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MD does have some quantization options if you press the knob down and tune each step, however there is no scale selection, its just chromatic: https://noiseengineering.us/blogs/loquelic-literitas-the-blog/does-mimetic-digitalis-need-quantizer

but it sounds more like you want a sequencer that had a transpose by CV option? some of the ornaments and crime apps offer this (just as an example, there are many options out there)

I think it kind of depends on the style of case you have, and whether you care about color matching your panels or not. However, I generally agree with what @bopodoq says. I tend to visualize the signal path as going bottom left > top left > top right > bottom right.

Clocks and sequence / pattern creaters, etc create the signals on the bottom and send them up to be modulated, quantized, and played with. The VCOs are top left and send their lovely cacophonies right and then down towards to filters, fx, and audio manipulators. Finally the bottom right has some utilities and the in/outs.

I also like to consider how much I will be playing a particular module, and how many cables are going to be going in and out of it. I keep the modules that are more manipulatable around the outside of the case, to make them easier to play, while the set and forget ones can sit happily on the inside, buried in the spagehetti. Maybe it's just me, but reaching into the heart of a patch to delicately wiggle small knobs is not the most fun part of the modular experience.

Questions: Do you really have an extra empty row? I'm jealous. Also, any thought as to what type of music/sounds you want to get out of this rig? You have quite a nice collection of modules here; without too much tweaking you could turn this into a pretty beastly instrument, depending on what you're goign for.

EDITED Oct 23rd 2023, 04:13

hi Tunegirl,

I have been following you for a year or so. I truly enjoy your music and find inspiring.

Lately, I have been trying to understand how you use your system to help me to shape mine.

Seems like you have five voices and five filters. I also designed mine to have enough filter for each voice. I saw you play the drums wirh your RD-9.

I also see you use 2x pice seq. I am curious if you program them or if you use the random feature when you play live.

I also see you have Pulsar and Knight's Gallop. Assuming Pulsar is for fills and rolls, I wonder the role of Knight's Gallop. My intiution says that is for triggering SY0.5 assuming it is used for sub bass.

Finally, I am curious what do you sequence with Metropolis. Based on my previous assumptions, Plaits and Rings are the only two voices left. If one or the other, Metropolis has only one track. I wonder do you then use the same sequence for both?

I hope you wouldn't mind me asking and I can completely understand if you don't want to answer and explain how you patch your system.

In both case I am grateful you shared your system publicly and hoping to catch your live set one day...

best wishes,
sin

The way I organize things for workflow:
Audio moves left to right, and then eventually cascade top-down through/down to effects.
Sound sources/ oscillators --> filters --> vcas.
I also do tend to arrange adjacent horizontal rows as 'voices'.
Bottom row would be clock sources and sequencers (things that require hands-on input and adjustment). Modulation sources (Maths etc.) would be in the bottom two rows. I like Pam's in the bottom left corner.
Effects (Starlab etc) to the right, mostly bottom right. In my cases, clock enters bottom left, sound exits bottom right.
The reason I arrange things this way is so I can visualize the signal flow a little better. It also tends to shorten some of the patch cable lengths. Just the way I do it...

I've recently decided to dust off the eurorack I built for my wife at her request. LSS, she didn't use it and I've taken it back over. I know very little about Eurorack and at this point I have no real direction outside of learning exactly what kind of sounds I can make from this. I've been focusing on the marbles/rings combo with haing a rudimentary understanding of PNW.

Any guidance on what to learn first and suggestions of arranging the case to be more user friendly would be appreciated.

![]

EDITED Oct 22nd 2023, 21:45

Hi @JimHowell1970
Thanks for your input.
What exactly do you mean by "the precision adding in links is superfluous"?
Not precise at all?
-- Loersatz

links is a precision adder... so good for adding 2 quantized signals together and getting a 'quantized' output ie c1 + c1 = c2

MD output is not quantized... so if you add this to a quantized signal the output is not quantized anymore... so using a precision adder to sum the 2 signals is unnecessary - any old mixer will do the same job - output a non-quantized signal...

if you want to stay in 12tet (or whatever scale) then you need to quantize either the MD output (before adding - so 2 quantized values are precision added to another quantized signal ie c1 + c1 = c2) or the links output has to be quantized (to get c1 + unquantized signal = unquantized signal -> quantizer = quantized signal)

another option is a cheap outboard mixer - I've used an old inexpensive yamaha MG10 for this for years - works great... no output module, the mixer handles modular levels well...
-- JimHowell1970

I will check this out, as always interested in other peoples set ups- thank you.

hard to go wrong with the Knob Farm Ooots.
-- clwilla

Yes, thanks for pointing this one out. I had a look at this as it's a great looking module but managed to scoop up a pre owned module now.

