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Two powerful modules all together in a drone/industrial/post apocalyptic ambiance. Quadrax and Plaits.

Two powerful modules all together in a drone/industrial/post apocalyptic ambiance. Quadrax and Plaits.

was this module ever actually made? looks so awesome!!!

Beat it with your finger… (touch screens only)

Love it! Nice visuals.

I ordered a ST Modular KARL+Expander to @jdd12 and everything fine.
Well packaged and a Module in very good condition.
Highly recommended seller.

My goal:
I want this rack to be focused only one thing, and thats glitchy percusive/drum sounds. I'm not interested in creating a basic 'kick snare hat' sort of drum machine since I already have a Digitakt and RD9 for more conventional drum sounds. What I really want is to be able to explore sound design but in a rythmic way, both in terms of sequencing and sound modulation.

• One of the most important effects I wan to have is a beatrepeat which would allow me to modulate the lenght of the repeats triggered randomly at clocked intervals. Would Databender be able to do that? Are there any better alternatives?
  • I have not included any VCAs, envelopes or utility modules, this is becuase the three voices I have in the rack already have built in VCAs and envelopes,

-- Adrian97

I would recommend looking at Qu-Bit's Prism along with the Data Bender. I have both, and get more controllable/predictable beat repeat style effects from Prism. I love Data Bender, but it kind of does what it wants, and it's much more glitchy. It takes a little work to make it "musical," and if you aren't planning to add more utilities/envelopes/etc. (which you absolutely should if you want to get the most out of modular), you may find yourself a little frustrated with it. I've found that Prism is pretty awesome for a Warp Records kind of vibe.
Have fun and good luck!

Here’s another track featuring the RYK Vector Wave as the only sound source + the Disting Ex processing some of the VW’s sounds. The video is composed of close-ups of my rack lights. More details in the video description. Thanks for watching.

I think the mixer/out module has to be the last one in the chain. If you add an effects module later I don't think you can ensure that the output level is not too high for the input of the console. Taking into account that the effect modules usually add feedback, increasing the level of the output audio. I don't know that table or the effects it can cause on it apart from saturating.

Data bender is nice but you may want slice by 2hp as well.
I’m relatively new to this myself and have similar interests. I love the data bender. (I’ll let someone else tell you that you need more vcas lol)

Not sure about running straight out of data bender though. I got an HPO from alm busy circuits for a cheap stereo out. Hope this was useful, Good luck!

Hi,

-Clouds as main effects module. -> what do you mean by main effects module ? Don't get me wrong, Clouds is a fantastic module (I own a Beads), but I don't think it would be my first choice for a main effects module in a techno oriented rack. For me at least, techno means tempo-synced FX so depending on the available cash, I'd be looking at the NE effect module which can switch firmware, the FX Aid (XL or Pro probably), the Make Noise Mimeophon or the Intellijel Rain Maker, all useful for techno and also open to lots of experimentation. If you haven't already, get some play time with Clouds in VCV to make sure it's the right choice for you ;-)

 You're right, and I always make the same mistake of looking at modules that cover many aspects instead of focusing on a 
  specific point. My option would be NE Imitor Versio but it is beyond my current budget, it will have to wait.

-I'm thinking of also adding a Waveshaper like the Fold6 or maybe NE Pura Ruina. -> if you can build a kit, the Reverse Landfill Monotropa v3 is an interesting choice IMO, it's a great value module with again possibilities for experimentation outside of the obvious first use cases.

 Reverse Landfill Monotropa v3 is a very interesting module, I have the option of asking RTFM to mount it for me.

-I want to avoid "menu-diving" modules as much as possible, I know that PAM's and Ornament are great modules, but at the moment they are not among my goals. -> if there is one menu based multifunction module I'd recommend for a techno rack like yours, that's Pam's. You can send offsets to the CV inputs coming from a module with a better/larger interface for that, say an Intellijel Triplatt for example, attenuating (lol) the "playability issue" if necessary. I used to own a BIA and that thing loves synced modulation, I mean it eats modulation for breakfast, so my guess is you're going to need a lot of it :-) Pam's can definitely do the job, but if you're looking for playable interface, there's also the obvious Voltage Block (I suppose availability could be an issue), or Mimetic Digitalis from NE, Maestro from Acid Rain, etc. Depending on the type of modulation signal you're looking for, you could also look into synced-looping cv that is not synced waveforms or stepped cv, like the Flame C3 mk2 for example which records your unquantized knob turns but also offers a reset input to create repeating patterns.

