Here's a screwy idea...

Instead of a "normal" VCF, use one that has an insert path...and then drop something like a delay or reverb into that. Doepfer's A-106-1 fits into 14 hp, leaving 4 hp for an effect to screw with the resonance path...HN's FX Aid could work, and there's several others that fit in that remaining space.

The 106-1, fyi, is actually a version of the MS-20's Sallen-Key filter pair...which is definitely is capable of some weird filter interactions. Plus, this idea is pretty cost-effective and fills the 18 hp hole.

I would do this a little differently. Instead of the big Intellijel Quad VCA, I would suggest three After Later dual VCAs. They use the same topology as the Intellijel (and, natch, Veils), can sum to mono, all that. Put one after the Plaits, one after the VCF, and one after the Beads and then you'll get a voice path that's got 100% VCA control over amplitude. Maybe put the Quad VCA down in the modulation row then, so that you can have amplitude control (when needed) over your modulation signals. Gonna beat on this for a bit...

LATER: OK, this wasn't all that difficult to bang out, in truth. The voice row was already pretty well-implemented, so the big focus here was to load up the modulation row while still optimizing the voice row above. So...

OK...top row has the P/S, then next to that is Ladik's dual slew limiter for portamento, which you can have on either upward CV movement, downward, or both. I then doubled the Plaits, because 1 VCO = good, but 2 VCO = BETTER. This lets you do detuning, VCO sync and so on. After those is the first VCA pair, then we get into the VCFs. I put in a G-Storm Korg Delta VCF here, since this gives you smooth, pad-like responses...which complements the Steiner-Parker clone and its aggro sound. Then the next VCA pair, followed by this multiple-looking thing from Takaab which is actually a unity-gain fixed-pan mixer. The white-ringed jacks are your "left" and "right" outputs, and you use the seven inputs to place signals between them. This sets things up for a stereo feed to the Beads. After the Beads, one more VCA pair, then you've got an Alyseum QMix for your stereo mix. Output and headphone preamp duties are handled by the new version of Happy Nerding's Isolator.

Down below, things start with the Pam's, then a Doepfer Noise/Random/S&H is next. LFO duties get handled by a Xaoc Batumi (with the Poti expander) for four potential "raw" LFO signals. Maths follows, then one of Happy Nerding's 3xVCAs for linear, DC-coupled level manipulation of modulation signals (the Quad VCA was too big), and a Tiptop MISO for altering, mangling, inverting, and pretty much any other -ing you want with the modulation. And then, a Xaoc Zadar (also expanded with the Nin) offers four EG channels. One final addition with HN's new FX Aid Pro for extra processing, and that's it.

Should be easy enough to work with...but at the same time, there's a lot of raw power under the hood now.

EDITED Jun 13th 2022, 02:58

Nah...those Tiptop Buchla 258s are only $200. Add a few "extras", like VCA control for the FM "modulator" VCO, a bit of waveshaping, et al...and you STILL come out well-equipped for cheap!

Check out VCV Rack and a few Omri Cohen YouTube tutorials to get familiar with the concepts of modular synthesis

Then get a bigger case with more power than you think you'll need

A minimal starter setup would be Keystep (or Beatstep) + Plaits (or Chord) + some way to hear the sound (like a mixer or ALM HPO)

Keystep CV and Gate outs will go to control Plaits V/OCT and TRIG. Plaits OUT to mixer or headphone amp.

Next steps should be modules that can do more with this setup. Pam's New Workout or Maths would be great to add modulation to Plaits parameters

Manufacturer searchable datalis

Since we have so many manufacturers listed on MG the manufacturer select box in the module search form was not very easy to operate. Especially on touch devices where you could not enter a letter to shortcut to a manufacturer.

The new system is tricky to use on my workstation with a Wacom tablet (I don't have any any of those "mouse" things). If I start typing a name it brings up a "pop-up" with matching manufacturer names, but that pop-up will disappear before I can click on it - it doesn't work well with absolute pointing devices. I can get around this by only using keyboard input but it's a bit clunky. If this new method helps people on other platforms, then perhaps provide a "mode" switch to allow for both methods.

QPAS might help tame some of the harshness of Manis while offering stereo options. Audio rate modulation of QPAS is fun too. If you want to accentuate the aggression of Manis and Mysteron, maybe check out Future Sound Systems Fil3 Spectral Devastator. It’s a dual filter and distortion that fits your hp requirements.
-- farkas

@farkas - thanks i'll take a look at the Fil3
Morpheus filter looks interesting with that "filter sequencer"...would love to hear how that can be used...sequencing your filter on a sound? don't think i've run across that yet in my short eurorack lifetime yet

EDITED Jun 12th 2022, 21:23

QPAS might help tame some of the harshness of Manis while offering stereo options. Audio rate modulation of QPAS is fun too. If you want to accentuate the aggression of Manis and Mysteron, maybe check out Future Sound Systems Fil3 Spectral Devastator. It’s a dual filter and distortion that fits your hp requirements.

