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If you got the modules available musicradar did a great article on patching your own 808/909 style drums. Can do a ton with just a noise module through a multimode filter... https://www.musicradar.com/how-to/how-to-recreate-classic-analogue-drum-sounds-in-your-daw-and-with-hardware

Fantastic advice and arguments here. Wish I knew more to contribute, but i'm sure that knowledge will come! I've always loved hardware synths but the modular world is an entirely different beast, and hey i'm in the market for a new hobby. For me, having the versatility to patch modules in unexpected ways to create something is the allure of modular

Thanks so much again guys, really appreciate the feedback. Yep I fell into the classic camp of wanting to cram as much stuff in, and even with my tiny hands I can definitely see fruststion arising with the wirey mess to come. Love all the suggestions and i'm in the process of modifying @farkas plan to something tuned to my workflow, eg still would like a dedicated delay so will probably chuck that in. Thanks for taking the time out to put something together, completely unexpected and a lovely thing to do. Obviously this plan will change as my needs grow and i start experimenting but in this for long haul

Howdy folks! I have been doing a lot of recording but not actually finishing them off. My current efforts are around finishing and releasing the tracks before I do any more recording. Here's the first one, which is decidedly not modular in any way.

For this one I pulled the NDLR out of it's box and got this little ditty out of it after tweaking and rehearsing it for a couple of weeks. It's using four Arturia V collection VST synths. Namely the CS-80v, Pigments, OB-XA and another I can't seem to remember.

I have also been recording the summer's passing thunderstorms, so I thought I'd drop one of them in and I do like the effect. I just crack a window and stick the Zoom H4N Pro in and hit record. No effects or anything on it - it's just the raw sound of the rain, wind and thunder mixed in. I love that the natural ebbs and flows of the storm are clearly heard with rising and falling levels depending on the intensity of the rain. In the mixing, I did extensive track level volume automation on all tracks to increase the dynamics.

Then there are the visuals: I spent several weeks tweaking this animation and rendered multiple versions before landing on this one, which I think is just full of stunning, morphing shapes and color fading throughout. Enjoy!

EDITED Jul 20th 2023, 14:18

Alright, here's what I would do based upon your initial guidance of a techno focused drum machine with a mono voice, and my own experience. Above all, you will need to just decide on a couple modules at first and figure out what you are really missing, then go from there. I'm just a dude on the internet, so it's ultimately your decision. These are just some ideas to think about.
First, Three Sisters is not exactly unobtanium, but in my opinion it is overpriced due to scarcity. In its place, I would recommnd the FSS Timbral Sculptor as a multimode filter that includes a wavefolder. It's awesome. Check out DivKid's demo video.
Second, I am not a fan of Maths or Disting. Sold both and never looked back, but they are good for learning purposes. I've never subscribed to Jim's "modular synthesis vs. synthesis with modules" argument regarding Maths. The Moog System 55 and Roland System 700 didn't have Maths... Was that not modular synthesis? Anyway, Quadrax with the QX expander should serve your function generator and logic needs. Add Pam's Pro Workout for all sorts of clocked, random, and quantized waves, and that's a pretty powerful combo. Pam's is the brain that locks everything together. You can get weird swing and off-time gates with the Quadrax/QX combo, but most techno is going to require a pretty tight groove.
I mentioned Vortices in my previous comment. This will give you mono and stereo channels, CV control over mixing (something you were missing in your previous iterations), and clickless muting of channels if you track down the V-Mutes expander. You will want channel muting if you are making techno.
Plaits is so versatile. For a small rack, I think you will find it incredibly valuable. It can serve as a mono synth voice, chord generator, percussion, noise, jack of all trades. Add that to BIA and a good kick drum, and you are in business.
I would ditch the Orion phaser. I think there are better uses of that space, and both Disting and the FX Aid XL have phaser algorithms if you think you'll be doing a lot of phasing (the FSS Timbral Sculptor also does a convincing phaser, btw).
Some of the stuff you chose might be a good purchase once your rack expands beyond 208hp (and, oh yes, it will expand beyond 208hp), like the Compare 2 and compressors. As it is now, you want to get the most out of your rack without sacrificing playability. All of those little 2hp and 4hp modules that you are trying to squeeze in will be a source of frustration. You won't be able to get your hands in between the mess of cables.
Finally, you still have 14hp to play with and I saved you $1100.

Have fun and good luck!
-- farkas

Excellent advice in general from @farkas once again...

I'd upgrade the fx aid xl to a pro... I have both and the ability to actualy see what you are doing on the pro (instead of having to memorise which algo is where or refer to a paper or pdf cheat sheet constantly) is priceless... I'm going to set mine up so that the 1st 32 algos in my pro are the same as the 32 algos in my xl, so I have an in rack cheat sheet... plus it has a very, very basic single channel scope built in

I've never subscribed to Jim's "modular synthesis vs. synthesis with modules" argument regarding Maths. The Moog System 55 and Roland System 700 didn't have Maths... Was that not modular synthesis?

-- farkas

it's not really got anything to do with maths - although maths is a good example of a few fundamental building blocks under a single panel that can be patched to do more than the individual building blocks can - it's got to do with fundamental building blocks of synthesis as modules rather than big shiny expensive synth modules that do all these things for you without any need for understanding of what's going on beneath the panel... so moog system 55 and roland system 700 - collections of fundamental building blocks of synthesis that need to be patched together to get something out of them - definitely fall in the 'modular synthesis' camp... whereas a rack that consists of only say a couple of semi modulars, a mixer and an effects module - is definitely in the 'synthesis with modules' camp...

vc cross-faders and vc panners - which I don't use often - are a good example - they can both be patched easily using a couple of channels of a cascading vca, an lfo and a few basic utility modules... buying vc cross-faders and panners (is more 'synthesis with modules' whereas patching them up when you need them is more 'modular synthesis'

neither is right or wrong, just different, & I suspect a lot, if not most, of us fall somewhere in the middle - I definitely do - in that I have both modules that are fundamental building blocks of synthesis and a few 'voice modules' - deckard's voice for example - where I don't have to patch anything into it, other than pitch and gate because someone else designed the voice for me - I don't have a complex oscillator - but I can patch multiple different ones from various vcos and utilities etc etc

the argument for maths is more: it's a collection of fundamental building blocks under a single panel, which in themselves are useful to have and it has a lot of educational material - videos and pdfs (particularly the 'maths illustrated supplement') - that when used properly (thinking about what, why, how and not just patching blindly) can give the user an introduction to patch-programming, which when taken forwards and applied across the modular as a whole can massively benefit their patching in general