Hi @JimHowell1970
Thanks for your input.
What exactly do you mean by "the precision adding in links is superfluous"?
Not precise at all?

another option is a cheap outboard mixer - I've used an old inexpensive yamaha MG10 for this for years - works great... no output module, the mixer handles modular levels well...
-- JimHowell1970

I've got a Yamaha MG8/2FX and I used to do the same, plenty of well-priced mixers on eBay too.

some concerns...

you have an expander module for a module you don't have... the alyseum hold

you have an expensive, discontinued (and almost uniobtanium) joystick which is way over specced for audio (it's avideo module - much higher specs than audio)

I'd want more vcas and mixers (probably combined into a quad cascading vca) - and more modulation...

I'd drop one of the 1u rows for an extra 3u row.... and add a simple matrix mixer...

another option is a cheap outboard mixer - I've used an old inexpensive yamaha MG10 for this for years - works great... no output module, the mixer handles modular levels well...

OK so just trying to use what I currently have as of now.
Could I do the following:
1. Send a quantised sequence from Voltage Block to MI Links In1
2. Send a random sequence from Mimetic Digitalis to MI Links In2 (which could go through an attenuator for more control)
3. Send MI Links Out 1 to an Osc Pitch In
MI Links would actually transpose, no?

Edit:
@farkas
Works great :)
Thank you all.
-- Loersatz

I'd want a quantizer at some point after the mimetic digitalis - as it's not quantized - immediately before or after links - both will work... unless you don't want 12TET, in which case any old mixer will do - as the precision adding in links is superfluous

+1 for Jim's suggestion of Maths, but I'd hold off on getting a full size Quad VCA because the 2hp VCA is adequate until you have a larger system.
-- 33PO

And again, not to mention Optomix with its vca function on each channel...
-- Sweelinck

you can never have too many vcas!!! especially dc-coupled quad cascading ones - as they double as both audio and cv mixers - which you can also never have too many of!!!

well not totally true, but the more the merrier!!

The new version of Arbhar used.
tape recorded piano source sound.
https://on.soundcloud.com/sMqBVMKCaZdMsbYe9

A versatile VCO/LFO.
Mostly surface mount pre-installed, so an easy build.
VERY simple to calibrate, and seriously accurate across voltage ranges. And the signals are very straight, no jaggies or steps.
Audio range down to multiple seconds between pulses, very useful. Sounds fine, coupling it with a good filter would make it pop a little more. Overall a nice unit.

Build

Maybe a 4ms ensemble oscillator, for drones and chords?

I feel like I made some relatively informed choices with my rack but I also can't help but wonder if I'm completely discounting some essential modules that would be needed for these to work. Like maybe I don't have enough VCAs/VCOs for the ones I picked out here. Maybe I have too many redundant modules (not that redundancy is always bad but if it hurts the function then it's gotta go).
-- Cat

I think you have fully anticipated the problem. Unless I’m mistaken, Manis is the only vco here capable of providing you with a real drone source (excluding the Swiss Army Knife Disting mk4). At least one complementary vco, with a wide sound palette (like Plaits or Twin Waves, for example) would be needed. And I will add a quad vca to replace or complement the small After Later Audio DVCA. I do not see either lfo and at minimum a small sequencer (although on this point the Doepfer midi to cv indicates perhaps an intention not expressed here). Other comments or questions are possible... and I sincerely hope that others formulate them.

The Befaco Out is a good price, especially if you don't mind doing a little soldering https://www.modulargrid.net/e/befaco-out-v3 / https://www.thonk.co.uk/shop/befaco-output-module/

hard to go wrong with the Knob Farm Ooots.

Hey Magerit crew,

can you please send out KAIROS for review... to some of the you tube reviewers
i would like to see this in action... or is it still a pipe dream at this stage..?

even if its close to pams it could be a game changer....

here's hoping for some news soon.