With that being said, what kind of sounds are you hoping to make? If you are looking for more aggressive tones, a Dual Borg or Polivoks style filter might be better suited.
-- farkas

@farkas - probably something a bit more aggressive where I can do some 'exploratory' sound design for stuff to be used as samples, etc...I bought a Mysteron recently and was considering putting a nice filter in between Manis Iteritas and Mysteron

EDITED Jun 12th 2022, 19:46

thanks for the feedback. I did a rethink. here's the new one:
https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_1951141.jpg

Thank you !

Nice sendoff for the MI Stages! Cool stuff.
-- cmb_

Nice sendoff for the MI Stages! Cool stuff.

I don’t use QPAS in every patch, but it will never leave my rack. I don’t have anything else quite like it and what it does is really really cool.
With that being said, what kind of sounds are you hoping to make? If you are looking for more aggressive tones, a Dual Borg or Polivoks style filter might be better suited.

I am looking to change up some space occupied by the current filter I'm using...will have 18HP to use and narrowed down to three in that range. Which would you get and why?
1. QPAS
2. Morpheus
3. Erica Synths Dual VCF

or would you recommend some other combination of filter and something else to fill 18?

So, first batch is in the system (top row) and been using it a lot...i'm hooked!

I common patch looks something like this:
Pams to generate the pitch with different techniques, random from single channel or multiple ones mixed together with logic conditions. This then goes to the pitch of Plaits. Other channels on Pams control the inputs of Plaits either straight in or via Maths. Maths usually helps with this too, but more often I use it to control the filter and VCA. Out from Plaits into Filter and then VCA and out. Beads have not arrived yet..
It's all fun and game, but I feel it's lacking some thing.

Now to the planned new things, row 2:
I use Maths 2-3 for attenuation, but want to free that space up, therefor planning to add a dedicated attenuator in form of Sinc Defero.

I don't find it satisfying to put in LFOs in Pams all the time (usually start using the two in Maths first) and want something more direct, therefor looking at the ochd. Good choice or should I look for something with more exact control?

Lastly the mixer, since I use it alot in Maths and feel like a dedicated one is worth having. Going stero to be used with Beads, but is that overkill? I want to mix both audio and CV, should I get two different mixers?

Three more utility and modulation focused modules, but want to here some suggestion what you would add as a next step? A sequencer? Random generator? More sounds sources?

I'm still getting a problem where if in the first search box I type 'meloDicer' - I get an invalid manufacturer msg box and no search is done. This happens on Edge, Brace and Vivaldi browsers. Appears to happen after I've done a manufacturer search. If you do a name search as the first thing you do it works.

-- OurMod

Thanks for the report, there will be an update next week which hopefully fixes some issues.

Still not sure about complex oscillators, after the first demos of the furthrrr generator i was like WOOOWWW, but then i looked at it and realized that i already have all of those components in my system and it (and most other complex oscillators) are quite limited due to the internal wiring and lack of possibilities to change those. I can do a lot more with seperate components. But maybe thats the charme and idea of being limited, like with some hardwaresynths like the simple 101 you quickly get results that would take a lot of time, money and modules to patch.
But then again probably too expensive for me. Like some vintage thing that has its charme because of the limitations.

Hi there - yes I see now that the manufacturer search finds the letter anywhere.
I always used to - for example mutaple instruments - type in an 'M' and then tab down with the downward arrow.
Current setup is much better - now you can type 'Mut' and you get there.

I'm still getting a problem where if in the first search box I type 'meloDicer' - I get an invalid manufacturer msg box and no search is done. This happens on Edge, Brace and Vivaldi browsers. Appears to happen after I've done a manufacturer search. If you do a name search as the first thing you do it works.

I think you're apt to have a lot of trouble when fitting Eurorack modules into an API 500 rack...

Thanks also curious what Lugia, Garfield, and Jim think for complex analog oscillator goodness. There are soo many choices.
-- sacguy71

Too true! However, the best bargain in complex VCOs right now is also one of the true greats: Tiptop's Buchla 258t. Two VCOs with some interesting interconnection voodoo, but another fun thing is that you can take one of the VCOs, waveshape it, then mix it back against the first VCO to get that dual-timbre sound. But that's just scratching the surface, really...the 258 might look simple, but with the right "helpers", it's a powerhouse!