EDITED Jul 20th 2023, 13:30

Alright, here's what I would do based upon your initial guidance of a techno focused drum machine with a mono voice, and my own experience. Above all, you will need to just decide on a couple modules at first and figure out what you are really missing, then go from there. I'm just a dude on the internet, so it's ultimately your decision. These are just some ideas to think about.
First, Three Sisters is not exactly unobtanium, but in my opinion it is overpriced due to scarcity. In its place, I would recommnd the FSS Timbral Sculptor as a multimode filter that includes a wavefolder. It's awesome. Check out DivKid's demo video.
Second, I am not a fan of Maths or Disting. Sold both and never looked back, but they are good for learning purposes. I've never subscribed to Jim's "modular synthesis vs. synthesis with modules" argument regarding Maths. The Moog System 55 and Roland System 700 didn't have Maths... Was that not modular synthesis? Anyway, Quadrax with the QX expander should serve your function generator and logic needs. Add Pam's Pro Workout for all sorts of clocked, random, and quantized waves, and that's a pretty powerful combo. Pam's is the brain that locks everything together. You can get weird swing and off-time gates with the Quadrax/QX combo, but most techno is going to require a pretty tight groove.
I mentioned Vortices in my previous comment. This will give you mono and stereo channels, CV control over mixing (something you were missing in your previous iterations), and clickless muting of channels if you track down the V-Mutes expander. You will want channel muting if you are making techno.
Plaits is so versatile. For a small rack, I think you will find it incredibly valuable. It can serve as a mono synth voice, chord generator, percussion, noise, jack of all trades. Add that to BIA and a good kick drum, and you are in business.
I would ditch the Orion phaser. I think there are better uses of that space, and both Disting and the FX Aid XL have phaser algorithms if you think you'll be doing a lot of phasing (the FSS Timbral Sculptor also does a convincing phaser, btw).
Some of the stuff you chose might be a good purchase once your rack expands beyond 208hp (and, oh yes, it will expand beyond 208hp), like the Compare 2 and compressors. As it is now, you want to get the most out of your rack without sacrificing playability. All of those little 2hp and 4hp modules that you are trying to squeeze in will be a source of frustration. You won't be able to get your hands in between the mess of cables.
Finally, you still have 14hp to play with and I saved you $1100.

Have fun and good luck!

Right then, thanks again @JimHowell1970 and @farkas for all your wonderful advice. I've rejigged and made a few changes below.

• Removed oscillator/optamix to make space for changes. These can come later
• Reverted to using Maths. At the very least it'll help me learn modular concepts, plus further down the line, if I find i'm consistently not getting the most out of it THEN I can start thinking of alternatives instead of relying on reddit
• Add a Quadrax for linear/exponential envelopes plus extra lfos if i need to and also burst duties. Feel less unsure of the amount of modulators now
• Changed to a more traditional matrix mixer, which is actually less hp than the lion. Small knobs a concern, but at the very least i can learn on it
• Removed ghost- initially wanted to it for extra duties outside of kick when im not using, but replacing it has meant I can squeeze in more modules
• Added a 2hp simple panning thing which i'm planning to autopan using logic, more below...
• Added an extra mixer to the drum channel
• Added another attenuator
• Added an fxaid for filtering/reverb followong mimeophon
• Spruced up the logic by adding an eas, and a 1u flip module
• Replaced 1u ornament and crime with Disting for quantising/plus additional support modules
• Added a vca and cheapo low pass gate in the 1u section
• Removed all compressors as these can come later

Feels like i'm getting somewhere, what do you guys think?

great advice from @farkas, too!!!

re compressors: to a large extent if you arrange and mix things properly you may find you don't need them - apart from maybe side-chaining for kick - but even then use a vca - it's more versatile & modular - just make sure you get the right vca (like a veils clone) that actually amplifies as well as attenuates

arrangement and filtering can go a long way though - low pass filter the kick with the resonance where you want the fundamental to sit - make sure the bass line is a higher frequency than the kick and/or high pass filter the bass so they're not eating up the same frequency space... a much more modular and musical approach approach!

I also think that ghost is perhaps overkill (& I rarely use that word for modular) for just processing a mono kick and is large and stereo.... possibly this is better for end of chain fx.. or replacing for something else...

Just listened to some old Nu Groove stuff. A lot of it sounds like 909 or processed 808/909 samples to me, but "Your Love (Club)" by Aphrodisiac reminds me of the Kawai R100, a late 80s drum machine, which was used by a lot of the Wax Trax bands (Ministry, etc.).
Good luck!

I guess you know this reference video...

-- Sweelinck

Thanks! I've seen his rack he was referring to on here and did pinch a few of his ideas. Good video though, didnt realise this exsisted

@JimHowell1970

Thanks so much for taking the time out to reply and for your suggestions. A lot to unpack there- I'll rejig and come back.

@farkas

Thanks as well! I'm aware of the invert envelope trick for VCA. Yes three compressors is excessive- the thinking behind was to use Ghost for rumble kicks and then messor to glue drums together then MSCL to glue the mix together. Thinking about it, i could replace Messor with one of Jim's suggestions as i'm just being greedy lol

A couple things: I second Jim's recommendation against the Instruo matrix mixer. Would recommend something like the Doepfer one at first, though it is much larger.
Also, you have way too many compressors here. MSCL, Messor, and Ghost? I imagine you want sidechain functionality which can be done in a modular fashion with an envelope follower/inverted envelope and VCA. If you want "character" compression, maybe find a single one that appeals to you most. For "character," I've really been enjoying the SSF Vortices mixer. It's subtle but awesome, but you can do feedback patching to get even more grit and character. I handle more transparent compression outside the rack.
Good luck and have fun!

Hi,

In your view, what are the best drum modules to recreate the classic late 80's early 90's chicago house drum sounds (beyond the 808 and 909 clone).
E.g. Lots of records on Nu Groove Records are not on x0x beats.

Any idea/suggestions?

thanks
ciao!

great link there @Sweelinck!