OK so just trying to use what I currently have as of now.
Could I do the following:
1. Send a quantised sequence from Voltage Block to MI Links In1
2. Send a random sequence from Mimetic Digitalis to MI Links In2 (which could go through an attenuator for more control)
3. Send MI Links Out 1 to an Osc Pitch In
MI Links would actually transpose, no?

Edit:
@farkas
Works great :)
Thank you all.

[]

Hey yall.

I decided recently I wanted to dip my toe into this rabbit hole after having spent years exclussively making music through DAWs. The main function that I was looking for in this rack would be to have something that's capable of producing a wide range of rhythmic drones and textures that could evolve into completely new sounds with a few nudges. All while being as compact as possible.

I feel like I made some relatively informed choices with my rack but I also can't help but wonder if I'm completely discounting some essential modules that would be needed for these to work. Like maybe I don't have enough VCAs/VCOs for the ones I picked out here. Maybe I have too many redundant modules (not that redundancy is always bad but if it hurts the function then it's gotta go).

Let me know what you guys think, because I'll be DIYing my case for this to save on money. I would like to feel a little more confident in my choices before I go out to get materials for the case.

Thanks

+1 for Jim's suggestion of Maths, but I'd hold off on getting a full size Quad VCA because the 2hp VCA is adequate until you have a larger system.
-- 33PO

And again, not to mention Optomix with its vca function on each channel...

+1 for Jim's suggestion of Maths, but I'd hold off on getting a full size Quad VCA because the 2hp VCA is adequate until you have a larger system.

IMO it'd be more fun to get Maths + Plaits clone first. Then start thinking about adding modules to get more out of the system

Yes. That's what I suggested initially. Give it a try and let us know if that's what you were hoping for.

OK so just trying to use what I currently have as of now.
Could I do the following:
1. Send a quantised sequence from Voltage Block to MI Links In1
2. Send a random sequence from Mimetic Digitalis to MI Links In2 (which could go through an attenuator for more control)
3. Send MI Links Out 1 to an Osc Pitch In
MI Links would actually transpose, no?

EDITED Oct 21st 2023, 15:47

Check out the Noise Engineering Quantus Pax if you want multiple quantized Voltage Block channels added to multiple random cv signals.

Hi @Chace :)
Thanks for the heads up.
So if I understand correctly, I could:
1) Send a V/Oct pitch CV from Voltage Block
2) Have it going up/down in a random manner from Mimetic Digitalis
Now my question: how do I integrate the precision adder in the flow?
I am looking at the Doepfer A-185-2 and not sure how to work it out.
All these utilities modules are new to me :)
Apologies for the dumb question.

Hello,

I'm writing the following assuming that we're talking about a V/Oct pitch CV.

You wouldn't be able to quantize the Mimetic Digitalis's CV without a quantizer. By offsetting MD's output with Voltage Block's output, you are doing just that: offsetting MD's unquantized output with VB's output. This would not quantize MD's output.

You're second idea will work though. Since VB's sequence is already quantized, you can offset/transpose that sequence with MD's output. So the melody is coming from VB, and MD is transposing it up and down. If this is what you want to do, then @farkas is right, you will want a precision adder.

I hope that helps, and I'd be happy to answer any further questions if I'm able to.

-Chace

Thank you @farkas :)
I have indeed used the MI Links as a precision adder and it does the trick.
I was talking about a solution with Voltage Block + Mimetic Digitalis + Lapsus Os as I could have more than one voice being quantized.
As you had a look at my current rig, may I ask if you see any "inconsistencies"?
Thanks again for taking the time.

I think what you may want in this case is a precision adder.

*Edit: I just looked at your rack. Try adding the two signals together in the middle section of your MI Links to see if that does the trick.

