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Excellet!! @jb61264

Yes, exactly what I want to do, explore slowly and integrate my gears into the modular world.

Thank you, and GL to you too.

The Hydrasynth and the Microfreak complement all this.

-- Hikove

I have a Hydrasynth that I'm building my modular around...although to be honest, its being built around that and the use of my DAW/VSTs and an Artura Minibrute 2 as well. I have an Arturia Minibrute 2 which will be added into the mix eventually and that is why for me, I chose to buy the Rackbrute 6U (much to the chagrin of many on here :) ) I currently have Maths and Quadrax that I am working through and its quite a rabbit hole using those with the Mod 1 and Mod 2 inputs on the Hydrasynth (I have the desktop version). I also just figured out how to use the Ring Modulation to accept audio into the Hydrasynth from my DAW and yet now another rabbit hole. Good luck with your build...I can't imagine doing anything but a slooooooow build with modular systems to get used to all the possibilities that it presents.

Not really. I use Quadrax and Batumi for modulation and have plenty of function generator features in these two modules.

I agree with Jim on a bigger case and a bigger mixer, whether matrix or end-of-chain. Personally, I think the layout is pretty good. It makes sense to me anyway.
If this were my case, I think I would keep Rene and eliminate Marbles to add an analog oscillator (like a Dixie or Rubicon) and wave folder. But everyone has different needs and ideas, so have fun with it!

layout is difficult - it's personal and there are patch cables of all sizes.. so no need to worry about that - find something that works for you - it may take a few goes over a few months

personally if you want all the modules in this case I would get an even bigger case to start with (or at the very least keep the case you have too), as you could almost definitely do with another row - mostly for imo utilities for manipulating CV - plus the most important Make Noise module of all: Maths

I find this ratio is a good starting point:

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities

because you can send the same sound source to multiple sound modifiers, you need a lot of modulation in order to support the sound modifiers and sources and you need plenty of utilities, for controlling, mixing, modifying and mult'ing with and without voltage control all the voltages running through the synthesizer - unless of course you want to 'perform' with the case - even then I prefer the use lots of modulation - adjust modulation and re-route it method of performance as opposed to the frenetic micro tweaking you often find on youtube

things that could be cut back - sequencing - there's a lot of sequencing in there for not that many voices - I would remove rene for now - keep it for case 2 or row 3 or whatever - and I'd probably think long and hard about replacing one or all of the make noise effects modules and beads with smaller modules that will do similar things in less space - 2 or 3 fx aid xls and optionally a disting ex will give you something similar but take up about a third the space - leaving room for more utilities - or just use the old case

the major shortage I think is mixing - yes there are quite a few mixers in there already, but I'd want a matrix mixer in there - mostly for mixing modulation sources - possibly more vcas and definitely more filters and a wave folder

I'd also look at upgrading mixup as an end of chain mixer - you have x number of audio outs from modules and x-y mixer channels - and think about the difference between mono and stereo and how you deal with that/need to be able to mix mono (panning/stereo-izaton) and stereo sources together etc

if you are located in EU,i got a TipTop Audio Mantis case for sale im not gonna use after i got a bigger travel case.

I got more or less what I want running on track now.

I haven't read a lot about all this as I'd like to do, but I am doing it slowly.
I am learning about he modules and reading some manuals and stuff, I am more the type to read big books and manuals instead of watching videos.
OK. I will summarize a little what external devices I have so you could make an idea why important and relevant modules are missing.

Korg SQ-64
Roland TR-8S (I don't need drums on the rack, the SQ-64 will move the drum machine)
Behringer Model D (Bassline here)

The Hydrasynth and the Microfreak complement all this.

Now, I won't be buying like crazy these modules, I will get a small desktop modular synth first.

I need to choose 2 out of these 4 units:
-Pittsburgh Lifeforms SV-1b
-Erica System Pico III
-Make Noise 0-Coast (But, as at the moment I want those Make Noise modules present on my rack, I will most likely ignore the 0-coast)
-Moog Subharmonicon

So, the rack is most likely to complement those devices, not mean to be stand-alone.
After I play around with them and learn more about modular and voltage stuff, I will start building the rack.
As I said before, I want lot of potential options of sound modifications and experimentation for main leads and crazy stuff.