Hi all, after spending the past few years admiring modular from distance, I feel like its time to take the plunge with my own. Before I pull the trigger on a few modules to start myself off (already have the case, the intellijel one) I'd like some advice please if this is a sensible rack set up and if I need to add more modules to eke out the most functionality from a small space?

what does your extensive reaseach tell you? - especially relating to newbie racks and particularly drum oriented modular...

general advice is don't do drums in modular... it's very expensive and way more complicated than an external drum machine!

& how are you intending to sequence the drums? if just midi (using the planned midi->cv module) and the clock divider they'll potentially be very boring!

Idea here is a techno focused drum machine plus one monosynth (which doubles up as a percussion generator). I'm interested in drones and textures as well, so hoping to use the mimeophon to get some pads going.

hmmm... maybe a stereo filter for the morphagene?

I'm concerned I dont have enough modulation sources and VCAs, however im thinking as the monosynth will be the main thing to modulate should be ok? I'm also worried about having zadar as my main envelope generator, and if that's limiting?

don't you want to modulate your drums too, stop them being static and boring? and what about the fx, do they not deserve at least some modulation - and attenuation for that modulation - full range modulation often sounds crap - whereas a tiny bit can go a long way!!!

the vca you've specified is linear so best suited for modulation and not audio - whilst this is not necessarily a bad thing, and can be worked around using exponential envelope generators - do the envelope/function generators supply enough in the way of exponential envelopes to support this in the way that you want! zadar is a great envelope generator, but it's not necessarily as immediate as a lot of others...

generally if you don't think you have enough of something - then you probably don't...

I also wonder if i need a logic module in there, but dont know if that will be useful for this setup

compare2 is a logic module!!! these are very useful for rhythmic 'programming' - I'd want a bernoulli gate (probabalistic dropping/switching of gates/triggers), a burst generator, a sequential switch and an or combiner too - at the very least to help create interesting rhythms - as well as to improve other patchiung possibilities

i've gone for contour 1 + compare 2 instead of Maths. Would like to add another contour and select further down the line. However i'm ondering if these replacements will be ok or should i rejig the whole set up.

Maths is a great module if you are interested in 'modular synthesis' - as opposed to 'synthesis with modules' - which your rack plan as is points towards - it is way more than the sum of it's parts - see the 'maths illustrated supplement' for more details on patch programming - but I'd always recommend getting at least some of the component parts of maths as well as maths - utilities are probably the most important key to patching in modular synthesis - as they exponentlially add to patching possibilities! you say you've replaced Maths with contour1 and compare2, but where are the attenuverters and offsets

have you thought seriously about mixing? I wouldn't just want 2 stereo mixers for mixing drums, a monophonic voice and a morphagene plus fx - how are you going to pan your mono sound sources in the stereo field? how are you going to sub-mix drums before sending to effects?

and whilst I applaud the idea of a matrix mixer... it's the shiniest, most complicated and least usable example I can think of... just get a basic one so that you can learn how to use one - and not spend ages searching for the dongles, you've inevitably dropped on the floor... great module in theory... but I'm not convinced of the practicality of it, at all! definitely not a beginner module

see my signature for some hints on improving versatility whilst reducing expense!

Smart communication and fine transaction with @Nikiji
Recommended !

aphex twin module, at last!

I have planned my own rack which is linked below, don't take the following paragraph as a request for someone to make me a rack.

I'm not going to do that it's too much effort!!!

Hello. I recently discovered modular and I'm now planning my first rack. I want something to do everything for making some form of psytrance while mostly away from the computer.

this is possibly leaning towards the folly of trying to do too much in too small a space...

I've decided on the requirements of ≥2 seperate synth voices, in this case the east beast and west pest because they are cheap and supposedly pretty good, as well as a kick and hats and a way to sequence them, which I decided on the peaks and ugrids modules. I am planning on using a black noise "voltage processor" as a dual vca as I've heared that vca's are important and this was the best fitting module I could find. The cellz and chipz would not cost me too much and add more functionallity, especially with the cellz to have an evolving sequencer when paired with 2 lfo's (kind of, as far as I know it can work like that.)

no snare???

doing things in modular 'because they are cheap' can be counter productive and costy more money in the long term - don't buy modules (or semi-modulars) because they are cheap unless you like the sounds you can get from them and like the interfaces - I can't comment on the semis other than re racking them in a eurorack case is kind of a waste of money, when they already come with cases and power... the chipz & cellz modules often turn up on used sites and are quitte difficult to sell from what I can gather, despite the low prices...

Speaking of which, due to the low price and ability to sync with my computer, I want to use 2 "NiftyCases." Using the "NiftyBundle," I can get 2 extra oscillators, a lfo, and a sequencer for just $70 usd more.

see above plus will the midi implementation on 2 nifty cases actually cover this well??? I've heard the midi implementation is not that good... btw you can sync to a computer using a kick sample on an audio track in your DAW, as long as you have a spare output and the appropriate cable... remember audio is much more stable than midi in all computer OSs as it has a much higher priority, so won't be interrupted as much by background OS tasks

I would be getting the top half of the rack that I made, minus the Erica Synths PICO Out,

do you need an output module? why do you think this? what are you plugging into? the nifty cases have 1/4" outs already... some simple attenuation before hitting these is probably all that's needed to connect to a mixer or audio interface

first as I get the money for the second half. Everything that can't be found on sweetwater or perfectcircuit will be bought on reverb. The only issue that I found in this rack is the depth of the A-199 by doepfer, which I would solve by desoldering the connection ports to the actual spring part of the module that are found at the bottom of the eurorack portion. It's just a simple fix to move the ports and I would go through this trouble because I heard this module is one of the best effects and worth it when just starting out. If it can't be done then I am open to other ideas.

reverb is expensive - try here (non-reverb listings, facebook marketplace & buy/sell groups for modular, modwiggler, reddt - r/modular has a monthly for sale thread)

I'd buy a deeper case or at a push m3 standoffs (& electrical tape) instead of desoldering parts of a mdule that already works

I tried my best but I want to know if it is possible to get more bang for my buck or what I should do differently. There is 4hp left over for another module(s) but I do not know what I would fill that space up with.
https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_2303785.jpg

post the urls of your public racks... not jpgs, they don't really help us help you...

I am aware this rack might look stupid, so please look at this patch below for context.

