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Hello, the journey continues :) I've read through your answers twice more and then got back to work on my rack.
I have chosen the Clank 104hp travel case. The small modules somehow confused me more than they would have organized things for me. However, I am still considering building individual cases. With the current version, I would start with the bottom row and the one above "is fixed", but I would then add to it bit by bit. I have already been able to test the Atlantix + Metro + Sea and I was in the store for three hours. I even forgot to drink. I think this combination plus Pams will be a good thing for my personal start. I'm currently reading and looking more at ALM and I also tested the Cizzle in the store. Like the sound.

You might try something like this: https://modulargrid.net/e/xaoc-devices-bytom

With that said, I wanted to ask: What are your favorite opinionated modules? What modules change the way you approach your system?
-- renken

At the moment definitely Just Friends, by Mannequins/Whimsical Raps. Phonogene has a lot of personality as well.

You should connect the Behringer Wasp to the ocean, by throwing it into it, dramatically and at sunset, while promising to yourself to support non-shitty companies/products.

Thanks so much.

Mavis is already blowing my mind,
and I'm only a few days into this journey.
so I'm feeling good.

I've taken about 15 pages of written notes from watching youtube videos about Mavis
I'm now working through the notes, every page is taking me to a lot sonic places

My original idea was to take steps module by module towards a basic Doepfer setup....
But i watched a bunch of videos about Mavis, and it felt like the best starting point for learning.

In fact, probqbly the next thing will be moog DFAM, which wasn't originally how I expected things would go.

The Doepfer basic VCO may be a bit of a 'stranded asset' for a while.
But maybe not. We'll see.
My plan was to get two Doepfer VCOs, and seriously learn the principles of osc sync, hands on, from first principles.
That could still happen along the way.

-- Tierno

Congrats, this shit is really fun to get into, and the DFAM is a really cool piece of gear.

Be warned it gets addictive fast, though! And if you're anything like a lot of people who get into modular, your plans and ideas will change and accelerate rapidly. I started with a DFAM, then added a Subharmonicon and Werkstadt, then decided I wanted to get into eurorack proper so cashed those in and, fast forward a few years, and I'm at 4x 126 HP with some modules on the side. Not as crazy as some people's systems, but considering I had 2x 84HP in mind at max, it's been a bit of a journey.

If I could go back and talk to myself as I was starting in, I'd have convinced myself to get a pretty robust, HQ PSU and a lot of cheap rack space right out the gate, so I wouldn't have to worry about reconfiguring my whole case/system every time I decided a few more modules were in order. The basic skeleton of my system (mounting rails and sides, PSU, busboards) can be replicated for around or under $400 I believe all in. That's what I originally paid for a dinky little 2x 84HP custom case that I thought was going to serve me long term with no extras. Waste of money.

A Mordax DATA though can be a good early investment. I thought it might be superfluous, more for influencers than end-users, but it can really help you visually learn what's going on in your system. You get to see the LFOs, the ADSRs, and unipolarity and bipolarity of signals, and see how they can be intermixxed into interest behaviors. You can also see first hand what effects like wavefolding, distortion, filtering, etc. actually do to the soundwaves. I'm jusssst now at the point where I could probably let mine go, at least setting it aside from the main system, but for quite some time it was just a valued staple of the system.

Anyhow, any questions we're here to help.

EDITED Aug 18th, 19:35

Is this your first rack? It's super hard to comment on such a minimal rack without knowing your experience and what you aim to accomplish. That being said maybe you want some kind of output module, an attenuator/attenuverter, modulation sources (LFOs/smooth random/chaos), a VCA or two, a mixer and maybe a clock. Envelopes, filters and wavefolders are also fun. I have no experience with the Stochastic Inspiration Generator so I'm not sure what it does exactly so I kind of ignored it.

If you're just starting out maybe consider getting basic building blocks instead like a sequencer, VCO, VCF, VCA and a filter and learn from there or in VCV and then when you feel comfortable expand with the "cool" modules from Mutable and Make Noise. Just a thought.

