All Posts

I have added a Selecta and a Doepfer Slew Limiter, because they are simple, and looking them up should explain the concept well. You should look into other modules with similar features before making any decision, and don't feel like you need to do it this way. I have also added a breakout for the Beatstep Pro to represent its outputs, but as far as I know, this is not even available and you do not need it.

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/patches/modulargrid_133545.jpg

This is simple enough. You send the sequencer output into the slew limiter and it smooths out the rising and/or falling edges of your signal, making it more wavy and round so it sounds less like a "sequence" and more like an LFO or repeating smooth randomness that you can control with the sequencer knobs. It kinda lets you "draw" modulation in a limited sense.

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/patches/modulargrid_133546.jpg

This is the gates/triggers and envelopes combined in the Selecta. One envelope goes to the VCA so it can be brought down and used for rhythmic variety. The logic circuit combines them in ways where they don't do weird stuff at the moment when both envelopes are still running. The switch section can be used for lots of things, but one potential use is to extend the amount of things to feed into the OR combiner and create something where you can switch between lots of different kinds of gate and trigger patterns. This module is passive, so it only works with positive voltage, but that's fine for gates and output from the Fuji and Pam's. Different kinds of logic will produce different results, so be sure to look into all the different kinds and see what's available (Erica Synths make a Pico module where you can switch between different modes, Instruo has one with a bunch of types and cascading inputs and Takaab makes a collection of logic modules that can be powered from a single cable).

I don't own a Pam's New Workout, so you'll have to kind of imagine from here whether or not it still helps you. I imagine there's plenty it can do in this context, especially since it apparently also just puts out positive voltage, so you can send it to cheap passive modules and see what happens. Obviously, this should just be taken as a rough outline of a way to use these modules and expand them with very minimal extra spending. What happens from here should be determined with a lot of trial and error through experimenting with what you already have here.

Don't expect you'll get this much feedback on most things, either. My job is slow right now. You and Youtube should be able to take it from here.

EDITED Today, 17:48

Keep in mind: sequencers don't have to sequence pitch. Especially given the fact that you don't appear to have a quantizer in this rack, that behringer sequencer might be better suited to more timbral modulation in your rack.

Use one output of Pam's to provide the Clock In to the Beatstep (it probably wants 24 PPQ), the rest can provide either temo-synced LFOs or "weird clocks" using euclidean rythms and/or logic combinations between outputs. You can use those "weird clocks" to drive your in-rack sequencer, so that it's twiddling knobs in a way not directly related to what the Beatstep is doing.

EDITED Today, 17:17

I remember an interview with James Blake (I think it was on Mylarmelodies exceptional "Why We Bleep" podcast), where he talked about Mutable Instruments Yarns for some tempo detection via Midi
-- Progspiration

I was interested in this because I have MI Yarns and I watched this interview. It's indeed Why We Beep with James Blake and at time 1: 06 :00 they discuss the Yarns.

I paid 170 € including shipping for a second-hand Yarns last year and there's better deals here on Modular Grid at the moment.

EDITED Today, 17:07

Nice transaction with @R0-80
Recommended Seller !

@ArthurGeddon All the fun in modular is in experimentation ;) But how about you start with this: The Beatstep provides Gate and Pitch information to your synth voice (Brains through Mr. Philter, for example). It triggers the envelope of the Mr. Philter and the envelope opens the filter section. Now, how about you also patch the Gate from the Beatstep to the trigger input of the 182 Sequencer (through the multiple in your top row). Patch the envelope output from the Philter into a VCA channel on the Four Play and the CV1 output from the 182 into the corresponding CV input on the Four Play. Then patch the output of that channel into the filter section on Mr. Philter.