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/patches/modulargrid_106845.jpg The mixer on the top would run into the unaffected channel of the mixer on the bottom, because it is already mixed. The top mixer has the 2 drum sounds and the east beast. The mixer on the bottom has the west pest, sampler, and the chipz. The mixer on the bottom runs into the headphone and line out on the Erica Synths PICO Out, which I would not buy on stage one (which I mentioned previously) because the top mixer has a headphone out.

Thank you for reading, any feedback would be amazing and I look forwards to the day I have a eurorack of my own.
-- reapingracoon

don't fall into the trap of false economy!!!

buying what you want and what you need to get it to work properly, as opposed to buying xyz because it's cheap WILL SAVE YOU MONEY IN THE LONG TERM... as will buying slowly one or 2 modules at a time and not all at once (no need to fill a rack - that's what blind panels are for - and you can make them yourself from cereal packets, or similar) - buy used from the places I recommended above will save you money over both stores will save you money... buying a better rack may give you a better user experience which in the end is priceless... buying a quad cascading vca (a veils clone for instance) will probably save you money in the long term - vcas are for modulation as well as audio!!!

so instead of a buying a couple of nifty bundles and a couple of semis - buy a mantis (or a doepfer lc6 or lc9) and a decent midi->cv module (mutant brain for instance) and just one of the semis to start with (if & only if you really want that semi, because you like it NOT just because it's cheap) - then add an analog vco, a vcf, a quad cascading vca, a modulation source, an envelope generator, maybe the reverb you want and maybe a alm hpo or the mixer with the headphone out... spend some time learning modular synthesis... work out the modules you actually want and those that you actually need to support them... you won't have all the functionality that you want immediately... but you will have a better understanding of modular synthesis and your own custom instrument that works how you want it to - which to a large extent is the best reason to go modular... it might cost you a bit more (over time) but you won't be making compromises based solely on cost - your grand up front and a $100/month for a couple of years (or whatever)

btw you don't have to mount the reverb tank in the case - you can mount it outside and then you can strum it...

Maybe you could drop the cellz and chipz and the spring reverb + get a other smaller mixer like (befaco stereomixer.)

The east beast and west best, would be probaply be better to dont mount in the rack to save space.
Maybe start to choose one first.

Utillity is more important, you can add additional voices later.

Maybe consider a bigger rack, like tip top mantis. I also started with nifty case. Now its just my additional desk rack for fx.

Maybe a good bread and butter lfo, like batumi, maths
delta v 2, wobbler 2

check out Bastl Instruments. The have useful stuff.

I love "Bastl softpop 2".
It is more expensive, like 600 euro, but its a bit like something between east beast and west pest.
It has so much to start with.
Sequencer, filter, waveshaper, external in for processing, crossfader, mult, sample and hold, you can switch between analog or digital vco.
and its very small, like a volca.

Add a few utilities and fx and you are ready to go.

EDITED Jul 19th 2023, 12:10

I guess you know this reference video...

Hi all, after spending the past few years admiring modular from distance, I feel like its time to take the plunge with my own. Before I pull the trigger on a few modules to start myself off (already have the case, the intellijel one) I'd like some advice please if this is a sensible rack set up and if I need to add more modules to eke out the most functionality from a small space?

Idea here is a techno focused drum machine plus one monosynth (which doubles up as a percussion generator). I'm interested in drones and textures as well, so hoping to use the mimeophon to get some pads going.

I'm concerned I dont have enough modulation sources and VCAs, however im thinking as the monosynth will be the main thing to modulate should be ok? I'm also worried about having zadar as my main envelope generator, and if that's limiting?

I also wonder if i need a logic module in there, but dont know if that will be useful for this setup

i've gone for contour 1 + compare 2 instead of Maths. Would like to add another contour and select further down the line. However i'm ondering if these replacements will be ok or should i rejig the whole set up.

Thanks! Excited to start my journey

Edit: sequencing with octatrack via midi

EDITED Jul 19th 2023, 08:38

I have planned my own rack which is linked below, don't take the following paragraph as a request for someone to make me a rack.

Hello. I recently discovered modular and I'm now planning my first rack. I want something to do everything for making some form of psytrance while mostly away from the computer. I've decided on the requirements of ≥2 seperate synth voices, in this case the east beast and west pest because they are cheap and supposedly pretty good, as well as a kick and hats and a way to sequence them, which I decided on the peaks and ugrids modules. I am planning on using a black noise "voltage processor" as a dual vca as I've heared that vca's are important and this was the best fitting module I could find. The cellz and chipz would not cost me too much and add more functionallity, especially with the cellz to have an evolving sequencer when paired with 2 lfo's (kind of, as far as I know it can work like that.)

Speaking of which, due to the low price and ability to sync with my computer, I want to use 2 "NiftyCases." Using the "NiftyBundle," I can get 2 extra oscillators, a lfo, and a sequencer for just $70 usd more. I would be getting the top half of the rack that I made, minus the Erica Synths PICO Out, first as I get the money for the second half. Everything that can't be found on sweetwater or perfectcircuit will be bought on reverb. The only issue that I found in this rack is the depth of the A-199 by doepfer, which I would solve by desoldering the connection ports to the actual spring part of the module that are found at the bottom of the eurorack portion. It's just a simple fix to move the ports and I would go through this trouble because I heard this module is one of the best effects and worth it when just starting out. If it can't be done then I am open to other ideas.

I tried my best but I want to know if it is possible to get more bang for my buck or what I should do differently. There is 4hp left over for another module(s) but I do not know what I would fill that space up with.
https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_2303785.jpg

I am aware this rack might look stupid, so please look at this patch below for context.

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/patches/modulargrid_106845.jpg The mixer on the top would run into the unaffected channel of the mixer on the bottom, because it is already mixed. The top mixer has the 2 drum sounds and the east beast. The mixer on the bottom has the west pest, sampler, and the chipz. The mixer on the bottom runs into the headphone and line out on the Erica Synths PICO Out, which I would not buy on stage one (which I mentioned previously) because the top mixer has a headphone out.

Thank you for reading, any feedback would be amazing and I look forwards to the day I have a eurorack of my own.

Programming is just problem solving and python is one of the easier languages to get your head around - take an exisitng script and tweak it amd you'll be fine (won't break anything)

OK, that sounds less daunting! I don't have much confidence in programming ever since trying too learn visual programming with Pure Data and gave up after a few Youtube lessons.

