To begin with, you will need some modulation sources. BIA needs a lot of modulation to shine. You could replace Steppy (it only generates triggers) with a NE Mimetic digitalis type sequencer (triggers and CV), which fits very well with BIA
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/noise-engineering-mimetic-digitalis-black
Pam's also gives you many trigger/modulation options.
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/alm-busy-circuits-alm017-pamela-s-new-workout.
With the limited space you have, and given that the two voices are "complete" in themselves, perhaps you would not need a filter, but I would add some effects module (delay / reverb) and the leftover space some VCA, mixer for CV ....but I would definitely start with a bigger case.

-- ferranadsr

I agree with all of this. You will want and need a bigger case before you know it. To get the most out of any module, you will find the need for supporting modules. Supporting modules take up space. Imagine all of the functions in a fixed architecture synth or groovebox and then realize that you will need a lot of those functions, sometimes multiple copies of each function. Bigger case than you think you need is pretty much rule #1 in modular land.
Tweaking by hand is fun, but you only have two hands. BIA will require about six hands to get interesting grooves happening. I used the Voltage Block to get cool stuff happening when I had BIA. That's 8 lanes of sequenced modulation in 20hp, not to mention a gate source...
How will you be mixing? Do you want to automate volume and panning? Mixers, VCAs, and more modulation sources can help with this.
Unfortunately, minimal systems usually offer minimal results. The modular world will quickly eat up a lot of space and your bank account, so make sure you understand each part of what you're getting into. What is it that a tiny incomplete eurorack is offering that a groovebox with sequencer or fixed architecture synth doesn't offer?
Have fun and good luck!

*Edit - Just saw that Jim posted at the same time I did. I agree with all of Jim's thoughts regarding small racks.

EDITED Sep 15th 2023, 10:22

Aren't there a few different filter types on the BassStation 2? You might find a small collection of inexpensive Doepfer filters would get you in the same ballpark. The A102, A103, and A124 might be good candidates. I've enjoyed every Doepfer filter I've used.
Let us know what you decide. Have fun and good luck!

Just saw that the Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas Alter is being discontinued. I thought, ok, maybe
an upgrade coming, but who knows, maybe the market is flooded and they are cutting their losses.
-- halbroome

No, I think the processor/CPU thingie that series is built on is being discontinued so they won't be able to make them anymore. I'm sure they have cool new stuff in the pipeline

The pandemic created an artificial boom in music instrument retail, not just eurorack. Was just reading something a few days ago about Fender having something like $100,000,000 in orders cancelled in 2022. People are using their meager expendable income on other leisure activities now.
Definitely a buyer's market for modules now. I still see people listing on Reverb for insane prices though.

Yeah, man! Gnarly Times A is the winner here! I don't know if you had Ukraine in mind when working on this, but it was very evocative of a wartorn landscape to me. Kind of an early industrial vibe too, which I love. Also, shout out to your Ohio friend. I'm always happy to hear from an Ohioan. :)
I don't know if you have tried out the Doepfer spring reverb (or the Intellijel). I bet you would get a lot of use out of the feedback path in one of those. I kept thinking I was hearing just a little bit of spring in your tracks. Good work! Thanks for sharing (and for the support on my recent track).

Might be worth looking at the 4ms Dual Looping Delay. It's a classic for a reason.
Have fun and good luck.

At the top of your screen, turn on Keyboard Shortcuts. Then hover over the module you would like to flip. Then press "F". Not as convenient as it used to be but it works.

Haven't shared anything in a long time, but I've been working on a new project. It's kind of heading in a minimal, glitchy, clicks and cuts kind of direction (think Oval or Vladislav Delay). I always hate the multi-track stuff I record, and find myself really enjoying my lo-fi one-take excursions, so that's what this is. No fancy panning or stereo tricks going on here, but a lot of my recent recordings have been leaning that way. I'll be sure to share the full project once I complete it. Not everyone's cup of tea as usual. No worries if it's not your thing.
https://ciernyvlk.bandcamp.com/track/m-r-mis-an-thrope

Made with this rack:

I'll let you all figure out which modules were used. :)
Thanks for your time.