I would love to have the Qu-bit chord module on the rack, but I can't find where I can fit it (physically)

Now to business, how does it looks?
I got rid of the Z8000, it won't help for my purpose after reading the manual, so I got more LFOs. Isn't it a bad idea to have lot of LFOs, right? or there is a better practice instead of wanting lot of modulation sources?
I got rid of the FXs modules (The Distings are safe, that isn't their main purpose on my rack anyway) I will be using my external pedal and FXs units. (FX2000, NTS-1 and Collider)
I got rid of the mixer, I will assign one of my mixers to this rack (VLZ4)

This is most likely all I wanted to say right now; ohhh BTW I have my doubts with the Pulsar, I'd love to have that module on my rack, but I am having a hard time trying to figure out the real purpose for it on my rack, so meanwhile I just put it beside Pamela.

@Ronin1973 @Lugia @JimHowell1970
Thank you very much to all the community.

EDITED Jul 8th 2021, 13:55

and rtf 'maths illustrated supplement'

and especially work your way through the 'maths illustrated supplement' a good few times - possibly each. time you get a new module

-- JimHowell1970

+1 on the maths illustrated supplement...i have been going through at least one of the lessons each day since I got Maths to try to understand all that it can do...and in some cases had to go back over one or two of them to really grasp on to what was happening...more so because I'm very new to modular in general.

I have asked him to stop doing that.
I will revert the changes, but sadly I have to do it manually and it will take some time..

message me if you would like to sell!

Thanks @yari. Fast transaction and everything went ok!

Thanks @yari! Fast transaction, everything went fine!

maths being 'underused' is due to the user not the module

to prevent this:

rtfm

and rtf 'maths illustrated supplement'

and especially work your way through the 'maths illustrated supplement' a good few times - possibly each. time you get a new module

BUT this does raise a philosophical question - if you have a module and you don't use everything it can do, but use it constantly for what you do use it for, are you under using the module? personally I think no - & it's more important to know what the module can do and be able to access any relevant information easily (pdf on phone or laptop is easy enough) for the times when you do want to use it for something else rather than know every single thing the module can do inside and out

Currently using a DFAM/Mother32 and marbles/plaits/pams/zadar combo and having a decent time but it's time to find a bigger case! (and more effects modules)

I've put together this system using mostly modules from the manufacturers that I think are doing the most interesting stuff in the space: Mutable Instruments and Make Noise. Paired with the intellijel 1U stuff, I think this is going to do what I want it to do (make stuff to go over external drum sequences) and be flexible enough to stay interesting for a long time.

I'm mostly wondering whether the layout works well enough (tried to order it left to right going clock sources --> sequencing/utilities --> voices --> effects --> mix out), and if I have a good enough mix of sound sources, effects and utilities.

Thank you for all your helps!

What I recommend is a Doepfer A100 Basic System.

I think I will start off with some Doepfer modules to get some basic learning and ideas. I will also have to learn more about vcas and utilities to help building up this system through time.
For more deeper learning, I will definitely get a Maths for sure.
What are your thoughts about the Beatstep Pro? Is it a good sequencer to control my modular system since I dont want to use the computer to control the system?

Or you could queue up and get one of Uli's ARP 2600 clones.

Sure that the ARP 2600 is a sexy synth. Do you refer to use it as a standalone synth or to interacting with your modular system?

Hi Gabor,

Oh this is so cool! You get straight away started in a great way and then that Moog moaning sound that starts around the first half minute, wow! That gave me goosebumps, nice :-)

A lovely, playful track, thank you very much for sharing this and kind regards, Garfield.
-- GarfieldModular

Thank you, Garfield :)

but is 4hp 🤔

My bet is that it's either a custom module or, given that it's a render, it might not exist at all.

The link on one of the other "Renierra" module goes to their portfolio website, where there's zero information about any of these modules. Plus, no prices.

Or you could queue up and get one of Uli's ARP 2600 clones. As opposed to some of Behringer's other knockoffs, they actually managed to nail this one; mine works as if it were a much cleaner "rev.4", having used a "rev.4" "orange" ARP 2600 back in the early 1980s when it was still relatively new. I suppose that the large number of eyes on Uli kept him on point on this reissue, since Korg's lunch was his for the stealing after Korg's repetitive screwups with the "same" instrument. $600-ish for what I would say is the best "teaching instrument" (I actually learned on MTSU's "rev.2", many years ago) in synthesis is a pretty decent deal.