Thanks!!! I think that's one of the main things - digital video (including Lumen, Touch Designer and digital video modules etc) always looks digital to me unless it's processed through analog hardware... it's not that it's "better" or "worse", there's just something about it... same with audio...

Definitely agree with the analogue audio analogy. Placing an OTO BAM after my Eurorack at the end of the chain totally transforms the overall sound.

haha - it is indeed - I'm liking the less noisy, subtler tracks more...

It's an album which rewards a closer listen :-)

Hey, tnx for your reply, how do you disconnect the top case ?
-- Gijsja

i have to remove those two M5 screws on each side. then i can lift the upper case:

maybe its more clear on my (unfinished) top case

of course this is not exactly applyable with your cases - but i think a similar solution would be possible. do you have pictures?

Thank you very much! :)

EDITED Jul 18th 2023, 14:46

iirc the EYESY is programmable using python scripts - so you can get much more out of it than the obvious... brightness etc can be controlled programatically or by adjusting the contrast/brightness on the screen

Unfortunately, I don't programme so the finer tweaks will be lost to me.

Programming is just problem solving and python is one of the easier languages to get your head around - take an exisitng script and tweak it amd you'll be fine (won't break anything)

that one's almost definitely Lumen out fron MBP (in mono) then into LZX modular (the green looks like its the whole signal going through a doepfer a-116) and at some point it's going through the syntonie cbv01 - then out to a flat screen tv and rescanned using an iPhone

Thanks for sharing the process with me. Seems like a lot of work but the results are astounding! Looks very "analogue"!

Thanks!!! I think that's one of the main things - digital video (including Lumen, Touch Designer and digital video modules etc) always looks digital to me unless it's processed through analog hardware... it's not that it's "better" or "worse", there's just something about it... same with audio...

I started listening to it last night...

It's an acquired taste! lol!

-- Solar01

haha - it is indeed - I'm liking the less noisy, subtler tracks more...

@znschaffer In your opening post: ‘I'm attempting to move towards more nimble and needlepoint plucks and warm droney pads’. And a little further : ‘I'd really like some more cv modulation and controllability!‘.
So, I have two suggestions:

• Rings not being a traditional oscillator (in fact, as a ‘Resonator’, it is closer to an effect), for nice plucks and an easy tuning - you know what I mean - may I suggest the 2hp Pluck. A little jewel.

• For deep drones in motion, Zadar is probably one of the best solution today. It obviously generates traditional envelopes, but thanks to its 'loop' function and its two assignable cvs (adding the small expander Nin) you will be able to create vast complex landscapes.

I have included these modules in my setup, so it’s the experience that allows me to strongly recommend them to you.

Hey, tnx for your reply, how do you disconnect the top case ?

yeah - can definitely go that way - a lot of the modulation can be shared which helps & I have a module *sensory translator) which takes audio input, splits it into frequency bands and then outputs envelopes per band...

Interesting module for sure!!!

iirc the EYESY is programmable using python scripts - so you can get much more out of it than the obvious... brightness etc can be controlled programatically or by adjusting the contrast/brightness on the screen

Unfortunately, I don't programme so the finer tweaks will be lost to me.

that one's almost definitely Lumen out fron MBP (in mono) then into LZX modular (the green looks like its the whole signal going through a doepfer a-116) and at some point it's going through the syntonie cbv01 - then out to a flat screen tv and rescanned using an iPhone

Thanks for sharing the process with me. Seems like a lot of work but the results are astounding! Looks very "analogue"!

I started listening to it last night...

It's an acquired taste! lol!

recently i built a custom case that consist of multiple stackable sub cases:
https://modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3993355#p3993355

first i tried to use 8mm x 80mm metal bolts between the cases but i was not successful.
I was hoping to be able to stack & unstack the cases without the need for any tool.

after i realised that its totally ok for me using a tool in favour of a good connection between the cases i finally mounted a 3mm metal plate with 2 M5 holes on top of each sub case
it looks like a strong connection with nothing to worry about.

EDITED Jul 17th 2023, 12:28

a few notes

1. nRings - (oscillator)

a sound source (NOT an oscillator) and an effect - sound sources are only oscillators when they constantly produce a waveform at the specified pitch - Rings is a resonator - it produces a sound when it is triggered either via the trigger input or receiving a change of pitch or audio is input - that sound then decays or is choked when a new trigger is received (depending on the polyphony setting)

NB Rings is notoriously awkward to tune (at least with a tuner) due to harmonics - the trimmer for frequency on small clones makes this more difficult...

2. uBraids - (oscillator)
3. Forbidden Planet - (filter)
4. A-132-3 DVCA - (vca)

is this enough vcas - remember they're useful for both audio and modulation

5. Monsoon - (fx)

can also be used as a sound source... and really needs attenuation on modulation inputs

6. Function Junction - (envelope/ad/lfo/mixer or attenuator)
7. Pachinko - (random sequencer)
8. A-180-3 - (mult)
9. A-118-2 - (noise/t&h/s&h)

I'd rather have a s&h/t&h that accepts external inputs

10. Disting mk4 - (everything. literally everything.)

I definitely think that in this size case I'd want to go for a single voice with good ergonomics and that's got enough support modules, rather than multiple voices that aren't well supported - "trying to do too much in too small a case" - it's a common beginner folly...

Thanks for sharing your videos. When there is music to the vids, the experience is synaesthetic!!

yeah - can definitely go that way - a lot of the modulation can be shared which helps & I have a module *sensory translator) which takes audio input, splits it into frequency bands and then outputs envelopes per band...

Thanks for explaining how it works! Excellent! The Critter and Guitari EYESY syncs visuals with sounds but looks more superficial and the colours are a bit too bright.

iirc the EYESY is programmable using python scripts - so you can get much more out of it than the obvious... brightness etc can be controlled programatically or by adjusting the contrast/brightness on the screen

There were some videos which I liked a lot - perhaps, they were created with the same analogue gear but I can't tell which one. They have a retro look and a depth of perception without the digital flatness.

If you want to post links to individual videos I might be able to tell you what I used

Here's one of them - looks like a dead TV channel gone psychedelic and retro cyberpunk. Awesome!! Curious about your gear used...