The 182 now controls how much the envelope opens the filter on each step. You can create accents and emphasize certain notes, which makes a sequence much more interesting. Think of the Beatstep as your basic Pitch/Gate information and the 182 as the "spice" you add by sequencing parameters that shape the timbre of your sound or modify the way the basic sequence is transmitted to your sound sources.

thanks, mate. if its not too much bother, could you design a patch on the rack to show me what you mean? i think you can do that on here.

also, did you see the news? the UK's sending a synth-head to eurovision! rejoice!

thanks,
a.d

You can just use the Behringer sequencer and Pam's for clocked and/or stepped modulation. Throw in a slew limiter or two and it gives you a pretty handy way to design modulation. Some cheap logic modules or switches (or a Tesseract Selecta, which has both) will allow you to combine and move through all these gates/triggers/divided clocks in interesting ways, so you can have complex sequence of gate or triggers from the BSP and a simple clock divided counterpoint from the A-160 set up and then switch between having one, the other, both, or neither. It even works on envelopes and other modulation that is positive voltage, so you could do some of the same with the Fuji.

You could also just sell them. Whichever works.

EDITED Today, 15:37

i just got a beatstep pro, and now i'm starting to worry if some of these modules are now useless in my rack. can anyone suggest some inventive ways of using them with my sequencer?

I remember an interview with James Blake (I think it was on Mylarmelodies exceptional "Why We Bleep" podcast), where he talked about Mutable Instruments Yarns for some tempo detection via Midi, but it also has an arpeggiator. So my brain went to using something like the Arturia Keystep to sequence chords that can then be fed as the notes for Yarns arpeggiator, using some other sort of pulse source to step through the chords on the Keystep. It could be as in tempo or not in tempo as you'd like, and could have some interesting interactions. I think there are a few companies making Yarns clones. Just an idea! Happy patching!

Smart transaction with @R08_
Module in very good condition.
Recommended Seller !

... circling back here, @theneweuropa, thanks for your reply and info above!

All considered, I think I'll grab a Stolperbeats in the next few months when possible. I like it potentials for altering the "time grid" holistically with a few controls, vs. needing to edit microtiming by step. I think this potential is interesting not only for drum programming, but for setting a groove which can also be fed to other ensemble instruments.

incredible

Thanks. That helps.

I did read it somewhere at reddit or modwiggler.
Now I only found this:
https://forge-tme.com/vhikk-x/algos_launch.html

UP / UP
Classic Vhikk 2 Oszillatoren (Analog-Style). Warp: Exponential Cross-Mod / Ring-Mod. Dungeon Metallic Delay/Reverb
UP / MID
Dynamic Waveshaping Oszillator-Paar mit dynamischem Shaping. Warp: Mod-Index + Feedback. Reflekta Diffuse Delay
UP / DN
Cluster Scanning 1 Wavetable-Paare mit Cluster-Offsets. Warp: FM-Intensität. Dungeon Metallic Delay/Reverb
MID / UP
Complex FM 4-Operator FM Struktur. Warp: Operator-Feedback & Ratio. Reflekta Diffuse Delay
MID / MID
Additive Texture 8 harmonische Oszillatoren. Warp: Spektrale Spreizung. Dungeon Metallic Delay/Reverb
MID / DN
Noise / Glitch Grain-basiert oder digitales Rauschen. Warp: Sample-Rate Reduktion. Reflekta Diffuse Delay
DN / UP
Drone Core Massive Unisono-Wavetables. Warp: Detune-Dichte. Dungeon Metallic Delay/Reverb
DN / MID
Vocal / Formant Formant-Filterung von Wavetables. Warp: Vokal-Übergänge. Reflekta Diffuse Delay
DN / DN
External In + OSC Externes Stereo-Audio + 1 Sub-OSC. Warp: FM zwischen Audio & OSC. Variabel (Mix)***

*Control Dron Sound
with VCO2 frequence nob of DPO

*Change Sound-Color
with FOLD of DPO, Color of MimeoPhon

*Chage beat
with Math nob!

