All Posts

Wow - that was great!!

Wow - that was great!!

Nice stuff!

Here is the first glimpse at one of ten EuroSerge system configurations that I have created for Elby Designs. Their new EuroSerge is a full, classic Serge Analog Modular Synthesizer, including the entire catalog of first generation Serge modules in a truly modular format, reimagined for the 3u format. This configuration is based on my Mystery Serge, the first "commercial" Serge. The configuration will give new adapters a well used system from which to explore their own configurations. Following I will be publishing systems of all sizes for a wide range of users. It has been my pleasure to work together on this with Serge Tcherepnin, and Laurie Biddulph and I hope that you enjoy this new opportunity to include official Serge designs in your 3u system.

Doug Lynner

http://www.elby-designs.com/index.html

http://neatnetnoise.com/

@martin Doepfer LPG delievered safe and sound with no issues. Great comms. Highly recommended!

Sorry to double post but:

Doepfer's got a nice inexpensive joystick, the A-174. Interesting...

Also, per my other post, this would round out your VCA capabilities nicely and not break the bank; the A-132-3. It does lin/log.

Don't sell yourself short, man! You haven't made the noob mistake of not buying utility modules to support your oscillators.

I do think you'd benefit from a complex envelope/function/slew to really animate those wavetables. The typical suggestions are the excellent PEG and of course Maths.

However both represent a significant financial investment and are American. Don't forget you might find them used in Europe with a little luck. An alternative might be something like the A-171-2, which is easy on the wallet and HP count, and does lin/log. Nothing wrong with lots of Doepfer at all!

Here are some "fun" suggestions which I think could really expand your NW-1. Note they're not essentials and are US in origin:

Warps is a bunch of cool modulation algorithms for smashing either two separate signals, or a single signal with it's onboard utility OSC. It might be cool to mess with incoming audio and then dump it into the NW-1. Did I mention it has several vocoders....vocal wavetables? Warps can really open up some timbral options that filters can't quite do.

A joystick like the Planar or cheaper Choices are a TON of fun for wiggling wavetables, a method known as vector synthesis.

Hope that gives you some ideas! Check those used listings, you can have modular grid alert you when someone puts a module on the used market.

Yay, only 9 days to go!
Really looking forward to it.

Hi starkwether, thanks for your comments! Don't be fooled by my choice of a couple of interesting modules though, I really have almost no clue what I'm doing (yet!)

Mega Mega Mega!!!, very wise words.

I have been using the Atlantis for a few months now and it's a bit like a pimped 101. The Maths/PEG have been used to modulate the AUX inputs of the Metropolis to get sequence variations.(not sure if these modules are best used for this purpose but hey I'm learning.

DIVKID is great and have been seduced by his fantastic videos!
The one thing I will say is the video themselves can be misleading due to what isn't in the frame, giving you the impression that the module featured is producing all those tasks, similarly can be said for Richard Devine's Patches when one case is in view but 200 cables are spilling out of shot into other cases!

In principal the Atlantis (except the VCA part) is fairly logical but when attempting to build a complete synth voice it becomes more complicated due to the overwhelming volume of options out there and especially when you watch distracting videos made by the above!

Also I think the reason for acquiring specific modules changes which effects their purpose in the chain.

EDITED Mar 21st 2016, 19:40

Ah, I understand totally. A lot of times I work intuitively too, that's why I'm into modular and hardware in general. Being able to physically turn a knob and hear the effect instantly...software, menus and mice kill my creativity! Whether you work with your right or left hemisphere or both, do what gets you the best results!

So I think that no, you don't have to become an electrical engineer and understand how the underlying circuitry makes your sound, and you totally don't have to read sheet music. However, IMHO modular synth is building complex stuff from simple blocks and if you don't understand the function of the simple blocks, I think you're due to hit a wall.

Sorry if I'm telling you stuff you already know now but I'd for sure try to reverse engineer the basics of Atlantis. Then you can think: "hey Atlantis is cool but basic....I wish I had a synth voice with an oscillator that sounded like this, into a filter like that" If you're a visual learner, skip the manuals and check out channels like divkid, he's great. For sure listen to modules...people can describe in text how something sounds only so well.

