Tesseract mixer with Tukra and Happy Nerding fx aid would be a fun combo for small rig and few utilities like VCA, envelopes, LFO and have killer setup.
-- sacguy71

works great for a big rig too... as expandable...

also the mono channels have built in vcas... so maybe not so many needed...

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


generally you'd want to get 3.5mm to bnc cables - but this oscilloscope doesn't seem to support them - possibly better searching for scopes that are recommended for eurorack users (try searching on modwiggler!)

I'd probably look around based on those (they'll probably be a little bit more expensive though - unless you can find a slightly older module used...

I just use a cheap multimeter for checking my DIY builds...

personally I'd go for a expert sleepers interface (which I have) and use one of the scopes in vcvrack if I needed it - never have though...

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


Thread: Thoughts?

I'd agree with Lugia on every single point and add - more utility modules...

think of them as plumbing... copying signals (stackcables or hubs are great for non-pitch signals, otherwise buffered mults)... logic, sequential switches, offsets, sub-mixing, matrix mixing (see my post on the matrix mixer thread for why) etc etc etc... possibly the most important modules you can add - and even better they are generally comparatively inexpensive...

and see my signature for a formula to follow, loosely, that gives you the most versatile modular for the least expense... scales well too - from tiny to massive modular synthesizers...

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


I like the tesseract tex-mix - inexpensive and expandable... I've got 2 stereo and 2 mono modules - with another mono module to build...

there's a tiny bit of bleed, but not a lot (shouldn't be an issue live)

be aware of the sends - if you don't want the channel in the sends then turn the sends down...

for the stereo channels the A & B sends work as L&R so they have stereo send/return - but you do need to be aware of this with the mono channels - ie set the levels the same etc etc

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


well a couple of points:

the a-138m can be used for both cv and audio

if you want to use one (or I think more) of the channels as DC offsets - then you need to set the jumper on the back... if you then use jumpered channels with inputs then the normalisation of the dc-offset is broken and the input is used...

what can you use matrix mixers for:

taking n signals and getting n different signals out - this is particularly useful for:

  1. mixing and routing audio signals to different outputs (ie effects/filters etc) - parallel processing/4 different mixed waveforms from a single vco etc etc

  2. combining and routing modulation inputs to produce more complex modulation outputs - possibly including dc-offsets

  3. adding send/return to mixers that don't have send/return - for example send stereo input (channels 1 & 2) to effects module and then return that to (channels 3 & 4) and then mix channels 1/3 & 2/4 to get a wet/dry mix on the channel 3 & 4 outputs)

  4. take n sequences and mix them together to make n different sequences - basically the same as point 2 - feed into quantizers to keep everything in tune - use the offset perhaps to change octaves or root notes - this will also work with gates

etc etc etc

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


please post the actual link to your public rack - copy and paste the url!!!

jpgs are next to useless!

get a much bigger case: that way you build in room to expand (you will need it)

if you want to just experiment with modular before buying then try vcvrack

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


Can you link to the MW thread @JimHowell1970 so others get redirected? I tried to find it but it seems to get lost in the stream of topics there.
-- zuggamasta

here you go:

https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=261524

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


Hi thanks @jim owell 70.

NP!!!

I got just sometimes some doubts.

-- 202kwam

then ask questions - no such thing as a stupid one - just stupid answers!

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


don't throw out your turing machine - build some more simple(r) modules - mults, attenuators etc and learn how to use a multimeter to troubleshoot - also might be worth posting high res photos of your boards on a DIY forum/subforum (modwiggler music tech DIY subforum or r/SynthDIY, for instance) someone might see what the problems are - you've probably screwed up some solder joints, or not soldered them, or have bridges somewhere, or put something in the wrong way round (all easy things to do, if you aren't experienced or not concentrating enough...

all the things you say you want are achievable - but possibly not in a 'small' case such as this (it's not that small, but it's not that big either), mainly as you will need support modules to enable you to achieve what you want - see my signature for a hint as how to build a versatile rack for the least cash

magneto is great (and by all accounts so is starlab) but they are very large and expensive - personally I think both the hp and money are better spent in a case this size - a couple of fx aid xls will give you more versatility for less cash and less space - spend saved money and hp on modulation/utilities

I would seriously consider going external for drums (if you can) ie a drum machine - they're significantly less expensive!!!

