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Hi,
Here's a dark ambient track I recorded live in my studio on 7 July. While I initially picked the name because I liked the sound (vanity!) I think the unease in the track reflects the dynamism quite well of the Greek concept of apeiron.

Created entirely on my modular synth, see below.

https://arrandan.bandcamp.com/track/anaximander-anaximenes

If you put it that way: yes, you’re obviously right! The A-160-2 (or even the A-160-1) may be enough.

I started with the A-160-2, which is an excellent module. It remains in my setup as a complement to Pam.
The A-160-2 costs around 100€. Pam costs about 300€. But you can multiply its power by 10 (BPM based clock, more divisions, a multiplier, probability, highly perfected Euclidian, microtiming for swing, oscilloscope, etc.)

If you have to wait a little before investing, no problem, make that choice :)

My best advice, and without hesitation: Pamela’s Pro Workout... ;)
-- Sweelinck
Yes, I agree that it is a very powerful module, but isn't using three or four of the eight outputs for something as basic as a clock divider a waste?

My best advice, and without hesitation: Pamela’s Pro Workout... ;)

EDITED Jul 10th 2023, 07:24

Hi,
It's been a year since I started building my rack and I've decided to stop at this point and experiment with what I have.
The main thing I find missing right now is a clock modulator.
Right now I use my Arturia BST Pro as clock source.
My question is whether to invest my tight budget in a basic clock divider like the Doepfer A-160-2 or wait a bit and go for something much more advanced.
At this point I've been considering incorporating a Temps Utile (focused on clock modulation) or a Pamela's, which would also give me a powerful modulation source.
Right now I think I have enough modulation sources (Clep Diaz, NLC dual LFO's/VCO's, Airstreamer, Rampage and my 4 BST Pro outputs (Pitch and Velocity).
My questions are mainly:
-Buy A-160-2 (budget-friendly)
-I buy Temps Utile, taking into account that in the future I will surely acquire Pamela's and I'm afraid that it will end up being redundant.
What I have for sure is that for now, I would not buy Pamela's (GAS retention).
Thanks for advance.

as an alternative (or in addition) to more modulation I'd seriously consider adding a matrix mixer... combining modulation sources makes them more complex...

attenuators/attenuverters would also be useful!

noted. can you recommend some of your favorites? i've been eyeing 4ms clock distro / multiplier / divider, addt'l Intellijel logic.

i'm in the writing phase of a project right now. i inititally made the plunge into modular for the Pittsburgh Safari drums - it quickly got out of hand.

my initial intended use was for rhythm and bass (to compliment acoustic and elec guitar, vox) but i'm sure the possibilities will take on a life of their own.

i plan on using ableton as master, possibly thru my sq-64 and into Pam's. i've heard ableton is a bad clock but i've seen it done. that being said, i intend to use standalone as well. not necessarily into bleeps and bloops outside of atmosphere / percussive elements.

EDITED Jul 9th 2023, 18:17

@wishbonebrewery I have been using Morphagene and Nebulae for 2-3 years. No noise problems (fingers crossed). I remember @Lugia telling me not to put them near internal power supplies, exactly for that reason.
See also this information given by Make Noise (January 19, 2018) in Lines

EDITED Jul 9th 2023, 12:46

this is my first rack. i'm experienced with synths and recording, but am wondering if I should roll w the case that fits perfectly, or opt for a little extra space. my GAS is bad but i think i have my basics covrred with these modules.

what am i missing?
-- dreamboat

The general advice is to get a bigger case than you think you need. You never know when GAS will strike! Also, you may find that you want to swap out some modules and suddenly that case isn't such a perfect fit anymore.

That being said, yeah, looks like a good rack with basics covered. The only things I might recommend are more ways to control signal path and timing (e.g., sequential switch, switch multiple, router, logic, clock dividers, etc..) and maybe more mults/vcas. Otherwise though, it looks like a fun place to start.

How do you plan to play the instrument? Are you using external gear to control things, or is this a standalone?

