Finally about to start putting together a system. I'm gonna DIY most of my modules to keep cost down and just cuz I like building stuff. Here's a basic set up I'm gonna start with. Pretty sure I have most of my bases covered but any advice/suggestions are appreciated.
Thnx
rocketshipajax
Ok, first of all thx for your reply! Getting down to the details I'd explain better my ideas:
1) You're right, I have to organize things better. Could be a solution putting close to the others each VCO, VCA, SEQ etc? Or is it better to create a regular row disposition? (e.g. in every row I'm going to put at least an Osc, Vca and so on..)
2) Currently I'm doing techno but I don't know exactly what I'm searching about with the modular system. Actually I'd love to make cinematic things and soundtracks but of course mixing them with bass drum coming from my PC. I know it's strange, I want to be creative but not irrational. My first ideas were just: "creating ALIEN melodies and mixing together with a sort of -sounds of nature- (do I need a Noise generator??)
So I hope you got the point: maybe I'll go with a 4/4 BD behind experimental melodies, no mathematically clocked sometimes.
Any modules should I buy or replace to fit with my ideas? :) I need your help to catch my aims!
3) The last but not least: I've put the Intellijel audio interface inside the modular because I want to pass through the system with my piano recordings and also with my external synths, seeing what is coming out.
The fourth row is empty so I can add any module I want in the future!
Thx for your time!
What are you using this for?
Also I suggest you organise things that are already there a bit better first, it seems a bit random. For example the linix should probably be next to the audio interface. It will be a bit easier to see what you're doing that way.
Also is the bottom row supposed to be blank except brains or has the site glitched?
I bet this has been asked about before but could it be set up so others could allow comments on their rigs? It would certainly reduce the back and forth shenanigans on MUFFS and people could have specific dialogues on rigs and additions/subtractions etc.
I guess you could have a "comment" on this rig option which the user could turn/off on "the user has turned off comments about this post" kind of deal?
I love Modular Grid and think that's the only thing i keep wishing for.
Thank you for the consideration
Patrick
hy guys :)
This is my first modular synth, I've put together many modules I love,
any suggestions? What else can I add?
perhaps with the same amount of money I can make something better?
Pleaseee take care of me, I'm the newest in the forum
Many thanks for any answer!!
BW
Had a pleasant deal with @askthedust
Fast delivery and item as described!
Hi there,
I had the same thing happening when I started to assemble my first rack just about three months ago. I am using the Synthrotek Deluxe Power with two of the Noise Filtering Distribution Boards. After having installed just a few modules (way below what the Deluxe Power can handle power-wise), the -12V LED and the LEDs on the modules were constantly flashing and the system became unusable. After lots of testing I figured out that the WMD Pro Output module was causing this.
I hope the guys at Synthrotek don't mind if I post the response I got from them after asking for help via email, since this might be helpful for you as well:
Reply from Synthrotek: "I believe what you are experiencing is the power influx when you first turn on the system. Each module has capacitors in it that need to charge, so when a module is first turned on, it will draw more current than what they will when they are running. I believe that the Pro Output may just have a large influx, or really big caps that take a lot of juice to fill up, and the Deluxe Power module may not have been able to keep up with how much it wanted."
This was most likely what was happening in my rack, since the WMD Pro Output has two insanely large capacitors on its backside. Since removing the Pro Output, I didn't have any problems with the Deluxe Power anymore.
So how long does it take for my Unicorn to materialize? I sent my 22 bucks a few days ago now, and still can't expand my rack to its actual 200hp width. I promised those bucks a unicorn, and they are getting restless ;-)
http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t448/ishkabbible69/misc_stuff/new%20rack%201.jpg
It's definitely the SynthRotek / MeanWell causing the problem. There are no ribbons connected backwards. The two Doepfer bus boards are fine as well, I just tried removing my Doepfer DIY power from another case and used it to power the installed boards on the new case and everything works fine, with lots of modules being happy.
I also use the same power supply, and have faced similar problems mainly when using the Flying Bus.