So I guess if I'm like a Jazz Sax improv master, I don't care about reading music, but I have to know what all the buttons and levers on my sax do. Then I can unleash raw intuitive right hemisphere organized chaos on it, which is as much as an art form as writing classical sheet music for an orchestra. Like abstract expressionist painting vs hyper real portraits. They're both admirable and meaningful to me.

Another blinding reply!!! keep them coming.

Thanks again for your input.
Truth be told I would like to think I know what I am doing but my knowledge of synthesis is more along the lines of 'can play,can't read Music.'
The choice of modules has been subconsciously driven by other people's ratings which in turn could be because of 'coolness' as I don't really know what they actually do so couldn't be sure if they are cool or not!

These are the main reasons for the choices being made:
1. Buy a module, discover that another module is required, see rack space, fill.
2. try and find a module that achieves maximum functionality in the smallest foot print as possible to avoid buying more modules and in turn, a bigger case.

They are probably logical reasons due to space and finance but not to synthesis, does that make sense?

I already have vintage synths,/drum machines but thought rather than buying a prophet 5/ Jupiter 8 Modular synthesis seemed like a truly 'New' way of working and getting the Atlantis was a way into eurorack.
Maybe a bad choice as it has encouraged cutting corners which otherwise may have led me to a better understanding of Modular.

EDITED Mar 21st 2016, 15:50

Hmmm no envelopes? You want to sweep through wavetables with complex envelopes!! Also no exponential/log VCAs for your audio?

The A-119 is a great combo with the NW-1 I'd think. For those who don't know, the NW-1 can sample, slice and load external input into user wavetables. Very slick. I like the rest of it, very cool so far.

Glad to help :)

Let us break down the descriptions of Frames, Linix and Quadra but first, do you have a good understanding of envelope stages Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release (ADSR)? Its vital that you grasp of these.

Also here is a great breakdown of Maths which I did not make: https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=63068 , I know you were having trouble with it, no worries, its insanely deep. I'd advise tackling it later. Check out the DL-able PDF.

Here's the description of the Quadra: "Quad Envelope / Function Generator". Check out its tags and manual too.

So the Linix is a VCA mixer, cool. Let's look at the description and make sure we understand its function to avoid disappointment and wasted time. Hmm right off the bat, its described as a solely Linear VCA. Why does that matter again?

Frames is indeed a VCA but like most of Mutable's stuff its a digital Swiss Army knife loaded with alternate modes and functions. Its a bit complicated for a rack with no simple utility VCAs, IMHO. Undoubtedly a cool module, but I get the feeling you are picking these modules because they are cool and rated well, not because you understand what they do.

Since your rack has changed too, let me start from square one. You've got a really good place to start with Atlantis. Remember Atlantis is a complete pre-made voice in a box. It has all the basic building blocks of (subtractive) synthesis: Oscillator (VCO), filter (VCF), VCA and Envelope. Also the MOD or LFO section. Therefore, its the perfect thing to teach yourself why each component is important. Experimentation + Google and I am confident you'll make sense of this in no time, especially since you have made it this far.

Otherwise I'm afraid if you keep buying cool stuff without understanding it you'll end up with an empty wallet and a meh synth. Don't worry though! You can resell modules for only a little loss.

So to start, patch this:

Metropolis gate out -> Atlantis envelope gate in.
Metrop pitch out -> Atlantis VCO 1v/oct in.
Atlantis final out goes to uJack in, which goes to headphones/speakers.
A sequence running on the Metrop will now gate the Atlantis' ENVs and send pitch per step. Funky time!

You're ready to go. Do some googling and have fun with it. I think if you stick with just the Atlantis and understand it you will begin to see what your rack needs next. Read descriptions, download manuals and watch youtube and soundcloud demos! Good luck and keep asking questions when you get stuck!!!

Absolutely Phenomenal reply!!! thank you for taking the time.

The Quadra is an envelope not a VCA right? I was looking a MI frames of Intellijel Linix for VCA duties would either of these work and do I need the quadra also?

Really thanks again!,

Dear Modular Fans,

I'd like some help on my proposed rack, which I'd like to base around the Waldorf NW1. I currently own an Elektron Machinedrum and a Korg MS2000, and intend to control the modular from my DAW via midi.