[https://www.instagram.com/p/CLVM5_dBane/]

that one's almost definitely Lumen out fron MBP (in mono) then into LZX modular (the green looks like its the whole signal going through a doepfer a-116) and at some point it's going through the syntonie cbv01 - then out to a flat screen tv and rescanned using an iPhone

I had posted weblinks to my debut CD in the "You" section of the forum. You can stream the album on Bandcamp :

[https://khatulistiwa.bandcamp.com/album/the-silence-that-does-not-exist]

Tracks 4 and 5 were made solely with Eurorack. The rest with Mother-32, Lyra-8, Behringer 2600 Blue Marvin, O-coast, Strega, Recovery Mystic, Eowave Quadrantid Swarm, Wingie 2, guitar pedals and Ableton!

-- Solar01

I started listening to it last night...

EDITED Jul 17th 2023, 09:19

Thanks for sharing your videos. When there is music to the vids, the experience is synaesthetic!!

yeah - can definitely go that way - a lot of the modulation can be shared which helps & I have a module *sensory translator) which takes audio input, splits it into frequency bands and then outputs envelopes per band...

Thanks for explaining how it works! Excellent! The Critter and Guitari EYESY syncs visuals with sounds but looks more superficial and the colours are a bit too bright.

There were some videos which I liked a lot - perhaps, they were created with the same analogue gear but I can't tell which one. They have a retro look and a depth of perception without the digital flatness.

If you want to post links to individual videos I might be able to tell you what I used

Here's one of them - looks like a dead TV channel gone psychedelic and retro cyberpunk. Awesome!! Curious about your gear used...

[https://www.instagram.com/p/CLVM5_dBane/]

Thank you very much for sharing your music. Both tracks are different but equally worthy of inclusion.

-- Solar01

Happy you liked them!
-- JimHowell1970

I had posted weblinks to my debut CD in the "You" section of the forum. You can stream the album on Bandcamp :

[https://khatulistiwa.bandcamp.com/album/the-silence-that-does-not-exist]

Tracks 4 and 5 were made solely with Eurorack. The rest with Mother-32, Lyra-8, Behringer 2600 Blue Marvin, O-coast, Strega, Recovery Mystic, Eowave Quadrantid Swarm, Wingie 2, guitar pedals and Ableton!

EDITED Jul 17th 2023, 04:37

Thanks for sharing your videos. When there is music to the vids, the experience is synaesthetic!!

yeah - can definitely go that way - a lot of the modulation can be shared which helps & I have a module *sensory translator) which takes audio input, splits it into frequency bands and then outputs envelopes per band...

There were some videos which I liked a lot - perhaps, they were created with the same analogue gear but I can't tell which one. They have a retro look and a depth of perception without the digital flatness.

If you want to post links to individual videos I might be able to tell you what I used

Thank you very much for sharing your music. Both tracks are different but equally worthy of inclusion.

-- Solar01

Happy you liked them!

Question 1
I'm in the middle of putting together a small (all in one) rack for noodling around and attempting to make Berlin School/Generative/Drone style music. already have a few modules/pieces:
1. nRings
2. uBraids
3. Monsoon
4. Pachinko
5. Disting mk4
6. Niftycase
I'm looking to finish off this case with the VCA, FORBIDDEN PLANET (filter), FUNCTION JUNCTION (envelopes/lfo/mixer), FOUR LFO (I am on the fence about this for obvious reasons.) Not that I'm against Behringer, I have the Neutron and a small mixer and they are just fine for me. Feels a little wrong to XAOC Batumi, but DAMN that price. I do feel I may be a little heavy with modulation (if that's possible) when this is done. Whenever that may be.
BTW, I am not married to the Disitng. I bought it used to learn what other modules do and what I want in the future.
As you can probably guess, I'm doing this on the cheap (this is a hobby).
Any thoughts or suggegstions are appreciated.

external gear:
7. Keystep, SQ-64 & SQ-1 (should be covered for sequencing)
8. Electribe 2 (drums/more voices/sequencer)
9. Zoom MS-70CDR (effects pedal if needed)
10. Neutron (stand alone modular synth to play with or use as individual modules)

Question 2
Are most users a ONE BIG CASE packed with all kinds of random modules or do you have a few smaller cases?
After I finish this Niftycase I want to make (by hand) a case for the Behringer System 100 modules. Wondering if getting a bigger case like the Mantis would be the better option. I like the idea of having a couple of smaller cases but maybe you guys would know better.
See, I told you I wasn't against Behringer and yes I am aware that these are also "borrowed" modules from Roland but for some weird reason I don't have a problem with. Yeah yeah hipocrite I know.

UPDATED:

Thanks Jim for the advice and utility advice too. I may have skipped on that entirely. Blinded by the cool stuff. I made a few changes and feel this is very close/if not what I want my rack to be. I think I included a little bit of everything. I put a quick description of what I will use each module as. A few of these modules can do multiple thing but not all at once. Except maybe the Function Junction. But I probably don't have to say that. Again, criticisms and advice are appreciated.

1. nRings - (oscillator)
2. uBraids - (oscillator)
3. Forbidden Planet - (filter)
4. A-132-3 DVCA - (vca)
5. Monsoon - (fx)
6. Function Junction - (envelope/ad/lfo/mixer or attenuator)
7. Pachinko - (random sequencer)
8. A-180-3 - (mult)
9. A-118-2 - (noise/t&h/s&h)
10. Disting mk4 - (everything. literally everything.)

At least, my GAS for guitar pedals has died off as I think I have all that I need now to make my music.

Mine too years ago - a year or so before I got into eurorack - I have a very nice pedal cupboard... I'm planning on getting them out soon... just need to movee a few things around and make a bit more space in the studio for a pedalboard

I have a bunch of loose pedals here as the chain is different each time I use them. The only static pedalboard is for me to play black metal on the guitar which is very different from the experimental music and electronic music which I make.

I hope the same will happen with Eurorack modules as I exhaust possibilities.

-- Solar01

possibilities are endless!!

Quite a scary prospect! Change is constant with my set-up... I realise that it is hard to keep things still.

sorry for that, didn't mean to... I started messing with Processing3 (Java programming environment for video) and then Lumen and then I discovered video in the function dropdown in the eurorack modules seciton here!!!

here's a link to my instagram where I put video stuff - https://www.instagram.com/jimhowell1970/

Thanks for sharing your videos. When there is music to the vids, the experience is synaesthetic!!

the very early stuff on there is Lumen, then it's mostly eurorack video (mostly LZX GEN2 with some DIY modules from LZX, Reverselandfill, Visible Signals and Syntonie - plus some 'audio' modules that will effect video - mostly doepfer wavefolders - they get a bit smeary as the op amps arent' fast enough) and there's also some stuff where I use Lumen as a front and and then process it add to it in the rack...