I switched to the Noise Filtering Power Distro board and miraculously this corrected the problem. This is powering 2 rows of 104HP using 2 distro boards daisy chained via the molex cable. Has worked like a charm. Also, if you plug your ribbons in backwards you will also get the flashing lights thing. This is a protection mode that it goes into to prevent you from frying your modules, so I would examine that as well..
Hope this helps, good luck!
Hi!
I've saw this:
www.lifeformsmodular.com
It seems it's going to be something from pittsburgh modular...
Anyone have ideas of what is going to be?
Hi,
I just built a new rack:
and powered it with:
• Synthrotek Deluxe Power module
• 2 Doepfer bus boards, 1 4ms flying bus cable
• power brick
Unfortunately, when switching on the rack, the "-12V" LED of the Synthrotek Deluxe Power Module is flashing and so are my Verbos modules' LEDs. When removing modules, it turns out that the Synthrotek only works for around 4 modules, when attaching a 5th, I get the flashing again.
Huh? The Synthrotek should provide WAY more power than needed by the modules.
This does not seem to be dependent on which of the distribution boards/cable I use, and not on specific modules (whilst the 2 oscs seem to be the most demanding ones).
Any idea what could be the cause here? As I said, the Synthrotek should provide multiples of the actually needed power...
thanks & greetings,
Tom
You want to say something very original and sophisticated, but you don't know what?
Introduce yourself, or say Hello!
-- solitud
Hello All
Just been bitten by the modular synth bug after a background that mostly involves jamming on bass guitar etc. Looking at buying my first modular system and trying to weigh up all the options! Any help is much appreciated :)
Cheers,
Modular Synth n00b :)
I would add effects, but that's just me!
-- Mrknobs
Yes! Planning a skiff for effects only.
I think you'll be fine. But my 2 cents:
Rosie is a mono module. The 2 inputs are mono(both are in the center, not panned left and right). It's designed to let you crossfade between 2 mono signals. You can use the aux send and return to the Clouds to get some stereo reverbs, but you'll be patching back and forth between the Rosie and the Clouds... It's doable, but what if you bought another stereo module one day?
so maybe choose another output module that has stereo inputs(Like the "Outs Mk. II" from Pittsburgh), if you don't want your Clouds' reverb and delays end up in mono.
If you want to add something, try some modulation modules(LFO, Envelope, etc).
Yes, the MATHS can be used as a LFO or Envelope, but it's only one module.
Maybe get a LFO to control the size and position of the Clouds?
Cheers! And happy tweaking!
thanks to @AThousandDetails for well-packed speedy delivery of module in perfect condition
Peaks? U get either or:
2ADSR
2AD
2LFO
808 BD&SD
Delay.
Yeah! Peaks is the killer!!!
Peaks? U get either or:
2ADSR
2AD
2LFO
808 BD&SD
Delay.
For the HP is pretty unbeatable. The only possible downside is the lack of CV inputs for the knobs.
I would prefer a pingable LFO. The Doepfer is really big and not really cheap according to what he can do. And he's missing S/H, which I couldn't live without!
Apart from that, maybe you can choose the Double VCA produced by Doepfer, which isn't much more expensive.
Agree, Maths will be the first module when I start the second row.
Early Dec: Put the IKEA Rast on my Christmas list. Should be a slam dunk since it's cheap.
Dec 18: Power One HCC-15-3 is here.
Dec 19: Picked up a switch that's lighted, both when on (green) and off (red).
Dec 21: Ordered a set Vector rails (enough for 6U @ 104 HP), a fused (1-pole) IEC socket, and then ordered some IDC connectors for DIY wiring up some 22 gauge power cables for the modules in my system.
Dec 21 (update): Just started my system with a Doepfer A-119 envelope follower module!
Dec 22: Picking up M2.5 hex nuts and M2.5 x 6mm bolts from the local Grainger.
Currently working on:
Seriously considering going from the Power One to a fuse block to aluminum distribution bars, ala Hinton Instruments. Need to do some research on this, if there are any active components that are needed beyond the PSU or not.
well, the live rig is full. complete. kabeesh. very happy.
