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Perhaps an analog multimode filter like Jouranalogue Filter 8 or Make Noise QPAS could make sense to further shape the sound?

Hi!

Thanks again! :)

I'm curious about combining Akemie's Castle with analog oscillators. Are you combining these in any specific ways? Are there any typical “roles”, or so, for the modules?

My idea was to use Stages (and perhaps Frames) for modulation. Do you think something like Zadar would make things a lot more convenient? Would you get the NIN expander?

After having thought some more about this, I'm actually thinking that Rings may be a bit too complicated as an effect for my system, and that I should perhaps take it out for now. I like to keep the system focused and not too “open” while exploring Akemie's Castle, and Rings is so dynamic. Have you used Akemie's Castle with Rings?

In line with keeping the system focused, I'm a bit hesitant to get modules like Erica Synths Black Hole DSP and Happy Nerding FX Aid (which seem absolutely awesome), since they are so flexible. I also think there might be too much overlap between what Dual Looping Delay, and what Echophon and Morphagene can do.

If I would take Rings out I have 20 HP to spare to enhance the sound of Akemie's Castle... :)

Cheers!

I could go with this. I wasn’t married to the full-size Plaits so getting the Nin and uVCF in there is cool. I appreciate the help! I have a uBermuda on the way so it’s starting to get real.

Sold a module to @Selten, smooth transaction, nice contact :)!

Thanks!

Disclosures - my room is wholly untreated, by necessity I do my mixing in headphones (dad, full-time job, 'studio' is in the home, not in a separate space) - in short, I am making do with a far from ideal set-up. I've done enough research to know I'm starting out from a disadvantageous point so I'm trying to find some ways to mitigate that.

I do a lot of playing around with panning and gain leveling, then EQ, then reverb, but looking for something like an EQ or filter for eliminating specific frequencies, tape saturation emulators, that sort of thing. The compressors and EQ in Sonar aren't horrid. Thank you for the the plug-in suggestions thus far!

Good night :)

The drippy filter is a clock/gate pulse hitting the V/oct (Nothing patched to the filter input) and the + and - envelopes of an ADSR tweaking the FREQ and RES. Thru a bit of Delay and / or Clouds and it sounds pretty nice.

Hi Wishbonebrewery,

Oh yes, nice track! I was about to go to sleep when I came across this track. Lovely, subtle and relaxing. I am sure I will sleep good after this track.

I love those kind of... what is... water drops? Nicely done, how did you do that?

Thanks a lot for this and goodnight :-) Kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Gabor,

That's a nice experimental track :-) How is the usage of the Intellijel Joystick, are you happy with it? I saw you were using it here. Is it easy in use? He, he, love to see your OP-1 being part of your setup, nice synth!

Thanks a lot for sharing this with us and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Pbcognein,

Please note that this forum is in English, so it would be nice if you could let us know in English what you were trying to tell us?

Thank you and kind regards, Garfield Modular.

Sonar's a bit of an "orphan" these days, really...after Gibson (aka "The place on Elm Hill Pike where good brands go to die") snarfed Cakewalk, the support for it went out the window (like I said...Gibson...) and it fell out of favor. Now that it's escaped the clutches of the Guitar Deathstar, it might see some comeback action; have a look at https://www.bandlab.com/products/cakewalk

Frankly, I recommend NO plugin here. At least, not for mixing. Rather, you might find it way more helpful to get an actual hardware mixer and use that if you've not used one before for multitrack production. Fact is, until you've done this and gotten used to what TINY changes in levels, EQ, etc can do, particularly with electronic sources, mixing "in the box" isn't going to work as well as you'd think.

Second, examine your monitoring setup. If you're tracking projects with a lot of heavy bass, you won't get too much that's useful there out of a pair of little desktop nearfields. Also, if your monitors aren't properly physically aligned so that you're in their "sweet spot", things will tend to be rather deceptive, soundwise. Plus, what does your workspace look like? Is it a "boxy" room, four corners, hard walls and floors, etc? If so, acoustic treatment might be very useful in the long run. And lastly, if you're using headphones to mix...don't use headphones to mix. Unless you have some expensive AF headphone amp such as an SPL Phonitor (that has spatial correction to fix having the drivers right in your ear), you can't get an accurate idea of how your mix works due to a whole pile of physics and such that I'm not about to uncork.

