output modules are mostly superfluous - mostly attenuators or vcas or mixer output or nothing will work perfectly as final output

if you NEED balanced outputs then buy an output module that has balanced outputs

if you NEED headphones out of the modular - then buy a headphone module (ALM HPO for example)

to be honest I wouldn't worry too much about mono/stereo at the moment - most modules are mono (including the 2 you have)

however, if you still want a stereo output from your modular, then you will need a module that can take mono signals and either stereo-ize them (some fx modules will do this) or pan the mono signal into the stereo field (a panning module - or you could patch it using 2 vcas and probably maths)

a lot of 'stereo' mixers offer mono inputs that they copy to both L & R equally - so still mono, but from 2 speakers

there are also quite a few that have panning - either manual or voltage controlled

this is the way I thin I would go if I were you, but only after more important modules - such as vcas, modulation source, some basic utilties (kinks, links, shades - or equivalents) and at the very least a filter - probably also a reverb or delay

in fact I don't think I would bother with this until you are ready to add more voices

I would just add the maths and the vca and a way to play it - either via a keyboard, a sequencer or a midi interface - if the one you want is unavailable - just find something cheap/used that will do the job for now - and get the one you want when it is available and either sell the stopgap or keep it for backup / additional sequencing duties

and work my way through the maths illustrated manual a good few times - this will help massively in your learning - it will show you what functions you want - you then have to work out if you need to add a module to cover one or more of those functions or if you want to add another modulation source - a disting would also be a good way of doing this - but, unless you get the ex, has the same restrictions as maths - that it can only really do one thing at a time

for midi converters as with mixers go for one with more channels than you think you'll need - the chances are that you will need them at some point in the future - for a mixer (with built in vcas, manual panning and headphone outs) a really cost effective solution is the tesseract modular tex-mix which is expandable - you just buy a master module and as many 4 channel mono or stereo modules as you want - you can even get direct outs - which are post fader! this is what I use - most of the functionality of the WMD performance mixer, but for a lot less money - knobs instead of faders and no vc-panning - but big deal - I have 8 mono channels and 4 stereo channels for somewhere around 300€

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


hello all, tiny question, just brought one of these off ebay..... red stripe up or down on the power cable connecting to the module itself please? up i think? no user manual online.....


the two LPG's by MRG Synths are good fun, 4hp and very low priced


ModularGrid Rack

I'm coming to a close on my modular journey. My sole intention was to create a (relatively) unique instrument that I could "finish" and learn and master, would provide ample sound design opportunities, generative capabilities, fill out some additional synthesis "needs" (such as an additional analog sound source and wavetable synthesis), and could integrate/sync well with my larger DAW'd and DAW-less setup (using Live as a clock/CV source in the former, and the Squarp Pyramid in the latter). Of course, all of this is with the understanding that time may change the needs/wants from my setup, but ultimately I don't think I'll ever want more than a 280 hp system.

So here it is: 4+ sound sources, 2 multi-mode filters, a few env gens, 6 vca's, some sound shapers/effects, and a fair amount of utility modules. I've got plenty of power headroom: (1A left on the +12v rail(s), about 350mA left on -12v [out of 1A], and I'm barely touching the 5v [of which there is an unnecessarily large 1A as well]).

I have a pair of catwalk LPGs, and 3-1x3 passive mults which are not visible for obvious reasons.

The only modules I have yet to purchase in this build:
ALA Tilt
Hexinverter Mutant Brain
2hp ADSR
Clank Chaos
Doepfer A-11-3v (currently have a 2hp VCO playing this role, but intend to upgrade eventually)

[Somehow I left these last two out when I originally posted. Significant for their hp relative to the ones listed above]
Befaco Chopping Kinky
Patching Panda MoonPhase

The only things missing from this build that I really wanted to get in there are a stereo mixer (leaning towards Hyrlo), and a scope (leaning towards O'tool, more for space than anything). However I feel the stereo mixer is a bit unneeded in this, especially since I can use the BitBox as a "mixer" of sorts. And I could of course purchase a standalone scope if I really need it that badly.

The first things I would consider replacing in here are the Cre8 modules only because their size:function ratio. Although the stubborn part of me doesn't want to push them out of the modular because, well, I feel they deserve to be honored for allowing me to get the journey rolling... stupid. I know.

Anyways, any thoughts? Questions? Ideas? Criticisms? Odd-pairings? Overlap?


Heh, yep, of course... these things happen anyway, always have, always will!


Thanks, I'll take a look at some modules with these features and the others you have recommended.


Under-compartment = Friedman Powergrid 10 (times two), Modified EHX Big Muff, EHX Silencer, Dunlop EP101, Boss FBM-1


Hey GarfieldModular! Thanks for your kind comments, much appreciated :)


Thank you guys so much for info! I’m very new to this. I’m very new to this and I will just be happy to get sound out of this. So far I have the Erica Synths VCO and the Tiptop 808 module. The others are in the mail. I ditched a few things, now I’m looking to see what else I will need. I’m curious about my outpost module. I would like an output module that will give stereo outputs.

Anyway this is what my rack looks like at the moment.