Spend time with what you have...
-- Dub007

This is always a very good suggestion. In my experience, if I want to make pop-techno-trance-EBM-ambient, I can do it with the same setup. That's 7U 104 + 6U 84hp. It's a matter of getting to know your gear.

Instead of waste your bucks to sequencers, envelopers, oscillators and clocks you don't need.
With respect, I read Pamela NW and René, what are they for dark-ambient?
Probably someone are convinced that's sh*t like Board of Canada or Aphex Twin....
-- RossMotus669

Rhythm may be of lesser importance in (dark) ambient but that doesn't mean it's entirely incompatible. For example, Atrium Carceri has plenty of tracks with implicit, or even subtly explicit, rhythm. A clock can be used to clock effects as well. You don't need to use it as a 4/4 beat only. For example, try an irregular Euclidean (e.g. 17/32) with some serious trigger dropping to get very irregular movement that doesn't seem completely out of place. I have PNW and just worked on a dark ambient track. For my previous track, I think I could've used a second one. But for this dark ambient one, I'm still using over half the outputs. As for sequencer - depends on what you want. Plenty of dark ambient uses plain piano melodies - nothing wrong with that. And don't forget the output of a sequencer is just a voltage. It's up to you if you use it for V/Oct, or filter cutoff, or delay times, or whatever you want. Add slew for fun and games.

EDITED Jul 8th 2023, 23:14

Here you go -

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_2246108.jpg

greetings -

this is my first rack. i'm experienced with synths and recording, but am wondering if I should roll w the case that fits perfectly, or opt for a little extra space. my GAS is bad but i think i have my basics covrred with these modules.

what am i missing?

Yeah, I have (using the audio in), see https://www.modulargrid.net/e/forum/posts/index/11054

EDITED Jul 8th 2023, 16:57

I hear that the Morphagene can be a bit noisy, a bit like the Mineophon which I have though it sort of depends on the settings whether the feedback develops into annoying noise.

I'm not denying your experience, that wasn't my intention at all. Nor was it my intention to tear you down. I'm not in any way suggesting that you're making anything up. My intention was simply to get you to think about potential issues with your studio and eurorack setup that you might have overlooked. Because a 40% module failure rate is NOT a typical experience. That's quite a lot to just ascribe to random chance. I provided my experience as a reference point, that's all. But thanks for calling me a vampire lol.

If you're going to post things like "Horrible module made by an awful company" on a public message board and then follow that up by saying how 40% of the modules in your system have failed, I don't know why you would expect that other people wouldn't post their relevant experiences with the same company for perspective. If you just wanted to go back and forth with DivKid then you should have DM'd him. The person being precious here is you.

EDITED Jul 8th 2023, 14:44

Yes, it has been ringing some alarm bells for sure, and I have gone through the studio and made sure everything is top notch; that’s why I have written this post.
Sorry to hear about the dirt on your module dude but that feels like gaslighting to me.
As I mentioned before, these modules have all been housed in a clean, dedicated, professional studio with conditioned power and high quality cases. There is a bunch of other gear in there that is just as temperamental as any eurorack module and none of that gear has shown any issues. I have owned a dopfer system since 2005 or so, and it is still running just fine. These failures have occurred across 4 separate cases over the last, 3 years. Nothing changed in the studio except the addition of modern eurorack gear. And the modern eurorack hear is all that has failed.
At this point I have had 3 Instruo devices fail, and the one I fixed myself (Scion) had a faulty input jack. Definitely not my doing... Neither was it my fault when Maleknko Heavy Indusrties put the wrong vactrol in their Dual Borg. Also wasn't my fault when Mosaic gave me a quantizer that was DOA then replaced it with one that had major Firmware issues (At this point I have personally initiated 5 firmware updates). Was it just me getting upset over a “first world problem” when SSF gave me an Autodub module that didn't send audio, or whe when Afterlater audio sent a Steps where the EOB trigger doesn't work. When my Muta Jovis broke after only a few months of use, maybe it was simply because I'm to aggressive at muting stuff; is that the idea?
Just because I come here and state the issues I've had in eurorack doesn't give everyone a right to deny my experience and imply I'm responsible for dozens of failures. The only person that has been engaging to chat with on this form has been DIVKID, the one who designed the module in question.

