthesizers who are not connected to land huge paying gigs or residencies at big clubs that pay well and have to work day jobs. That is the reality that nobody wants to admit or talk about. Look at Youtube for example. Only a handful make any money off it. Yeah we have a few celebrities like DivKid and Andrew Huang and Loopop who make bank on modular for a living.
I have music training but I am just a hobbyist and use it to create weird sounds that may lead to a soundtrack to accompany my novel/screenplay that I am working on. I cannot afford to pay bands like Metallica or Infected Mushroom to use their music in the movie screenplay so I learn to do it myself. It is a fun journey but not cheap.
Thanks for the quick reply Lugia! I have a Babyface RME audio interface and Keith McMillen K-mix that also have audio interface so will check into this for Ableton. Need to get a copy of the Ableton CV tools.
Regarding VCV Rack, is there a way to use that with modular via a MIDI CV interface? I will have to do some digging to see how that works. Love VCV Rack it helped me get into modular after the 0-coast.
-- sacguy71
There should be, if you're running Ableton. VCV has a VST module, and I would think it should be doable to route signals to and from it to Ableton's CV Tools and a suitable interface for direct modular control. Might need some sort of M4L widget, but it doesn't seem impossible. And older MOTU interfaces are cheap; I use a MOTU 828FW mkii for this, which cost me a whopping $120.
Heya, been accruing 1U utilities for my Intellijel 7U. Think I have most of the basics out of the way to start considering the more fun stuff, but I honestly haven't thought a ton about that yet, I'd like to just be flexible enough to tackle different sounds as I swap things in and out and just -experiment- eventually.
Wish I could get my hands on a MIDI to CV 1U but it seems hard to get right now. I'm still on the fence about the Multi FX 1U so consider that optional
Anyhow,
Top left are things at my disposal, bottom left are on order, bottom right are current desires. My two favourite things are futzing with sequencers, and filters. I very much so wish to build around the Morphagene, or possibly put a heavier focus on granular synth stuff in the future.
Besides that kinda thing I'm fairly diectionless on a particular sound (besides maybe avoiding very traditional hard synth layout) and am waiting for a local sale soon to pick up other less specific utilities and see what I can get. Thoughts on where to head in the future? On top of this I have the 0-coast and the KSP to fill in other gaps.
Indeed, I have watched the TD live shows online and they use impressive array of hardware, modular, live instruments and computer soft VSTs with division of labor. I agree- we can achieve a lot with less gear now. I will probably invest in a new computer this year to use for music production and use Ableton Live with modular and my synths. Now that I figured out how to integrate modular via the cursed Doepfer A190-4 USB/MIDI to CV module in my setup with the hardware synths and Ableton, I can do it moving forward.
Regarding VCV Rack, is there a way to use that with modular via a MIDI CV interface? I will have to do some digging to see how that works. Love VCV Rack it helped me get into modular after the 0-coast.
If you look back at the "classic" TD period between "Atem" and "Encore", it's worth noticing the division of labor going on. Check to see this in action. Froese would mainly stick to leads, while Franke and Baumann are working out the complex backdrop with sequencers and polys. Franke's rig was primarily Moog, while Baumann used a composite of Moog and PPG modules. Also, they almost certainly have a central clocking system for all of their synths, given that this was definitely in use by the time of "Encore" as it appears in that album's credits.
In the present day, this is actually a lot EASIER than one might think...but you gotta know your tech! Fact is, you can cobble up just as complex a sequencer system in VCV or with VSTs in a DAW, and by using some method of sending CV/gate/triggers to your synths, you can have this for far less than a pile of Moog 960s. Or make it happen in VCV, if your machine's up to the task.
Some VCAs do leak. But most decent-quality modern ones (like what Erica uses) don't...at least, not without a reason. Another thing worth checking is whether there's an accidental low-level offset voltage getting into the control side, as this will definitely cause audio leakage from the VCAs not being able to fully close down. It doesn't take MUCH...just a tiny fraction of a volt.
Another possibility could be voltage from an outside source. Case in point: many years back, I was working with our local community radio station in several capacities. One of these was maintenance. One evening after close-down, I and another engineer were trying to figure out why the station's Harrison AIR7 would suddenly switch channels off or on without warning. It was definitely a primo radio console in its day (hell, I've used Harrison desks as far back as my first year of undergrad), so the behavior was downright weird. But it's also worth noting that, when it was installed, they also put in the remote-start lines...but then never connected them to the turntables, cart decks, etc. So they were just hanging there...cables to nowhere, only a few feet long.