There were some videos which I liked a lot - perhaps, they were created with the same analogue gear but I can't tell which one. They have a retro look and a depth of perception without the digital flatness.

and a link to my only track on bandcamp - https://communitymodularelectronic.bandcamp.com/track/jim-howell-aintnosunshinehere it was on the 'best of modulargrid 2021' compilation... although my friend optical_collusion thought this one should be on instead -

-- JimHowell1970

Thank you very much for sharing your music. Both tracks are different but equally worthy of inclusion.

We can encourage listeners to discover the album on Bandcamp. (NB. the links here do not seem to work on Safari - to be checked - but one can copy and paste the url, or use this one: The Silence that does not Exist). Btw, special mention for ‘Lunar Inclination’, ‘Still Air Vibrates’, and of course ‘Dimensional Wreck’.
-- Sweelinck

Thank you so much for recommending this album! I have also amended the weblinks to function as they should and I will add this weblink to the Lunar Inclination track :-)

[]

EDITED Jul 18th 2023, 16:19

Hi all,
i have two cases. i would like to stack one on top of the other, but want to be able to simply remove it because thats my traveling case (suitcase style). It needs to be a strong connection, the top one is 7u high and cos of patching i dont want to tip that one over 😅
Any remommodations on how to adress this ? They are both rougly the same hp wide and the lower on is deeper than the one intented on top. i dont mind drilling in yhe cases.
Hope to hear from you

At least, my GAS for guitar pedals has died off as I think I have all that I need now to make my music.

Mine too years ago - a year or so before I got into eurorack - I have a very nice pedal cupboard... I'm planning on getting them out soon... just need to movee a few things around and make a bit more space in the studio for a pedalboard

I hope the same will happen with Eurorack modules as I exhaust possibilities.

-- Solar01

possibilities are endless!!

By the way, I think you have succesfully (and involuntarily) introduced me to another rabbit hole - video modules / gear !!!! (Just by the mention of it) Checking out TACHYONS+ and toying with Lumen demo to see if it is the thing for me....

-- Solar01

sorry for that, didn't mean to... I started messing with Processing3 (Java programming environment for video) and then Lumen and then I discovered video in the function dropdown in the eurorack modules seciton here!!!

here's a link to my instagram where I put video stuff - https://www.instagram.com/jimhowell1970/

the very early stuff on there is Lumen, then it's mostly eurorack video (mostly LZX GEN2 with some DIY modules from LZX, Reverselandfill, Visible Signals and Syntonie - plus some 'audio' modules that will effect video - mostly doepfer wavefolders - they get a bit smeary as the op amps arent' fast enough) and there's also some stuff where I use Lumen as a front and and then process it add to it in the rack...

and a link to my only track on bandcamp - https://communitymodularelectronic.bandcamp.com/track/jim-howell-aintnosunshinehere it was on the 'best of modulargrid 2021' compilation... although my friend optical_collusion thought this one should be on instead -

EDITED Jul 16th 2023, 10:53

We can encourage listeners to discover the album on Bandcamp. (NB. the links here do not seem to work on Safari - to be checked - but one can copy and paste the url, or use this one: The Silence that does not Exist). Btw, special mention for ‘Lunar Inclination’, ‘Still Air Vibrates’, and of course ‘Dimensional Wreck’.

Excellent!
Finally, serious business begins...

Thank you for your encouraging words!

• Did you take note of which modules (and possibly semi-modulars associated) you used for this piece?

I would have an idea from a photo of my half-filled minimalistic rig back from the very beginnings of my modular journey. Just Eurorack in action but I doubt I can re-create the same piece again from memory.

• It seems to be essentially generative. Did you add some manual interventions? Any ‘tweaks’ on the fly?
  (Personally I most often keep a detailed record of these two aspects).

It was a direct recording of an improvised piece with spontaneous tweaks and forgotten patches. Another track - "Dreamer is Awake" is a full modular track which I might be able to re-create mostly using the Data Bender.

Bravo for the visual on the side (the video): it does not distract attention for the music.
Really nice work.
-- Sweelinck

Thank you again for your kind words! :-)

Excellent!
Finally, serious business begins...

• Did you take note of which modules (and possibly semi-modulars associated) you used for this piece?
• It seems to be essentially generative. Did you add some manual interventions? Any ‘tweaks’ on the fly?
  (Personally I most often keep a detailed record of these two aspects).

Bravo for the visual on the side (the video): it does not distract attention for the music.
Really nice work.

Hi there,

I have recently released my debut CD called Reverse Image "The Silence that does not Exist" on a label called Khatulistiwa. Gear used - Eurorack, Mother-32, Behringer 2600 Blue Marvin, O-coast, Strega, Recovery Mystic, Eowave Quadrantid Swarm, guitar pedals, Ableton, etc.

"Reverse Image is a sound artist from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She builds her works using analogue and digital equipment looking for the intersection between repetitive motifs and disjointed incidences.The title is inspired by the search for moments of silence amidst the discord.

Recordings from 2022-2023."

You can stream the entire album on Bandcamp :

https://khatulistiwa.bandcamp.com/album/the-silence-that-does-not-exist

And here's an Eurorack track :

" />

Sound samples and the CD can be purchased from Soundohm :

https://www.soundohm.com/product/the-silence-that-does-not

Also, an excellent review of the album:

https://touchingextremes.wordpress.com/2023/07/02/reverse-image-the-silence-that-does-not-exist/

Thank you very much for listening! :-)

EDITED Aug 9th 2023, 10:25

I think almost everyone gets bouts of severe GAS from time to time - at least until you get to a certain point where you can effectively patch most things if you don't already have them - and innovative, interesting modules are few and far between...

I'm reasonably sure that most, if not all, of the modules I buy/build in the future will be either simple utilities or video modules...

-- JimHowell1970

At least, my GAS for guitar pedals has died off as I think I have all that I need now to make my music. I hope the same will happen with Eurorack modules as I exhaust possibilities. By the way, I think you have succesfully (and involuntarily) introduced me to another rabbit hole - video modules / gear !!!! (Just by the mention of it) Checking out TACHYONS+ and toying with Lumen demo to see if it is the thing for me....