-i'll rearrange the rack in its current state and upload it again (I don't know how to edit or delete the thread)!

EDITED Aug 18th, 18:38

Recorded a segment from 90s spiderman > looped it until it sounded rhythmic > and then patched it through the Ryk Night rider. A lot of my production makes use of the night rider's four filters as four oscillators.

I have found with 2hp modules -- like the Plucks -- that they are so thin and delicate (the backing comes off easily), that it is better to separate them with a four hp or bigger module. Also (depending on the separating modules) it makes it easier to tweak them, as the identical cables side to side make that difficult.

Otherwise, looks like you are in for some fun!

Thank you all for your responses. I had slipped in a VCO as I made a patch I loved on Softube Modular and got greedy.

I realise - I want to be able to access and modulate what I have with ease rather than having loads of variables hidden in sub menus. Ivew got a Midiverb outboard for some generic backup hardware FX. So I ditched the Disting for starters.

After your comment and YouTubing I have revised to:
- Maths (Abacus - yes I know but I can afford it)
- 2 Plucks (TBC - but point noted above. This goes into the second round of buying)
- NanoRings - this all started as I wanted rings but no need for the full form factor. I like the CalSynth One
- Typhoon (Expanded Clouds Clone) - I realise I dont want to have to menu dive with Clouds so yes its lots of HP but as per comment above I either have it and enjoy it and have easy access or dont bother. I HATE MENU diving and sub functions.
- Ikarie - just seems brilliant
- Intelligel Sealegs - after much searching I just realised my favourite effect is always delay - plus the Reverb sounds good. Its alot of money and HP but I think its what I want and in many ways is the most creative effect when writing sequences.

I then have 8-12 HP depending on plucks. I will buy these first and see where I get but I feel I will need operators / mult / tools etc and just want to assess what first.

HAPAX has 4 CV and Gates Out plus the NiftyCase has 2 CVs + Gates so I can send LFOs / Automation and sequences from here.

I then think I will mix on my desk with seperate channels rather than summing in the rack.

Comments?

I really appreciate your guidance.

EDITED Aug 16th, 18:12

Patch notes in the Youtube link

-

EDITED Sep 13th, 02:55

i love this module. For me, LFOs were aleays just a way to give auto- variation to an otherwise static patch, just necessary sacrrifices of hp, amps & cables. But Mr Wavey is FUN!!! There are so many ways to get instant unexpected variety. The last time I had this much fun tweaking knobs was when i got to play a VCS3. Mr Wavey gives that energy.

This was a great case based around a harmonaig as well as an arbhar, all the while minding the underpowered thre MN case (mk1) Just finished and unfortunstely ill have to use headphones due to wife's work schedule...

===14August2024===
{ pamela's pro } clock BPM 120
ㅇ out 1 /4
shape: 비규칙 사각파
level: 70%
phase: 25%
probability: 80%

ㅇ out 2 x1
shape: 사각파
width: 50%
level: 70%
probability: 100%
loop beats: 8
loop wake: 1
flex op: swing 45%

===15August2024===
{ pamela's pro } clock BPM 120
ㅇ out 1 x1
shape: 사각파
width: 50%
level: 100%
probability: 100%

ㅇ out 2 x4
shape: 비규칙사각파
level: 100%
probability: 100%

===16August2024===
{ pamela's pro } clock BPM 120
ㅇ out 1 /8, /16, ...

EDITED Aug 15th, 23:43

RE the Pams suggestion..
All cool ideas. I have played about with quite a few of them already.
What I meant was, I can't work out how to achieve my specific idea with Pams.
I thought you where suggesting it could be done.

As you own Pams already, I think its worth to try it with Pams.
I had great results with it.
Dont overlook its great powers.
You can do it all with it.

different trippy clock divisions and patterns work well on the BIA inputs.
Try to play with Phase, With and Level on Pams with different settings each on the channels, if needed with a additional attenuverter, polarizer.
like set the Phase 25 % off on (attack of the BIA) for noise/hats
looped random on (algorithms of BIA)
a different looped random on (octaves of BIA)
on fold
on harmonics
and so on....

When you find something that works, you can save the settings of the channels as presets and recall them later, to play the same patterns, when you need it.

(may combine it with euclidean patterns)
Also the turing maschine functionality is very useful.

A big thing are the logic functions.
You can set different operations to Mix Channels, like combine channel 1 and 2 and get the Min, Max and so on

I enjoy it very much to do that stuff.

EDITED Aug 15th, 20:46

I have Pam's Pro Workout but I couldn't work out how to do what I'm suggesting with it.
The Oxi One sequencer is amazing and would totally do it but its way out the budget.
Malekko Voltage Block looks like it will do the job exactly.

Great suggestion !
Thanks all.

EDITED Aug 15th, 14:59

There are many approaches depending on the modules you have.

I do it with traffic from olive tress at the moment.
(Traffic, let you defince cv states, so you can get 3 sounds like a kick, a snare and a hat, to be triggered seperately out of the BIA.)

Back in the days, I used Mimetic Digitalis with Lapsus Os. It gives in sum 8 outputs. (4 sequences, each 2 times)

Voltage block will work well.

You can do it very well with Pamelas Pro Workout. (8 outs)
With cross channel logic, you get amazing results

EDITED Aug 15th, 12:59

checkout out the "voltage block" CV sequencer module, could be a good solution.

if you’re into the idea of a stand alone sequencer this wizard made this whole track with only 1 BIA and the Oxi One sequencer:

Thanks for the suggestion.
That is exactly what I'm talking about but with more than three channels.

EDITED Aug 15th, 11:52

===14August2024===
{ pamela's pro } clock BPM 120
ㅇ out 1 /4
shape: 비규칙 사각파
level: 70%
phase: 25%
probability: 80%

ㅇ out 2 x1
shape: 사각파
width: 50%
level: 70%
probability: 100%
loop beats: 8
loop wake: 1
flex op: swing 45%

===15August2024===
{ pamela's pro } clock BPM 120
ㅇ out 1 x1
shape: 사각파
width: 50%
level: 100%
probability: 100%

ㅇ out 2 x4
shape: 비규칙사각파
level: 100%
probability: 100%

EDITED Aug 15th, 12:03

Traffic from Jasmine & Olive Trees does up to 3.
I think it's sort of what you're looking for

Hi all, I need some help please.
I want to sequence my BIA by feeding it sets of upto 8 preset cv's per trigger.
So basically set one would create a kick, set two a snare set 3 hats etc etc.
So I then need to be able to choose which preset cv's are output
on the beats of the bar. EG step 1 = Kick preset cv's, step 2 Hat cv's, step 3 Hat cv's, step 4 snare cv's.
So what I think I need is a sequencer that has eight lanes and is CV addressable. But I could be wrong.
I have tried finding such a module with no luck.
Any advice would be great as I'm still fairly new to all this.

EDITED Aug 15th, 09:29

Hi

Apologies if this is posted somewhere else but is there a space here to sell cases? Over the last few years I've swapped quite a few out so have some spare which could free up some funds for more modules (Yippee!) . Thanks in advance

===14August2024===
{ pamela's pro } clock BPM 120
ㅇ out 1 /4
shape: 비규칙 사각파
level: 70%
phase: 25%
probability: 80%

ㅇ out 2 x1
shape: 사각파
width: 50%
level: 70%
probability: 100%
loop beats: 8
loop wake: 1
flex op: swing 45%

===15August2024===
{ pamela's pro } clock BPM 120
ㅇ out 1 x1
shape: 사각파
width: 50%
level: 100%
probability: 100%

ㅇ out 2 x4
shape: 비규칙사각파
level: 100%
probability: 100%

EDITED Aug 15th, 12:03

I need to take a closer look at some of the modules you have selected. Read the instructions, watch YouTube videos to see if it works for me, but your explanation of the connections and where they make more sense in the case is very good. Thank you for making the effort.
If I were to split this into two 104hp, I would automatically have a little more space in the u1 row. What would then make sense with the output would be a mixer to bring the individual tracks together.
Thank you! nice help!

When dealing with huge racks that are very full its often a pain to perform tiny rearrangements
it would be great to workaround this by temporary injecting empty rows and remove them again
something like this

Row functions
├── Swap Rows
│   ├── Row 1
│   │   ├── with Row 2
│   │   └── with Row 3
│   ├── Row 2
│   │   ├── with Row 1
│   │   └── with Row 3
│   └── Row 3
│       ├── with Row 1
│       └── with Row 2
├── Move Row
│   ├── Row 1
│   │   ├── to position 2
│   │   └── to bottom
│   ├── Row 2
│   │   ├── to top
│   │   └── to bottom
│   └── Row 3
│       ├── to top
│       └── to position 2
├── Insert empty row
│   ├── 3U
│   │   ├── top
│   │   ├── between rows 1 & 2
│   │   ├── between rows 2 & 3
│   │   └── bottom
│   └── 1U
│       ├── top
│       ├── between rows 1 & 2
│       ├── between rows 2 & 3
│       └── bottom
└── Remove empty rows
    ├── all
    ├── empty row y
    └── empty row x

-- modular01

@modulargrid have you ever considered to implement this feature (at least the move row functionality)? It shouldnt be that time consuming!? i am still willing to help out.

...filter/sort "My Modules" to only show modules not currently used in the displayed rack...
-- proppy

...A filter on "My Modules" to show only modules not in the current rack would be very helpful when contemplating swaps...
-- gimbalgambit

...I wish I could filter/sort by whether a module is in the rack I am currently viewing...
-- adamj

@proppy @gimbalgambit @adamj & many more who requested this feature within the last years
As an ugly workaround you can open the javascript console of your browser and execute this snippet:

Hide modules that are already in the rack

$('.box-module').show(); $('.box-module.in-rack').hide();  

Hide modules that are not in the rack

$('.box-module').show(); $('.box-module:not(.in-rack)').hide();  

But be aware that this only applies to already displayed modules! So you may have to scroll down after clicking My modules

EDITED Aug 14th, 05:29

EDIT: Please scroll down to see the final synth

EDITED Sep 13th, 02:57

Thanks brachiopod! More coming soon...

Couple points on your setup above:

• ! Don't forget you have existing utilities already built into the rack (Mults, MIDI in)
• You probably don't need that 2hp Mult when you have 3 x 4 = 12 mults above.
• You can free up 3U space by getting the MIDI 1U and linking it to your case's MIDI IN instead of uMIDI.
• Also see the Steppy 1U instead of the 3U.
• With the room you save you can get a Triplatt and Mixup, and scrap the Quadratt in the 1U
• You could also remove the Amp and get the Quad VCA.
• If you want to perform, why not get a Planar and remove the 1U crossfader.

Also consider shifting a few modules:

• Metropolix and Atlantis both have outputs at the TOP. They should be at the bottom of the rack. Otherwise you will have to draw your patches downward over the controls, obscuring them. And that Gx will probably need a custom cable to extend to the other 3U bar—but hey, it fits! Do what must be done.

Here's my sketch:

Things to consider.

Hello, first of all, thank you very much for the super detailed answers. I take everything back and apologize for my hasty response.
It makes more sense the way you explain it now. I was thinking about two identical cases because then I can set up one flat and one at an angle. Nevertheless, with the dust cover they remain handy for traveling. There is also the 2x 104 Travel version from Intelligenz. Here's my other idea - that would be a future setup for me + plenty of space for more.
So far I've only used grooveboxes for my gigs. However, in the end it was more of a "playback" of previously produced things. I would rather practice something over and over again like I do with my guitar (I can memorize it well) and then perform it. Of course, you can also do that with semi-modular - it would probably be just as expensive.

metropolix standalone + cascadia + Model Cycles (as an example)

Since I come from a classical music background, an instrument for 4 - 5000 $ would not necessarily be unusual. But again, I would buy used modules if possible and I really like the Atlantix from the demos.
The idea of perhaps switching completely to modular at some point also seems very appealing. At the same time, it seems like opening Pandora's box, once opened there's no going back - of course that's just a perceived truth.

I don't think they meant that without utilities and modulation, you wouldn't be enough to make good sounds. The Atlantix can totally function on its own as a synth voice sequenced by the Metropolix and be patched and repatched to do crazy stuff. However, things like

• free-running LFOs and function generators with loopable envelopes that let your sounds get off the grid
• VCAs for controlling levels of not just audio, but also CV to make things extra dynamic
• envelope followers to have very specific experiments in modulation shape
• switches of various kinds to move and route signals in unique ways
• clock dividers to give more varied timing events in your setup

...are very simple circuits in the vein of classic modular, but they will make your one synth voice suddenly feel like a massive environment that is constantly evolving. There are obviously so many other random things I can't get into here because it would take too long, but these little things are where the fun it. Atlantix has the sample and hold, noise, rimg mod, and lots of cool stuff if you want to start here and get comfortable, but that's only the beginning.

I would recommend looking at these modules: Make Noise Maths, Make Noise Function, Divkid Ochd, Doepfer Octal Linear VCA. You don't have to buy them to get going (or at all), and this stuff you have in the picture here would be a good start while you ponder what else you might want, but at least look at these modules as stuff your module doesn't have that might complement it well.

You may want to consider getting the Metropolix Solo, where it has its own case with MIDI in and out. This will free up space in your rack to have other cool stuff without anything being too cramped.

Do you already own any of this?

Metropolix, Atlantix and Sealegs are very nice and powerfull modules.
I guess a great combo and I would love to have them. They are bit like the rolls royce of modules. High quality and features.
Its pricey, but awesome.

Yes Atlantix is a complete voice and this saves some modules. So this is a good idea. Because this gives a good ground and you may only add some small modules to get more out of it.

Utilities are very important and its always good to have the basic ground covered. But this can also grow with time.

It can be a interesting approach to start with these 3, to experience the limitations and to add was is missing later. I guess, modulating these 3 on itself could be fun.

Modular can be everything, it doesnt have to be complex, as long as you like it. And even with this 3 modules you can do very complex stuff.

In general, I would recomment to get a bigger rack at the beginning.
Its good to leave space to build around the Atlantix.
Because if you start with these 3 modules, you will see very quick, which functions are missing.

This will be probably small utilitie-modules like: a mult, attenuverters, a dedicated LFO, a mixer for cv, more random, logic modules, clock dividers
It always grows. So better leave enough room for it - or you have to buy another case again.
One 1U row is not enough space for that, in my opinion.

something like Pamelas Pro Workout could be useful.

Atlantix and Cascadia are different in character, so its a matter of taste, which you like.

Plonk is very cool. But be aware, its menu divey. I have Plonk and I love and hate it. I think 1 Plonk is enough, its very deep and complex and you can save and load drum kits on it, which can be sequenced. So you can get very much out of only one.

So what is installed in the Atlantix is not enough to get sound out of it? It reads differently on the Intellijel homepage.
I thought this more "complete" synth would save a few modules. Q: "[...]Dual VCOs, Multimode VCF, VCA with Drive, and an ADSR envelope" What would be useful then? LFOs? CV?

I could laugh too, but somehow I wouldn't have the time to react to your answer like that - because then I would laugh and do something better with your time than answer you. So if you have any useful thoughts, please let me know, otherwise save your time and do something nice with it.

Or can't modular just be modular? That sometimes seems to be a problem for some, that access becomes easier thanks to such modules and that somehow scratches some people's ego - does it have to be deadly complex to be modular?
Then perhaps the Cascadia would be better because it has lots of tools?

EDITED Aug 13th, 05:07

This makes me drool .... :D

what is missing is all the other stuff, utilities, modulation and so on, but maybe you only need a few to compliment your atlantix.

I have used hardware synthesizers before. I used Elektron DN and M:C until recently. I then had a Pulsar 23 on loan for a month. That changed everything for me, I miss the melodic part with this synth but the linking of dots and the tinkering and losing in such a direct way of working has kept me going ever since.
I'm now reading a book about synthesis, it's very dry but easy to understand, I just can't think of the title. Back to my project.

I would like to perform with the modular synth. In the beginning maybe in combination with the Model Cycles, later I would like to get another 104hp case and build the drum part in it. I've limited myself to intellijel because I'm on the autism spectrum and because I think it makes sense to use the design / workflow of a manufacturer. I always read how others like the variety of advantages of Eurorack. I love limitations and at the same time the idea of a well thought out concept. I have of course looked at many manufacturers. I also liked ALM - both the sound and the ideas. I'm thinking about building my drum part with it (I really like the FM synthesis of the MS and they seem to have a thing for it). Although I also really like Plonk from intellijel. I could imagine two or three in a row.

I have considered whether the Cascadia would also be an alternative but semi modular feels too indecisive for me at this point.

Oh well, I had a question about my rack. Does it make sense? What else could be added to u1? For performance I would still have to harmonize the M:C - even if it might be more exciting without MIDI. No matter

I look forward to any objections and suggestions. Thanks a lot

Tipasa

EDITED Aug 12th, 19:35

Sounding great!!
-- wishbonebrewery
Thanks for listening. Appreciated

Vespers

Sounding great!!

Patch note sin the youtube link.

Rings split 2 ways, STO doing some stuff, Mimeophon, Clouds and Zverb all on effects duty, Sloths modulating Ochd, Marble in control, ST Modular WAVE modulating some stuff.

no clock and reset in ? no way... TMHO, it is not a "mega pam" like one suggests, not even a "mini pam". King of these types are Juniper (Mnemonic Devices) and yes Pamela pro..

EDITED Aug 11th, 10:23

If it were me I would look for modulation souces of randomness and probability you can do something simple like using NLC Sloths to modulate Ochd or add small utilities like Noise Engineering's Clep Diaz for some clocked but random modulation, the 2HP RND is a good one and doesn't take any room up. I quite like the Befaco Burst because it has a probability control and a lot of control over its bursts though it is Clocked so expect a regular clock tick to come out of it which usually works for me but i sometimes wish it wasn't there when I want less structure. You can get little CV and gate generators like the ST Modular Isi Wren which is surprisingly useful for Rhythmic control of Filters etc.
You can't knock an un-clocked Mutable Instruments Marbles with its range of CVs and Gates.

I am new to modular but have been tinkering with synths and analog gear for years. I am mostly interested in genreative and ambient music while sculpting tones/textures, and blurring sounds into a new life.

In my first online dive into modular I was immediatiely drawn to Mutable Instruments and would like to continue to collect their modules, I think. Outside of what is in this rack... what is missing or could be added to compliment? I have mostly been using these as effects in the classical piano genre, to generate never ending soundscapes, and even some product audio design needs. Its easy to get lost online and on YouTube so I thought it might be helpful to turn here for a more direct stram of advice etc.

I feel like what I have so far is amazing and never ending already but I am still eager to add and explore.

Thank you for the help!

EDITED Aug 11th, 06:55

This summer has been busy... So much going on. I was able to sit down at the modular today and quite happy with what I came up with. Played around a bit with stereo effects so have a listen with some good stereo phones or speakers that can handle a little low end bass.

A utility module from Befaco, a precise voltage source and adder.
Allows you to have a complete voltage range (either -5/+5v or 0-10v) at your fingertips without having to set a power supply or use a keyboard.
Would be very handy for calibrating a module after a build. Also would be a great way to tune an oscillator or multiple oscillators quickly to exactly the same voltages.
I’ll be using this a lot.
[Build[()

easy way- buy an Erica Synths Techno system

Beautiful, my only complaint: it is to short :-)
-- Niemandsland

Thank you very much! I have more music on my YT channel and on Bandcamp https://yalivec.bandcamp.com/album/etudes
But yes, I don't like to make too long tracks now :)

Patch notes in the youtube description