EDITED Oct 21st 2023, 14:32

Hi all,
I have a (stupid?) question.
I am using both a Mimetic Digitalis and Voltage Block to sequence CV.
I would like to avoid buying a quantizer as space is a "luxury" :)
Here is my question: let's say I want to send a random CV sequence from Mimetic Digitalis but would like it to be quantized.
Can I send this random sequence to Lapsus Os and offset it with a quantized sequence from Voltage Block?
Or should I look at it the other way around, ie: send a quantized CV sequence from Voltage Block to Lapsus Os and offset it with a random CV sequence from Mimetic Digitalis?
Am I missing something in the understanding of offset?
Any help/hint/advice would be much apprecuiated.
Best,
L

it's not about typing in the description field, it's about using the "Text Replacement" function in Macos, where you can automatically substitute a text you type by a saved text (usually a short abbreviated text replaced by a much longer text)

do you mean when typing into the description, that the preview is not updated?

it doesn't automatically update for me either with Firefox - refreshing the page does update the preview though... typing and pasting into the description field works perfectly though...

the Text Replacement function in the Markeplace - Description of your Offer - field is not working anymore since Ventura 13.6.1; it works in the Price field though ;)> which browser are you using? Safari?

-- JimHowell1970
yes and Chrome, neither of them will allow Text Replacement in that particular field; i chatted with Apple Support today, and after some testing, they advised to contact Webadmin, which i'm doing now ...

which browser are you using? Safari?

the Text Replacement function in the Markeplace - Description of your Offer - field is not working anymore since Ventura 13.6.1; it works in the Price field though ;)

looks like 4u to me!! & 88hp is a wierd width... are you sure it's not 84?

things you are absolutely missing... not enough vcas or mixers... for either audio or cv... so no sub-mixing for example...no attenuators for cv... & only 1 filter??? you have 2 sound sources, the through zero & the 2hp vco, combined, and the sto... I'd want at least 2.. ok you have an optomix, which can kind of be 2 vca/filters, but...

the BSP has 2 pitch outputs... I'd probably want a buffered mult to copy the pitch to all 3 vcos...

I'd want delay & reverb, not delay or reverb or chorus...

if you have 7u I'd seriously consider maths over function - it's much more versatile! see the maths illustrated supplement (via google) for more information...

I think x-pan is over the top for these modules... no stereo modules... I'd stay mono at least for now... & replace this with a quad cascading vca (veils clone) - which can be used as a mono output...

I'd also split up the 2hp modules so they are more useable...

I'd suggest only adding a couple of modules to start with and learning them inside out, before adding more... and then only adding 1 or 2 modules and repeating and repeating...

I'd probably go with maths & a quad vca to start...

hope this helps!

Hi all,
I watched videos and played with vcv for a while now. Recently, I got a 7x88 case with some 2hp modules and an used beatstep pro for a good price (the modules on the right).
I put together a rack and would like to hear why it's hortible and not useable at all.
Please tell me what it can not do and what is missing the most.

The rack could be expanded by one or two more rows of 88 hp, but I'd rather start slow.

rgds.

I'm in the processing of building a small drum box myself, which you can find here:

Take note - it's a very small case. I would not advise that at all to anybody starting with modular. My advise is usually to start small with the modules, but big with the case. Mantis or 7U, as mentioned above.

The Constellation is also a Euclidean sequencer, but next level. You can layer Euclidean patterns in many different ways that I don't understand yet myself. So the purpose of this very small rack is to focus myself on getting to know that sequencer.

I'm quite a fan of the Rample. 4 channels of samples. Mostly drums, some complete drum breaks, some silly or crazy, some very useful but not drum at all (e.g. piano or a singer). Ro'ved, which is a Plaits clone, is also interesting for drums, particularly when combined with Traffic. I'm definitely getting that module at a later date. Note the FX Aid also and the filter. Those are a bare minimum for any rack. You really want some sort of reverb to add presence, or a delay. FX Aid has plenty of those. There may be better ones out there, but FX Aid is a very good starter module. You can make your own selection of effects and play with them for a while, then select new effects to get to know those.

I've also added a sample-and-hold. This AfterLater one, or the Intellijel Noise Tools, are very handy in 1U. Of course you can find other modules in 3U as well. With S&H, you can add some variance to your sound so they sound less robotic.

my go to portable modular drum setup is queen of pentacles plus winter eloquencer sequencer and utilities like a good mixer, vcas, and lfo for modulation. I love the Eloquencer sequencer because you can view and sequence all eight voices from the QoP drum module as well as create and chain patterns as projects for recall later and song modes like that found on the Elektron gear.

trying to fit modules that are too deep into the case usinf standoffs - which is ugly and potentially hazardous to both the power supply and the modules...

why is it dangerous for your modules or powedsupply?
-- ThierryH

loose cables, screws etc can fit in between the gap left by the standoff and potentially short modules/power supply...