I don't like Uli's behavior. I don't like him trying to copy shit he's not entitled to (Arturia Keystep, Mutable Plaits, Intellijel's Quad VCA and a much longer list of pro audio gear dating way on back to dbx and Mackie in the early 1990s), and I don't at all approve of his antics with people who have an issue with his behavior (Peter Kirn, the forum users connected with Sequential that Uli threatened to sue without grounds, et al). As long as he copies devices that are either unobtainable or which can benefit from a smaller/more convenient form factor, that's cool. But he doesn't seem to like staying in that lane. Pretty unfortunate, really.

+1 on removing all of the drums and going with an external drum machine. Just looking at the cost of the drum-centric modules here in the build, you're at $2090 on just those alone. That there would actually buy you just under SIX RD-9s.

Drum modules also don't tend to require the same degree of modulation sources as other modules, but still take up space that those other modules could use for their mod sources.

What I would strongly suggest is to remove ALL of the drum modules. Instead, add a stereo input preamp to your modular so that you can mix the drum machine with the onboard FX, and this would still keep the basic sound control all going through the modular. Given that you've got a WMD Performance Mixer in there, you're fixed for that level of mixing complexity if desired. While the current state of the art in modular is at an incredible level, the drum modules just haven't kept pace with the vast majority of other modules, so this makes much more sense.

Also, having the MIDI interface dead-center in row #2 is an interesting choice; I can guarantee that the first time you accidentally yank the mini-USB cable, it will be a succinct explanation of why external interfaces shouldn't go into the vast tangle of the patch panel, but stay out on the edges to give easy access to any incoming/outgoing cables from the modular. In short, you probably don't want the MIDI interface there, or for that matter, your main mixer outputs. There's a number of 'flow issues' of that sort here, in fact. Try and find a method of organization that puts specific functions in specific areas; this might seem like it would cause more confusion, but if you hear a tuning error, you immediately know to check the VCOs and you can go right to them with ease, and so on. Trying to build a "voice per row" in this sort of build really just leads to four underfeatured voices.

But yeah, lots to pull out here. I'd even go as far as saying that the Pitt SV-1 should go back in its own case, if you bought it with one. And if you haven't, try rebuilding what it does with "normal" modules...you're likely to find that you can squash the SV-1's functionality into a smaller space than it covers itself. And THAT is the key to Eurorack: maximizing function in a tight space while maintaining user ergonomics.

This is a piece that I made as a follow up to The Near Future.

So where/how does one obtain this module?

Hi Gabor,

Oh this is so cool! You get straight away started in a great way and then that Moog moaning sound that starts around the first half minute, wow! That gave me goosebumps, nice :-)

A lovely, playful track, thank you very much for sharing this and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Sacguy71,

That sounds like a nice plan to form a modular synth group in and around Sacramento!

Kind regards, Garfield.

They're OK, sure...although I think the choice of the Brains module would be better-fit by using the actual Plaits oscillator that Uli ripped off. Costs more, but it's a more ethical choice. As for the FX modules, it's a decent complement, but you might also look at some smaller modules with more capabilities (the FX Aid XL comes to mind here) as keeping things small but playable is one of the keys to making this work. This will involve going to smaller modules, but at the same time you want to establish a point at which things get TOO dense for playability to work for your methods.

Another possibility would be to go with a complex oscillator, something a bit more Buchla-ish. With many of these, you get a continuum of variable timbres instead of the fixed wavetables of the Plaits. Bigger, yep, and more expensive...but more versatile in terms of the timbral variety. You also don't necessarily need a second oscillator for detuning and FM with one of those, since the "second oscillator" is already part of the module.

And while working out the build, try and aim for modules that offer multiple functions. For instance, while it's possible to get separate VCAs in modules, you want VCA modules that can also mix, preferably with a "breakable" mixbus like the Veils or Intellijel's Quad VCA. Or if you want something that distorts, look for devices that get tagged as "character" mixers, etc, that let you submix signals while, at the same time, offering a distortion/waveshaping capability. That sort of thing also helps economize space in a small cab such as the Rackbrute 6U.
-- Lugia

Dude, thank you so much for your comments! I didn’t really know the ethical dilemmas with Behringer, so thank you for putting me onto that. I’ll swap out the Brains for the Plaits and just spend the extra $100. As for getting too dense to playability, that’s for sure a concern. I saw the Dreadbox modules in a video and was impressed with the sound for the price point, and I also like having my delay and reverbs in separate units. But with that said, I’ll shop around a little more.