Here it is:

The current set-up is getting towards the end of my budget. Based on things I've seen and heard on YouTube etc., the first three modules, the NW1, standard Doepfer VCO, and the filter, are all 'definite' in my mind. I'm interested in ambient and techno music and would like to make some classic analogue synth sounds in addition to more experimental stuff. I'd like to be able to send external audio, such as drum loops or the MS2000 through the synth. When the finances allow, and they are available again, I'd like to add a Mutable Instruments Clouds to the rack.

Basically I'd like some advice on essential modules following the first three. What's the minimum I can get away with?
I've chosen some Doepfer modules since they are relatively cheap in Europe, and I think my (tight) budget would restrict me to European-made modules only. I'm quite sure I've omitted some important things, and/or included modules that are not stricly necessary so I'd be grateful for your input.

Thanks for reading!

One more thing ;)

Its very useful to combine mixers, panners, crossfader, etc with your VCA into one module. I have this thing and its not my only mixer or VCA bank, but its the last thing in the chain before going to a stereo out. Voltage controlled panning is sick!

Hi sorry for not replying (I'm a derp), I don't mind giving you some more input at all!

WARNING Unending wall of text:

You are getting a constant tone from Braids and AC because the are oscillators and not voices. To explain- a voice is a single discrete synthesis unit containing everything you need for a "complete" sound. Multiple voices controlled independently or together give you polyphony or overlapping leads...but buying four or more of everything gets expensive fast. Read on for a breakdown and options.

You've got a synth voice in your case already, the Atlantis. In that case, its a pre-made block module. This is good and bad. Notice its made up of all the basic building blocks of 'subtractive' synthesis: waves from oscillators are colored by a filter, then when you hit a keyboard key or a sequencer sends a gate signal, the VCA opens and closes, controlling the amplitude, AKA volume, of your oscillators so you're not droning all the time (unless you want to drone!).

However, going from 0% percent volume to 100% instantly when you hit a key, and back to 0% again is harsh and boring. So you sculpt a shape with an envelope and send it to control the smoothness of the VCA's opening and closing over time. Filter cutoff is another popular destination for envelope CV. Try other places!

To summarize: a simple (subtractive) synth voice is: OSC -> filter -> VCA modulated by ENV

So an oscillator or VCO is part of the voice, specifically the source of sound waves at a specific pitch. So if you have two oscillators in a voice, it must be polyphonic then, and can play a two note chord right? Actually....probably not. A single voice is capable of one pitch at a time by definition. Why have more than one per voice then? Because a single VCO sounds boring compared to multiple detuned ones. Its a key ingredient in making the much sought after 'fatness'.

So taking this all into account lets look at your rack and get your voices set up. I'm going to assume this is all stuff you have IRL as of this post. So to fully use Braids and AC we need more VCAs to stop them droning and envelopes to make interesting VCA trajectories. You've got some of the best complex envelopes made actually, with maths and the PEG! However that's only 3-4 envs total. You'll want a little more. Go simple this time with something like This.

OK now you need VCAs. You've got 7 envelopes, so get like 7-8 VCAs right? You'd be ok with that BUT there's a saying in modular synthesis: you can't have too many VCAs. This is because VCAs are also used to turn CV on and off, you know, like LFO modulation signals. Think about it....CV is used for modulating stuff a lot of the time. If you can control whats modulating the modulators with VCAs then you can build those huge Rube Goldberg patches that sound like electronic ecosystems. More VCAs = more organicness, so to speak.

One important thing to know when choosing VCAs and envelopes: they come in linear and exponential/logarithmic response curves. WTF does that mean? Short answer: machines process change linearly (so mainly module-to-module CV), humans process change exponentially/logarithmically. If you look at the Intellijel Quadra, there's a switch between each of the A and D knobs. You can see that it selects between what looks like a curvy shark fin and a more regular sharp triangle. The shark fin is an exponential curve and the sharp triangle is linear. So the quadra lets us choose the smoothest response for our signals per envelope, handy!

If that isn't making sense I urge you to do some of your own research, and sorry if I'm telling you stuff you already know. Here's another thing to check out related to envelopes and VCAs: Vactrols and Low Pass Gates, they might interest you.

Good luck I hope this helps!

i bought a module from @meltermusic - great module, fast shipping, super smooth transaction!!!!!

Hehe ok. Thanks!