Ability for users to annotate their racks in some way.
I use Modular Grid to explore and research future modules. I use the racks to group modules under exploration and use the rows as default categories by shuffling modules around the rows as I learn more about them. This alows me to see all modules under research all in one view rather than in seperate racks.
If rows could be labeled this would assist my use case.
Examples of labels are;
Row 1 "High priority - I will buy/build this module"
Row 2 "Medium priority - Looking promising, keep following threads"
Row 3 "Low priority - Just discovered, keep researching"
Thank you for reading this feature request.
Cheers, John
There are so many great options. I would say Math is hard to ignore for a small system.
If you are into Doepfer check out A-171-2 VCS, if you can DIY check Befaco.
solitud.de | YouTube | Soundcloud | Bandcamp
But, in europe is even more expensive two of these ADSRVCA than Intellijel Quadra.
Hello,
I have been lurking here, and I went to CTL MOD in NYC this past week and checked out a ton of gear.
Here is the rig that I am thinking of, but am not too sure.
I GREATLY like the PHONOGENE module as my base, as I like the lucky dragons west coast sound, and I feel like you can do allot with this. Paired with the MATHS I think there could be allot of potential.
So right now my modest (and fancy) rig is
1) PHONOGENE
2) MATHS
3) Rosie for sound out.
I was also thunking of CLOUDS to round out, delay, to alter the phonogene sounds.
I don't have a ton more cash, so i was thinking I could bring in sounds and sequences from my computer using Audulus or something like it?
Am I missing something to build this in order to make full sounds? Will this kit work as is without clouds?
Any suggestions to fill this out or 2 modules [for now]?
I'm doing something similar using two of these, which give you a built-in VCA:
Ok, I like Quadra too, but its a bit expensive for my budget. Do you know similar modules or any other interesting ADSR?
I don't need full adsr on a modular and would go with the Quadra from your choices, but the Doepfers are solid too.
The Doepfer modules need to receive a gate signal to go through all adsr stages, a short trigger is not enough.
solitud.de | YouTube | Soundcloud | Bandcamp
Yes absolutely, I am hesitating between these three:
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/doepfer-a-140
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/doepfer-a-143-2
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/intellijel-quadra
Could you give me some advice about which one to pick?
Some kind of Envelope Generator?
solitud.de | YouTube | Soundcloud | Bandcamp
Hi there everybody. Here is my typical first post / noob question.
What about starting my modular with this sequenced by Beatstep Pro? Am I going wrong, or missing something important?
Thanks.
I play in a semi-frequently touring grindcore band, and 2016 is looking to be very busy for us. I'm looking for recommendations for a portable and durable case to fit a 60mm depth Doepfer VCO module, with at least 44HP. Since it's non-studio, the more portable the better, as we'll probably have to fly at least once next year.
If this is the wrong section, I apologize, this is my first post.
Thanks!
I have two suggestion that I think would be pretty easy to implement. Both would probably be added to the "edit rack" configuration page.
With suggestion 2, you'd know immediately if a module was too deep for your case. The system tells you the depth of your deepest module, but it doesn't tell you specifically which one it is. If the system had depth logic, it could warn you as you add them.
With suggestion 1, you'd also know if you had too many powered modules for your case. Just because 21 4HP modules will fit in an 84HP case, doesn't mean there's enough power connectors for all of them. If 6 or 7 were passive modules, it may still work.
Anyway, just a little thing I noticed. I love the site overall. A+++
Still remaining:
Jan - May
* Tangle Quartet (~275)
* Nano Rand, Rings (~525)
* Erbe Verb (490)
* Frames, Disting (540)
* QCD, Quantum Rainbow (~400)
Jun - Oct
* Move 104 case, Brain Seed (~580)
* Akemie's Castle (~600)
* Intellijel Metropolis (~600)
* SSF URA (~300)
* Zularic Repetitor, Batumi (~560)
I would not necessarily recommend to build a modular to get a lush, dreamy type synth.
