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Found how great matrix mixers were using the 4ms VCA Matrix for some jam session this week

I was just messing around with Makrow again and was having fun running a few of its outputs to the exp fm inputs of a few oscillators to quickly switch from unison to chords. It sounded really cool after I got it dialed in.

since you're still looking for other ideas, I gotta mention some software domain stuff:
-- SonicCouture stuff including GeoSonics and others
-- some of the Native Instrument lineup like ScannerXT, Form and others
-- a lot of the GlitchMachines lineup particularly for "tech" sounding textures
-- Spitfire Audio BT Phobos
-- or any sufficiently wierd sample set (like Zero-G Ian Boddy Odyssey) run through granular and other mangling

There's SO much in software, it's really worth a good look. And so much on holiday sale presently. Some modest $s would get you a bunch of the relevant software.

AND assuming you have a DAW to modular setup (like Expert Sleepers unit) you could pass your DAW texture audio into modular for additional mangling
-- nickgreenberg

I would like to be able to do it in the eurorack.what i do now is load my own samples inro the 2hp play module.

A module that looks awesome for textures is the addac 112

Two Ladik A-520 (quad line->Eurorack boost) and two 3xMIA will get you six channels in 20hp for about $250. Add a third 3xMIA if you want all eight. But honestly I'd wait and see what you really need in practice, or get one A-520 (or an A-525, two in either direction) and one 3xMIA, both of which will have many other uses.

EDITED Nov 20th 2021, 14:43

the new version has an offset, this will almost definitely do what you want - checked the manual - it seems to only be a +ve offset

to convert -3/+5v to 0/8v you would apply a +3v offset - possibly you'll want some way to monitor this, although for modulation maybe not necessary

to then to then get to 0/10v you want to amplify by 1.25 - again possibly you'll want a way to monitor

then a simple inverter will get you to -10/0v - I use a malekko invert mix to do this, which is a small and

I don't think there's any 1 module that will get you all the way there for 8 channels - but then again, you probably don't need 8 channels of -10/0v

I don't think I would need that many channels of -10/0v modulation (& I've got 1600+hp)

another option might be 3 happy nerding 3*mia - I think each channel can invert and amplify

Thank you for the advice! Quick question though. I can't seem to confirm if Veils' primary inputs are normalled to a fixed voltage. If they are not, I'd need to provide one to get the result I'm looking for (as I understand it).

Have byen thinking if it would make sense to selv grand terminal and the expander.and get plaits.beads and a desmodus instead.

Would that make sense in this build?

2*veils - all 8 channels will amplify by up to 20dB & have offsets in the new version i believe

the amplification on blinds is related to the cv input so you'd also need a fixed voltage higher than 1v to get past unity gain - unless you wanted to buy 4 and use every other channel as an offset - see the manual

Hello all,

I have an OXI ONE on the way, but its 8 cv outputs are an awkward -3/+5v. I'd like to scale and offset these voltages to +/-5v, and have access to +/-9.5v. I'd like full range at the +/-5v, but I don't need the full range at +/-9.5v -- in other words if I'm at -9.5v I don't need to be able to oscillate all the way up to +9.5v.

Erogenous tones cv8 is super straighforward and does what I need... except amplification.

2x tiptop Miso is super cost effective but again, doesn't apply any gain.

Adding 8 amplifiers to either of those solutions becomes very expensive, so what I'm looking at is either 2x blinds, 2x veils, or 1x blinds + 1x veils. This offers 8 channels of cv offset/amplification/attenuation/cascaded mixing (and bonus inversion OR lin/exp behavior) for around 400 USD. Is there any better way to do this or have I found the best prebuilt solution I'm going to find?

EDIT: 2x MISO + 2x Synthrotek MIXIV is similar price and hp to 2x veils or blinds, but if costs are the same I think the MI modules would provide a bit more functionality.

This sounds great! Just my style. I have yet to try "Beads as a voice" but this is convincing me I should. Thanks for sharing.
-- TumeniKnobs

Thank you ! Yes it’s something to test definitely. Maybe I have to try it again as a voice too :)

Hi Yunyun,

Wow, this is a great track! That sound that kicks in at 0:52, gave me goose bumps! :-) It sounds to me like an almost symphonic composition, very well done!