 My idea was to use the mixed signal from EG and LFO's, Clep Diaz (I love that module) and specially Turing Machine, maybe 
with the expansion, to modulate BIA.
I update the rack with some of your suggestions.
Thank you very much for your time giving me ideas.

EDITED Feb 10th 2023, 06:16

SYSTEM NOTES:

For Electroacoustic operation, Endorphins Golden Master can amplify either my Zoom H1N or Elektrosluch Mini City. Mutable Instruments Beads in Palette 1 can amplify the other.

If I find myself not using Mutable Instruments Kinks, substitute in Mannequins W/ and Monome Crow. Crow could be used to convert 0-5V from Make Noise 0-CTRL to -5 +5V for Instruo Arbhar. Otherwise, I have to use Shakmat Harlequin's Context to create presets within the full range of the Scan parameter. Kinks could be a great utility though, if I find a way to get along with it. It is also useful for waveshaping the output from Rossum Panharmonium.

EDITED Feb 10th 2023, 04:45

Hi everybody -- it's been a while!

My modular is out of action until I get around to replacing the power supply so here's a DFAM jam. I did use a patch cable to sync the DFAM to the TD-3. It's just those two and echo. Hope you enjoy.

SYSTEM NOTES:

For Electroacoustic operation, substitute the S.T. Modular Radio for a Circuit Abbey Gozinta or a Mutable Instruments Ears to amplify my contact microphone(s). Mutable Instruments Beads can also amplify either my Zoom H1N or Elektrosluch Mini City. The Endorphins Golden Master in Palette 3 can amplify the other.

Buy the Koma Elektronik Kassiopeia when it is released to power solenoids and motors.

Thanks for sharing, some great info to dig into! :)
-- Jukeshoe

You got it B!

Thanks for sharing, some great info to dig into! :)

Sorry, big mistake. Changed to public.
Thanks

You should put your rack in public for people to be able to click through modules ;-)

-Clouds as main effects module. -> what do you mean by main effects module ? Don't get me wrong, Clouds is a fantastic module (I own a Beads), but I don't think it would be my first choice for a main effects module in a techno oriented rack. For me at least, techno means tempo-synced FX so depending on the available cash, I'd be looking at the NE effect module which can switch firmware, the FX Aid (XL or Pro probably), the Make Noise Mimeophon or the Intellijel Rain Maker, all useful for techno and also open to lots of experimentation. If you haven't already, get some play time with Clouds in VCV to make sure it's the right choice for you ;-)

-I'm thinking of also adding a Waveshaper like the Fold6 or maybe NE Pura Ruina. -> if you can build a kit, the Reverse Landfill Monotropa v3 is an interesting choice IMO, it's a great value module with again possibilities for experimentation outside of the obvious first use cases.

-I want to avoid "menu-diving" modules as much as possible, I know that PAM's and Ornament are great modules, but at the moment they are not among my goals. -> if there is one menu based multifunction module I'd recommend for a techno rack like yours, that's Pam's. You can send offsets to the CV inputs coming from a module with a better/larger interface for that, say an Intellijel Triplatt for example, attenuating (lol) the "playability issue" if necessary. I used to own a BIA and that thing loves synced modulation, I mean it eats modulation for breakfast, so my guess is you're going to need a lot of it :-) Pam's can definitely do the job, but if you're looking for playable interface, there's also the obvious Voltage Block (I suppose availability could be an issue), or Mimetic Digitalis from NE, Maestro from Acid Rain, etc. Depending on the type of modulation signal you're looking for, you could also look into synced-looping cv that is not synced waveforms or stepped cv, like the Flame C3 mk2 for example which records your unquantized knob turns but also offers a reset input to create repeating patterns.

...Does any one know it would fit for those 3,26 mm?
-- bdmoscoso

FX Aid XL's module depth without ribbon cable:
37,6mm

with attached (included) ribbon cable that has a strain relief:
45,5mm

with attached ribbon cable that has no strain relief:
41,0mm

EDITED Feb 9th 2023, 17:08

Hello there, I´m considering to bring this module (45mm depth) to an moog 60HP case (48.26mm depth). Does any one know it would fit for those 3,26 mm?