Just made some changes to my rack up there. Let me know whatcha think. Also, any suggestions for great, smaller effects modules on the cheaper end would be wonderful!

EDITED Jul 7th 2021, 22:59

Was considering the little one as a supplemental FX unit to go along with the Black Hole DSP 2. Would you not recommend it?
-- merzky_shoom

Absolutely yes, there is a great variety of 4hp fx and loading new banks is very easy

Nice FX!!
I just sold the little one to get the XL...
Escape from noise should still have some.
-- Rabel

Was considering the little one as a supplemental FX unit to go along with the Black Hole DSP 2. Would you not recommend it?

the great danger is that it will destroy the modular scene. a euro rack scene only with big players --- bleakly boring - but cheap for everyone ---. i don't have a lot of money either, but i can't buy the behringer - that would betray the scene. I prefer not to buy one or one later. people who want to save should think twice at this point.
-- AnalogSpecies

Totally agree on choosing not to buy Behringer euro gear, at least this sort that blantly copies current designs. But to be honest, if we are thinking that the euro scene is going to be destroyed by cheaper recreations of gear, I don't really know if it is worth saving. It's one thing to commit to support the individuals/ small-ish businesses that invent unique and high-quality designs (Intellijel) but I don't think the integrity/wonder of the euro scene really weighs on that point alone, or at least I hope it doesn't.

I don't plan on purchasing this Behringer euro gear, but I do think it was inevitable, and I do think it is providing grounds for a really important discussion on what matters in eurorack/ hardware modular. I'd rather it not just be about a manufacturer/consumer relationship.

I'm not afraid and I don't think it's a great danger. It's just Behringer pulling a stunt (again). I'm no expert but I don't think the modular scene is big enough (or will it ever be) for big companies to take over and ruin it. And besides that, many modular freaks seem to want to support the smaller companies instead anyway. I have no fear at all. Just stay calm, support your favorite companies, patch on and everything will be fine.

I agree, AnalogSpecies. This becomes dangerous and giving precedent for many bad things happening.. from Behringher

the great danger is that it will destroy the modular scene. a euro rack scene only with big players --- bleakly boring - but cheap for everyone ---. i don't have a lot of money either, but i can't buy the behringer - that would betray the scene. I prefer not to buy one or one later. people who want to save should think twice at this point.

What I recommend is a Doepfer A100 Basic System. That will get you started with a case/power, basic modules and support modules to learn to create music on modular systems. I started that way and it was helpful. Under 2k, get it all and Doepfer modules sound great. Some info:

http://www.doepfer.de/a100s_e.htm#A-100%20Basic%20System%201

I expanded quickly and still use most of my Doepfer modules.

nice! really enjoyed that!
-- jb61264

Thank you :)

Cool! I was trying to fit the Intellijel oscilloscope in the beginning and was worried that I'd get stuck needing to visualize everything instead of just hearing it. But as I play with PNW I do fall into the trap of just turning a knob and hoping it does something I like. Because of that approach I may be just passing that sweet spot because I miss hearing what happens. An oscilloscope would help.
As much as I want to fill up this case, it has been nice to just have the DFAM and PNW. Play around and then reset.

Think I am gonna get Maths. I just keep hearing how it never really gets used and people don't dive deep into it, but that's not the fault of the module.
Thanks for all the advice!

Fair enough. The reason I ask is because you will see many of the people who have been doing this a long time recommend against building an 808 or 909 in a rack due to both cost and workflow. This is good advice. When it comes to performing techno, it's really hard to argue against an external X0X sequencer. In my opinion it's the best option. Everything is already hardwired but still tweakable, and you can still integrate it with your rack via the clock, triggers, and individual outs.
I have taken this hybrid approach myself. I use a combination of the Behringer RD8 (the only Behringer piece I own, but I love it) and some Eurorack drums and multiple Euro sequencers. I initially tried to do what you are planning but found that the performance workflow was severely limited. Building around an external drum machine really encouraged a hands-on approach. There are a few mind-blowing YouTube videos of Jeff Mills performing techno on an old TR909. Check them out. Some people like Elektron drum machines but I never gelled with their ergonomics. You won't have CV control over every parameter of the 909 sounds, but you can add things like Basimilus and WMD drum modules (or oscillators and LPGs) to your rack as a supplement so you have control over other drum sounds.
If you are just getting started building this, allow yourself some room to change direction with your build. You may find that what you think you would enjoy workflow-wise is really awful. Take your time and only add a module or two at a time.
-- farkas