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


please check modwiggler - I just explained it there for you - if you have further questions - please ask there...

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


Thread: "Normalized"

so do the inputs break the chain or the outputs? that's a thing, my brain does not seem to grasp.

if only the inputs break the normalling-chain, then the outputs could be used as multiples.
if the outputs break the chain, then one could use veils as a mixer.

i'm probably too stupid for normalling? :)
-- lauschepper

it's the outputs - think of it like a mixer

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


attenuate the output of the sample and hold before sending to the oscillator
turn the frequency of the oscillator down (you may want to tune this)
you'll probably want a quantizer

trying to learn modular synthesis on your own, without reading or watching videos or having someone 'mentor' you will make it 1000 times harder... if not verging on the impossible

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


to add to what @RZRO said - I'd also consider more modulation, a matrix mixer to combine modulation sources (to create more interesting ones) and a trigger/gate combiner - to create more interesting drum patterns

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


post the url of your public rack and help us help you!!!

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


Might replace maths with the module you suggested.

download and work your way through the 'maths illustrated supplement' first...it's a great introduction to self patching - think about what's going on and use it as a jumping off point...

I guess I will sell the used modules on ebay or reverb. Thanks again!
-- TheTentacleMonster

I'd try the marketplace here, or when you have enough posts the buy/sell subforum on modwiggler (if you're the same The_Tentacle_Moster - then you need another 97 posts) or facebook groups first - ebay and reverb charge for the privilige and these don't...

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


Thread: My maybe

start with a bigger case with a better power supply - you'll need it soon enough

start with as few modules as you think you can and learn those inside and out before adding more (and then repeat and repeat and repeat)

the tiptop tg one was afaik limited edition and so probably very difficult to source

if you want some tg goodness see the gristleizer modules from future sound systems

turing machines are often used for pitch - but require quantization

modulation - you'll want more - ochd is a decent start but something that's more controllable - ie triggered from a clock might be a good idea (Pams perhaps as it includes the clock) - as well as envelopes to turn the gate from the sq1 into something more than on/off signals - maybe an adsr module or Maths or Zadar or something similar

I'd also add more utilities - a wide ranging subject - sequential switches, logic, mixers of various sorts, attenuators etc etc - these are what add variety to patching and make patches interesting

see my signature for a philosophy of how to get the most variety from your modular for the least money - utilities tend to be, relatively, inexpensive

hope this helps and have fun

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


I can't imagine what the cable spread would be with 8 cases...lol

-- jb61264

well the longest cables are 3m... bright pink ones from befaco - mostly the 4 biggest sit together on a dining table and the furthest away is video - and in between sit some video modules and some that I use for both video and audio - so mostly stretching cables between the furthest cases is not that big an issue

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


Even so, you really needs a lot of modulation sources to make life interesting. Modulation spices up patches and can help filter sound even better!
-- sacguy71

& don't forget the utilities ffs!!!!

utilities = more variation in patching = more interesting patches = less chance of boredom setting in... both in the audio path and for modulation!

get bigger case add modulation add utilities!!!!

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


If you're a guitarist with lots of pedals, maybe consider something like the Bastl Hendrikson (there are other brands/models) which lets you use a pedal within your modular setup. I have one and just bought the Empress Effects EchoSystem...lots of fun
-- jb61264

I think that's something like what the OP has been doing - and doesn't like - adding a pedal interface isn't going to make any difference - the Hendrikson seems to be a good module, but wasn't it discontinued a couple of years ago?

Personally I like both approaches - as no OCD when it comes to cables or to having everything spread out - 8 cases means cables all over the place - the more the merrier in my book!

now I really must do some hoovering and relocate my digital piano to the living room!