ModularGrid Rack

*I got rid of the A-190, The Dual ADSR, and the Make Noise Output module.

Thank you’ll a ton!


Thanks folks, lots of interesting responses above!

And yes, as many have already done, do feel free to mention threads / posts on Muff Wiggler or other relevant sources.

Much appreciated!


Thanks @farkas, I definitely lean a bit more maximalist in my modular tunes to date, but as with all things it's about balance, so I've been working lately to see if I can build something I really enjoy from the ground up and with a smaller patch rather than assuming it needs another layer and more complexity to keep it interesting. This does seem to provide deeper results!


@troux I love the simplicity and tasteful use of effects and filtering here. I could listen to stuff like this all day.
It's funny, the deeper I get into modular the more I am attracted to minimalism.


Thanks @GarfieldModular! In a way this is a pretty simple track and not really showing the power of modular at its fullest, but I like simplicity sometimes. More developed tunes will hopefully be on the way soon though 🕺🏻🕺🏻


Hi Steve,

Oh yes, you got a real nice rhythm there, along with some nice, fun and interesting sounds as well! How about some more of the same :-) ?

Thanks Steve for sharing this and kind regards, Garfield.

For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads


Hi Systasis,

You got some lovely bits and bites there in that sample track. I specifically like the part that starts around 02:20+, really interesting!

Thanks a lot for sharing this and kind regards, Garfield Modular.

For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads


Hi TeenageLarvae,

I tried to send you below message yesterday already but for quite some time Modulargrid was not reachable. Trying again now:

Wow, I think this is the most noisiest track I have heard so far here on Modulargrid ;-) Great noise stuff you got there! I guess for you a Wogglebug (from Make Noise) is peanuts and from your point of view most probably the Wogglebug isn't noisy enough, though I experience it as a difficult module to tame! :-)

Would be nice to see in a possible next video more details of your modules, looks like you got a few interesting ones in your rack! Thank you very much for sharing this and kind regards, Garfield Modular.

For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads


Hi The-Erc,

If you are willing to spend 8 HP then I can advise two filters.

1) Well okay LPG then :-) The Make Noise - Optomix with 8 HP not too bad.

2) The Doepfer - A-124 Wasp filter, for a full review report please download the PDF from my below link:

https://garfieldmodular.net/index.php/doepfer/doepfer-a-124-1/

Below 8 HP it's getting seriously difficult, no other filter worth mentioning comes to my mind with less than 8 HP.

Good luck with the search for a good yet small filter and kind regards, Garfield.

For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads


Hi TumeniKnobs,

Oh yes, those good old times... the 70's :-) Yes and Rush indeed and don't forget that long Telegraph Road number from Dire Straits ;-) But that was already the early 80's...

Oh long ambient, nice! Don't forget the "new rule" here that ambient needs to be 17 minutes or longer ;-) Can't wait for that and kind regards, Garfield.

For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads


For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads


I’m impressed with everything G-Storm Electro makes. This one and the Oberheim clone sound outstanding.


This: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/g-storm-electro-delta-vcf-8hp

Same OTA filter topology as in the Korg Poly-61, two-input mixer, plus you get either LP or BP modes, all for a whopping $140. And yeah, this WILL have some character that normally you don't hear in smaller VCFs.


I have the (perhaps wrong) idea that Ripples and Font probably sound pretty similar.

Of course once you go to 8hp there are so many Doepfers to choose from!

-- the-erc

Probably fairly similar. Ripples has FM, and a 4-pole low pass with VCA, but I imagine they're in the same ballpark. The Doepfer SEM sounds great too. As much as I like the unique Wasp sound, I've read a lot of stories of that particular filter burning up.


Another "multi-ute" that I like to see in builds has to be WMD/SSF's Tool Box, especially when there's sequencing involved. That thing gives you some VERY useful tools for that, including a comparator, diode-OR pulse summer, a two-in electronic switch and some waveshaping trickery. All in a mere 6 hp, with no controls to speak of...just a few POTENT utilities.


At 8hp, I have a hard time arguing against MI Ripples for features and sound quality per hp.
-- farkas

I have the (perhaps wrong) idea that Ripples and Font probably sound pretty similar.

Of course once you go to 8hp there are so many Doepfers to choose from!


Can't say, but I could use a little more of that vibe which is why I want it. If you want range I should throw out Intellijel's Polaris even though it's 10HP, it can get pretty squawky but can stay clean and smooth too. Definitely a good one.


I don't have one but I'd love to get a Steve's MS-22
-- troux

Seen some demos, seems good for dirty and overdriven, but can it do anything else?


Below 8hp, I've been impressed with and considered getting a Bastl Cinnamon. At 8hp, I have a hard time arguing against MI Ripples for features and sound quality per hp.


Agreed! Killer quiet 3 channel stereo mixer in 4hp. Great design and build. And at $90, the price is great.


I don't have one but I'd love to get a Steve's MS-22


Considering I only got into synths at all for the filters it's unacceptable to have only two* filters in my rack. I need another, pronto. I don't have a lot of space so big beasts like the QPAS or Beograd are out of the question. I'm looking at the Erica Pico VCF1 as a characterful option or the Doepfer A-121-3 for more versatility.