Now, as for plugins that'll help...these aren't the mixing suite variety. Instead, I would strongly suggest examining your mixbus instead. With some proper EQ, program compression, and maybe a touch of spatial trickery, you can use this to "glue" your mixes much more effectively than any mixing suite might do. First up, this: https://www.kvraudio.com/product/pteq-x-by-ignite-amps which is a really spot-on emulation of a stereo Pultec set. Another useful EQ for mixbus use: https://www.kvraudio.com/product/rs-w2395c-free-neo-classic-baxandall-eq-by-fuse-audio-labs which is more of a "tone control" sort of EQ for touch-up work.

Compression: https://www.kvraudio.com/product/mjuc-jr-by-klanghelm Yep, this is a "lite" version, but tbh, it's not very "lite" as far as performance goes. Set, forget, that's it. Also, this might be useful: https://www.kvraudio.com/product/signal-noise-sn05-g-brickwall-limiter-by-sender-spike which is a brickwall limiter, goes on the very end of the mixbus to deal with stray peaks.

Enhancement: try these... https://www.kvraudio.com/product/signal-noise-sn03-g-tape-recorder-by-sender-spike and https://www.kvraudio.com/product/rescue-mk2-by-variety-of-sound And then, for a bit of stereo enhancement, try https://www.kvraudio.com/product/a1stereocontrol-by-alex-hilton-a1audio

In all cases, these go on the stereo mixbus to do final tweaks to the mix itself, rather than tampering with the mixer itself. The latter idea is sort of a "can of worms" and can result in loads more confusion than simply coming up with a good stereo mixbus for the existing mixer. There's others out there along these lines that're worth exploring, and I'd suggest that before having a butcher's at the core of the DAW itself.

Upped the game on this slightly...

I scrunched the Plaits down in size by using Codex Modulex's 8 hp clone instead of the fullsized Mutable version. This then opened up four more hp...leading to adding the Nin expander for the Zadar and the extra hp for dropping in an Intellijel uVCF. Reordered the workflow, also...modulation left, voicing right, and this led to flipping the Quadratt and MIDI interface. It was SO close, I just thought a couple more tweaks could make it ready for a physical build.

Some good choices here for a microbuild, too...the uBermuda is a rather wacky little VCO, should add some strangeness to the Plaits palette, especially in tandem with the Tiptop folder.

Love this.

I've been researching how to improve my own mixes and there are a number of techniques to utilize, but I'm also trying to figure out what plugins might also help, perhaps a mixing suite. I use a version of Cakewalk's Sonar Professional from 2017. Can anyone recommend some mixing plugins that might be compatible?

Across several forums, I've yet to find anyone else that uses Sonar, or at least no one that responded uses it. Hoping someone here might have some suggestions. Thanks!

Hey y'all! Below is my current system, which I use not as a standalone synth, but in conjunction with the Octatrack. I primarily make dance music (house/global club). The Octatrack handles sequencing, cv trigger/lfo, drums, samples (pads/melodies, vocals, modular live sampling), and fx (paired with a Memory Man w/ Hazarai for delay) and the Palette takes care of dub chords (Tides) and basslines (hence the 6 vcas). I sold my Nord Rack 2 to get into modular for creative reasons, and have been very pleased with the results thus far.

Yet, because it's such a small case (and do not want to expand to a bigger one), I wonder if it would be best to rearrange some modules and replace the Mutant Brain with a CV.OCD so that I can free up 8hp of rack space. My first change will be to get a filter with more patching and sonic capabilities so I am waiting for Three Sisters to be back in stock. Would it be wise to pair it with another analog osc like the Mangrove, or should I consider something else for my setup? Any recommendations or critiques are greatly appreciated! Thank you!

EDITED Jul 8th 2020, 17:56

Here's something thats not upbeat! ;-)

EDITED Jul 9th 2020, 04:24

This one looks much better for a small build.
Have fun and good luck!

Well, I think the obvious one is a sort of sequencer. I have plenty of filters and oscillators. But I was hoping for more specific info about what might function well with the ones that I have. I don't use the Teleplexer that much as it is quite wild and crazy and not easy to know what sound you are going to get out of it.. Thanks for your reply.