Push entire row of Modules

In the planner there are two new buttons that appear on hover to push one or more modules to the adjacent side.
This can also be used with shortcuts n and m.
The older shortcuts , and . to push only single modules still exist.
The button to flip modules is removed because I think that was not used enough and took too much space. The function is still there with shortcut f for flip.
-- modulargrid

dudes, the rotate/flip fuction was essential.

the way it worked before was way better.

please put it back / make Rotate available.
-- RunnyKine

I agree. Would prefer flip.
Also, it is more difficult to move 2-4hp modules around now. There is a very tiny space that you must grab.
Thanks for everything you do!

Thanks for the recommendations. All good choices. After doing a little more research and seeing your suggestions, I think I'm going to go with the Intellijel Quad VCA. I didn't realize it has cascading CV and Veils does not (at least according to a thread I was reading this morning). Seems to tick all the boxes, and as a bonus it's very inexpensive.
@troux, you are probably right. I now remember recommending the Intellijel a few times based on features/price/size. I had kind of forgotten what a bargain it is.
Thanks again!

I'm still at the "I wonder what happens if I plug that in there?" stage...

-- ModLifeCrisis

That's a great place to be! :)
Have fun and mult away! I bought a bunch of those little star shaped external mults for just this reason. I can't remember who makes them but you can find them for around $6 in the U.S.

Doesn't the center row of the Make Noise case function as a mult (or even multiple mults)? If so, I would probably eliminate any further mults from a case this size. Just my two cents.

Well, I've found myself in need of more VCAs (insert "you can never have too many..." joke here). I was thinking about investing in something that is a little more pricy than the usual suspects, specifically the L-1 Discrete Blacksea Quad VCA/Mixer (https://www.modulargrid.net/e/l-1-discrete-blacksea-quad-vca-mixer), but aside from a few extra features like the lin/exp switches, is it diminishing returns to spend twice as much as something like the perfectly servicable Happy Nerding 3xVCA, Intellijel, Veils, etc.?
I love the Happy Nerding stuff I already have, so I'm sure the 3xVCA would be decent. Is it just an indulgence to invest in the L-1 or something "high end" in that vein? I'm not an audiophile, in fact I usually focus on lo-fi styles, but I'm already pretty covered on that front. I need something on the cleaner side.
Just fishing for opinions, really. What do you all think? Anyone have experience with L-1, or another VCA module that you swear by?
Thanks in advance!

I think that was recently added. You may be able to edit some of them and add the tag if you are bored.

One thought to keep your GAS in check is the fact that if you buy a less expensive module as a means to approximate what you really want, it will cost you more in the long run. I go through this occasionally. I buy something fairly inexpensive because it gets me somewhat close to the sound I'm looking for, and six months later I am selling it at a loss because of the sound or ergonomics/user interface, etc. Save up money to buy what you really want. And go slow so that you actually know what you really want and need to realize your goals.
For what it's worth, I have the AJH MiniMod Ladder Filter and a bunch of other AJH modules. If you want the Moog sound and experience, I can't think of anything outside of Moog themselves that would even get close to AJH in the eurorack format. They're truly stunning and a joy to play. I will keep my AJH stuff until I'm deep in the cold, cold ground.
Have fun and good luck!

The way you have arranged your modules seems well designed, in my opinion...
-- Sweelinck

I agree. Personally, I would probably put the DPO in the top left to avoid bumping the frequency knobs, but if that's not a problem for you, don't bother.

Sounds great! Thanks for sharing.

If the thread title is accurate, I would recommend that you do not go into debt for this setup.
Jim's advice mirrors my own. You will be incredibly unhappy with all of those tiny modules side by side, for many reasons.
I would recommend that you revisit a LOT of the beginner posts in this forum, read a LOT of manuals, and watch a LOT of tutorials before investing any money in this.
Have fun and good luck!

I used the tape delay in disting for ages - and still do, even though I've also got a magneto now - & 2 fx aids ... it's very good for what it is...

-- JimHowell1970

For sure. The tape delay, tuner, and quantizer were about the only algorithms I was using before I sold Disting. Sounds really good.

still would like a dedicated delay so will probably chuck that in.
-- Delicatessen

Remember that you can flash the Ruina Versio to several different delay modules, plus you have Mimeophon and the FX Aid and Disting, which both have several great delays. I still think you might be trying to double (or triple) up on too many functions for the space you have available to start. Again, it's your synth. I just know what did and didn't work for me. I made a lot of the noob mistakes.
Hope you have fun building your synth!