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


Thread: Arpeggiator?

please explain how you think the polyend poly 2 will route an arpeggio from the keystep to different instruments...

I don't think it will work how you envision it - perhaps something like shifty would work better?

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


fx aid does way more than a cathedral... there's 100ish algorithms to choose from - remember to save the pdf of what you've chosen and print it or keep it open on your computer/tablet/phone for easy reference... I updated mine and lost the pdf... so flying blind at the moment!

Modulation and utilities...

modulation:
Stages is great - grab one whilst you can (will be discontinued soon)
Batumi/nin & Zadar/poti are very good
Chaos is useful so something like the nonlinear circuits triple sloth
Random is also very useful - there are lots of random/noise sources out there

A great technique is to mix your modulations together - I like a matrix mixer for this... I;ve got a couple of smaller DIY ones, but if I was doing it again I'd go for a doepfer (or 2) and maybe a 4ms vcam... may do this in the future - either upgrade or add

utiltiies:
sequential switches - the cheap doepfer one is great

mixers of all sorts - matrix and various sorts of unity mixer, with or without voltage control, I tend towards dc-coupled ones as they can be used with modulation as well as audio, but something based on the moog cp3 might work well for you with the semis as it can add a bit of grit...

logic: you've already got a bit in maths, but the joranalogue compare 2 adds another interesting take - many more logic functions and works around windows (so you can set the comparable ranges of the signals, which is a useful feature)

rectification: always useful - I used to recommend the mutable instruments kinks module (as it had this and logic and smaple and hold) but it's been discontinued - there may be stock left, used ones available and there is a clone version - really handy

wmd/ssf toolbox is also really handy - lots of utilitiy functions in a small space (again I think discontinued, but available in stores still)

attenuators/attenuverters/offsets - these are so useful for reducing/inverting and shifting modulation signals around - happy nerding 3*mia would be my first choice these days - but happy nerding is based in the ukraine so no idea on availability

vcas - not just for audio - use them for modulation too

precision adders - want to transpose a sequence - use a precision adder - there are multi channel ones available

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


ok...

so you have 176hp - 5 for the rack wart, 20 for maths and 12 for the quad vca = 139hp spare... plenty of room... for anything...

high end big modules - take a look at the strymon magneto and starlab... magneto also includes a looper and a sampler...

mid priced small modules - happy nerding fx aid (I'd go xl for the extra modulation and slightly better ergonomics) or the newer alm fx module - or the endorphin.es milkyway or the erica pico dsp - most of these are built on the same dsp platform - I'd go for the fx aid myself as its more flexible being updatable - but may be difficult to source due to the war...

lower price modules - there's a few spring reverbs available - frequency central and doepfer come to mind - and a some bbd delays - again doepfer...

personally I think I'd try to stick with the pedals and spend the money on modulation and utilities for the rack... & maybe a different type of filter - wasp or sem (doepfer are decent, especially for the money) or go with (wait for) the fx aid xl...

have fun!

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


an aversion to cables is not going to be helped by replacing pedals with modules, is it really? - you're just shifting from one set of cables to another and probably more of them as in rack effects want modulating...

but saying that:

what pedals do you wish to replace and how much racks space do you have to house them?

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


Hmmm

That's my battleship sunk :-(
-- rextable

not really - you just need to rethink a little...

hopefully you weren't intending to buy all of this at once anyway... better to go slowly and learn the modules you have, inside and out, before buying more modules... and then repeating!

so just get a 6u case - start buying modules and as you do put some money aside for the next case...

if you can manage to save ((cost of case/hp) * hp of module) for each module you buy like this - by the time the case is full, the next case is paid for...

you'll probably make a few changes along the way - but that's how it is... and should be... no plan survives contact with the enemy (no matter what the enemy is...

have fun!

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


Okay

Midi module is gone. Replaced with a mult for the Pam's for clock distro. This should in tern free up Pam's outputs for more creative applications I also dropped the Befaco IO - it was pointless given how this case will be integrated into my studio.

Unless people can point out any glaring issues or omissions, I think I'm there design wise.