Palette build number three. I feel pretty good about this? Shakespeare and farkas gave me some guidance. I have connectivity and power for KeyStep or SQ1. PNW and Zadar are powerhouses that take this thing to the next level. What do you think?

Shakespeare, thank you for the recommendations. I’ll cut the Steppy and go watch some videos about PNW. Do you think the Erica MIDI to Trigger would be a good inclusion?

farkas, I was not at all paying attention to depth so I’ll go back and re-examine. I can live without the Disting if space becomes an issue.

Disting does fit, but it is very tight. Others seem to have used 2hp modules as well. But I'd shy away from having too many modules of that depth... it gets tricky to arrange power cables, when you only have a millimeter or two of space between the board and the back of the case.

I echo everything Shakespeare said, and would add to be mindful of the depth of a palette case. With connectors and cables, you are going to be cutting it really close with the Disting and 2hp modules.

A couple thoughts that I hope are helpful, from another Palette user..

1. 3 filters in a system of this size is probably too much. Pick one, or one plus the 2hp module. Remember that Plaits has a built-in LPG, too.

2. You have two dedicated ADSRs and two dedicated LFOs here, which is ok... but you might also find yourself happier with one solid multi-function module like Intellijel's Quadrax or XAOC's Zadar or Mutable's Stages. Especially given that 6hp for a non-VC ADSR is not the greatest use of space (the Pittsburgh module). Any of these options could potentially save you a couple hp, too.

3. Steppy seems like a mistake, given that you have a DrumBrute and KeyStep at your disposal. It is only a gate sequencer, not a CV sequencer, so it won't do you much good with this setup, really. I'd suggest replacing the Steppy with some other utilities: an attenuator/mixer (Intellijel's Duatt or Quadratt), and nonlinearcircuit's 1u Sloth module (great modulation source, and probably best bang for the buck in 1u modules). With the space you have leftover, you could still add a couple of other smaller 1u modules.

4. If you can make room, Pamela's New Workout is just a great workhorse for any small setup. 8 clocks, or LFOs, or envelopes, or Euclidean sequencers, or etc. etc. All with built-in attenuators, offsets, and more. If this were my setup, I'd cut both of your current LFO choices and replace them with PNW, unless you really need the VC.

Others will tell you (correctly) that this case is too small for a starter system... but you can always buy a bigger case later, and use the Palette for when you want to travel, so you can't lose. Enjoy!

Great modules to add to your setup? There are sooo many to choose from.

I have 80 great modules and could give you many hints on great ones to check out but it would be good to know what you feel that you are missing.

The Joranalogue Mult is really good. Less voltage drop than other modules I've tried, at a fair price and tiny size (2hp).

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/joranalogue-audio-design-link-2

FWIW, I have a Bubblesound Dual SeM20 on the way. I purchased it to use with my e370. I'll post more about it after I've had a chance to play with it for a bit.

Peace, Marc

Hello. FWIW, I own both the Division6 Multiplicity XV and the WMD Buff Mult. I like them both very much. I am very interested in the Livestock Electronics Felix as well, but it is very hard to find right now.

Peace, Marc

You're gonna need a bigger boat.

The configuration you have would be great to modulate your other equipment, but not so good as a standalone instrument (IMO).

If you want something all-around that you can use stand-alone or with your other equipment, check out the Andrew Huang starter system. It's a great balance of modulation, sound generation and effects to explore.

https://www.perfectcircuit.com/andrew-huang-system.html

You could use Andrew's as a starting point and maybe swap out Plaits for your BIA. That'd give you an extra 2hp, I'd swap out MCO for Klavis Twin Waves to build a basic subtractive synth voice (check the depth will fit).

Marbles is awesome, but large for such a small case. Maybe look at a smaller Marbles clone, or Qu-Bit Nano-Rand.

I might go here with it:
https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_1260559.jpg

Just my 2c. Modular is a very personal exploration. Enjoy your leap!