Thanks in advance

I'm here to say I'm very glad I got the smaller chainable pods. Even though the space/money value isn't optimal, it really helps with my fairly cramped studio setup.

Jim is correct, though, of course.

99% of the time, I think the Mantis would've been the way to go. It simply doesn't fit my space or workflow. :)

As it was, had to reorganize a bit yesterday just to fit it into my mixing desk in a manner that will be conducive to productivity.

Bits and pieces still arriving, got the first of it yesterday. :)

Thank you for the kind words, and I totally agree Sweelinck, the modular system is an alchemist's laboratory.

And I totally went and watched the scene for reference, and I certain see what you mean, lol. I often wonder what context this kind of patch could be used for. A slower guitar track, or a special section of a song. I think it would be great for cinema :)

You can flash to Hemispheres if nothing in the stock OS is working for you.

Watched the second video - wow it is truly underestimated module.. it can even do maths, rene etc. Will install Hemispheres today. Thanks!

After 5 months in modular, this is what I have.
The top 2 rows are my current rack, and the bottom row is the list of modules I want to add soon.
I started with basic modules and little by little I want to give it more complexity.
Of the modules I have, my idea is to get rid of the 3lfo from Takaab, maybe the Skew Fade LFO from ZLOB and the Doepfer A-196 PLL (doesn't fit what I'm looking for).
I currently use an Arturia BST pro as my sequencer.
The sound I'm looking for is Techno style, but without closing the door to something more experimental.
The modules that I want to incorporate:
-NE Clep Diaz as step by step modulation and random source.
-NE BIA for percussion or bass line.
-An additional module for my mixer, in this case with stereo inputs.
-Knight's Gallop for Euclidean patterns that complement the more linear BSP patterns
-Turing Machine and quantizer for melodies and semi-random pads.
-Clouds as main effects module.
-I'm thinking of also adding a Waveshaper like the Fold6 or maybe NE Pura Ruina.
-I want to avoid "menu-diving" modules as much as possible, I know that PAM's and Ornament are great modules, but at the moment they are not among my goals.
I would like your advice on my future list, if you would change or add any module to that list.
Thank you,

I am not a guitarist and this description is therefore not of direct concern to me, BUT: your research and this video with the details of the patches really deserve congratulations! The modular synthesizer is exactly this alchemical practice, a search for the transmutation of sounds: from the common to the rare (lead/gold).
The modularist's setup is an achimist's laboratory.
Very nice work!

PS: the result (at 9:08) reminded me of the opening scene of Return of the Jedi where C-3PO and R2-D2 enter Jabba the Hutt's Palace :)) The participation of Wogglebug and Afterneath (a great pedal) is of course not unrelated.

I use a pair of PreSonus Eros E5’s without issue fed via a Sono Abitus output module into my PreSonus Studio 20C interface with the speakers connected to its monitor outputs. for headphones I use Beyerdynamic ~D~~t900’s but you have to be careful of the output levels as bass resonance can rise suddenly to quite high levels.

The only advice I;’d give is don’t buy rear ported monitors, most people end up with their monitors near a rear wall which will boost your bass levels way beyond what you wasn’t and annoy the hell out of your neighbours, so go for front ports or a sealed box design.

After working through the different combinations of gear needed such as 8 Osc, 3 x 4-2 mixers, etc etc I watched on as my brain quietly imploded with a dull crump and decided the best thing to do was to go out and buy a Lyra 8.

EDITED Feb 9th 2023, 01:08

I went for a powered ALM 6U 52hp case which gives me 104hp all told. It works fine for what I need but I was building a specific synth I’d seen Little Ambient Machine use on YouTube. My next case will be a 6U 84hp to hold my Boog and possibly a Tiara + a few small modules.
My late brother (Karlsoft) built and ran a large synthesizers.com modular for years so I picked up a few tips from him on power etc.
I guess my main difference is that I’m very limited in terms of space and movement as I’m severely disabled and bed-bound 24/7 so everything has to be within reach.

Currently running Melodicer into Rangoon into Monsoon with PNW Providing clocking duties for the melodicer.
I’ve been surprised how sweet this little ambient rig sounds even without the Nebulae v2 & Morphogene I plan adding when funds allow.
I’ll be trying adding some modulation from the PNW soon as well as running it through my Boss RV500 reverb/delay in the near future

@ambit

There is an expansion port on the back to add more features. There will be at least one expansion in the future. Can't make any promises on what the features will be at this point.