EDITED Monday February 16, 11:17

I would humbly like to point out that there is nothing odd about using a low pass gate with a complex oscillator. This is literally one of the main building blocks of west coast style synthesis.
— Zacksname

So I’ve done a bunch of reading after you made this comment. I didn't even know Buchla was a person till like two weeks ago, if that. Though it seems to me that the LPG does exactly what I am after really well. It seems like it plays a huge role in being able to create expresive plucky sounds from the CVCO. Also learning a lot of synth history along the way.

Thanks for getting the wheels turning.

There's two things that catch my attention here. Other than that, it seems well-rounded. The most-often made mistake with eurorack beginners is a disbalance between audio sources and audio manipulators. You did well on that part.
— stefvanriet

I wanted to double back and say thanks for the response and confirmation really. I did read enough to be able to approach this all with an idea of what I wanted and sort of what the big mistakes are. So it felt validating when I read your comment.

Thank you.

All that being said I’ve had some time to sit here and get to know Mindphaser a little and wow does this thing have some range! I’m sure it does more than I’m even aware of at this point. I jumped on an Erica Synths Quad VCA on reverb that was near me and at a good price. I think that will give me a little more control of this thing.

I’ll find out in a day or two.

I'd love to know where those descriptions are. I didn't see them on the Forge TME website. I'd really love to see some diagrams, so I could better understand what each knob does.

I should quallify that I am selling all my hardware. I purchased the Befaco Oneriroi plugin for VCV Rack. I have a couple MIDI controllers (M-Audio Axiom Pro, and Korg nanoKONTROL2) that I can use for hands on control of VCV Rack modules.

They are two very different beasts. It's a very interesting module, but I got frustrated just twiddling knobs to try and understand what they do. The Vhikk X seems to be more geared towards evolving drones. The Oneriroi seems better at processing external sound sources, which is my main interest.

EDITED Sunday February 15, 23:06

@SwampRabbitMusicElectronics

How do you experience both?
Are you now satisfaced with the Oneiroi? Why?

I did read some short descriptions about the algorithms. They seem to be very unique and thought out, which makes me curious.
I have a Oneriroi and was thinking about to swap it with Vhikk x.

A drawback is lack of documentation for each algorithm. Which is why I sold mine. I went with the Befaco Oneriroi.

The Vhikk X is a very versatile module, I never stop finding ways to work it into my patch. It does much more than just the drones you see in all the youtube video's. The only draw back is they can't make them fast enough for the demand!

Great, I hope you have fun in your journey!

Amazing transaction with @Bonesetter. Sold me a Fusion Delay, shipped from Greece to UK and kept me updated all the way and the module arrived in mint condition. Perfect seller, highly recommended!

Thank you both for the insight. I’ve taken i to consideration the recommendations made here. I sat down with the two pieces I do have last night and got to figuring some things out for myself. What I think I know about how synthesizers work, gained from working with VSTs in DAWs. That being said I realize how I would benefit from different filters so an MMF keeps coming to mind I have 15 slots for modules in the case, so plenty of room. I do like the idea if going aftera filter and the rampage next, maybe even a dedicated ADSR type module. I find myself constantly tweaking those in software side of things. What a rabbit hole I’ve found. I have a version two of this rack with mindphaser as the central piece, it’s so easy to get sidetracked

A deep dive into the Early Modern art of "change ringing"...as an algorithmic tool for proto-minimalist sequencing in the modular.
Detailed patch notes included:

I would humbly like to point out that there is nothing odd about using a low pass gate with a complex oscillator. This is literally one of the main building blocks of west coast style synthesis.
-- Zacksname

You're absolutely right with the historical connection. From the point of view of building a monosynth I still think a more 'normal'/east coast filter would be really good. Maybe get both! There's many small cheap LPGs available. My friend recently bought a Takaab 2LPG for just 20 €, it's tiny and sounds great. It has three responses/flavours. I have the Meng Qi DPLPG and it's also good but there's just one flavour. I paid about € 50 for it. Both are passive.