Alright, here's what I would do based upon your initial guidance of a techno focused drum machine with a mono voice, and my own experience. Above all, you will need to just decide on a couple modules at first and figure out what you are really missing, then go from there. I'm just a dude on the internet, so it's ultimately your decision. These are just some ideas to think about.
First, Three Sisters is not exactly unobtanium, but in my opinion it is overpriced due to scarcity. In its place, I would recommnd the FSS Timbral Sculptor as a multimode filter that includes a wavefolder. It's awesome. Check out DivKid's demo video.
Second, I am not a fan of Maths or Disting. Sold both and never looked back, but they are good for learning purposes. I've never subscribed to Jim's "modular synthesis vs. synthesis with modules" argument regarding Maths. The Moog System 55 and Roland System 700 didn't have Maths... Was that not modular synthesis? Anyway, Quadrax with the QX expander should serve your function generator and logic needs. Add Pam's Pro Workout for all sorts of clocked, random, and quantized waves, and that's a pretty powerful combo. Pam's is the brain that locks everything together. You can get weird swing and off-time gates with the Quadrax/QX combo, but most techno is going to require a pretty tight groove.
I mentioned Vortices in my previous comment. This will give you mono and stereo channels, CV control over mixing (something you were missing in your previous iterations), and clickless muting of channels if you track down the V-Mutes expander. You will want channel muting if you are making techno.
Plaits is so versatile. For a small rack, I think you will find it incredibly valuable. It can serve as a mono synth voice, chord generator, percussion, noise, jack of all trades. Add that to BIA and a good kick drum, and you are in business.
I would ditch the Orion phaser. I think there are better uses of that space, and both Disting and the FX Aid XL have phaser algorithms if you think you'll be doing a lot of phasing (the FSS Timbral Sculptor also does a convincing phaser, btw).
Some of the stuff you chose might be a good purchase once your rack expands beyond 208hp (and, oh yes, it will expand beyond 208hp), like the Compare 2 and compressors. As it is now, you want to get the most out of your rack without sacrificing playability. All of those little 2hp and 4hp modules that you are trying to squeeze in will be a source of frustration. You won't be able to get your hands in between the mess of cables.
Finally, you still have 14hp to play with and I saved you $1100.

Have fun and good luck!

Just listened to some old Nu Groove stuff. A lot of it sounds like 909 or processed 808/909 samples to me, but "Your Love (Club)" by Aphrodisiac reminds me of the Kawai R100, a late 80s drum machine, which was used by a lot of the Wax Trax bands (Ministry, etc.).
Good luck!

A couple things: I second Jim's recommendation against the Instruo matrix mixer. Would recommend something like the Doepfer one at first, though it is much larger.
Also, you have way too many compressors here. MSCL, Messor, and Ghost? I imagine you want sidechain functionality which can be done in a modular fashion with an envelope follower/inverted envelope and VCA. If you want "character" compression, maybe find a single one that appeals to you most. For "character," I've really been enjoying the SSF Vortices mixer. It's subtle but awesome, but you can do feedback patching to get even more grit and character. I handle more transparent compression outside the rack.
Good luck and have fun!

I've read a lot of good things about the Expert Sleepers ES9. Never used it myself, but have definitely considered getting one.

If you can track down a Voltage Block, that will be a good addition to your modulation sources. You probably want to look for a matrix mixer, or at the very least a Happy Nerding 3xMIA, to combine/attenuate/polarize modulation sources.
Have fun and good luck!

From the sound examples you shared, I would recommend Plaits (or one of its clones) with the newest firmware for your second voice. I mostly use analog voices, but have come around to the versatility and charms of Plaits recently. The new FM mode and many of the older modes just sound great. Quadrax is cool, but suffers from some of the same problems as a lot of Mutable Instruments' stuff in that there are button combinations and mode switching and color combos that were hard for me to remember. If that doesn't bother you, Quadrax with the expander is powerful. I like WYSIWYG but that usually means more space/more modules/bigger rack.
The biggest question you should ask yourself as you are building a small rack is how much of a trade-off between knob-per-function and mode-switching/button combos are you willing to endure. If that seems like a headache, definitely plan for a bigger rack.
Have fun and good luck!