A on/off switch for latching the incoming input on each channel, would be great on the expander. So you could bypass the "momentary" thing on each gate. I am still leaving 18HP reserved on my rack.

Keep working hard!! ^^

I ordered a Antumbra DVCA to @wtkdwc and everything fine.
Well packaged and a Module in very good condition.
Highly recommended seller.

Impermanent Station [Instrument Envelope Followers]
*module used in alternative patch

*Guitar ► Any Stereo Pedal
L ► Mixer
R ► Maths Ch.1 [in]

Clouds
Out L ► Quad VCA Ch. 2 [in]

Wogglebug
Sample & Hold [out] ► Maths Ch.2

*Maths
Ch.1 [Unity Out] ► AI Synthesis Quad VCA Ch.1 [cv in]
Ch.1 [ EOR Out] ► Mult ►
a) Clouds Freeze [cv in]
b) Intellijel Scales Trigger [in]
Ch.2 [out] ►Scales Pitch [in]

Rings Green/Green
Out L ► Clouds L [in]

Plaits Green Preset 2
Plaits [out] ► Endorphin.es Milky Way [in]

Synthesis Technology Quad VCA
Mix Out ► Zedi10 Pan C

Intellijel Scales
Pitch [out] ► Mult ►
a) Plaits v/oct [in]
b) Rings v/oct [in]

Instruō øchd LFO 5 self-patched

LFO 3 ► Rings Brightness [cv in]
LFO 4 ► Plaits Timber [cv in]
LFO 5 ► self-patched

Endorpin.es Milky Way
Ch.1 [out] ► Quad VCA Ch.1

*Alternative Interfaces & Amplitude

1) Guitar ► Any Stereo Pedal
L ► Mixer
R ► A Pedal Boost ► Maths Ch.1 [in]

2) Guitar ► Any Stereo Pedal
L ► Pedal Board ► Mixer
R ► Boost Module [Phonogene] ► Maths Ch.1 [in]

3) Maths
Ch.1 [Unity Out] ► AI Synthesis Quad VCA Ch.1 [cv in]
Ch.1 [ EOR Out] ► Mult ► a) Clouds Freeze [cv in]
b) Intellijel Scales Trigger [in]
c) Doepfer Dual Mini ADSR Ch.1 [in]
Ch.2 [out] ►Scales Pitch [in]

Doepfer A-140-2 Dual Mini ADSR
Ch.1 [out 1] ► Quad VCA Ch.1 [cv in]

EDITED Feb 8th 2023, 17:37

Sounds great, love it!

Thank you for sharing!!

That worked a treat, thanks

Hi ,

I want to expand my Digitakt with modular (Techno/industrial based).
Do i need other modules for cv, gate, clock, ... to work properly?
Will the rack start/stop playing via the Digitakt in this setup?
Any case idea?

Thanx!
Stephan

EDITED Feb 8th 2023, 13:24

Your second row 64 has 7 modules. But the 64 only has 6 power headers.
You'll need to lose a module or buy a Multi Power Cable accessory.
There's a 16/10pin and a 16pin version:
https://4mscompany.com/modaccessories.php

It looks like you plug the 16pin into a power header and then plug the 10pin (or 16pin) connectors directly to your other modules. That'll make more sense when you have your modules.

Don't forget to upgrade Plaits' firmware so you get the Orange mode!

And post your tunes! : )
-- Toccata

Thanks for info, I already have a couple of Multis on the way, as I foresaw this issue, and I like having an extra on hand for items such as this. :)

I just learned about the Plaits firmware update late last night. Sounds cool. Thank you for the reminder, though. This is accomplished through the 40 second wave file procedure, correct?

Re: Posting Tunes...I have a steep curve of experimentation, but I will definitely share when I have something worth sharing. :)

Thank you!

SynthDad has comprehensive tutorials on the module.

I was looking for extra envelope generators, turns out O&C can also do that.. Great tutorials, thanks!

Your second row 64 has 7 modules. But the 64 only has 6 power headers.
You'll need to lose a module or buy a Multi Power Cable accessory.
There's a 16/10pin and a 16pin version:
https://4mscompany.com/modaccessories.php

It looks like you plug the 16pin into a power header and then plug the 10pin (or 16pin) connectors directly to your other modules. That'll make more sense when you have your modules.

