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Hello everybody,

Almost one year later I must say that I fell completly in love with modular! Love the experimentation and the great sounds I can produce with it. I now have two cases one studio case and one batery powered field case (that I love to take with me into nature). Still making dark ambiant soundscapes with drones, feedback patching, fieldrecordings (that I loop, sample and proces within the modular). Lately I am in to experimenting with building chaotic self generative patches. I would realy apreciate comments, sugestion's and tips for my current setup, patching and future purchases.

Thanx in advance and keep patching!

Here is my current setup:
https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_2423083.jpg

EDITED Dec 11th 2023, 19:15

usually people mock up their racks and paste the url when posting questions - it really helps and then list the extra stuff they have... this might be an idea for you?

I wouldn't want the microcosm as end of chain processing - I think things like that tend to work better when processing singke voices as opposed to many - although reverb is always good on full mixes...

sounds like you want a mixer... possibly an external one - I used a yamaha mg10 for quite a while - reasonably inexpensive

hmmmm.... I think you'd be much better off with a bigger case and something like a keystep pro... because you wiull need the expansion space almost immediately with this setup... I'd really suggest a great deal more research before parting with cash....

there are fundamental things missing...

your description of the intellijel adsr's compactness made me chuckle... as did the "you can never have too many lfos" when there's only 1 in there - the "you can never have too many.." meme is usually used for vcas...

speaking of which, there are no vcas to plug the envelope generator into... ok there's one on the tonestar, but that already has an adsr built in...

buchla is often linked with lpgs (not filters) which are also none existant... these are a cross between vcas and low pass filters...

whilst the tonestar is a voice - the tiptop/buchla module is a dual vco - you will see on the tonestar that the vco is a small part of the voice... they have no

reverb and delay are both incredibly useful...

take a look at my signature and think long & hard about how you might apply this to a rack that you might want...

seriously consider a minimum viable synth (at least to start):

a sound source (possibly rthe tiptop buchla one), a sound modifier (possibly 1 of the filters), a modulation source (you'll want more than 1 channel - a quad is a good idea, batumi - or possibly maths - particularly if you are into west coast serge/buchlaesque concepts), a way to listen (a quad cascading vca will work wonders as a basic mono output - a veils clone) and a way to play (maybe a keystep pro - or a pams - which could also double as a modulation source and a random pitch source) and a basic utility module for attenuation/inversion/offset (happy nerding 3 * mia)

another good idea is to work out what modules you want (based around how many voices you want) what modules each voice will need, what supporting modules they will need when combined and then work out how much rack space you need - leaving a good 25% of any rack you buy free for expansion - you will need it... instead of deciding on a case because it appears to be convenient...

if you want to fit the 4 voices that the nifty keys is designed for you, into it, you need to go much more compact with every module...

I am totally in love with Mnemonic's Juniper+Gin. It is probably the most powerful modulation (x8) combo..

so... I got started with a nifty case. Then I ran out of all but 6hp of space. My original plan was to gut the parts for the case and build a nice wood enclosure but then I did the power math and what I i wanted tp put in the new case was going to push me over so... I just picked up another nifty case.
I saw the big ears for dual cases but hated how it sat flat so... I decided to put my cnc router to use! This is just the prototype made out of MDF to check for height and clearance. i want to make sure I got hole alignment and angles right before I glued up some walnut boards to make the final case.

O really like it :). I need to perhaps make a few modifications. I'm thinking about perhaps throwing in a bit more space between cases for 1U but not sure yet. I also want to put some cool carving for the sides but I am excited for the final version!

...SO WHY ARE THE JACKS AT THE BOTTOM??? WHO MIXES AT THE TOP OF THEIR RACK LMAO??