What do you think? Maybe more Filters / Effekts / Modulation?
I think, I want to exchange the Mocs and the Turing Mashine. I use randomness from my Oxi One.
Maybe you Guys have some Ideas....

I already have the pam pro, the Pico M-scale and a buffered mult. I run all synths through an external mixer and have the Eventide Space and Timefactor for effects.
I ordered the Behringer CP1a power module but have to wait another 10 weeks for it to arrive. Bummer!

EDITED Saturday February 14, 09:25

Friday evening Techno workout. Not perfect, I need more training.

TR-8S + Bohm, VhikkX, Noise Plethora, Metalloid Percussion, Blades, Desmodus- Imitor-Versio.

I would humbly like to point out that there is nothing odd about using a low pass gate with a complex oscillator. This is literally one of the main building blocks of west coast style synthesis. I own an Erica Synths Pico System III, and despite it being a compact "higher end of low-budget" synth, it also has two very enjoyable resonant low pass gates that I have found almost irreplacable. I don't know how similar they are to the Black LPG in terms of sound, but they seem similar in function. You should definitely look into multiple types of filter and LPG (including filters that feature a VCA and a filter but offer separate controls, which sounds like it may be something you're into), but the one you have now is theoretically perfectly fine since the complex oscillator offers a variety of timbrial variation options outside of subtractive filtering, and the Erica Synths module does that subtractive filtering anyway.

I agree that two attenuverter modules taking up much space is a lot. One module to consider here is the Happy Nerding 3xMIA, which is very similar to the 321 from Frap Tools except that it has two inputs for each channel, allowing you to either plug two signals in and mix them as well as invert and attenuate them, but still lets you do offsets with any channel that doesn't have a cable plugged in. I had a Frap Tools 321 and while I think it works good, the knobs aren't as fun as they could be and I found I often forgot what was what in terms of the more esoteric functions. The 3xMIA solved both of these things for me. Definitely keep an eye out for other options, though.

Your Befaco Rampage can be patched to be an ADSR, in addition to being two independent AR generators. If you clear out the Black CV Tools, you will have plenty of room to look at a dedicated envelope generator (or even a Mutable Peaks clone with lots of different options to play around with in 4-8 hp - highly recommended as something to look at). However, don't forget that part of the fun of a Rampage or a Maths or a similar Serge type module is that it can do lots of different jobs as long as you don't necessarily need them all at once. When I got my Maths I went through a big list I found of functions and patches for mine to get familiar, and it really keeps me from constantly drooling over modules that do stuff I already have in some form (or makes me more determined to get them once I find I can't get it quite how I want on the function generator).

Your plan works good. My plan might work good. Someone else's plan might work good. Right now, I think going for a filter/lpg and the Rampage (assuming I have understood correctly and you only have the Mindphaser and Niftykeyz currently) next would give you a fully functioning small setup that you could learn a surprising amount of modular basics on and have fun doing so. From there, determining your next move will be much easier, especially if you combine this with researching the different classic module types everyone says you need and figuring out which ones work the best.

EDITED Friday February 13, 19:01

Based on your information the NiftyKeyz will send multiple melodies so you are sorted on that point, even without the mult. So either passive or buffered will work in your case. It also depends on whether you have enough power spots in the case to power all modules including the mult.

I don't think the decay out envelope on the LPG will be all that useful, since it's decay only, not even Attack/Decay. You probably want more complex movement in the filter and also outside it than just decay.

I think I would remove either the Frap Tools 321 or the Erica Synths Black CV Tools, they are kind of in the same ball park. And then use that space for another envelope. If you plan to play the keys a lot rather than just sequencing, you may want to add an ADSR for perfect control. You can then double it to the filter or use another envelope.