EDITED Jun 12th 2022, 02:16

Okay but what would I be missing? I guess you mean the 3 Envelopes the Dfam can put out? Im interested.

-- rckitup

Sure...in fact, you could probably reconstruct the DFAM as modules. It'd be way more expensive, but it'd also probably fit into the space the DFAM takes up now...with some left over.

For instance, the DFAM's EGs...it would make far more sense to get FOUR...and proper ADSR EGs at that. So, check THIS out: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/xaoc-devices-zadar. This can do FOUR...with assignable CVs per EG, plus it can be had with a 3 hp expander that lets you directly address the EGs' behavior. That gives you your three...plus one more, plus a number of different envelope types, plus CV control. In 13 hp.

And so on...

Just say no to Brains. Get a Plaits clone from Calsynth or any reputable builder and support a few smaller shops : )
-- oscidigi

Or Plaits itself. It's a mere 12 hp, where Uli's "version" fits into 16. So even if you go with the original, you STILL gain panel space!

start with a bigger case you'll probably want it sooner than you think (or hope)

how are you mixing? just the quad vca? how are you monitoring?

I've not heard good things about the doepfer midi modules - I'd look for something a bit more featured too - especially as you have 2 sound sources

I'd take a look at my signature if I were you...

solid module multi usage and fun!

EDITED Jun 11th 2022, 19:50

How many channels do you need? The MPC1K features a multi-track sequencer. If you just plan to do monophonic sequences then the Kenton Pro Solo may be fine, but if you want to get the most out of the MPC1K then that's probably not the right choice. FH-2 is great, but if you're looking for something less expensive, Avon Synth makes a 4-channel converter that is simple and gives you velocity outputs in addition to pitch and gate. It's a 10 hp module though.

EDITED Jun 11th 2022, 17:58

As usual, smart transaction with @klodifokan
Merci Emmanuel !

Goodbye but hello to vector.
Here’s my last video and song with the useful stages.
Cheers

Anyone else with an advice? Does anyone use a Kenton Pro Solo with his/her modular?

Thanks for the feedback. Please include which browsers you are using.

There is a issue with the drop down list that stops at letter W
I cannot search for "Xaoc Devices" using "Xaoc" but i get it with "Devices"
-- pibou

I cannot reproduce the issue, seems to work here.

I don't get any movement. Press 'B' and still have the numbers and 'A's - ie the top of the list.
So need to use the slider to get anywhere.

It works a bit different now.
Hit B now only shows manufacturers with a b somewhere in the name. That does not have to be the first letter.
I look into it if the behavior can be changed, I too find it a bit odd.

Getting all sorts of odd things - if I type in say melodicer I get invalid manufacturer
-- OurMod

Press the Clear Manufacturer button in this case.
Sorry for the trouble. If more problems bubble up I might revert it to the old functionality or find a way that the datalist only shows up on touch devices (which was the main reason to make it).

I don't get any movement. Press 'B' and still have the numbers and 'A's - ie the top of the list.

So need to use the slider to get anywhere.

Getting all sorts of odd things - if I type in say melodicer I get invalid manufacturer

Noticed new font for item search - same as manufacturer - the rest the older font

There is a issue with the drop down list that stops at letter W
I cannot search for "Xaoc Devices" using "Xaoc" but i get it with "Devices"

EDITED Jun 11th 2022, 06:58

Problems on PC Win10 latest. Hit say 'M' and search doesn't work for manufacturer

Also font now different from the other pull downs

hi johnathan29 i've found this , hope it helps ....... https://axiom-crux.net/macro-machines-omnimod

Hi Adr,

Great demo! Thanks a lot for demoing your Timiszoara to us :-)

I am saving money for the Starlab so this module and the mentioned FX Aid by Sebastopol have to wait ;-)

Thanks a lot for your video/sound demo, have a good weekend and kind regards, Garfield.

The installed algo's are not convincing.
Happy Nerding's FX aid, beats it all the way .
If can't find other stuff to install I will definitely not keep it .
Quite disappointed.

Other FX I own to compare with :
FXaid / Mimeophon / Monsoon / Desmodus Versio / TipTop Z5000.

Thoughts on this for first modular small set-up....

This module is just fun to play with. i use it with KP3+ and record some voice stuff.

That doesn't work at all on my smartphone.
Android+ fire fox.
-- klodifokan

Ah, shoot. That seems to be a bug in Firefox Android mobile I did not know about. Persists since 3 years :(
Strangely works on iOS Firefox. I will look if there is a walk around for that..

That works on Chrome.

EDITED Jun 10th 2022, 16:12

Works well on iPhone/chrome (safari really, as it’s not build around actual chrome 😂)

Hello,

That doesn't work at all on my smartphone.
Android+ fire fox.

Manufacturer searchable datalist

Since we have so many manufacturers listed on MG the manufacturer select box in the module search form was not very easy to operate. Especially on touch devices where you could not enter a letter to shortcut to a manufacturer.
Now we have a datalist which is kind of a searchable select box.
It looks and behaves a little differently in the different browsers. Check it out and type something in the manufacturer field.

Thank you Wiggler55550 and CraigKirk for helping me understand electricity better and relieving stress about turning about 500hp into a smoke and lights show with a bunch of liquid mostly running out of my eyes... With the feeling like I jumped out of a perfectly good airplane with... What did I forget... Oh... The chute!!!

The power coming out of your wall outlet is 15A @ 120V, this equates to 1800W, the (whole order of magnitude) voltage difference being the thing you are missing.

The power you are pulling from the wall at THE VERY max from that case is something like 300W, and that's at absolute max (and there is no way you can come close to pulling like a quarter of that 5V margin)

You would have a very, VERY hard time maxing out a breaker circuit with a Eurorack setup.

EDITED Jun 10th 2022, 07:28

No worries, it will run fine and will not blow any fuse. I'm actually running a similar case and a large ADDAC 901M on the same 16A circuit without problems.

So mine arrived yesterday, I slept only a few hours since, to capture a few spots I've been to. What a great fx module!

EDITED Nov 15th 2022, 22:26

Hi everyone!!!
Have a question about any power issues. I checked the specs and it say +12V/8000ma, -12V/4800ma, +5V/16,000. I know practically ZERO about electricity so the math is not working for some reason so I figure there is something I'm not understanding. I'm getting 28,800ma total of power adding all together... Or would it be 19,200ma for just + with - subtracted? My main question is... If it's either 19,200ma or 28,000ma that should trip my wall outlet (15Amp) being 19.2 Amps ~ 28 Amps shouldn't it?
I guess what I'm asking is... Will this run perfect on your run of the mill 15Amp wall outlet or do I need something special?
Thank You for any help.

Hi everyone!!!
Have a question about any power issues. I checked the specs and it say +12V/8000ma, -12V/4800ma, +5V/16,000. I know practically ZERO about electricity so the math is not working for some reason so I figure there is something I'm not understanding. I'm getting 28,800ma total of power adding all together... Or would it be 19,200ma for just + with - subtracted? My main question is... If it's either 19,200ma or 28,000ma that should trip my wall outlet (15Amp) being 19.2 Amps ~ 28 Amps shouldn't it?
I guess what I'm asking is... Will this run perfect on your run of the mill 15Amp wall outlet or do I need something special?
Thank You for any help.

Deffo here, get a powerful brain to master the rack (even if you don't want to use it much, you always get support from it) I'm using the AKAI Mpc one 4out cv, brilliant

My experience: buy a decent drum machine/sampler and focus your modular for a specific task rather than viewing it as a jack of all trades.
-- richc90

HIYA GEEKS !

imo, I really really wanted de VE-CO because it looks so damn solid and all the reviews I saw in YouTube seems that it sounds phenomenal buuuut, I went fro the CS-L. Gosh demon aye, best best best sound source I have ever listen to, really. The quality is a bit doubtable to be fair, It looks super formal and gorgeous but the face panel is clearly plastic (also the knobs BUT doesn't feel cheap) but is indeed solid (not as solid as de ve-co)

I have to say that it's a little bit of a thing the "hands-on" process because it's small (26hp for a CO - this is the main reason why I picked it, cause my cases aren't that big) but jesus christ, it's just comes straight from the output and the path-signal is just pure cosmic sound design exploration (i'm sending cv from the pico seq and it's sooo easy)

No more experience with CO's. I have read about them all, my choose was this (as I mention the size it was pretty handy for me - you can check on my rack https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_1788210.jpg ) but it does sound so clean: Cs-L guys from INSTRUO if at some point you read this, thumbs up !

This is my first post in ModularGrid, big fan
Cheers lads !

EDITED Jun 10th 2022, 01:09

Just starting in Eurorack, my main focus is on granular textures and I'm trying to build an ambient hip hop type box. So I wanted to start with a home for Morphagene and then build on that as I get savings. My next purchase is Maths, then probably Ikarie, and some more utilities though I'm not sure what order to get them in. Everything is housed in a Mantis Case.