@HGSynth has done a great job there with advice

I'd also take a quick look at my signature - & spend some time thinking about it... it's a quick guide to getting the most versatility for the least expense... & it scales well too...

bigger case - check... can't say I'm a fan of the rackbrutes, as a starter case I think the mantis wins every time on every level (hp/cost/manufacturer reputation/decent power supply/no hideous rack wart), but as an addition to a minibrute they make a lot of sense, but only if you're going to connect them physically... if you're not going to connect them and have the rack to the side of the minibrute then the mantis wins (& they come in black now too)

definitely worth investigating more modulation sources and utilities...

Maths is brilliant - it's got decent ergonomics and a decent feature set - which in itself is invaluable, but most importantly there's a lot of educational material - videos and especially the 'maths illustrated supplement' which is an excellent primer for patch programming and patching in general - especially when time is spent trying to understand what, why and how it's doing what it's doing...

the addition of another modulation source such as batumi or zadar is a great idea!

I'd probably go for the Happy Nerding 3 x MIA over the TUL as you get an extra channel in the same hp and ergonomics is still good

a quad cascading vca is a investment - I'd go for a veils clone myself - you can never have too many vcas!!!! yjru're really useful for modulation as well as audio! and they can be used to attenuate modular level down a bit before hitting whatever you're currently using to mix the minibrute and the drum machine

if you can find one, a kinks clone is always useful

if you're thinking of using the turing machine as a pitch sequencer at all, you'll almost definitely want to add a quantizer

I always like a matrix mixer (or 2) - great for combining modulation, setting up feedback loops into sound modifiers, send/return of effects etc etc

@HGSynth, marvelous response. Thank you for you insights. Shopping around for the rack, but focused on the rackbrute 6u. I've not seen anything but the 6u rackbrute available (I had originally thought that the 3u version would do), so I'm not anticipating a shortage of HP being available. I hadn't expected to ponder beyond a bit of modulation and some effects (lacking any on the mb 2s).

Minibrute 2s. I'd like to use the sequencer on the 2s for most of the sequencing and clock -- which also goes out to (or comes in from -- not sure which I prefer) an erica synths lxr-02 for drums, and do some processing, futzing, modulating of the bass lines on the rack.

I've added some randomness to the modules, yes. As I think more about sound, it seems that one of the true strengths of adding modular is getting a bit farther from the norms of integrated or even semi-modular synths.

I will read up on the modules you've hilighted above. Thank you again for your comments.

Looking to expand Mini Brute into the world of modular. How does the community think these modules will play (well, not well, redundant, missing something key, etc...) with the MB?
-- mashume

Which Minibrute do you mean, the 2/2s, or do you mean the Microbrute? The 2s is awesome in conjuction with modular, so many cool modulation and sequencing possibilities. The Microbrute's patchbay is much more limited, but would still expand quite well into a modular rack. Do you already have the linked rack, or are you still shopping around? If you haven't gotten it yet, you may want to consider going a little bigger (the Rackbrute 6u is a good starter size, though I might recommend a Tip Top Mantis - both are great). Don't get me wrong, you can 100% build an amazing instrument in the rack size you have, but you're going to have to be conservative with hp.

How much control do you want over the basslines? Will you mostly be sequencing basslines on the MB and then sending the audio to the rack for futzing, or are you mainly looking to use your rack to modulate cv that goes back and forth into the MB? Or do you want to use the rack to create the bassline melodies itself? I see you've added a good deal of random cv possibilities to the rack since posting, how are you planning to use those? Will you be clocking from the MB?

In general though, you need more architecture (meaning utilities) to get the most out of your modules. For example, you need VCAs; the ones provided on the MB2 are not enough for an expanded system. A chainable VCA like the Intellijel Quad VCA or Mutable Instruments Veils works well. The Veils is the first module I got to expand my Minibrute 2s when dipping my toes into modular, and it completely changed how I used the synth. Also, you are missing modulators like LFOs (ignoring MATHS which, of course, can do that too). A voltage controlled LFO like XAOC's Batumi would give you excellent controllable LFOs that can drastically change your sounds and cv. I see you've added attenuverters/offsets, and MATHS can do that quite handily, but you may want to consider more, so you can better control the modulations and randomness. Happy Nerding's 3xMIA is pretty good at that, and gives you mixing, helping to free up the VCAs and MATHS which can be used in other ways.

There are a number of other utility, modulating, or signal mangling modules that I could recommend, but it really all depends on your goals, particularly with a rack of that size. Hope this helps.

I think I have been afflicted with severe GAS since getting into gear last year and modular this year! DIY seems like a rewarding hobby but I can't solder and read schematics to save my life...

-- Solar01

I think almost everyone gets bouts of severe GAS from time to time - at least until you get to a certain point where you can effectively patch most things if you don't already have them - and innovative, interesting modules are few and far between...

I'm reasonably sure that most, if not all, of the modules I buy/build in the future will be either simple utilities or video modules...

Lol! I started with a 6U 104HP rack and added another 3U 104 HP to it with fevered intensity. Now, I am about to fill up a 12U 104HP rack which someone described as "overwhelming". I think I am gonna slow down and get to know the modules more deeply.. and catch my breath!
-- Solar01

hahaha - I wonder how they'd describe my 1800hp or so over 8 cases? but that is over 7 years, not 3 months... but then I like mostly bigger modules with better ergonomics... I didn't go over 6u 72hp for the 1st 6 months or so and I think I was within 6u 104hp for the 1st year - then I discovered both DIY and video...

-- JimHowell1970

WOW! That's Massive! I am trying to draw the line at 12U 104HP....but I find myself keeping another 3U 104HP skiff (just in case)! I think I have been afflicted with severe GAS since getting into gear last year and modular this year! DIY seems like a rewarding hobby but I can't solder and read schematics to save my life...

Lol! I started with a 6U 104HP rack and added another 3U 104 HP to it with fevered intensity. Now, I am about to fill up a 12U 104HP rack which someone described as "overwhelming". I think I am gonna slow down and get to know the modules more deeply.. and catch my breath!
-- Solar01

hahaha - I wonder how they'd describe my 1800hp or so over 8 cases? but that is over 7 years, not 3 months... but then I like mostly bigger modules with better ergonomics... I didn't go over 6u 72hp for the 1st 6 months or so and I think I was within 6u 104hp for the 1st year - then I discovered both DIY and video...