Thoughts and/or optimisations anyone?

can you please link to your latest public rack (copy and paste the url)

The total power output of the Doepfer P9 PSU3 Case is as follows:

Output + 12 V (mA): 2000
Output - 12 V (mA): 1200
Output 5 V (mA): 4000

The consumption of this system is: 2164 mA +12V | 1025 mA -12V | 0 mA 5V

Is that +12V rail going to be a problem?
-- rextable

yes almost definitely on the +ve rail and quite likely on the -ve rail as well!

you really need to leave 25-30% headroom on each rail to allow for both inaccurate power consumption figures and inrush spikes...

I'd want at least 2800mA on the +ve rail and 1300mA on the -ve rail...

this is the big failing with the doepfer 9u cases - not quite enough power , as they use the same power as the 8u - where the power is sufficient... either find someway to reduce the power consumption or consider 2 * 6u - which will leave you with some expansion space (which is never a bad idea)

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


anal-log sounds painful - I'd buy an analog mixer if I were you!!

sub-mixing and attenuation is really useful in the rack - so I'd get some if I were you!

stacked cables should always be kept to a minimum - by chaining them instead of stacking them!

whats the use case for the midi->cv module?
-- JimHowell1970

I am anal-log! :-D

To answer your question: Please correct me if I'm wrong, but as I understand it, the Keystep Pro's knobs only output midi. The Keystep has a usb midi output and thus I thought the little 2HP midi module was a no-brainer. It's cheap and cheerful and better than nothing. If this is not the case then I can drop the midi module.

I have a more general question for peeps: Is there a way to make CV outputs on the Keystep Pro accessible via Ableton Live?

-- rextable

re:keystep knobs - I'd read the manual - I suspect you'd want both more channels, and a midi->cv converter that works with midi cc - I suspect that the 2hp midi module only works with a single channel of pitch/gate... maybe have a look at the befaco midi thing... but note that midi is stepped 0-127 - whereas a truly analog rotary controller will be continuous within the specified range

the cv outputs should be duplicated in midi - again read the manual

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


anal-log sounds painful - I'd buy an analog mixer if I were you!!

sub-mixing and attenuation is really useful in the rack - so I'd get some if I were you!

stacked cables should always be kept to a minimum - by chaining them instead of stacking them!

whats the use case for the midi->cv module?

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


veils for vcas - 4 vcas in 10hp - and actual amplifiers...

matrix mixers - Ive got a couple of DIY ones, but if I was going to get just one now I'd go for the doepfer due to ergonomics - if you want voltage control, then the 4ms VCAM

sequential switch - again the doepfer one is inexpensive and does what it says it does

logic - joranalogue compare2

also can't go wrong with happy nerding 3MIA (or their 3VCA), mutable kinks and links (or clones now they've been discontinued) or the WMD/SSF toolbox (if you can find one, again discontinued)

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


Very doubtful...I would HOPE! Actually, this resembles what happened when Clouds got discontinued. A few years pass...and then we got the even more powerful Beads. Emilie's just trying to keep up with that good ol' Moore's Law, I'm betting.
-- Lugia

Nah - Emilie has been saying for a few years she's getting out of the business - to go and do something where no one knows her history... and that Beads would be the last module... so I think it's over, unfortunately...

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


I'm fairly certain the only one who really knows is Emilie...

discontinued means that the last production batch has been shipped, so there should still be stock in stores for a while... maybe...

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


upload the photo & then copy and paste the url...

but a link to your public modulargrid rack is just as good if not better (again copy and paste url)

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


Thanks for the fast replies!

Yeah I wasn't really sure if the quantizer is really needed or not. Also, would it make sense to get marbles and the ornament & crime? They could both be used to generate random sequenzes in kind of a similar matter from what I understood.