Lovely video with your rack in the greenery does the rest :-) Thanks a lot for sharing this with us, please keep the good work coming and kind regards, Garfield.
-- GarfieldModular

Thank you a lot for your support !
Yes there’s some classical vibes in this patch.
Next track is already recorded ;)

Same here I have a couple larger cases and the small cases for swapping stuff out and using for sequencers and mixers. Most of the big shots on YouTube get free or demo gear so I don’t worry much about them. The ARP 2600 is great especially the lower cost version from Behringer and Uli also is recreating the larger Moog System 15, 35 and 55 synths at a way more affordable price point. I mean 3k for a Moog System 55 clone that would cost 4ok from Moog.

Not that my opinion holds a ton of weight, but Luiga is totally right. I just picked up a palletate, but I also have a 920 hp main build (started with a mantis) and can rotate things in an out of my palette when I want to focus on something specific. I wouldn’t consider this as a main case for anything as the form factor really is a constraint and for all the money you spend to fill it up you end up compromising on modules when you are trying to make things fit. Unless you plan on making videos with pictures of succulents it will become frustrating and/or boring because of the limitations and constantly having to try and make things fit that really belong in a bigger case.

When you have lots of modules to swap in and out you can dial in a nice set of modules, while at the same time switch things up all the time so things don’t get stale, which is what you see all the you tubers doing. Heck some times I only have a couple modules in the pallette but I am not forcing myself to cram as much functionality in as possible which does give you much more freedom to pick both modules based on both form and function.

As others have said you can put together a nice little groove box, but when starting out I think this focused design is just a disaster waiting to happen as you don’t really know what workflow works for you and what modules you like. It’s much easier to fill 62 when you know what you are trying to achieve. I actually think if you have to ask what modules you should get to fill a small case you definitely shouldn’t get one, but that’s me I am glad I started with a mantis and now have enough hp that I can swap things in an out of several different case builds with a specific intent and see what works for me for a given project and set of goals.

EDITED Nov 20th 2021, 07:15

Indeed I have some on preorder as they are great value and will improve my palette sequencer case. I’m into techno, west coast and ambient music an area that Endorphin.es excels in since they are focused on modular dance music. Julia Bondar at Endorphin.es has great videos performing with their gear so they eat their own dogfood. After this case, I’m done buying for a while. With two large cases of Eurorack and my three portable modular systems, I have plenty to keep me busy cutting new tracks of music.

The endorphin.es tiles DO look interesting. Most of the time when you're filling out a tile row, it's just utility stuff. Not in their case, though...you get real functionality on par with some 3Us. They're also a good bit more economical than much of endorphin.es's stuff...in truth, they're kind of a bargain, all things considered. That pairing I put in is a pile of awesome for $400...stereo comp/limiter, stereo FX...ain't no joke!

Had a quite long reply to this, and MG ate it with their goofy "login" thing. Eh...screw it...

Simply put: get a bigger case for not much more $$$, like a Doepfer LC9 or Tiptop Mantis. Don't build things like this, as "full systems" in these tiny cases tend to never work as expected. And take more than a week to research this; many MG users will pore over their builds for literally MONTHS, because that's the degree of attention and research involved in REALLY nailing a build that, when all of the stuff shows up, works as you'd want from Square One.

Consider a Behringer 2600, also. It's perhaps the best educational system for learning both analog synthesis AND initial modular explorations. It also only costs $650 over here; right now, Thomann UK has them on holiday sale for UKP 469. Add some basic sequencing, such as a Korg SQ-1, and you'll have something that just five years ago would've set you back about $10k (ARP 2600 + 1604 sequencer). Yes, people do bitch about Uli and his antics, myself included...but this isn't some Shenzhen backalley knockoff. It works and sounds like a new or recently out of the box ARP 2600, and yes, I did get to use one of the v.4 "orange" ones new way back in 1980, pretty much right out of the box. It plays very nicely with Eurorack or any other system that uses 1V/8va scaling and positive trig/gates. Plus, this thing's built like a tank, and it's rackmountable in an 8U roadcase...as opposed to Korg's 2600M, which is missing the 3620 keyboards "extras" (which are on the B.2600, which is smaller...?), looks rather cheap for something that runs around $2k, and doesn't share in the portability of either the 2600FS (had the wood/tolex case, like the original) or an original ARP.