For filters, Erica Synths Black Multimode Filter, ThreeTom Modular Steve's MS-22, Tiptop Audio Forbidden Planet or System80 860 (MK1/MK2) are all good choices with the same or lower HP as the LPG at a somewhat similar (secondhand) price. They all have very different flavours.

Hello! Thank you for the feedback. I’vehad such a hard time finding anyone near me to even talk modular. The spring reverb was a random choice because i had rented a MOOG from a loval shop that had a spring reverb in it (I think). I do think it was limiting and maybe not even useful in this set up. I swapped it out with the FX Aid. I swapped the passive mult for a buffered one by Erica Synths. I think that solved a problem or at least gained some functionality. I chose the LPG because it can be used as a VCA or VCF or BOTH.
It also has an envelope generator output for the decay if I understand it correctly. Though I do see the usefulness in a MMF and will do some reading in consideration of making a change there.

Heres a link to the updated layout.
I also included the specs below this for the niftykeyz if you cared to take a look at that.

Mindphaser

Full size 49 key synth-action keybed with aftertouch

4x CV + gate outs - can be split by keyboard zone and used polyphonic or monophonic modes

Useable case area = 112hp for eurorack modules

Power output for modules

+12V - 1500mA

-12V - 1000mA

+5V - 1000mA

Multi-mode arpeggiator

Auto-chord function

Transpose function

Glide control

Swing control

Multi-mode LFO

Clock - internal and external with divider

2x buffered mults

Sustain pedal input controls MIDI and gates

Range of cv outs 1 through 4 = 0-10V

Voltage output gates 1 through 4 - off = 0 on = 5（off = 0 on = 4.65）

Voltage output modwheel/LFO = 1-10V switchable to 0-5V

Voltage output pitchwheel = 1-10V

Voltage output expression = 1-10V

Voltage output velocity = 1-10V switchable to 0-5V

Voltage output aftertouch = 1-10V switchable to 0-5V

Voltage output clock - off = 0 on = 5

Input voltage range of oscillator = 0-10V

Two volume controllable 1/4” ts mono outputs on its rear (mirrored 3.5mm outs on top)

Dedicated control for headphone out with 1/4” headphone jack on its rear

USB MIDI class-compliant - no drivers needed

MIDI in via USB and 5 pin Din

MIDI thru via 5 Pin Din and USB

There's two things that catch my attention here. Other than that, it seems well-rounded. The most-often made mistake with eurorack beginners is a disbalance between audio sources and audio manipulators. You did well on that part.

What I am mostly wondering about is your filter options. You have a LPG (low pass gate) rather than a LPF (low pass filter), a bit of an odd choice. There's videos on Youtube explaining both principles. A module that can do low pass, high pass and band pass filtering will give you more options to play with. But maybe you picked this one on purpose, I'm not familiar with the module and it seems like it can also do normal filtering. Something to think about. If Plaits and Mindphaser are ought to be processed individually, you probably want two filters.

If you really like spring reverb, then go for it. I would not find a great match between Mindphaser and a spring reverb. There's many (cheap or expensive) reverb pedal choices with more flavours of reverb than just springs. I have the Oceans 12 pedal which is the same price as a new assembled Befaco Spring Reverb. Maybe it's overkill for you. EHX Oceans 11 and TC Hall of Fame are cheaper but great options. If you want to keep it in eurorack, the multi-effect unit FX Aid is a popular choice and will give you much more than just reverberation.

One last thing, a passive mult will not copy v/oct melodies. The passiveness will cause a detune to the melody. So you can't mult it to both Mindphaser and Plaits. Maybe there's a solution on the NiftyKeyz, I have no experience with it.