I am also not sure about pams. Would I really need a master clock or are there other functions it has that make it so attractive?
-- CharlyD

Pams can also quantize external 2 channels as well as as many internal random melodies as you'd want

'overlap' or 'redundancy' is not a bad thing in modular - especially with multifunction modules - which these are to a greater or lesser extent... you can only get O&C to do 1 or 2 things at once (with hemispheres)

don't know if O&C can be used as a clock as I don't have one and have only skimmed the manual for hemispheres - but it has a lot more functionality that you might want on top of what both Pams and Marbles can do...

Marbles can work as a master clock - just mult the t2 output... and use your ears for setting the clock speed - and it can also act as a clock divider...

Pams can do a lot of things, but it's very easy to run out of channels very quickly - especially if you are using it primarily as a clock divider and then modulation and generative melodies (but that can be said for all of these)

probably all 3 are overkill in this size case - think about what you want them for and remove 1 or 2 - for me it would be O&C - but that's probably because I have Marbles and Pams - but in a much bigger case (think 8ish * the size)

I'd get one first and then once you know your way round that consider one of the others too - you my find that in a small case, with only 2-3 voices and no percussion, such as this, that one is enough

if you primarily want a clock and generative melodies, gates that match notes and a random source - then Marbles first, if you primarily want a clock and synced trigger, gates and modulation - then Pams first, if you want lots of different things to play with 1 or 2 at a time - then O&C first, etc etc

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


2 voices (3 at most) seems about right in this size case - any more and there's not enough room for the support modules that are needed to make the most of them - see my signature!

right now I'd buy beads of all the granular type modules - sooner or later they will be gone...

the quantizer looks superfluous to me - your midi->cv output(s) will be quantized already as are those from Marbles...

a decent reverb and delay will go a long way

if you want chords - either be prepared to have a really crappy way of sequencing them (you have this already in plaits) - or for it to cost a lot (especially if you want to have everything stay in key) and take up a lot more space than is free in this small case - or just get a cheapish polysynth along side the modular

more modulation (something that can go really slow - zadar for example), more utilities (especially vcas - veils is great and possibly a sample and hold), maybe a filter or 2, maybe a matrix mixer (or 2) for combining modulation sources and using as send/return for the effects etc

patching advice - send outputs to inputs - download the 'maths illustrated supplement' (if you haven't) it's a good jumping off point for Maths

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


Thread: Elin Piel

have you tried checking the include other/unknown option? I found 2 2hp modules that match the description TelexN and TelexB very quickly this way!

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


there is a cable I could use with the 4MS Listen Four 1/4 that goes from 1/4" to 3.5mm that could be run to my Cosmix....just not sure if audio quality degrades doing something like that or not.
-- jb61264

yes there are cables available and they work fine - signal degredation is identical to using 3.5mm->3.5mm cables - hosa make them as do other brands including doepfer iirc

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


Thread: Starter kit

Hi Jim,

About those BSP velocity sensitive buttons...

not via the trigger outs they're not - via midi they are I guess - never used mine other than via cv though

I've just tested this. The velo CV output works just fine. It outputs a very wide range between velo 0 and vel0 127. I've not metered it but I'm guessing 0-10V. When I pass it through an attenuator, it works nicely to control effects. For example, in Plaits in the granular sawtooth mode, I use it to control the spread of the frequencies of the sawtooth. The harder I punch the button, the more distorted it sounds. If you haven't yet, try it out - it's a nice way to control an effect per step with the BSP.

-- Arrandan

yes, but isn't velocity cv just on the pitched sequencer channels - I thought you wanted it on the trigger sequencer outputs - ie how hard you hit a drum - I don't often use the BSP these days - although I may start again soon when I have a couple more percussion modules...

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


why do I recommend the excalibus??? because I have 4 - all DIY ones (lunchbus doesn't come DIY afaik) - simple, if tedious builds - there's 26? * 16 solder joints just for the headers - and they are great - quiet enough for video modules (no noticeable ripple up intot he MHz) - and they have a lot of headers and are low profile

if the lunchbus will work for you I'm pretty sure it's the same - but idk - which is why I recommend the excalibus - because I do know!