I apologize for posting in your precious forum. I won't do it again.

EDITED Jul 8th 2023, 15:04

"Companies tell me there is a 1% failure rate within the eurorack industry, however, the failure rate in my studio is almost 40%. No lie....."

If the failure rate in my studio was 40% or anything even remotely close to that, I would look into the possibility that there was an issue with my studio, just saying.....I have a fairly big system, and have turned over a fair number of modules while building it, but off the top of my head I can only recall having to make a video for a manufacturer once. I think the failure rate I've experienced might even be < 1%. This is across two different homes, as I've had to move once after my system was largely built. So if you're having to make videos all the time, that should ring some alarm bells.

Regarding Instruo in particular, I have a few of their modules, so far they've all worked fine. I remember them being slow to put out manuals for some of their stuff in their earlier days, but that's really the only negative thing I can think of to say.

EDITED Jul 8th 2023, 13:02

I bought my ochd in 2021, and after unpacking it, I noticed an ugly stain on the encoder button that looks like dirt but couldn't be wiped off.

Schneidersladen offered to replace the ochd, but it seems to me that shipping it across Europe wouldn't justify this first-world problem. Therefore, I decided to keep it. As for its functionality, I've never had any issues. Everything has always worked perfectly, and I use it frequently.

Recently saw a clip of someone pinging a Moog Grandmother filter to create pretty decent kick drum sounds.

e.g. Gate -> ADSR -> VCF CV (Res on full) -> Audio Out

Got some good results with an A-140 (ADSR) into an A-106-5 (VCF), but not so good with an A-124 (only really works with the envelope going into the audio in - unconventional).

Anyone else had good results with different filter types before I buy a ton of filters to test...? (it will probably be Doepfer filters)

EDITED Jul 8th 2023, 09:27

I have been using Ochd for 3 and a half years (January 2020, thanks to Jason/Signal Sounds), this little guy takes place in 60% of my patches. I use 2 Lfos outputs on average (so do I underuse it? ;) but I sometimes use up to 5 or 6 outs at the same time. A very ‘organic’ module as someone said... I confirm.
Ah, Ochd tells me to pass on to you that he is Batumi’s best friend.

(This was just for a modest reminder of the good reputation he deserves...)

Hey guys,

Pretty new to the modular world, I've been fiddling around with DFAM and 0-Coast for quiet some time now and I recently started to build a small eurorack.

I got my first 2 modules last week: Pamela's New Workout and Morphagene. It's fitted in and powered by this skiff: https://www.makenoisemusic.com/cases/skiff

Noticed instantly that I had some gnd noise problems, and I noticed a little sound that synced with the CV outs from the Pam's module. I'm using the module as a master clock for my whole setup of various gear. Mainly DFAM + LXR02 + 0-Coast

Here's a sound example with nothing playing and when i remove the CV to DFAM cable it kind of disapears, but not completely: https://on.soundcloud.com/Ds2BB

Anyone had this problem?

EDITED Jul 8th 2023, 01:26

Row A: Next Purchase
Row B: Interesting
Row C: Hyped
Row D: Preorders

I literally had loose nuts on the Ochd module I bought.
I've personally only had problems with 2 of my modules, a Second-hand Erica Pico DSP (mode button and/or LED flickers about but it still works), and my DIY build of a Robaux LL8 which occasionally fails to rejister a button press (still very usable).