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

Just copy and paste the URL.

Hmmm... I would disagree that modular artists are only making techno or ambient, though modular is great for those styles. I know the Melvins, for instance, just completed a modular album of Throbbing Gristle covers. Like any synth music, modular is only limited by your imagination and/or choice of modules. What kind of music are you making?
I'm kind of at the point where I don't need to shop for much gear to explore the kinds of sounds I like, so I'm not sure what's going on in the "synthfluencer" and retail world. Everything is cyclical, so I'm sure there will be ups and downs.
I've found that running everything through my rack is fun... guitars, bass, drum machines, vocals, keys, you name it. If you don't have a preamp of some sort (or multiple preamps!), get one.
This post sounds more like you are bored with the instrument you've built. The Fender Stratocaster has basically been the same for 70 years, and it's still inspiring people. Dive back into your rack and try something new.
Have fun and good luck!

AKG K371. I love them. I had seen some good reviews and found a fair deal on them. I needed something to replace a well worn pair of Sennheiser HD280 that I was accustomed to for years. The AKGs are so much more accurate. I'll probably stick with them going forward.

Don’t worry, I won’t buy it. I save my bucks for Marilyn’s NEW Rehearsal.
-- Sweelinck

Lol!

I've only purchased through Modular Grid, never sold, but I have sold quite a few items elsewhere. My advice would be to list things at a fair price, accurately describe EVERYTHING, use PayPal goods and services for everyone's protection, and ship quickly with sturdy packaging. I know a lot of folks like PayPal friends and family, but I'm not sure I would be comfortable using that with someone who has minimal feedback.
Have fun and good luck.

EDITED Mar 12th 2023, 18:02

How well does Octatrack handle modular level signal? You may find that you need a few modules to step down to line level or instrument level. I don't have an Octatrack so I have no idea if the modular signal is too hot or clips.

Progspiration is offering excellent guidance. You will need more space to get the most out of this. You can read back through years of beginner posts here, and so many of those new to modular have a similar tiny case idea, and the guidance is and will always be the same. Yes, a tiny case will make sound, but it won't be interesting for very long. Get a bigger rack to start with. You will want and need to expand quickly if you don't want to get frustrated with the limitations of this proposed palette case. The goal is for this instrument to provide years of fun and inspiration, so give yourself room to grow into a versatile rack that won't be stale in a few months.
Maybe it only makes sense after you get your hands on a few modules. My own initial plan was actually to have a decent sized 9u 104hp beginner rack, and that quickly doubled within a year's time. Once you understand the value and necessity of attenuverters, envelopes, LFOs, VCAs, switches, S&H, logic, and all of the other stuff that makes a synthesizer work, I think the general beginner guidance starts to make more sense.
Have fun and good luck!

I kinda feel like I would swap the Turing Machine or Pachinko for Pamela's New/Pro Workout and VCAs, but only you know how you will use it.
How do you like that Hermippe VCF? That one seems pretty cool.

I would recommend you look at the patch examples in the Pressure Points manual. This is a very basic building block synth patch that they call "Tactile Keyboard," I believe.
Have fun and good luck.

Yes, if you run the E352 output to a VCA. Trigger an envelope with your Pressure Points and have the envelope open your VCA.

I see that you have cross-posted this on multiple forums. Looks like you are getting reasonable guidance on MW.
Good luck and have fun.

Yes, I usually have the Doepfer spring reverb feedback output patched to a VCA or low pass gate and then into a delay and/or filter. Controlled feedback is so fun.
Let us know how it goes once you start adding some modules.

If you want to process external sounds, I would recommend an input module that includes an envelope follower (so that the incoming sound also produces a control voltage that triggers other things in the system). Doepfer makes an inexpensive one, but I didn't care for that one, so I use a Future Sound Systems TG5 which is killer. I do love the Doepfer spring reverb though. In fact, I recently weighed the pros and cons of the Erica, Intellijel, and Doepfer spring reverbs, and decided that the Doepfer was the best option for me. Finally, you may want to check out the Soma Lyra FX module for deep, dark delays. Seems like it might be valuable for the sounds you are trying to make.
Have fun and good luck.