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


https://www.modulargrid.net/e/antumbra-dvca
You'll have 4HP if you use the Cara marbles module, which is 2HP less than one you have in the top left.

-- Manbearpignick

but then you get into shitty ergonomics territory...

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


a quantizer doesn't necessarily transpose - some can but most won't, you would normally use a precision adder for transposition, what a quantizer does is drag the input voltage to the voltage of the nearest note in the specified scale (which may be up or down depending on how the quantizer has been programmed...

with a quad quantizer all 4 inputs are usually quantized to the same scale

if all 4 of the outputs are voltages in the same scale, then they will be harmonious - this doesn't necessarily mean that they will sound how you want them to... the oscillators or voices need to be tuned - probably to the same root note, but not necessarily in the same octave - and they have to be able to track in the range that you are sending notes to them - ie probably not over 10 octaves - and the sequences have to be programmed etc

how do I use a quad quantizer in my setup? I have a sinfonion, I send it 3 or 4 sequences (made up from marbles, erica black sequencer, tesseract step fader etc), note mask each part as required and send the outputs to different vcos/voices - which are tuned to a reference C from the sinfonion - one really useful thing in the sinfonion is that you can set the starting octave of each channel - both the quantizers (and arpeggiator) and the chord progression sequencer (and the tuning C is in the correct octave) - I also use another sequencer to change song parts on the sinfonion when needed and a clock to advance within the song part

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


not unless you can find adapters - regular 19" rails usually take adapters for m5 screws - eurorack usually uses m3 screws

even then the holes won't be in the correct places and you'll have gaps everywhere

imo if you want to save money - dump the 1u row - and just go for 3u - there's nothing in 1u that isn't available in 3u and will take up less space

another way to save money is just to use wood and screw modules directly into the wood - but then you can't use the uZeus as it needs the rails for a heat sink - maybe consider a befaco excalibus, which also doesn't have a hp stealing rack wart!

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


I've got a mantis - when I need to check this I just take 3 copies of the full rack and remove all but the relevant modules for each zone, check etc and then delete after i've plugged stuff in - my mantis doesn't change that much though I mostly use it for video synthesis and I have plenty of other cases (some of which I have to do the same for!)

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


Thanks for your detailed reply, Jim.

That's interesting to hear your feedback on the Rings tuning issue. I have been messing around in VCV 2 with Rings, but have yet to notice that issue. I presume I am far from utilizing the module to its full potential.

I appreciate your other points regarding the ergonomics and supporting the manufacturer. Basically, I already plan on purchasing Plaits and Beads, but have very limited $ and physical space for a bigger case. The ability to process sound in Rings still seems like a winner.

BTW Do you have a YouTube channel or Instagram related to your modular system? I learn a lot from your posts on the MG forums and would like to support.

Thanks again.
Ian
-- djidmusic1

Thanks Ian...
I have:
instagram - but I don't post much music there - mostly modular video synthesis - same name as here
soundcloud - latest 4 are modular - the rest are pre-modular from years ago mostly reason - same name as here
I'm on the modulargrid best of 2020 on bandcamp - it's one of the 4 modular tunes on soundcloud though

I'm currently working on new music, which I'll release eventually

Jim

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


No issues here on Firefox/macos!
-- Arrandan

same here

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


I am particularly interested in:
1. Delay

in eurorack my favourite delay is the Strymon Magneto, for analog it's not eurorack, it's an effect pedal - moogerfooger mf104z

  1. Reverb

only really use digital reverb (Strymon Magneto or FX Aid XL) - other than the ones in my guitar amps, which are springs (Fender Blues Jr, Vox AC15)

  1. Flanger / Phaser

again not eurorack, effects pedals - lovetone flanger with no name and doppleganger

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


T> rack wart advert wastes space

semi takes up too much space and costs too much to house in eurorack when it already has it's own case

black sequencer is overkill to some extent unless this is just a stepping stone to a much larger set up - ie at least 1 more voice

Thank you for your reply. What do you mean by rack wart advert? Are you referring to the rack brute power unit?

yes - bloody awful hp stealing, wastes of space

The DFAM does take space in the rack - I know, but I do prefer it in there for now as I want to consolidate everything into a small portable set up to take with me for live gigs, etc. I’d like to just travel with my rack and a drum machine.