What's your favourite small filter? Let's say small means less than 8hp.

[*] My current filters : Nano Modules Font and Doepfer A-101-2, which is technically an LPG but can be used a straight up LPF with a very nice sound.


key down gate opens VCA4 in C107 to let through PW from Q106 LFO > 960 shift in so sequence plays as long as note is being held. Gate high also goes to Q128 letting A (0 volts) through to stage 9 in, when gate is low, 128 switches to B to stage-9 in, B is being fed 5V offset from 564 stage one out. Extra EG between gate and 128 control in helped when legato playing caused 960 to go right back to stage 9 and not run.


I'd be shocked if there wasn't an incredible amount of completely illegal activity going on!

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


Definitely, a whole lot of what makes modular modular in there.


"Today my small discovery was..." is a great thread!!!

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


If you can't beat em (build your own 303 with modules), join em (buy an M303 instead). Giving the M303 a workout here, quite nice, though I wouldn't mind some more modulation points.

https://stevehand.bandcamp.com/track/tuesday-acid

Hope you all enjoy 🕺


Thanks troux! Very kind of you!

Inscrumental music for prickly pears.


Thanks, pleased that you like it!


Wow! Sounds great.


systasis001 - Limited Cassette Edition - tracks recorded live on a small modular system. Each packaged with original artwork. I hope that you enjoy!

https://www.systasis.co.uk/product/systasis-001-limited-cassette-edition


Thank you! I have always loved long-form music which started when I first heard Yes and Rush back in the 70s... I'm working on a long ambient piece at the moment. I'm hoping to wrap it up shortly. Cheers.


I am not an expert, but just for interests sake, this is the current situation as I understand it:

The Good Friday Agreement stipulates there will never be a hard border between NI and ROI.

BREXIT requires a hard border between the UK and the EU.

ROI is part of the EU.

NI is part of the UK.

yes really...

yes, really... really...

There is probably a multitude of business opportunities for some enterprising and very brave soul exporting and importing between these countries.

I couldn't deal with the inevitable stress, or the potential jail time, but that's a 20% additional markup on anything you care to take the trouble to drive over the border as far as I can make out...

I would be shocked if there isn't an incredible amount of technically illegal activity going on!


Hi Julia,

I must have overlooked this post, some great tracks you got there, wow! :-) I like the especially first one and that lengthy frozen-reverb at the end, fantastic :-D Nice long tracks, I wouldn't mind if they were even longer.

The usage of amazing and interesting sounds, is superb. Are you planning any concert tour through Europe after Covid? If yes, I hope you don't forget to stop by in Germany ;-)

Thanks a lot for sharing this and kind regards, Garfield Modular.
-- GarfieldModular

Thank you for the kind words Mr. Garfield :) I have a local booking for upcoming November so far, but let's see how it goes. Of course Germany needs a separate tour!


Thanks, I do try!

the thing is you often need more than you think - especially when you start to use them for modulation!

so maybe buy something cheaper or used - an older model veils - which is what I use - for example - or the tallin or doepfer

links kinks and shades ! if you have no other way of creating offset - or even if you do - it's really useful to have it as a separate module - I have maths but never use it as a mixer and rarely as an offset!

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


Hi Jim, that may be the best advice I’ve read thus far. At the moment scanning/searching for VCA’s...Although I would prefer an Intelllijel Quad VCA or Veils 2020, none of them seem to be available right now. I have seen a XAOC Tallin nearby that has exponential and linear but also seems to color the sound and is dual. In doubt....do I wait or should the Tallin do it’s job for the time being to be partnered later on with an Intellijel Quad VCA or Veils. With regards to some utility stuff I was also thinking of MI Kinks and Links...


Lovely @mowse


Hi Mowse,

Oh wow! This is very interesting and a very nice complex sounding jam. Lots of stuff to discover here for the listener.

It's getting late here and I was getting sleepy but you made me fully awake again :-) Well done and thank you very much for sharing this. Kind regards, Garfield.

For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads


Hi TumeniKnobs,

Oh wow, that's a lovely and beautiful track and nice loooonggg! :-)

Well, keep the good stuff coming, I can't wait for it! Thank you very much and kind regards, Garfield.

For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads


Hi Julia,

I must have overlooked this post, some great tracks you got there, wow! :-) I like the especially first one and that lengthy frozen-reverb at the end, fantastic :-D Nice long tracks, I wouldn't mind if they were even longer.

The usage of amazing and interesting sounds, is superb. Are you planning any concert tour through Europe after Covid? If yes, I hope you don't forget to stop by in Germany ;-)

Thanks a lot for sharing this and kind regards, Garfield Modular.

For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads


My top thread is probably "Today my small discovery was..." over on MuffWiggler (https://muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=162755&start=1175) with so so many good ideas, but I also love any thread where folks ask for advice on a build as I really enjoy the instrument-design part of Eurorack, and they're also an easy way to learn about new modules.


Cool!

Here's Beads processing my Plumbutter, with Monsoon very lightly processing samples from Coco.


-- baltergeist

Superb @baltergeist!