Another learning tool: VCV Rack. It's called a "Eurorack simulator" for very good reasons. It's also free, and you can get hundreds of modules for the system for free as well...with some others being VERY cheap. And there's emulations of modules you'll find on here, often designed and programmed with the cooperation of those Eurorack manufacturers.

Lastly, don't believe everything you see and hear on YouTube. While some of us CAN do tiny builds like this, more often than not these are "mission-specific" things, such as a rework I did for sacguy71 to add a few things to a sequencing/control Palette 104. This is actually intended as a companion to an endorphin.es Shuttle System and, undoubtedly, a few other toys as well. When you see someone on YT shilling for a do-it-all minibuild that presumably contains a full-on modular with everything needed, and their studio looks like a Hollywood set (ergo, pretty much unused), DO NOT TRUST THEM. Real working studios tend to be more messy...cables all over, big stacks of gear, lots of notes stuck here and there, and the like. And YT still has an under-the-table problem with presenters getting "considerations" from firms whose equipment they're using. This is something that's gone on for years...I experienced a "push" toward that a few times when writing for "Recording", a gig I'd had enough of when it became clear that it required me to compromise some of my ethics.

EDITED Nov 20th 2021, 05:52

Cool sounds from that patch with the new toys, nicely done.

Many thanks Lugia for the awesome tips. What are your thoughts on the Afteraudio 1u piques module and upcoming Endorphin.es 1u modules? Right now the above case is work in progress and I have the sequencer and drum module on the way with the Palette case. I also have a spare Doepfer 6u case for overflow modules as needed. I’m building a powerhouse mobile rig with Endorphin.es to complement my Make Noise Shared System and ALM Super Coupe.

How's this?

I dropped the second 1U mixer in deference to adding a stereo FX device from endorphin.es. Once this was changed, this left new room in the tiles for a Mutable Ripples clone (with quad CV in expander), a Duatt for either extra mixing or attenuverters, a MIDI interface in case you want to run this via an external clock or another sequencer, and the proper Intellijel Stereo Out so that the Palette's 1/4" jacks can be used here. Yes, I know it's mainly a sequencing rig...but one last curveball here just for that: a Ladik dual gate/trig delay so that you can slip a little "slop" into a couple of the drum trigger paths...controllable manually or via the Apex. This'll make things humanize a little, or you can "slip" one or two drums for a hint of syncopation.

With the Shuttle System, this thing'll seriously walk that walk!

Everyone needs at least one Maths in their setups. I have one in my shared system and love it so much that I ordered a second maths for my palette sequencer case. Get the cv.ocd box let’s you send midi to cv from your Elektron gear. I use mine with my Octatrack and modular plus you won’t waste precious space in your rack for a similar module.

First up, if you've got something in there (and you do) that already has its own case and its own power, put it back in those. Right now, you've got 190 hp covered in these...and that's not only an expensive way to case these, it's killing the room you need for the actual modules. Once you take these out, you'll first of all want to toss all of the 2 hp and 3 hp stuff...those controls are way too fussy, plus when you put several of them together, you wind up with a situation where you need fingers like chopsticks to fit in between the knobs. Get 'em out of there and go with larger versions of the same circuit but with far better ergonomics.

Also, there's a lot of on-panel power supplies. Not only am I wondering why/how these are set up this way, I would suggest that you go with something a LOT heftier if there's a question about current supply. One suggestion, which will certainly result in more than ample amperage, is this: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/trogotronic-m-15 . With 5000 mA on both 12s and 1000 mA on the +5, there'll be literally NO normal way to overdraw it if this rig is split into two cabs. Just get two of these, stick 'em in each cab, and rest easy. If you can't find these in retail, check with Trogotronic directly. Also, a majorly overspecced supply like this will run very cool at a lower current draw, and given that heat is definitely an enemy of synthesizers, you want that.

The workflow on this, also, has some odd things about it. The build really has this "stuff thrown in a box" feel, and there's no clear logic to the layout. This setup might look cool, but to me it just looks like it'd be a total bitch to patch up anything useful in here. And that's important; if you want a modular that plays well, you want it set up so that anyone with a passing knowledge of synths can make sense of what functions are where. This makes it far more intuitive for you.