I ask myself this question with most of the available modules on the marktet.
Most of them are configured "the wrong way around". :)

EDITED Dec 10th 2023, 22:20

I've got an Arturia Microfreak, a set of Euro Rack Modules and various ins and outs - and a Microcosm - I'm trying to make a performance rig - but hooking up this to be both mixed and also not a too high level output to the OB-4 - seems like I can't get it all to work - any thoughts on using an effects return? I want the microcosm to be final in the chain - but could be thinking about it wrong - the idea is to have something like the Arturia or a Guitar for input - and then into the Modular then out of the Modular - then to the OB-4.

Do I need to fix the output? Do I need to fix the input? Do I need to get a mixer or since I'm doing one chain not an issue?

![]

Hi everyone!

I'm in the process of crafting a modular setup using the Cre8audio Niftykeyz and would greatly appreciate your insights. My aim is to create a system that's user-friendly and seamlessly integrates with my DAW. Here's what I'm envisioning:

Primary Goal:

Merging the Buchla-style complex oscillator sounds with the iconic Roland Jupiter/SH5 timbres.
Emphasis on cross-modulation capabilities.
Multitimbral usage for diverse soundscapes.
Current Setup:

Case: Cre8audio Niftykeyz
Oscillator 1: Studio Electronics Tonestar 8106 (emulating Juno/Jupiter sounds)
Oscillator 2: Tiptop Audio 258t (Buchla-esque oscillator, great for cross-mod)
Envelope Generator: Intellijel Dual ADSR (chosen for its compactness and snappy response)
Filter: G-Storm Electro SH5-VCF (aiming for that rich, late '70s Roland vibe)
Additional Module: Studio Electronics SE88 (love the CS80 filter and FM options)
Modulation: Ladik LFO (because one can never have too many LFOs)
Mixer: Doepfer 138

I'm looking for your expertise to validate if this setup aligns well with my goals. Are there any glaring omissions or potential mismatches in this configuration? Your suggestions and advice would be invaluable!

ps
I posted this question on modwiggler as well but couldn't get any feedback

Two totally different spectrum modules. One lika a vocoder with own tuning, the other a resynthesizer, maintaining pitch.

Wow, thank you so much @Chace and @JimHowell1970. This really does help me. At first, I'm going to analyze what @JimHowell1970 tells me. I think it's true that Shapeshifter has a lot of complexity, although wavetable synthesis is something I want to study in detail. But Plaits is a good starting point too, and highly versatile. The important thing for me is going to be maintaining the balance between a versatile system and the initial investment in modules. I will tell you about my progress and doubts.
Thanks again.

Now we have a black panel for the ResEQ as preferred by some. The ResEQ has been around for quite a while. What I had hoped for is an expander module with CV over all the frequency bands. Add gate sequences and have fun! Much more exciting to me than any visuals ;-) I heard rumors that there is a 4u version of ResEQ with CV control. Anyone?
-- wiggler55550

The 3U-Version of the VC ResEQ is available:
https://serge-modular.com/serge_4x4?mod=RS_SIEGFRIED8X4

A 3U Version will follow someday.

Hello @melero,
Here is an example of a rack that sort of hybridizes what @JimHowell1970 suggested and what you originally presented, as I'm guessing those were modules that are appealing to you.
I did swap out some modules that I thought might be better options, in my opinion: MIDI Thing -> Mutant Brain, Quadra and expander -> Quadrax and expander (Quadra is out of production), Magneto -> Sealegs (again, just an opinion, but I think Sealegs will be more interesting and friendly, especially when starting out). I also added a Mix 3 (to mix Shapshifter's waveforms before going into the filter), and an Out V3 (not everyone thinks an "output" module is necessary, but I do like them personally, and the headphone out and cue option is nice too). I think this build will give you an interesting and fun synth voice to really delve deep into for a long time.

You could, of course, strip things back more at first to make the setup simpler and/or less expensive. For example, take out the Quadrax and expander, take out the Mutant Brain if MIDI connectivity isn't an absolute must have, swap out Shapeshifter, Evolution, and Sealegs for less expensive/simpler options, like the excellent ones Jim suggested in his post.