I really appreciate the advice and it's definitely something to keep in mind. I do plan on only adding a couple modules at a time as I don't have thousands of dollars to spend at a moments notice, and the drums/sequencer were (maybe are) definitely going to be bought last in case I change my mind. Thank you!

Fair enough. The reason I ask is because you will see many of the people who have been doing this a long time recommend against building an 808 or 909 in a rack due to both cost and workflow. This is good advice. When it comes to performing techno, it's really hard to argue against an external X0X sequencer. In my opinion it's the best option. Everything is already hardwired but still tweakable, and you can still integrate it with your rack via the clock, triggers, and individual outs.
I have taken this hybrid approach myself. I use a combination of the Behringer RD8 (the only Behringer piece I own, but I love it) and some Eurorack drums and multiple Euro sequencers. I initially tried to do what you are planning but found that the performance workflow was severely limited. Building around an external drum machine really encouraged a hands-on approach. There are a few mind-blowing YouTube videos of Jeff Mills performing techno on an old TR909. Check them out. Some people like Elektron drum machines but I never gelled with their ergonomics. You won't have CV control over every parameter of the 909 sounds, but you can add things like Basimilus and WMD drum modules (or oscillators and LPGs) to your rack as a supplement so you have control over other drum sounds.
If you are just getting started building this, allow yourself some room to change direction with your build. You may find that what you think you would enjoy workflow-wise is really awful. Take your time and only add a module or two at a time.
-- farkas

I really appreciate the advice and it's definitely something to keep in mind. I do plan on only adding a couple modules at a time as I don't have thousands of dollars to spend at a moments notice, and the drums/sequencer were (maybe are) definitely going to be bought last in case I change my mind. Thank you!

Fair enough. The reason I ask is because you will see many of the people who have been doing this a long time recommend against building an 808 or 909 in a rack due to both cost and workflow. This is good advice. When it comes to performing techno, it's really hard to argue against an external X0X sequencer. In my opinion it's the best option. Everything is already hardwired but still tweakable, and you can still integrate it with your rack via the clock, triggers, and individual outs.
I have taken this hybrid approach myself. I use a combination of the Behringer RD8 (the only Behringer piece I own, but I love it) and some Eurorack drums and multiple Euro sequencers. I initially tried to do what you are planning but found that the performance workflow was severely limited. Building around an external drum machine really encouraged a hands-on approach. There are a few mind-blowing YouTube videos of Jeff Mills performing techno on an old TR909. Check them out. Some people like Elektron drum machines but I never gelled with their ergonomics. You won't have CV control over every parameter of the 909 sounds, but you can add things like Basimilus and WMD drum modules (or oscillators and LPGs) to your rack as a supplement so you have control over other drum sounds.
If you are just getting started building this, allow yourself some room to change direction with your build. You may find that what you think you would enjoy workflow-wise is really awful. Take your time and only add a module or two at a time.

If you are really new to this and as you say "go through the phase of just plugging things in and see what happens" I'd suggest you may benefit from an oscilloscope.

It's one of those modules that you may think unnecessary, but time and again I've seen even seasoned modular fanatics benefit from being able to visually see what their CV is doing.

Wrapping your head around the actual working functions of things will help you better approach your build as well, IMO, YMMV.

You could get something small, like the Intellijel oscilloscope, or the Mordax DATA if you want to have the absolute best, and could always sell it down the line when you feel more confident in anticipating what each module will do when you patch it.

As to MATHS, it's giant, but it does afford a lot of opportunities, as long as you are willing to sit with it. Just off the top of my head, combined with DFAM, you would be able to achieve a great many rhythmic modulations with just that module, paired with Pam's you will be surprised at the variety, and as someone mentioned, paired with another function generator as well you'd have a never-ending way of creating modulating patterns and timbres.