I would work on this...but I can't tell what reaction you'll have if I do, as there'll be a lot of stuff that I'd yank in deference to factors such as ergonomics and functionality, and I'm not sure I'd want to dive into a situation like that. It's a big build, and it's got problems, but it's a level of work that I wouldn't want to do if I'm going to get a lot of snark and static about the changes. That seems to happen more as of late, and I'm tired of doing several hours of work only to have someone rip me some new orifices because [INSERT RATIONALE HERE].

I’m building a portable rig but dedicating an entire 104HP Intelijel 4u case just to support modules with a sequencer and single drum voice module nothing else. I have two small modular synths that have support modules like VCAs and attenuators but even so the need for modulation sources, mixers and tools like attenuators and logic will become more important to you over time.

Hi folks,

I am building a travel case that has a sequencer and drum voice and need tips on what would be the essential 1u and other small support modules. Here is a sketch:

I plan to use it with my Endorphin.es Shuttle System that should arrive next week as well as my other modular travel cases from Make Noise Shuttle System and ALM Busy Circuits Super Coupe.

Open to ideas and suggestions.

Thanks Garfield,

I have a 104 HP Palette case that I plan to use for the Ground Control Sequencer, Queen of Pentacles and 1u support modules. My build plan so far:

I also have an Endorphin.es Shuttle System on the way! A trio: Make Noise Shared System, ALM Busy Circuits Super Coupe and Endorphin.es Shuttle System should be perfect mobile rig for me with the OP-1.

tbh I sort of agree - but I think a mantis is still small enough - I was constrained to a mantis for a couple of months earlier in the year - & it was interesting - but I kept reaching for things that weren't there - I appreciate the smaller case (mantis) as a focused environment - I had a deckard's voice and a magneto in there so not that many modules! - but any smaller and I think you miss out so much on the utilities that make the bigger modules shine and of course the ergonomics - I was really glad when I got the rest back though - about 1400 extra hp for me including video, in my case(s)

as for filling the case fast - that's down to you...

I'd say get the 'slightly' bigger case but go slowly... set a budget of 100/month or something... and don't buy a new module until you are thoroughly conversant with the modules you have and how they interact

EDITED Nov 20th 2021, 00:51

Hi Sacguy71,

Can't wait for your demo with the Ground Control sequencer! :-D

Kind regards, Garfield.

I agree partly Jim :), but there is something about this focused approach that is really appealing.

• less clutter in your cables
• easier to work out what's going on in your patches.
• you are forced to learn a specific module and to learn it well
• larger cases will inevitably get filled quickly. I would go for a larger case if I could guarantee I would be disciplined but sadly I'm not lol. )
• As you learn more about modular you realise that there are more uses in the combination of your modules than the obvious

op said techno - to my ears ,the jams especially by mylar are pretty sweet :)

it's definitely possible - but is it a good idea? almost definitely not

starting out so constrained will lead to poor ergonomics, unrealised potential, overspending on cases and possibke disillusionment with modular synthesis

start bigger and reduce (if you feel you need to) once you know what you are doing, what modules you actually want an (more importantly) need and how you work in modular

there is no need to fill a large case with modules - that's what blind panels are for

a mantis is easily portable, by all but the smallest children...
-- JimHowell1970

Thanks Garfield,

Yeah these prepackaged systems are great deal and come with new modules that are not out yet like Milton and so forth. I knew how to use Pamela New Workout already so learning the Squid and Quad Megaslope is easy. Definitely more straight forward than the more esoteric approach of Make Noise modules! Anyways also have some Endorphin.es modules arriving soon including the new Ground Control sequencer and Queen of Pentacles drum synth!

Hey Sacguy71,

This is great, I even didn't realise a thing like ALM - Super Coupe existed. So this is a great eye-opener for me, getting to know the ALM modules. A few modules I had heard of it before, obviously however this video is a great demo beside seeing the Super Coupe rack also getting in "touch" with other modules from ALM.

Ha, ha, that sound and effect that kicks in at 6:18 is great!

Nice work, great demo and thanks a lot for sharing this with us! Let all weekends start like this :-) Kind regards, Garfield.

Hi TumeniKnobs,

Oh wow! This is great, I love this! You are taking it easy and slowly here, yet enough variation to leave the listener left in unbelief... how can a track being relaxed and ambient like this contain yet so much interesting, tense & beautiful, minimal but yet fantastic, variation?! This is an art on its own.

For example that sound that kicks in at 16:14, beautifully done and just one of the tons of examples I could pull up here, wow :-)

Did I just wrote now: "You are taking it easy?" Hell, you didn't! This, at least to me, doesn't sound like easy at all, this is sound engineering at its perfection! Please do let me know if you are going to publish this and more of the likes on CD, preferable SACD or LP, this is a must have!

Thank you very much for letting us into your audio-adventure-world and kind regards, Garfield.

P.S.: I had the Iridium already on my wish list, this track proofs to me that Iridium sounds like a must have synthesizer for any studio! :-) I am increasing the priority for the Iridium!

it's definitely possible - but is it a good idea? almost definitely not

starting out so constrained will lead to poor ergonomics, unrealised potential, overspending on cases and possibke disillusionment with modular synthesis

start bigger and reduce (if you feel you need to) once you know what you are doing, what modules you actually want an (more importantly) need and how you work in modular

there is no need to fill a large case with modules - that's what blind panels are for

a mantis is easily portable, by all but the smallest children...

Definitely some random cv modules would be great fun. I love Marbles and Wogglebug for random weirdness. It really spices up patches and gives some generative options as well.

since you're still looking for other ideas, I gotta mention some software domain stuff:
-- SonicCouture stuff including GeoSonics and others
-- some of the Native Instrument lineup like ScannerXT, Form and others
-- a lot of the GlitchMachines lineup particularly for "tech" sounding textures
-- Spitfire Audio BT Phobos
-- or any sufficiently wierd sample set (like Zero-G Ian Boddy Odyssey) run through granular and other mangling

There's SO much in software, it's really worth a good look. And so much on holiday sale presently. Some modest $s would get you a bunch of the relevant software.

AND assuming you have a DAW to modular setup (like Expert Sleepers unit) you could pass your DAW texture audio into modular for additional mangling

EDITED Nov 19th 2021, 21:27

Such a fun portable modular system to complement my Make Noise Shared System and OP-1 for mobile jams the ALM Busy Circuits Super Coupe featuring Pam and Squid Salmple:

It’s probably not the most creative use, but I love adjusting VCA decay, filter cutoff, and reverb or delay feedback simultaneously. I tend to patch that up pretty often.
-- farkas

The first Thing I had in mind was also to control reverb and delay.will have to see if I can control Them in the grand terminal in some way.

I think it's possible, you just need smaller modules if you want to stick to a case this size. For instance if you want the functionality of plaits, get knit instead

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/antumbra-knit-white-magpie-panel

I think these two videos will help you plan a small case as both are excellent.

It’s probably not the most creative use, but I love adjusting VCA decay, filter cutoff, and reverb or delay feedback simultaneously. I tend to patch that up pretty often.

@kossu did you buy any chance get inspired by one (or more) minimalist setup videos from Rick Tinez ? If so, remember that while he does have a “focus” Palette case he often makes videos with (which probably makes sense visually than a monster rack, I guess), that’s not all he has. As maybe the constant change in his setup shows, designing a setup that small takes a LOT of experience, and will imply sacrifices in terms of functionality or/and scope. I would therefore echo Jim and Farkas here, so advise to get a bigger case and do a LOT more research.
Other usual modular beginner guidance is also applicable (see other similar posts on this forum): get VCV to try ideas, buy slowly instead of everything at once, …

I would look to add more random, like divkid rnd step, or a wogglebug, I would also want a dedicated slew, perhaps a make noise function or a joranalogue contour 1.

I have a makrow module from future sound systems.
I got it because I would like some more hands on central over my eurorack.for my ambient music.but havent used it yet.

Whats your favorite Thing to use it for?

I have both but pams gets more use. I only end up using the temps if I want more outs but 8 generally is more than enough if you mult them.

Hi,

I picked up Ornament and Crime a few weeks ago and am really enjoying it. This made me wonder about Temps Utile, and so I looked at some comments/threads on Mod Wiggler to see what people said. Interestingly, most of the discussions dated back to 2017 when Pam's Workout was only just being updated to the 'New' version.

So, I'm curious to hear some thoughts on Pam's New Workout and/or Temps Utile in 2021. Do people think T_U has become a bit redundant since Pam's Workout became Pamela's New Workout (a few years back), or has there been some developments in the Temps Utile firmware that still make it not only a competitor, but a good alternative (or complementary) - even though it has less outs, but then again it's cheaper.

Thanks in advance.

I'm in no hurry to fill the case and I'm mostly looking for inspiration and tips to help me navigate the modular jungle.
My approach is manily sound and synthesis exploration, with a lot of generative aspects. Though I don't mind using it for noisy techno stuff either.

Been considering getting a complex oscillator (perhaps to replace the Pittsburgh Primary Oscillator) but new and exciting modulation possibilities is just as high on the list.

The rack is actually in two parts (right/left separation) and the SQ-1 isn't rack mounted I just included it for fun, since its such an integral part of the rig.

So, any suggestions?

edit: for some reason the forum won't show my entire rack. Click the image to see the whole thing.

EDITED Nov 19th 2021, 14:25

As usual, smart contact and fine transaction with @Slim
Merci Quentin !

+1 to everything Jim said. That is the exact feedback I would offer as well.

I would do more research - a week is really on the very low side...

ignore the case and work out the modules and functionality that you really want

sequencing:
bia with pams - ok
plaits with steppy? are you intending to use plaits as a melodic voice? if so steppy is a trigger sequencer - so no melody - pams acan do something like a turing machine - but I'd want some way to deliberately sequence too

tiny case:
you would be much better starting with a much bigger case, work out your workflow and what module you need to achieve that, and then if you are desperate to only have a micro beauty case scale down - the tiptop mantis or doepfer lc9 are good starter cases

overly large modules:
the delay and attenuators strike me as very large especially for this size case - fx aid xl - much smaller, more versatile - would replace attenuverters with vcas (& maybe a 2hp inverter)

too small modules:
vcas - vcas are fundamentally important to most modular synthesists - they are useful for modulation as well as audio - you probably want more of these - veils is good

Hello Grid,

My first time posting here after spending the better part of the week trying to figure out what I'd need for a solid starter techno rack for standalone playing. I've been working with mostly digital gear in the past and now wanted to give modular a shot. Does this make sense to you, as in, would you enjoy playing a set using this and a midi keyboard only?

view rack

The basic idea is to sequence BIA through PNW and Plaits through Steppy. IV for effects and Lapsus for general noodling with values. I thought Polaris would be a good fit for a general purpose filter.

I'm not exactly sure if the number of VCA's is sufficient. There's the 2hp VCA to help with that, but also I just threw it in because it fit. USB power is there for a midi keyboard and, again, because there was leftover room. I've inverted the rack for easier plumbing. I would appreciate any thoughts on this and critique is especially welcome since it's my first eurorack with a price tag north of 2500€ in the EU.

EDITED Nov 19th 2021, 09:14

FYI consider also ES-3/6 for doing ADAT in/out to any interface that takes it. That basically lets you extend a "normal" interface into the modular domain, rather than having to try to find one box that does everything you want. Also the price on ES3/6 is pretty decent too.

Howdy! I got a bunch of new toys to play with (after saying goodbye to a bunch of old ones) and just recorded this long, mellow ambient piece that features the Mother 32, Hologram Microcosm and Strymon Skylab with the Waldorf Iridium for additional
texture and swirly deepness.

=76cfd17d29eb44df9f2cb8aceac9fc9a

I am improvising through the entire recording with constantly changing chord combos on both the Keystep arpeggiator and on the Iridium (using the built-in pads). Also doing manual wiggling of the Maths modulation amount on the M32 LFO Rate and making loads of periodic changes to the arpeggiator speed and divisions as well as the M32 octave range. Also also occasionally lowering the Microcosm mix to zero and dropping the Iridium to let just the M32 and Starlab dance together. I’ve had this patched up for a week and really enjoyed messing around with it. Cheers!

Keystep > M32
Mother 32 > WMD PM > Aux - Microcosm > Starlab
Maths > M32 LFO Rate - Cutoff and PWM
Sloths to M32 Resonance
Batumi to WMD PM Pan
Batumi to Starlab Shimmer
Batumi to Starlab Glimmer
Sloths to Starlab High Damp
Starlab onboard LFO to Delay

Edit: Now with more space!

EDITED Nov 23rd 2021, 21:58