I hope some of that is helpful!

the besst thing to do in many ways is to start with very little - ie a minimum viable synth... a sound source, a modulation source, a sound modifier, a way to play and a way to listen... plus maybe a basic utility...

so:

sound source - literally any will do - plaits clones are popular - as they have a lot of variety

modulation source - pams or maths are both great - although both complex (in different ways) - 1 is programmable with a simple menu system - the other is programmable with patch cables (this is a very powerful method and will transfer to all patching - see the 'maths illustrated supplement for further details - but really requires a lot of deep thought about what, when and how to get the most out of it)

a sound modifier - a low pass filter is a good start - doepfer make some inexpensive classics - moog, wasp, sem etc... and a multifx is another useful choice if you want to push the boat out a bit further - I'd go fx aid pro (screen exponentially improves the user experience)

a way to play - if the modulation source is Pams - then that can be a good start - it can do quantized stepped random pitch - otherwise it really depends on you...

a way to listen - a quad cascading vca such as a veils clone is a great starting point, although probably mono - which isn't really that big a deal - it will do the job and always be useful!

an utility - a module that can do attenuation/inversion/offset/mixing is also a good investment - possibly the best is the happy nerding 3 * mia - but there are others...

learn these modules inside and out and once you have done that (probably weeks, if not months) start adding slowly, 1 or 2 modules at a time, and repeating... try to keep a note of what you are missing as you go...

hope this helps...

I've spent some time studying how does it works a modular system based on sustractive synthesis. Understand the basics components through VCV rack has been a part of my time too.

So, in my unexperience perspective, the main problem is to choose the right modules to create a eurorack system oriented to the music the I want to get.
Because there're a lot of offer, brands and modules doing several functions at the same time, I mean, not just working as a simple VCA o EG, for example.
Some of them, gather a bunch of fuctions that I don't know if these fits well, probably not. And that's my problem.

Using the Mantis case to house the modules, and with a more or less clear idea about the sound I want to achieve. What would be your suggestions keeping this in mind: sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities?

Thanks a lot!

EDITED Dec 9th 2023, 18:51

Ok kids, this setup is now reality. Just waiting on a four tier thingamabob. The erica stuff is mostly for supplementing what the moog stuff lacks. Extra VCO’s, VCA’s, LFO’s, atenuverters etc… and so far it’s a friggin’ gas. Killer semi mod system. (KSMS)

This comes from a YouTube video here:

THE CASE IS 96HP.

EDITED Dec 9th 2023, 09:57

Thanks for your kind words, TumeniKnobs. I'm afraid I'm a sucker for hippie nostalgia! GLad you liked the timbre. String modelling was actually my only choice, because it was the only way I could get two separate voices that would sound identical. I clearly need more oscillators!!

I think that you should spend more time planning and thinking, please don't buy stuffs yet , you would be disappointed. you have one voice and 3 expensive filters, that' like setting money on fire.
hexmix is also no right for such a small system.
what about you buy a cheap osc, a cheap filter, a cheap vca, as many utilities as possible and you learn from there ?
shapeshifter is nice but is definitely a complex module. chose one (or better two) cheap osc ?
remove two filters.
what's the plan for sequencing ?

do you know synthesis ? did you consider a semi modular ?
something like a beastep and a behringer crave, k2, or neutron ? that would help you building some basics.
a arturia minibrute 2s would also be a smart starting setup me thinks...

ask for more advices, read, test stuffs, and try not to spend too much money for now!

EDITED Dec 8th 2023, 19:15

2U sounds weird. 6 U maybe ?

Thanks in any case. You helped me figure out where I wanted to go with this rack!

Foley sounds! Yes, that's awesome. Thanks.

Thanks! It's a bunch of foley sounds and samples I collected over the years played by the Squarp Rample (sequenced with ORCA). And I think I gave it a bit saturation with the Djupviks Shakti.