It's difficult to play polyphony on a modular. For dreamy pads stay with your Matrix.
Modulars are more awesome strange noise and slightly out of tune machines.
I recommend to start with the typical building blocks Osc/VCF/VCA/Envelope/LFO. Add a Modulation Sequencer for fun.
Add one or two mystical modules of your choice for individuality
Atlantis is a synthesizer on it's own, like your mother (no insult here).
A main component for the sound in the mylarmelodies video is the Eventide reverb box, I think.
solitud.de | YouTube | Soundcloud | Bandcamp
First I have to say, ModularGrid is such an indispensable site! I would have been completely lost and probably never had the nerve to jump into modular without it. I was happy to contribute by buying a Unicorn account.
Thanks for kind words!
My feature request is the ability to create module profiles/images that are not public. I have a few unique aspects to my rig that I'd love to be able to add to my personal rack but I feel will only cause confusion if they show in searches. Specifically, I've made a sort of breakout panel for my Kenton Pro 4 to make the outputs directly patchable within my rig. Additionally I have my Beatstep Pro mounted in a row. I know it's not 100% necessary to see this while arranging my modules but the visual sure would help.
You can absolutely do that. Just click the checkbox Do not list this module when uploading a module.
The module will not show up in the module search. However that is not a bulletproof type of privacy for your top secret prototype module: people can see the module if they guess the URL.
That is on purpose so you can still send a link to the module to a friend.
It would also be nice to be able to select multiple modules at once to move as a group. Like dragging a selection over a group or something like that.
That is a tricky one which might come some day but not soon.
I don't know if either of these topics have already been addressed so sorry if they have.
Keep up the great work!
-- Precarious
Thanks for supporting, have fun playing your modular!
Knut
Beep, Bopp, Bleep: info@modulargrid.net
First I have to say, ModularGrid is such an indispensable site! I would have been completely lost and probably never had the nerve to jump into modular without it. I was happy to contribute by buying a Unicorn account.
My feature request is the ability to create module profiles/images that are not public. I have a few unique aspects to my rig that I'd love to be able to add to my personal rack but I feel will only cause confusion if they show in searches. Specifically, I've made a sort of breakout panel for my Kenton Pro 4 to make the outputs directly patchable within my rig. Additionally I have my Beatstep Pro mounted in a row. I know it's not 100% necessary to see this while arranging my modules but the visual sure would help.
It would also be nice to be able to select multiple modules at once to move as a group. Like dragging a selection over a group or something like that.
I don't know if either of these topics have already been addressed so sorry if they have.
Keep up the great work!
Hello Everyone,
I'm super new to the modular endeavor but am really excited about it. Right now I'm trying to be a sponge and soak up as much knowledge as possible. I've been writing music for year and years, but now I'm really getting into synthesis and finally took the plunge and bought a monorocket case with two rows of 102 HP with the top rack being +5. Right now I have nothing in the rack and wanted to get some opinions. I currently have 2 mother 32s, a future retro revolution, a little phatty, a volca keys and lastly a oberheim matrix-1000 as a starting point (I won't be rack mounting them). What should I get to compliment these? I'm looking for lush, maybe whimsical type sounds maybe like this:
So originally, I was thinking primarily about reverbs, delays, clouds and rings from mutable (random other effects), with some modulation tools (maybe the tides modular?) to go with my synths I already have. Then I came across mylarmelodies videos of the atlantis and metropolis and damn...they sounded amazing and fun. This however totally deviates from my original effects idea. I feel lost. I think I just want versatility but then like a moron with a lack of knowledge, I start reading about some other modules and then completely shift my idea. So I guess all and all, what are your thoughts to someone who has little knowledge about synthesis, but wants to start experimenting with this stuff and leans towards building a lush, dreamy type synth? If this question is vague, I apologize!
Thank you all so much and I look forward to being part of this community!
Note to self: If after playing with this for a while the Mangrove feels unnecessary, perhaps swap for Three Sisters, a delay, or other intersting VCA type modules.