Don't forget to upgrade Plaits' firmware so you get the Orange mode!

And post your tunes! : )

Finally managed to track down an Intellijel Quad VCA. It was one of the first modules I chose to have, and the last to be acquired.

Replaced the Z5000 with an ALM MFX. Feel much better about the FX situation now.

Added the Pico Mix for a submixer.

Added Plaits.

Can't wait to experiment.

Thanks for all the help!! Couldn't have done it without! :)

FYI, that last Plaits sold—was it you? That’s likely the end of new, store bought, Mutable Plaits.
-- Toccata

No, a touch too late!

BUT...I scooped another at modest cost, in excellent condition with the box and assorted accoutrements.

Thanks for the heads up! :) :)

FYI, that last Plaits sold—was it you? That’s likely the end of new, store bought, Mutable Plaits.

EDITED Feb 27th 2023, 07:22

fits, just got it from the store :)

Great transaction with @andrea-man. Module as described, well packed. Recommended seller.

most important effects:

filters, delay and reverb

next most important:

phasers, bit reduction, distortion (all varieties from overdrive upwards)

to justify having effects in rack they need to have a decent amount of modulation inputs and a decent amount of modulation sources to feed them though

one of the most important things for a guitarist/bassist who's using modular imo is to be able to use pedals to control the modular - with foot switches and expression pedals - so you can play the guitar/bass and wiggle the modular at the same time

I'm a guitarist too and whilst I don't have long or slender fingers - multiple small modules are unusable when next to each other - to be able to use a knob of any kind you need around 1cm clearance on at least 2 sides
-- JimHowell1970

Great info, thank you! :)

Thanks Jim,

O&C has a lot more functions than sequencing - I'd explore some of these if I were you...

I thought it was a module that plays more central role in smaller setups, but indeed I see it has a lot more than clocking/sequencing, I will start exploring this once I'm more familiar with the basics.

EDITED Feb 7th 2023, 16:36

I made an addendum to the video Emily Hopkins and I last worked on, where we ran her harp into our modular synths. This video looks step by step and how to achieve similar results using a guitar. It would mean a lot if you give it a look sometime and tell me what you think.

I know that advice is to use space more carefully, which some of these modules clearly ignore. Behringer 305 is 24hp, turns out I'm using it as mixer-panner only (had hoped I'd use EQ to create stereo-effect on pads, but it doesn't do anything to my ears), which can be achieved with probably 8hp. E520 Hyperion is huge, but it can do lovely FX and has screen which I personally love as a newbie.

there's nothing wrong with large modules as long as you have the rack space for them and use them - eq is a weird one in modular most people use filters much more than eq! nor is there anything wrong with small modules - as long as you can actually use them!

I have not found (yet) any use for Ornament Crime, because sequencing options are there with Black Sequencer and Endorphines Shuttle Control, which is connected to Ableton for live sequencing.

O&C has a lot more functions than sequencing - I'd explore some of these if I were you...

most important effects:

filters, delay and reverb

next most important:

phasers, bit reduction, distortion (all varieties from overdrive upwards)

to justify having effects in rack they need to have a decent amount of modulation inputs and a decent amount of modulation sources to feed them though

one of the most important things for a guitarist/bassist who's using modular imo is to be able to use pedals to control the modular - with foot switches and expression pedals - so you can play the guitar/bass and wiggle the modular at the same time

I'm a guitarist too and whilst I don't have long or slender fingers - multiple small modules are unusable when next to each other - to be able to use a knob of any kind you need around 1cm clearance on at least 2 sides

If you want to use effects pedals - you really want one (or more) pedal interface modules(s) - as euro level is way too high for a lot of them and the return will be way too low

dixie will massively benefit from a sub mixer

2hp modules can be extremely difficult to work due to ergonomics

everything (as usual) points to a bigger case!!!
-- JimHowell1970

Re: 2hp ergonomics. I'm a guitarist... have long, thin, agile fingers, but thanks for the heads up. :p

Sub-mixer need noted.

I'm not sure I'm going to use the pedal boards or not at this point. I may be using them concurrently (twiddling knobs with a guitar/bass on the shoulder). I will wait to see how this all fits into my work flow. Right now, I'm leaning towards using guitar FXs in line and going through the A-119.

Not the same, I know, which is why I again ask, which effects are most crucial in your opinion(s)? Delay? Reverb? Something else?

Thanks and appreciation! :)