This website is about music and the devices that make it. This interest is the common ground that connects us.
Let's not fool ourselves, it's also about escapism, it's also about being able to escape from everyday life.
Terrible things happen in this world. I don't want them on my website. And that's why we have a no-politics policy.
And that's why I deleted a post that passively attacked a user who just wanted to show his music.

Haha, yeah, not just a pair of floating arms :) Cheers

This thing sounds great and works great.

Nice jam dude! I always suspected there was a body and a head attached to those tatooed arms, but now I know for sure. Haha!

EDITED Dec 8th 2023, 14:07

interesting! does this work nicely with mono sources too?
-- Musicaespressiva2

Yes, the left input normals to the right input if the right is unpatched,

-- robotsarered

Great. So when is going to be available? Panel is metal or pcb?

-- Musicaespressiva2

Should be available sometime in January. Panel is PCB.

Hi everyone,
I have a couple of cases that I'm selling. Two are Blackhole and two are Doepfer. They're unused. I went through a period of trying out different things and have settled on a different solution. I'll be photographing everything in the coming days and may consider listing through Reverb.
If interested in a 2U 104HP Blackhole or 84HP Doepfer, feel free to message with questions etc.
Thanks,
John

Well, looks like I owe you one !
I had not heard or read about Phazerville before but it does indeed work with my v1 version of O&C 4Robots AND it contains some of the apps of the original firmware - I was so happy when I tried the firmware, I got lost in the test patch and started wiggling filter cut off knobs for an hour.
Thanks, friend, you made my day :-)

Wow, what a thoughtful reply! I was just making notes to self for future idea.

I got this case as I wanted the spectraphon and did not have any room for this giant in my two cases. Once I have a house, I'll allow myself to buy a large eurorack case and have my "studio" somehwere other than the hall.

-- k0s0

sounds like a plan - sometimes it's hard to tell if people are newbies or not...

good luck wiht the house!!!

I don't usually go in for nostalgic San Fran hippie drug culture stuff, but maybe I've been wrong about that (at least some of it) because this is friggin outstanding! Fantastic video and sounds. I absolutely love the core timbre you selected for this piece - it's just perfect. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!

Nice track. Cool, weird modular. :-) I'm interested in the percussion sounds. How were they done?

Works great with Hemsiphere! ALA also has great support. I accidentally broke mine (I snapped the micro-usb port off on the teensy; completely my fault), and ALA repaired for only cost of part!

That said, Plum has special builds of the Phazerville suite (an actively developed fork of Hemisphere) for the 1u version, so you might try that. The dev works directly with Plum to ensure compatibility, so should work.

Can anyone using this version confirm it is compatible with Hemisphere please ?
The old hardware I use (1U O&C from Plum, 1st gen) has trouble with voltage ranges in Hemisphere so I can only run the original firmware, and that makes me sad...
Thanks in advance for sharing your experience

yeah. I like a little chaos from time to time. But it's easy to go overboard... thanks!

Love this! Just my kind of chaos. Reminds me of someone going to town on a Chapman Stick. Cheers!
-- TumeniKnobs

EDITED Dec 7th 2023, 16:45

Love this! Just my kind of chaos. Reminds me of someone going to town on a Chapman Stick. Cheers!

Note that this rack is archived ; I no longer have the rack and the componenets have moved to SoundDesigner

Wow, what a thoughtful reply! I was just making notes to self for future idea.

I got this case as I wanted the spectraphon and did not have any room for this giant in my two cases. Once I have a house, I'll allow myself to buy a large eurorack case and have my "studio" somehwere other than the hall. I decided I really wanted the Subcon Model 52 Vampire . Having recently got a Keystep Pro I realized....that's four voices of polyphony, this could be a tiny mini-system! It was never originally intended that way; it was more just a overflow case that sits near the rest of my eurorack and semi-modular. I already have the Orion phaser too as I couldn't resist a small eurorack phaser and my pedal phaser broke :(

So then I need a quick + dirty way of converting gates to something with a little more shape that can also mix down to stereo.