I already own the Black Sequencer so it’s the one i’m currently using. Yes, this is a stepping stone to a bigger set up which I’ll gradually build over time. I do love how you can randomly make sequences with just 2 buttons - that’s one of the reasons I bought it (will come in handy for a live set).

yes I have one too and I really like it...

I also already own the Pams and was thinking about using it as an LFO or perhaps clock the Dot and the Black Sequencer and then route Dot rhythms using the trigger outs into the Advance Clock on the DFAM to advance the steps on the built in sequencer.

Pams is also a great module you can use it for all these things at once!!

No VCA’s because I’m using the internal VCA on the DFAM, Plaits, and BIA. I will definitely add in VCA’s and some envelopes in the future though, that’s for sure! I’m still learning about the different modules I need.

don't worry it's a constant learning process.... but more vcas are useful - they're good for not just shaping notes, but controlling levels and modulation

The 3 modules between Dual FX and Dot are Befaco Out V3 as I mentioned so I can track the 3 sound sources (DFAM, Plaits, BIA) or others separately into my DAW or mixer. The Doepfer mixer is there if I want to mix two or more sound sources and patch that into the Dual FX. It’s also a CV mixer too so I can make use of that later with my second rack.

I find matrix mixers are better for cv mixing - 4 cvs in, 4 different cvs out...

unless you experience clipping when going into your DAW or mixer then I really wouldn't bother with these - and I'd try attenuators first! cheaper/smaller

Again, this is just a small set up for now which will be expanded into a larger set up later with more utility modules, etc. It’s just a stepping stone. Hopefully everything is playable as it is, though, right?

Modules I currently own:
1 Befaco Out V3
1 Erica Synths Black Sequencer
1 ALM Pam’s New Workout
1 Mutable Plaits
1 Erica Synths Dual FX
1 Moog DFAM
1 Doepfer Mult
1 Doepfer A-138 CV and Audio Mixer

Here is a link to my rack. Hopefully it works.

First Rack

-- Avesta

link works, thanks

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


rack wart advert wastes space

semi takes up too much space and costs too much to house in eurorack when it already has it's own case

black sequencer is overkill to some extent unless this is just a stepping stone to a much larger set up - ie at least 1 more voice

Pams is a bit redundant with black sequencer

no vcas? not enough support modules (utilities) in general... definitely not enough mixing...

unable to tell what the 3 modules between the dual fx and the dnipro dot are - please link to your actual public rack (copy and paste the url) not just a jpg - jpgs suck - actual links help us help you!!!

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


most sequencers will do this... they may want 'regular triggers' called 'clock' or 'longer triggers' called 'gates'...

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


Hey Jim,

what utility modules.. would you recommend.

I like mixers (particularly matrix mixers and sub mixers with offset and possibly inversion), logic and sequential switches - there are many many examples of all of these available - some modules that you might want to look at adding - wmd/ssf toolbox, mutable kinks & links, happy nerding 3*mia, doepfer matrix mixer & sequential switch

how are 4 voice to many..? would you 1/2 it..?

yes I would only really have about one voice per row, because there's not enough space left over for the modules that are really needed to support them - it's not the number of voices, per se, it's the size of the case... admittedly when some of that is 'percussion' then it may change slightly, as there isn't necessarily the need for filters and other effects for each 'voice', but there is then need for more fully featured sub-mixing, with panning and send/return and effects/filters to use with the send/return

again - look at my signature - the formula there is aimed at getting the most versatility from the least expenditure... it scales well from small systems to much larger systems - as the larger you get the more you want/need different layers of control

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities


I think there's no need to worry much about flow in small cases, such as this, 'normal' length cables are enough to patch anything anywhere

I think you've got too many voices

I think you should look at different utility modules to add versatility

I think you should try to figure out the formula in my signature

"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia

Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities