could you also add the black panel option? thx
3 U modules I have purchased in addition to the SV-1b are Maths and polivoks.
As an alternate sound source/oscillator I 6 hp version of braids seems like a highly recommended balance to the SV_1.
I wouldn't bother with a second voice in a case this size, personally
Veils and Batumi round it out.
good choices - download the 'maths illustrated manual' - it's a great learning tool and jumping off point for patch programming - one of the most powerful techniques in modular synthesis - work your way through it a few times and try and work out how and why the patches work!
Very likely will add O-CTRL as CV sequencer.
Clocksource can either be SV-1b, O-CTRL or DAW via MIDI.
or maths
Don’t have a clock divider per se. do I need one ( not likely to need precision from this rack ) ?
-- YoungNorway
maths again - just remember though maths, like most 'swiss army knife module' can often only be used for one thing at a time...
"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!!!
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
Thanks kindly for your input.
Regarding the comments about the SV-1B, alas the unit does not have a case and thus must reside in the rack.
I have modified a fair bit since initially posting. I have purchased and installed the 1U units except for quadratt and multi fx.
3 U modules I have purchased in addition to the SV-1b are Maths and polivoks.
As an alternate sound source/oscillator I 6 hp version of braids seems like a highly recommended balance to the SV_1.
Veils and Batumi round it out.
Very likely will add O-CTRL as CV sequencer.
Clocksource can either be SV-1b, O-CTRL or DAW via MIDI.
Don’t have a clock divider per se. do I need one ( not likely to need precision from this rack ) ?
ok now the link is in - I can see stuff
cool you have peaks and clouds - great modules...
now I can rip into it
it seems very heavy on sound sources - not just the fact that imo there are too many in this size case, but they also take up too much space and there's not really enough support modules - sound modifiers, modulation sources and especially utilities - to do the number of sound sources justice...
top row:
Pams - good
now I'm assuming here that your intention is to use peaks primarily as a kick/snare - combined with the hats to make a simple percussion set up - nothing wrong with that - but I'd suggest a simple sub-mixer so you can process - filter etc the kit as one - maybe a cp3 type one that can add a bit of dirt (manhattan analog perhaps)
there's then 3 vcos - are you intending to use these as single voices? how are you going to shape notes - or are you just using them as drones? not enough vcas... not enough filters... otherwise if you are intending to use them to create a complex voice - again, there's no sub-mixing or waveshaping in the case & both the dixie and sto could benefit from sub-mixers in order to mix their waveforms before filtering etc - & I'd definitely drop the synthrotek - they don't have a good reputation for building reliable modules or customer support from what I've heeard and well ethically only the b-company really surpass them in scraping the bottom of the barrel
elements - great module - but in a case this size it's on the large size to put it mildly - I'd be tempted to switch it out for a rings - worthwhile comparing the 2 there's a lot of overlap...
es9 good - not used one but I hear they're great - can be used as an eoc mixer - if configured properly via midi (you might want an extra module to do this - or just diy some midi connectors into the case)
1u: NB I'd always get a 3rd 3u row over a 1u row the cost in terms of rails etc is the same but they only hold 1/4 of the functionality and I've never seen a compelling module that's only available in 1u & 3.5" is, well, only 3.5" - but others seem to like them...
o&c - it's popular... not convinced...
zeroscope - again not convinced - as you have the es9 I'd just use a free one in vcv rack - when needed - I've got an es8 and quite frankly I've never found a need for a scope yet in over 5 years
2 sub-mixers - it's a good start... but you've used one for the drums and one for dixie - you need more of these...
cockpit - well at least it's not as annoying as the 3u version - inputs aren't on stereo jacks... but I think it's kind of superfluous - in that it's over specified for a sub-mixer - and there's a mixer in the es9 and then there's the sputnik - but see below for that
bottom row:
evolution - a big filter - maybe too big in this size case
octone - hmm - looks complicated - and it only has one pitch out - which is fine but then I'd want a buffered mult to send the pitch accurately to different sound sources - personally I'd want a 3-4 track sequencer in here given the number of sound sources
qpas - again a big filter and too big - I think I'd want at least 3 filters given the number of sound sources - 1 for the percussion, 1 for the sto, 1 for dixie...
adsr - again synthrotek - see above - but do you really need a adsr? I'd want more envelopes -but I'd probably use Pams - and you have...