I've added rearranged this how I hopefully can fill this out after next year's tax season. What do you think? I'm really hoping cloaks + veils + the keystep gates can be "close enough" to an envelope for the vampire + spectraphon voices. In any case, I think it will be fun to play with and will mostly just stay at home wired to my other racks which have a bit more utility modules in them (though one can never have enough maths...sheesh!)

...this is also why I don't buy a bigger case right now....if I get it, I'll just dream of all those modules I don't have that I always meant to get!

I'd almost definitely want a quad cascading vca... veils or a clone is a good choice...

and probably a delay and a reverb...

don't think I'd want the nifty bundle pedals though... they don't have good reputations & are hard to resell...

tbh with the spectraphon - I'd want a bigger case... not enough room for support modules in a nifty case...

take a look at my signature - think it over for a while... then think about the modules you want and need to support it and then pick a case to house them, preferably leaving some space to expand (20% or so at least)
-- JimHowell1970

And the quickstart guide says 400mA, not 350.

EDITED Dec 7th 2023, 09:36

interesting! does this work nicely with mono sources too?
-- Musicaespressiva2

Yes, the left input normals to the right input if the right is unpatched,

-- robotsarered

Great. So when is going to be available? Panel is metal or pcb?

...Maybe I want the Nautilus delay with MI Veils or equivalent.
-- k0s0

I'd almost definitely want a quad cascading vca... veils or a clone is a good choice...

and probably a delay and a reverb...

don't think I'd want the nifty bundle pedals though... they don't have good reputations & are hard to resell...

tbh with the spectraphon - I'd want a bigger case... not enough room for support modules in a nifty case...

take a look at my signature - think it over for a while... then think about the modules you want and need to support it and then pick a case to house them, preferably leaving some space to expand (20% or so at least)

Filterbanks by nature are fixed. You are probably looking for band-pass filters.
Addac 603 Triple Bandpass x 2 will give you six with glorious overdrive/ saturation if you want it.

...Maybe I want the Nautilus delay with MI Veils or equivalent.

interesting! does this work nicely with mono sources too?
-- Musicaespressiva2

Yes, the left input normals to the right input if the right is unpatched,

nice! I have the old Clock O Pawn and it is great in how simple it works.

hexmix seems like overkill...

only 1 very large sound source?

only 1 very large effect?

possibly too much modulation...

not enough utilities besides the huge mixer...

rosie is discontinued (I think) & do you really need an output module? maybe not

black maths is kinda unobtanium unless you buy a shared system...

I'd suggest taking a look at my signature and spending some time thinking about it and how it relates bith to your rack and mission statement...

oh look and here's the actual link:

I'm not going to have that much of a go at the b-company modules - it's a matter of (your) conscience and ethics if you buy them or not - but supporting small manufacturers (ie everyone but the b-company) - who are more likely to inovate - is definitely a better way to go imo & I'd replace all of those if it was me...

other modules that could be removed:

scales... midi to cv and pitch cv from Ableton etc should be quantized and Pams can be used as a quantizer (& random pitch source) amongst other things... so why scales?????

link... can you not just use 1/8" -> 1/4" cables???

magneto - it's very large in such a small system - there are many other delays out there...

btw the befaco instrument interface is great!

do you really need so many inputs???? not enough mixing capability to take advantage of them in such a small rack with so little processing???

which leads to not enough utilities to support the modules... (including mixing)

I'd suggest taking a look at my signature and spending some time thinking about it and how it relates bith to your rack and mission statement...

EDITED Dec 6th 2023, 20:31

Hi there!
I want to use Mantis from TipTop to build my first rack. My idea is getting some kind of sound closer to Andy Stott's music, but open to other styles too (ambient, dub, electro). So my approach is this. Suggestions are welcome. And sorry if I missed any important module or feature totally required. Thank you!

Hello,
I've been looking for a non-fixed filterbank or VCO module that could be CV-pitch controlled, with a polyphony of over 6 voices. What are the options there?
Thanks,
A.