I am even slower but now discontinued them all (except the concepts)

I have Mindphaser and Cre8audios NiftyKeyz. I have loosely plannd the modules I would like to include in the rack with the goal of complimenting the Mindphaser and creating a playable instrument. My question to anyone with more experience than myself is. Am i achieving that goal with this set up? If not what am I missing that is obvious. I want to end up with a playable instrument that can cover most things a monosyth would thanks in advance

Mindphaser

EDITED Thursday February 12, 19:17

I'm enjoying my Bopp and Steve. It's a "Deconstructed Reverb" with parameterized control over 3 different stages that add up to the final reverb effect. And you can insert a pitch shift into any of those stages (or a handful of other places: pitch shift in the delay path can do pretty crazy things).

It's not the most straightforward reverb out there, there's a little learning curve, but it's not a terribly complex module either. The manual is more like a poster than a book, no menus to navigate, very tactile interaction.

Hi,

I'm pretty interested in buying one unit of this module. If someone has one and is thinking of selling it, contact me, please.

Thanks in advance.

davrk1974@gmail.com

Davrk.

What is This,
Ukrainian Style Business ?

For simplicity try a https://modulargrid.net/e/tiptop-audio-zverb-black

Only drawback is that its only mono to stereo, still very good though.

Greetings. I am building my first Eurorack setup, and I am looking for recommedations for a good deep reverb with modulation/detuning. For what it's worth, I have been using VCV Rack for several years now, and my favorite reverb in VCV is the Sapphire Galaxy. I like the sound and simplicity of it. My second favorite in VCV is the Valley Plateau - it's only second because it has a bit more functions than I need usually. Can anyone recommend a hardware reverb that would be similar to either of these?

I'm an old retired man on a fixed income, so a wee bit less expensive would also be a good criteria (say, not more than $300US).

Thanks.

Ron

I have a lot of success with Pique (various makers) which is a 4hp clone of Mutable Instruments Peaks. I almost always use it as a dual envelope generator -- the envelopes are very snappy -- but it can also be a 4-step sequencer, LFOs, or various drum synths. It's an excellent module for a small case.

As an EG its main advantage over Pams is you can tweak the envelope shape quickly and easily by hand... this requires some menu diving in Pams. Also ADSR is available, which Pamela's New Workout doesn't have (I don't know about Pams Pro.)
-- the-erc
The second rack ( @Vondenfunken suggested ) the one with the envy and junction...kinda covers your suggestion with Pique, right?

EDITED Feb 10th, 21:37

Pam's got 8 outs you can split and share with everything else.
A pair of Synthrotek MST buffered mults would take 8hp and gives lots of flexibility for all 8 outputs.

The ALM Axon-2 makes working with Pam's so much easier. Knobs and assignable buttons and 4 more inputs!

I did this last year with Pam's and Moog boxes, to learn about Krell patches.

Hi,

I'm pretty interested in buying one unit of this module. If someone has one and is thinking of selling it, contact me, please.

Thanks in advance.

davrk1974@gmail.com

Davrk.

this looks super fun

Hi all, I am a bit slow and only now realized that Malekko Heavy Industry is history. Anyway, should we then not mark all their modules as discontinued. Or what is the preferred handling of such an issue?
Bepp beep
Ron

I would love that, too! (Just look at the mess in my command center ;-)

Indeed , i should consider immediacy and not too much menu dialing with this small case! thank you!

I have a lot of success with Pique (various makers) which is a 4hp clone of Mutable Instruments Peaks. I almost always use it as a dual envelope generator -- the envelopes are very snappy -- but it can also be a 4-step sequencer, LFOs, or various drum synths. It's an excellent module for a small case.

As an EG its main advantage over Pams is you can tweak the envelope shape quickly and easily by hand... this requires some menu diving in Pams. Also ADSR is available, which Pamela's New Workout doesn't have (I don't know about Pams Pro.)

EDITED Feb 10th, 03:08

Droid :-)

I would add some effects, a nice delay or any different kind of effect you like; a wavefolder; envelope and LFO module & 1-2 multis. Do you use an external mixer? Pams Pro is always great.

EDITED Feb 9th, 22:53

oh , i like those! ill give it a thought on each one, how it might sound! droney vs rhythm
Thank you!