And if you want to explore sound with much more freedom and absolutely stick to a small format of 60HP, the possibilities of choice of modules are immense...

but also extremely limited...

by the time you include a power supply - usually 4hp - you're down to 56hp for actual modules... which is not a lot of room at all... especially if you want 2 extra oscillators and the support modules required to make the most of them - vcas, filters, modulation sources, envelopes, mixers, effects etc etc... otherwise you may find yourself trying to add too many very small modules - which leads to poor ergonomics (tending towards unuseable) and potentially trying to fit modules that are too deep into the case usinf standoffs - which is ugly and potentially hazardous to both the power supply and the modules...

I would suggest getting a substantially larger case - a tiptop mantis is a great starter case - best bang for buck in terms of hp/cost/decent power/manufacturer reputation - and buying fewer modules initially (& some blank panels - cereal box cardboard can be used) and then expanding the modules slowly as you get an idea of what you want...

-- JimHowell1970

why is it dangerous for your modules or powedsupply?

There seems to be a bug with My Modules feature. I've added quite a few (40-50), initially just three of them appeared in the tab. I logged out and back in, and then it seemed that most if not all of them were showing up. Then on following login just a single module is now showing up. Would be great to resolve this issue as it was one of the features that prompted me to upgrade to paying version. Thanks

-- soulsun69

If you go to the My Module section the search parameters still apply. Click Reset in the search form and check if the missing modules appear. Does that fix the problem?

There seems to be a bug with My Modules feature. I've added quite a few (40-50), initially just three of them appeared in the tab. I logged out and back in, and then it seemed that most if not all of them were showing up. Then on following login just a single module is now showing up. Would be great to resolve this issue as it was one of the features that prompted me to upgrade to paying version. Thanks

If you decide to opt for the 60 HP Moog case solution, and without prejudging a too specific musical orientation, one could imagine this setup next to your Mother-32...

Here's a simple idea, you might not have thought of, to start you off—4 modules.

DUSTY PULSING DRONE:
1. Patch the SINE from your AI011 Analog VCO into your AI002 Mixer. Manually tune the VCO to a low bass note.
2. Patch the SINE from your DUAL LFO/VCO (VCO mode) into your AI002 Mixer. Manually tune the SINE to approximately the same note. You'll note how the SINES will beat against one another when they are close. That is, the volume will wobble rhythmically.

1. Patch the PINK NOISE Output from your EDU NOISE/S&H into the FM Input on your AI011 Analog VCO.
2. Turn up the FM knob to taste. —You'll have a thick pulsating dusty-type character to your sound, good starting dirty timbre for ambient-drone stuff. It should sound like an incoming helicopter, train, or some kind of machine motor.

Experiment—go from there...

And if you want to explore sound with much more freedom and absolutely stick to a small format of 60HP, the possibilities of choice of modules are immense...

but also extremely limited...

by the time you include a power supply - usually 4hp - you're down to 56hp for actual modules... which is not a lot of room at all... especially if you want 2 extra oscillators and the support modules required to make the most of them - vcas, filters, modulation sources, envelopes, mixers, effects etc etc... otherwise you may find yourself trying to add too many very small modules - which leads to poor ergonomics (tending towards unuseable) and potentially trying to fit modules that are too deep into the case usinf standoffs - which is ugly and potentially hazardous to both the power supply and the modules...

I would suggest getting a substantially larger case - a tiptop mantis is a great starter case - best bang for buck in terms of hp/cost/decent power/manufacturer reputation - and buying fewer modules initially (& some blank panels - cereal box cardboard can be used) and then expanding the modules slowly as you get an idea of what you want...

It is usually easier to advise you if we know what you expect from your instrument.

The DFAM will be a 'technically' perfect complement to your Mother-32. But as you know, it is a module mainly dedicated to percussive sounds. If you want to join more melodic paths, the Subharmonicon would be a better companion.

And if you want to explore sound with much more freedom and absolutely stick to a small format of 60HP, the possibilities of choice of modules are immense... but the best advice here, especially with a small budget, will be given if you express your desire for this or that musical trip.