I can't find it in any store in Europe, so where am I suposed to buy it?

Please help!
-- txuk

dear txuk, the module will be available for pre-order starting April. It's not out yet.
regards,
mike (birdkids)

I can't find it in any store in Europe, so where am I suposed to buy it?

Please help!

Had a pleasant experience with @comptonmc - great buyer and good communication.

Someone mustve fixed the meta data because it shows up now.

Hi All....

Firstly, this forum and website has been a huge resource of useful advice and help in the past.. so many thanks to all!

Having used several much smaller racks in the past, I am putting together a much larger one for the main studio and I'm seeking some advice/suggestions as to how to arrange the modules for optimal use. (if there is such a thing!) With the smaller racks I have been using, the arrangement didn't really matter much but for a much larger setup I realized I should probably seek advice and help as to what would work best and where before putting it all together.

So any suggestions/help/advice would be more than welcome...

This is the current layout I have been considering;

Notes:

The rack is a Doepfer A-100PMS9sw PSU3 Monster 9U Case which hopefully should mean, power consumption considerations shouldn't be an issue in the arrangement of the modules.

A Cirklon and assorted hardware midi synths, controllers and other sequencers will be mainly located to the left of the rack..

Thanks...

Taos

@herrprof check the option Build Type in the advanced search.

nice and groovy at the end! good job!

Neither came up when searching on the search for the name anushri nor under the mutable instruments category, so I guess thats a bug.

It's 1 hp first beacuse I need something to spare with a 3hp module (malekko noise) and then because I think that more than 1 hp to set 3 jumper would be a waste of space.
Of course I don't blame or critics xaoc for their technical choiches, but if I can made a module more close to my likes...why not?
Please if have suggestions write and I'll consider it! Think to do a run of panel in a month or so.

Multitrack demos so often obscure the raw sound source - so here are the raw unprocessed samples broken out - no EQ, compression or effects of any kind, followed by a fully (home) produced multitrack composition. All parts are from the Makenoise Telharmonic except the last clicky kik part, a sine from the Cyclebox. Sequences played from Rene sequencer. Also posting a full version of the piece here

EDITED Mar 18th 2016, 22:03

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/mutable-instruments-anushri
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/mutable-instruments-anushri-eurorack

I've been having the same project on hold until I get my Batumi. Been in the planner since forever! 1hp is ideal. Colour me intersted, especially for the panel.

EDITED Mar 18th 2016, 09:33

TBH 2hp would be ideal for me too, but i'll take 1hp over 3hp in this instance :)

DBL Post

EDITED Mar 17th 2016, 22:58

There are two expanders for the Batumi - one is 3 hp and now another is 1 hp. I would build this but make it into a 2 hp strip. These odd numbers are a PITA.

Big up respect to @solitud for a smooth transaction and an insightful conversation. Ø 5.00 (1 Vote) Average Rating

Awesome - fingers crossed it goes ahead

If this goes ahead as an actual PCB/Panel well colour me interested!
-- basicbasic

Well no pcb will be involved, it's just a panel with three switch! Maybe I'll do a small run of panel just to reduce cost. In case I'll update here!
Cheers!

If this goes ahead as an actual PCB/Panel well colour me interested!

@Maffez nice easy purchase. Item was well packed and great comms. Recommended :-)

uh really? nice one, thx for the tip! gotta look out for that, mine now finally works with one screw...i had to try all spots and then fit all the rest in, according to the tempi :D

oh sorry about that, mine does fit well with two screws, you should email make noise, i read on muff's they were gonna get new panels or something...

tempi is a great module .. what´s not great is that the holes are so damn off that i cant fit in none of my 5 racks, not even one screw. except one with gliding nuts, and there´s no space nor need for it there. bummer.

Can you make it smaller? I only have 0.5hp free in my case.
-- sempervirent

ahaha I'll try! Maybe 1U also...

Can you make it smaller? I only have 0.5hp free in my case.

DIY builds are no official Mutable Instruments modules.
That is the reason we reassigned it to other/unknown.

Hi!! I'm building my first system, I'm waiting for the arrival of this modules but I wonder if you think I'm missing something or is there something redundant.
Thanx in advance;)

Anyone else?

Excellent, thanks! Any thoughts on price and availability?

A) is how!