At the same time, we also had an FM station dead-smack in the center of town, pumping out 10 kW. I knew already that it had an annoying tendency to creep into audio lines both at our station and at other broadcast facilities in the area. So, how could that be an issue here?
Well, it so happened that, after a bit of antenna length calculation on my part, the disconnected remote-start lines...which, of course, also connected to each channel's ON/OFF logic...were cut so that they were all around a quarter-wave's length at 92.5 MHz, which was the other station's operating frequency. After I cut all of those (as they weren't in use anyway), the "ghost" of the AIR7 was successfully exorcised.
So what the hell was going on? Simple. There was enough induced voltage on each wire that it would send voltage back to the board's ON/OFF logic for each strip. And when there was a particularly loud signal on the one station, it would "hi-state" the strip's logic...which in this case, was being interpreted as an OFF signal.
So you might check around for sources of RF in addition to the typical synth bugaboos. After all, it doesn't take very much voltage to open a VCA a tiny bit...even less than I had to chase down in the story above.
I just realized that my Moog Sub 37 can get pretty close to TD sounds along with software VST plugins. So probably won't try to spend a fortune on modular gear to get there. Figure use modular for exploration and FX purposes. Polyphony is very expensive to achieve on modular systems. Anyways here some tracks similar to TD I made a while back on Moog and VSTs
All of your Moogs are already in powered cabs. And the Moog 3-tier accessory will work just fine at assembling those into a single unit. So it makes no sense whatsoever to decase the Moogs and reload them into Arturia RackBrute cabs. It might SEEM "convenient", but the real truth here is that you're contemplating spending a lot of money with little return.
A far smarter move...and certainly CHEAPER...would be to keep the Moogs in their cabs, use the 3-tier bracket there, then add something like a Tiptop Mantis at the very base of the Moog rig so that you can have your additional modules there. Even though a Mantis costs $335 street, when you add up the cost of the additional Arturia cases, the cost of the unused Moog cabs, and the extra Arturia P/Ss, this definitely exceeds the cost of the Mantis by a sizable chunk.
One other point, also...what the Moogs need isn't so much additional expensive modules, but more akin to UNsexy stuff...attenuators, logic, a clock manipulation setup to really make their sequencers go nuts, additional utilities of that sort. Sure, some FX and the MScales are definitely called for here. But if you do this RIGHT, with a PROPER additional cab, you'll then have plenty of cheap room in which to build up a more comprehensive "sidecar" for the Moogs than you have currently. Plus, you could just as easily add a fourth "voice" in the additional cab.
If you find the perfect sequencer then please do let me know. I am still struggling with finding the sequencer that matches me most or best. Not sure if I mention it to you but mentioned it already a few times here in the forum, I am currently putting all my hopes on the Endorphine.es - Ground Control sequencer, once that one will be released, that is...
Yeah, the VPME - Euclidian Circles might be nice. The Hermod is good as well if you look at the quite few positive posts here around. For myself I wonder if that one (Hermod) isn't a bit too much menu-diving?
Since you have already two Elektron sequencers... that should be quite good already, isn't it? Why not use them in combination with your modular system?
Good luck with TD and the sequencers and kind regards, Garfield.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
This sounds really nice and very entertaining! A few more of this and you got an album full, when are going to release that new record and CD of yours, you said? :-) No seriously, nicely done and worth for publication if you would ask me.
Your voice samples are a stamp or marker on your music, they way you use it, it has a nice touch!
Thanks a lot for sharing and kind regards, Garfield.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
Nice evening that was! :-) This demo and your previous demos make me reconsider to think about a Malekko module, I don't have any modules of this brand yet but the Anti-Oscillator and the Borg sounds good and look like they provide you with a lot of fun (which you wrote indeed already). Between 5 and 6 minutes the viewer has a good view on these both modules, I like that section particular.
I hope you have more interesting evening jams and thanks a lot for sharing with us. Kind regards, Garfield.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
From what I found online TD used everything from Moog to Arp 2600 to Waldorf PPG and Moog modular gear plus tons of sequencers and computer soft VSTs. Now obviously with my far more limited budget and studio space, recreating TD perfectly would be impossible but getting into the ballpark would be nice. I have 2 Elektron sequencers, 1 Korg SQ-1 and 1 Make Noise 0-ctrl sequencers along with a Malekko Varigate 4+ sequencer on the way. I also read they use Moog ladder style filter, perhaps pick up the AJH Moog clone VCO and ladder VCP and the Waldorf Wave table module and Waldorf filters? For next build, looking at possibly Hermod as sequencer or something like VPME Euclidian Circles. No rush on this as just a thought.