EDITED Jul 7th 2020, 01:45

Gargantuan thanks to both of you for taking the time to listen and to comment. I'm very grateful. :)

Hi all, I’m looking to expand my songwriting and sound design toolkit for inspiration and fun... After many years writing for a guitar-oriented band, I’ve really loved branching out with my Moog Sub37 and DFAM - especially during confinement. The DFAM is exactly the kind of quirky idea generator I had in my head for low-fi, fuzzy, spacey patterns. I’m building on that but would love some help getting started. Here is my guitar music, though I’m branching out from here: https://karmarocket.bandcamp.com/

I have an 0 Coast and Intellijel 4U Palette on the way, and plan to fill it as a starter (yes I know, tons of research, experimentation, manual diving, learning ahead of me and I can't wait....) to make sound hands-on and combine the DFAM, 0 Coast, Sub37, guitar pedals to see what happens. I’ll expand from there one day when I know where I’m going.

Thoughts, especially to have the minimum ingredients to start cooking here? I have a Focusrite 2i2 and Ableton, but I like the idea of being able to create without turning the computer on, potentially take with me traveling. What else is needed, and is there any functionality in the modules I show here that may be redundant? I want to start small, but know I need some basic components to get going.

Thanks for looking - I know there are many similar newbie posts. Great to see all the interest.

Hello Folks.. I am new here and don't spend that much time on the internet but would love some feedback on what would be a gret new addition. I would love to meet any modular users in Portugal as well. Hope everyone has been well and making music.
Peace
Scott aka Dr Space from Øresund Space Collective, Black Moon Circle, Doctors of Space, Aural Hallucinations, etc....

Think I get what you mean, thanks

Sounds awesome. Something about this track gives me a feeling of nostalgia for the 90s. I'm not sure what it is, but it's a great feeling. :)
Thanks for sharing.

I completed my mantis case. Nothing exotic. It's basically an expanded cartesian system. Outside I have a 0coast and a keystep.
Thank you for your help

I've never heard Playboi Carti, but I'm digging this. I always enjoy the pad sounds you choose.
Thanks for sharing.

Cheers dude :)

Hi Sislte,

Yeah, nice beat! As always I love your creativity you put in your tracks, it becomes your kind of trademark :-)

No boos from me, only a big Bravo! Kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Mowse,

No way! 2 hours live-jam? That's fantastic! How did you managed to do that? You must be in a very good "condition" ;-) Any link to that 2-hour session? Would be interesting to listen at during a dull meeting or something like that, to brighten up the day by your live session!

Nice intro by the way :-) Thank you very much and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Mowse,

Oh yes, nicely done. For me it's okay if it's every day the 4th of July :-)

Thanks a lot for sharing and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Wishbonebrewery,

Wow that sounds pretty advanced! Very nice rhythm as well as nice and interesting sounds!

Regarding the drop-out parts, I feel that's totally okay, gives it some nice variation to the track, so I don't mind those drop-out parts, I actually feel it completes your track.

Thanks a lot for sharing and kind regards, Garfield.

Like most people, I prefer to read a user guide or manual on modules before diving down the rabbit hole; but, with the case of the Soundmachines RC1 Radiostar, I cannot find sny documentation; nor, does the IOS app in the Apple App Store have any documentation/help.

I anyone aware of where a user manual is? It isn’t even on the company’s website.

Someone told me, I have no clue.

Any opinions, cheers or boos are welcome!

Opening patch from yesterday's two-hour live session. DivKid øchd is the pilot.

Nice work :) And Happy Yesterday :)

Probably shouldn't have done the drop-out parts, needs a Transposition module.
I had fun playing with it.

Choices for which module-direction to head next, probably some Stereo Panning of parts.
I'd quite like some Full/Half-wave Rectification thats outside of the Disting, I still dislike the Disting menu diving but its a module that lets me know which way I need to go next after trying a mode out.
Pamela's New Workout + the extra gate outputs expander would be nice, I realise i need to start including some Resets across the modules in my rack to keep things tight.

Excellent! many thanks - not come across that before, thought they always 'snap' to the bottom. Great it's sorted cheers R

Your modules are on the far right side, scroll the page to the right.

www.lomondcampbell.com

Hey thanks Garfield Modular. I should have posted a link to my website too as you can see all the drawings there, plus it has the code if anyone wants to have a go at building one. I'll put a video up on YouTube of how I built it. Many thanks for your kind support.