Get more VCA's than you think you need as well.

nice! really enjoyed that!

Okay, here's a serious question: Why not just get a Behringer RD9 and save yourself a LOT of money? You would have all of your 909 sounds, the X0X sequencer and three trigger outs to trigger the Basimilus, envelopes, etc. all for about $400.
Is there a reason you want to do this all in the rack?
-- farkas
Quite a few reasons. I like having control over every parameter, and I like a lot of the experimental patches only modular could create. I also like the ability of swapping things in and out whenever I choose and having a completely different system. The final and less important reason is desk space. I would ending up having the same amount of space being taken up by the modular system, but also the RD9 and it would simply get too cluttered and potentially ruin my workflow.

Okay, here's a serious question: Why not just get a Behringer RD9 and save yourself a LOT of money? You would have all of your 909 sounds, the X0X sequencer and three trigger outs to trigger the Basimilus, envelopes, etc. all for about $400.
Is there a reason you want to do this all in the rack?

A somewhat uplifting piece. Patch details in the video description.

Hi AndyGuelcher. You mention that you would like this to be a "performance" system. How do you envision performing with the modules you have selected so far? The WMD mixer and Voltage Block will probably give you some hands-on tweaking, but you may want to look into some extra utilities like switches (Acid Rain Switchblade is a fun one), an OR logic module like the Low Gain Short Bus so that you can combine triggers to tweak and combine beats on the fly, some of the SoundMachines touch plates (or the Make Noise Pressure Points), and my favorite: Future Sound Systems Makrow.
If you are really interested in creating a performance oriented system, you will probably want as many interactive and hands-on modules as possible. That is kind of how I have developed my own techno performance rack.
Also, the Javelin is really cool but I think you will find a need for a lot more envelopes and/or LFOs. I would get rid of the 2hp modules and Javelin to add something like a Quadrax or Noise Engineering Pons Asinorum. The Plasma Drive is taking up an awful lot of space too. Maybe consider the Erica Drum Mixer (with integrated compressor) and one of the Noise Engineering 4hp distortion modules. In my view, that would be a better use of space. This is still a fairly small system, and you will need to maximize every single hp.
Hope that gives you some ideas to consider.
Have fun and good luck!
-- farkas

I really like these ideas. I do own an extra 84HP Tip Top case and could easily move any modules that I cannot fit in this system there. I also found out my Arturia case is actually 88HP instead of 84. I did some re-arranging and incorporated your ideas into the system and came up with this:

I like this a whole lot. That makrow module also looks especially useful and will absolutely be incorporated into the system no matter what. Ultimately the goal for this system is to make recordings and sets I can put up on soundcloud or wherever, and the extra tactile modules are a great idea. Thank you.

Thanks Garfield, yeah it was a lot of fun. We drank good beer, ate ribs and patched weird sounds on the modular. I’m trying to form a local modular synth group here in Sacramento area of Northern California now that the covid lockdowns have finally ended.

Thanks, greenfly - good to see you had success for your setup, and thanks for your insights.

Are you using yours as a second interface with your UAD? I'm just going ADAT into the MOTU 624 and I honestly don't remember setting ES8 clock to internal under those conditions, but just establishing MOTU as ADAT master, and assuming ES8 hears and obeys.

I have the 8A on order as I need the additional inputs straight out- but haven't yet committed to ES6 until I work with connecting the two interfaces together and getting that stable (it's never as seamless as they make it sound, of course). I might even see how much I can use 8A's outputs to communicate with modular and VCV, etc.. since like your UAD, the I/O in the MOTUs is DC coupled.

Sometimes you never know how things will work until you start connecting cable - everything is just theory until then!

Hi Sacguy71,

Nice to see and hear a video/jam from you again. Lovely views on your new studio. Looks like this time you have someone helping you out with all the patches :-) Must be a lot of fun!

You have some interesting sounds there, especially the beginning of the jam I like it a lot.

Oh nice, long time haven't seen your Elektron, almost forgot about that one! Thanks a lot for sharing and kind regards, Garfield.

They're OK, sure...although I think the choice of the Brains module would be better-fit by using the actual Plaits oscillator that Uli ripped off. Costs more, but it's a more ethical choice. As for the FX modules, it's a decent complement, but you might also look at some smaller modules with more capabilities (the FX Aid XL comes to mind here) as keeping things small but playable is one of the keys to making this work. This will involve going to smaller modules, but at the same time you want to establish a point at which things get TOO dense for playability to work for your methods.