Accidently uploaded one panel image we would like to delete. Is this possible?
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/flight-of-harmony-facehugger

fyi, there are 15 units of ALM017 - Pamela's NEW Workout for sale on ModularGrid.
Jokes aside, a year ago I started this modular thing and I bought some new modules and quite a few used modules, and I've only had two problems. With a used VCF with a very noisy potentiometer (normal for a used module) and a non-functioning audio jack on a new oscillator, by the way, the folks at Nanomodules were lovely and within 48 hours I had another module at home. I don't think it can be generalized with the level of incidence and the unfriendly nature of the manufacturers.
And I'm sorry, but I have to clarify your comment about @wishbonebrewery, he's not one of the "trolling" types. He is one of the people who contributes the most around here, and always tries to help.
Greetings and good luck.

i would also recommend Zadar and the Fx aid pro

There are 2 Ochd modules on modular grid for some reason. So I commented on them. I wasn't the one who created the second Ochd page. I just posted my experience. Not sure what you mean by all the forum spam. Divkid and I had a conversation about Ochd... otherwise I just posted good things abpuout a bunch of modules.
Making fun of the issues I've had with this module is just rude man.
No need to bash me just for stating my opinion. I don't dig your tone at all. Go troll someone else.🧟

Looks like a lot of fun :)

Maybe the 1 post about Ochd was actually enough, and whats with all the forum spam?
Post a Rack in 1 thread and then tell everyone about how you liked each module in one post.

I had some loose nuts on my Ochd, I tightened them, brilliant LFO module that has worked perfecty for me and is almost always part of my patching.

Yes that's a fair point; This is what I'm finding atm

The main clock as such starts at Marbles but then goes into Bastl Kompass so that's six different sources of randomness..

LFO's can come from Maths and the Buchla TT can go down to LFO rate. I can see how more would be beneficial

I like being able to patch separete modules to each effect but having something external to simple provide an overall reverb might be nice as this is generally what Z5000 is doing

Something I like doing is manually tuning VCO's against eachother to create dissonace so it's good to have a few voices

I would definitely want more modulation sources. Envelopes, LFOs, random/chaos, etc. Something like Zadar or Batumi would be a good addition to that hole you have in the top row. You could always add external effects to conserve space.
Have fun and good luck.

So to explain, I've been building this for a couple of years ago after I got sober. I guess I had to spend all that beer money on something :-)

I get lots of different results from up beat sequences to very dark atonal oscillations through to ambient self-generatives. Should I add another effect unit, or maybe some modulation? Let me know your thoughts

Ok cool >Thanks

Just copy and paste the URL.

First question. How do I attach an image of my rack? :-)

Poor build quality.
Mine broke within just a few months.
It's been no fun working with Instruo.
I'd suggest buying an different LFO.

I bought Befaco rampage from @blurredboy, the module is like new. All good.

I got the chance to test/try the cool ADDAC 107 - Acid Test

Maybey the best use of 2hp I've ever seen.
Sorry Pluck...

Get you some Nearness.
I have 2...

Just a switch.
I fucking love it!

Word!
Marbles is the Biz.
I like my Marbles with Abstract Data's Event Boss.
I think she would make an excellent companion to Stoppler Beats.
Suppose you're into swing, like Dilla style. GET MARBLES.
Endless love and respect for Mutable and her contributions to the modular world.
GET MARBLES.
MAKE BEATS.

Love my Leaves. Love my Trees.
PURPLE IS THE NEW BLACK!

Love my Leaves. Love my Trees.
PURPLE IS THE NEW BLACK!

Mystic is the shit! This VCA is brilliant.
PURPLE IS THE NEW BLACK!

Ana is suoer useful for all types of things. Did you know you can get some GREAT distrotion out of this thing?
All mystic Ciurcuits designs are top notch.
Purple is the new black.

One of the best filters ever made.

One of the best Oscillators ever made.

Really solid build. I feel its built a lot better than the 2hp Mix, which i have also owned.

Great dealay in 2hp.
I ended up free up sme space and went to look for a different delay but couldnt find one that fit and I liked better, even in 6hp. Amazing how this company pack in the utility.

EDITED Jul 6th 2023, 22:05