Maths - brilliant module - download the 'maths illustrated supplement' work your way through it a few times and use it as a jumping off point for patch-programming - one of the most powerful techniques in modular - but saying that I'd also want all the basic functionality duplicated in other modules - why? because when you use Maths for something interesting (ie something you've patch programmed it to do - bouncing ball etc etc) then you can't really use it for anything else - and if you use it as 2 basic envelopes/lfos and a couple of attenuverters - then you can't useit for anything interesting...
quad vca - good start - I'd want more - they're not just for audio - they're incredibly useful for modulation too - I'd go veils over this as it's got a few more useful features - ok it's an extra 2hp and a little more expensive - but it has 20db of gain so can be used as an external input, it has offsets and it is continuously variable between exponential and linear responses - the doepfer can be either linear or exponential iirc, but to change it you have to take it out of the rack and move jumpers.... pita
sputnik mixer - as far as I am aware this is another very difficult to get hold of module - sputnik may or may not be producing modules again... and I've also heard of reliability/build quality issues - but i don't know for certain - plus the es9 has mixing capabilities...
rosie - as I mentioned above I think this is discontinued - the xoh is the replacement - but do you really need an output module when you have the es9? I've never needed one other than for headphones - and there are smaller ways of dealing with that - and the es9 has headphone outs
"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!!!
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
how do I post a link to it? Where do I find the link and then how do I post it.
I already own Clouds, and just purchased a used Peaks today for a good price.
Thanks again for taking the time to look it over.
Dan
it'd really help if you posted a link to the actual rack and not a patch based on it - no mouse-over infographics or click through...
you do realise that mutable instruments peaks and clouds are discontinued - I'm also pretty sure that the sputnik mixer and rosie are the same... both peaks and clouds are available as clones in various sizes - and both of them and the other 2 may be available as used modules - but it's generally better planning on modules that are available - clouds has been replaced by beads
"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!!!
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
Shouldn't that be 3 (three) x 1:4 Buffered Multiples with bi-color leds?
Your continued comments are greatly appreciated.
So helpful, thanks! I'm going to look into the Mutant Brain.
Cheers :)
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.
Umm... I'll take a bath with that.
-- wiggler55550
🤣🤣🤣
Fun time this weekend trying various patches with modular
I even had the rare opportunity to try out the new Soma Pulsar 23 synth drum machine.
Nice stuff wishbonebrewery and thanks for the link to the Anthurium video, I'll have to give the patch a try.
All the best.
there are midi interfaces with multiple cv/gate outputs on them... cv.ocd outside the rack or hex inverter mutant brain (which is the same but a module), for example - there are quite a few more! you would be able to send multiple channels of midi from Logic -> modular this way - might be an idea to read a few manuals and watch a few videos...
I don't have a es9, but I do have an es8 - which doesn't have midi - the idea behind them is to not use midi - but cv direct from the DAW - you would use a plugin in Logic - for example Expert Sleepers Silent Way - and generate pitch/modulation/triggers/gates directly in Logic and then send them to the outputs of the ES9 - the midi implementation, afik, in es9 is to control features of the es9 - such as an internal mixer
hope this helps
"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!!!
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
Hi all, first post here. After researching and watching tutorials for a year, I recently pulled the trigger and started my first rack. It's a hybrid setup: I am using Logic as my DAW, I program drums in Logic, I use Logic as the clock source via the Intellijel µMIDI module, and I record out audio via an audio interface (Focusrite Scarlett 2i2).
As I expand my rack to include more than one synth voice, I want to be able to continue to use my USB controller via Logic to play my synth. My goal is to be able to have multiple tracks in Logic, each track corresponding to a patch on my rack.
One (pricy) solution would be to buy more µMidi modules and a big USB hub—that way Logic would recognize multiple MIDI instruments, and I could send multiple gate and volt per octave signals at once.
Short of purchasing more USB -> MIDI modules, is there a better way? I've been researching some of the Expert Sleepers modules, but I can't tell if it would be possible for a single ES-9 to be recognized by Logic as more than one MIDI instrument.
Strymon have just released Starlab, which is basically a Big Sky in modular form. It's bigger and more expensive than most options, but good reverb is worth the footprint really.
Umm... I'll take a bath with that.
very peaceful :)
-- wishbonebrewery
Thanks, just that I've tried it :)
u need to put the sequencer in step mode. Then send a clock to the trigger input :)
I believe by default the LFO modulates the filter frequency if the "mod depth" knob is turned up, and also is routed through ATT 2 to the pulse width modulation inputs for both oscillators, so I would look at where the mod depth knob and ATT 2 knob are set, and turn both of them all the way down to simplify things at first.
Hi QuirrelJibbly,
It shouldn't matter if you use your Neutron in its own casing or in a Eurorack casing. Of course you need to check that the power cable has been connected correctly on both ends i.e. on the module/Neutron itself as well as at the bus board. If I remember well then the Neutron has a boxed pin header so there the problem shouldn't occur however if you have a non-boxed pin header bus board, then there you have to be careful.
Other than that, the Neutron should just work in your rack. Keep in mind that it takes 1 A or 1000 mA from your +12 V power supply so make sure that you have that power available. So perhaps to get started put the Neutron back in its own casing and try to use the outputs VCF1 and VCA, they should work properly. Once that works fine and you are still convinced that you want to rack your Neutron in a Eurorack case instead of in its own case, then transfer it to the Eurorack. If it then doesn't work any more then there is something rotten in the state of Denmark. So either you wrongly connected the power cable or you are beyond your maximum power consumption for the +12 V!
Good luck with the troubleshooting and please let us know how it goes. Kind regards, Garfield Modular.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
Jim speaks truth, the Tex Mix is a really good option, definitely more suited to this particular rack then the WMD ; )
Thanks Jim,
I'll do my homework in implementing your formula.
That's a good point. And it is possible to get a little more direct interaction with Pam's by appropriately configuring the CV inputs and driving them with a suitable utility – again requiring thinking and patching rather than just twisting knobs.
yes I agree about euclidean waves - but as a starter - I think it's better to get pams and then, if and only if, there is frustration with not being able to change euclidean ratios on the fly , get euclidean waves - Pams forces you a bit more to think about what you are doing, from what I can tell (not having euclidean waves) so may be a better learning tool too - rather than just wiggling away...
"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!!!
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
the rack looks very sound source heavy to me - not enough support modules to do justice to the sound sources...
I would want an extra row for utilities etc etc
see my signature, particularly the formula, for a rough guide to getting the most versatility out of a modular synthesizer for the least amount of cash
"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!!!
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
personally I like the tesseract tex-mix over the wmd performance mixer - it's significantly cheaper and more expandable and uses less power - I'm sure that the performance mixer is exceptional - but it is big and expensive and power hungry...
the advantage of these over the cockpit is that they have panning for mono sources to stereo, in the case of the wmd pm, this can be automated with an lfo*) - which allows you to put a mono source in the middle, fully left or fully right or somewhere in between - if you only have stereo inputs - then you only get the possibility of fully left or fully right - or both if you mult the signal (and then recombine using a special cable in the case of these cockpit modules)
the only "advantage" of the cockpits I see is that they have ducking - although imo this is better patched using envelopes, an inverter/polarizer/attenuverter, a small utility mixer and a vca - ie "modular synthesis" and not just "synthesis with modules"...
I see the 'mono/stereo/ios send/return' nature of these mixer modules to be a complete pain in the arse... I seriously would not want it in my rack... I'd be loosing any adapter cables in the pile of patch cables and/or confusing stereo cables with regular patch cables and wondering why my stereo field was competely shit constantly - ymmv, though
the cockpit modules only really stand up in a endorphin.es only set up and if you are willing to separate audio and cv - which is one of the advantages of eurorack over some other formats, in that it doesn't do this...
BUT saying that either way you need some smaller mixers like the 3*mia or shades or whatever - to use as sub-mixers... and then you get back to the mono/stereo patch cable malarky...
also at least one filter is a good idea - there are so many available and they are so personal, that I find it difficult to recommend them - I have a couple of ripples - which are rolandy/vanilla, various doepfer ones that are based on other classic filter designs (wasp, sem, moog) and a couple more - but they all impart their own characteristics and it's impossible to say x is better than y - as it's so personal - there are plenty of filter shootoout demos on youtube, which should give you a basic idea - what to look out for
*you can do this easily with a mult, a couple of vcas, an lfo and an inverter - if you want to patch it when needed - or buy cv-able panner modules if used constantly
"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!!!
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
I'm fairly new at this. I own several of these modules but plan to pick up the rest. I use a drum machine Roland TR-8s; so I haven't explored that on a modular basis; but have another case in the ready for drums and sequencers.
I also have Erica Synths DB-01 as a desktop sequenced baseline, and have the o-coast/strega/o-control on my desk as well.
I use Ableton Live, thus the ES-09. I have the Keystep Pro Midi sequencer/controller with Midi/CV connectivity.
I converted a beautiful burl oak humidor and has Mutable Instruments: Marbles, Plaits, and Rings plus the Disting MK4.
I'm into ambient and otherworldly sounds. Not into Techno just yet.
Thank you in advance for your feedback.
Thanks for the feedback. Damn, I thought I was gonna get the balance right, this time! I guess I'll need to do more thinking about it. Appreciate the suggestion of wmd toolbox, I'll check that out!
The Cockpit from Endorphins is also a 4 Stereo Channel Performance Mixer, so that is then 8 channel i have then in the rack, i have 2 of them.
So i need more then that to make the workflow better?
Thanks for your input ThePlate.
I saw the wmd mixer, looks really practical and the Roland 531 is also a nice module...also bit cheaper then the wmd i think..hehehe
How about forsaking the Erica mult for, say, a sub-mixer or two for the voices, and then a good performance mixer like the Roland 530 or 531? Some arrangement like that would fit in your case. Otherwise just get the wmd performance mixer. It is the best.
Thank you JimHowell1970 for the feedback.
What would you suggest I do, what modules I need to look at and maybe take away?
Cheers
I think you're experiencing a lot of confusion relating to what modules actually do - a lot seem to be in the wrong categories...
for example - source of uncertainty is a random modulation source, not a sound source as the other's are that you've classed as "sources", what you've classed as 'modifiers' some are modulation sources and plog - I'd class that as a utility - as I would compare2 (both logic), O&C I'd categroise with Pams, etc etc etc
take a look at my signature - the formula especially - it's designed as a rule of thumb for getting the most versatility from a modular synth for the least money...
also agree strongly with what @plragde says - also I heard, but don't know how correct this is that ColdMac can be used for both audio and cv, but not at the same time - so what looks like a great bundle of utilities - is actually only 1/2 as useful as it could be - wmd/ssf toolbox & mutable instruments kinks are very useful combined utility modules that are easier to understand and maybe easier to find - kinks either used or NOS in stores or as a clone (it's been discontinued for a while now)
"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!!!
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
The outputs don't go to the next input, rather they are mixed with the next output if unpatched.
-- adaris
important distinction!!
"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!!!
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
no still mostly the same problems
especially the mixing solution... the queen of pentacles is stereo out, the furtherrgenerator is lots of mono outputs of individual waveforms - these might need mixing, the godspeed has 2 mono outputs, the desmodus versio and the arbhar are stereo
other than the veils - good choice of vca btw, the cockpits are allegedly stereo, but on single jack (no idea how that works), feeding rosie, a stereo output! do you need a load of stereo cables that are specialist, either mono->stereo, or single stereo cables??
it just fails to work properly - no ability to sub mix waveforms - except for what's available onboard the actual vcos, no ability to convert mono to stereo... there's no panning - so the mono sources are only ever going to be hard left or hard right... no where in between...
& no filters?
"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!!!
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
You're not going to find anything that covers all the functionality of Cold Mac in 8hp. But you have some of that functionality elsewhere, and you might not need other parts of it. Maybe go through the technical map (https://github.com/whimsicalraps/mannequins-technical-maps/blob/master/cold-mac/cold-mac.pdf) and see what you really wanted from it. Anything you replace it with will almost certainly be easier to learn and use.
Thanks! Any suggestions on what might replace the Cold Mac?
Also, yeah, I'm probably being too eager about the Buchla / Tiptop modules. They just look so cool...
Cold Mac is very hard to get hold of, and the two Buchla/Tiptop modules feel a little out of place to me, but overall it seems fine. It's a lot to get all at once, though. Maybe think about an incremental plan, giving you a chance to learn about modules a few at a time?
The outputs don't go to the next input, rather they are mixed with the next output if unpatched.
Pam's does Euclidean, but in a more set-and-forget way, so if you want playability, Euclidean Circles is a reasonable combo with Quad Drum / Qex. But it does take up space. You might think about the other wide modules here (Morphagene, Qpas, Maths) and consider alternatives. There's also a fair amount of overlap among O_c, CVilization, øchd, Sloths, and Wogglebug. It's not so much that one can be covered by the others, but that there's a lot of similar kinds of modulation here and not much to modulate. Jim has good advice on thinking about voices and their paths through a possible system. Try not to fill the case more than 3/4 full in any potential plan, to leave room for discovery and expansion.
very peaceful :)
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.
no link?
"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!!!
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
Jim’s right- I’d ditch the Euclidean Circles and Mordax Data module in a case this size and replace them with something like the Intellijel Quad VCA and a good cv mixer and perhaps add a logic module.
I made some adjustments for my techno live setup case.
I am open to feedback if this setup is balanced?
Please leave a comment if I am on the right track here or not...?
Cheers
and thanks
'Lluvia' is one of tracks included in my mixtape Efímero, mainly with rings attempt to keep a minimal introspective and meditative state of mind.
Clock is generate by Rampage and Rings is sequenced by Rene. Desmodus Versio with shimmer reverb and Beads are mixed in Jumble henge together with Rings.
A longer version is included in mixtape available at bandcamp:
https://sergionunca.bandcamp.com/album/ef-mero