Hi there!!

I was looking for a new module and unfortunately the manufacturer brand is missing:
OXI from spain
and the new module is CORAL, 14HP polyphonic multi-engine synth voice for Eurorack
https://www.synthanatomy.com/2023/02/oxi-instruments-coral-14hp-polyphonic-multi-engine-synth-voice-for-eurorack.html

-- Tourette

Feel free to enter it in if the manufacturer has not already.

Should I maybe swap the maths out for marbles or something similar??
-- Jerkson

These are two VERY different modules. What exactly do you need and want the module in this space to do? Why Maths? Why Marbles?

Ha! I was just thinking about this. As I get to know my rack better, I actually do find myself half-wishing for a more uniform black panel look. When I was first getting started, I didn't really care and almost preferred an eclectic assortment. I'm getting a little more conservative the longer I do this though. Haha. It's funny that it matters to any of us, but it does for whatever inexplicable reason.

Polyphony is possible but incredibly expensive and severely limited in modular. Saving presets is not a benefit of modular.
It sounds like what you want or need is a fixed architecture synth like the DSI Prophet Rev2 or something similar.
Have fun and good luck.

Natural sort of Rack names

In Rack view under Switch and in the command center the names are now sorted "naturally" instead by string.

was:
1. Rack 1
11. Rack 11
2. Rack 2

now:
1. Rack 1
2. Rack 2
11. Rack 11

-- modulargrid

Yes, there was a message in the Change Log a few weeks ago.

My goal:
I want this rack to be focused only one thing, and thats glitchy percusive/drum sounds. I'm not interested in creating a basic 'kick snare hat' sort of drum machine since I already have a Digitakt and RD9 for more conventional drum sounds. What I really want is to be able to explore sound design but in a rythmic way, both in terms of sequencing and sound modulation.

• One of the most important effects I wan to have is a beatrepeat which would allow me to modulate the lenght of the repeats triggered randomly at clocked intervals. Would Databender be able to do that? Are there any better alternatives?
  • I have not included any VCAs, envelopes or utility modules, this is becuase the three voices I have in the rack already have built in VCAs and envelopes,

-- Adrian97

I would recommend looking at Qu-Bit's Prism along with the Data Bender. I have both, and get more controllable/predictable beat repeat style effects from Prism. I love Data Bender, but it kind of does what it wants, and it's much more glitchy. It takes a little work to make it "musical," and if you aren't planning to add more utilities/envelopes/etc. (which you absolutely should if you want to get the most out of modular), you may find yourself a little frustrated with it. I've found that Prism is pretty awesome for a Warp Records kind of vibe.
Have fun and good luck!

Nice. Really enjoyed that. Nord Drum and VW sound great.

Agree with Jim. Well rounded and playable isn't going to happen in 62hp.
If I may ask, what is it that is drawing you to modular that you aren't getting in other formats? To get a well rounded eurorack, you will likely need to spend a considerable amount of money over a long period of time. You mention that you just want to try stuff out, which can be a lot of fun, but may be very frustrating creatively (and financially) if you you don't have much of a plan for your initial investment. If you must stick with 62hp to begin, I would recommend concentrating on a single one of your initial goals, either random abrupt percussive stuff OR nice melodic harmonious stuff.
Good luck and have fun.

Yeah, I would recommend DFAM with Basimilus Iteritas Alter (with plenty of modulation and effects) if you want to get in a similar vein. Soma inhabits a different kind of universe, so you won't get the exact same experience, of course. Both DFAM and BIA are readily available and reasonably priced.

I second everything @wishbonebrewery said. All great advice.
I unpatch almost everything every time I sit down to play. I have just a few "normalled" connections, but mostly start from scratch. I've tried to eliminate modules that don't encourage experimentation, or get in the way of creativity. Along the way, I've also gotten stuck in ruts but after watching some demo videos or trying to recreate a sound someone else has recorded (especially Autechre, holy cow.) I've had a few epiphanies about new ways to utilize what I do have. If you have a very small setup, you will be limited, so maybe have a few modules on standby to switch in and out for inspiration.
Above all, try to make it fun. If you are stuck, just experiment and make some crazy noise for a while. You might surprise yourself with a cool new tone.