Another possibility would be to go with a complex oscillator, something a bit more Buchla-ish. With many of these, you get a continuum of variable timbres instead of the fixed wavetables of the Plaits. Bigger, yep, and more expensive...but more versatile in terms of the timbral variety. You also don't necessarily need a second oscillator for detuning and FM with one of those, since the "second oscillator" is already part of the module.

And while working out the build, try and aim for modules that offer multiple functions. For instance, while it's possible to get separate VCAs in modules, you want VCA modules that can also mix, preferably with a "breakable" mixbus like the Veils or Intellijel's Quad VCA. Or if you want something that distorts, look for devices that get tagged as "character" mixers, etc, that let you submix signals while, at the same time, offering a distortion/waveshaping capability. That sort of thing also helps economize space in a small cab such as the Rackbrute 6U.

That sounds like a potential problem, actually. Remember, you only have 176 hp (of which 5 gets lost to the P/S module) in which to create something that does effects processing, sequenced patterns, AND generative processes. And from experience, it's possible to build something that DOES do all of that...but it ain't gonna fit in 176 hp. You're going to have to constrain the purposes here.

Since this is attached to a Minibrute 2s, go ahead and consider the sequencing part to be done. That simply leaves the timing aspects for that function. Effects: easy. There's even loads of space-efficient FX processors in the Eurorack domain.

Generative, however...to make really effective generative music, you need a LOT of modules that can transform one sort of signal into many different signals. So, we're talking about comparators for picking off gates from modulation signals, discriminators that can solve for minimum, maximum, or median control voltages, automated methods of globally changing modulation behavior, VCA complements that can function as mix automators, etc etc etc. Long list, basically. And if you don't go this complex, what you'll get will be the modular synth equivalent of one of those intensely-annoying "chirpy bird" electronic Xmas tree ornaments that only makes one or two sounds decently.

At the same time, it's TECHNICALLY possible to jam this all into a 176 hp cab...if you like moving three controls when you only meant to move one, and accidentally unplugging cables from a super-dense tangle of wires that overlays everything. There is a point at which you have to give way to the musical idea for the sake of making the musical instrument playable, though. In short, you might either want to scale down what this build is intended to accomplish, or consider scaling the build UP to a point where it's possible to do generative w/o it being a total snafu.
-- Lugia

Thank you for that incite! I see what you're saying. I think I'll probably focus then on enhancing my sequences and standard synth capabilities (I sometimes plug a MIDI controller into it for the keys), while leaving room to begin a generative system which it sounds like I'll have to get another case to actually fully accomplish.

Does that sound like an actual direction? I know with modular, direction is everything. And if so, are these some good standard modules for a beginning?

That sounds like a potential problem, actually. Remember, you only have 176 hp (of which 5 gets lost to the P/S module) in which to create something that does effects processing, sequenced patterns, AND generative processes. And from experience, it's possible to build something that DOES do all of that...but it ain't gonna fit in 176 hp. You're going to have to constrain the purposes here.

Since this is attached to a Minibrute 2s, go ahead and consider the sequencing part to be done. That simply leaves the timing aspects for that function. Effects: easy. There's even loads of space-efficient FX processors in the Eurorack domain.

Generative, however...to make really effective generative music, you need a LOT of modules that can transform one sort of signal into many different signals. So, we're talking about comparators for picking off gates from modulation signals, discriminators that can solve for minimum, maximum, or median control voltages, automated methods of globally changing modulation behavior, VCA complements that can function as mix automators, etc etc etc. Long list, basically. And if you don't go this complex, what you'll get will be the modular synth equivalent of one of those intensely-annoying "chirpy bird" electronic Xmas tree ornaments that only makes one or two sounds decently.

At the same time, it's TECHNICALLY possible to jam this all into a 176 hp cab...if you like moving three controls when you only meant to move one, and accidentally unplugging cables from a super-dense tangle of wires that overlays everything. There is a point at which you have to give way to the musical idea for the sake of making the musical instrument playable, though. In short, you might either want to scale down what this build is intended to accomplish, or consider scaling the build UP to a point where it's possible to do generative w/o it being a total snafu.