User Posts

If you light your cigar with a banknote, then I would not advise you to :

• Listen to a lot of music produced with modulars.
• Identify the modules used in the styles of music you prefer.
• Determine a reasonable budget to start with.
• Choose a case that is large enough (Mantis, RackBrute 6U, Intellijel 7U, whatever).
• Make a first selection including some core modules (VCA, VCF, modulation sources, utilities, etc.)
• Set up your project in ModularGrid and submit it to get tips.
• And maybe leave your semi-modulars in their own cases...

From experience, you could end up running out of time, or space, or budget. Or all three. Unless you light your cigar with a banknote.

PS: I love your avatar ;)

If you're in Europe and don't mind a silver faceplate, SchneidersLaden is currently offering a 9.71% discount on this ‘paleface’ version.
(A piece of information that will probably conjure up things for @wishbonebrewery ;)
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/forum/posts/index/12056

The first track: a lovely hazy, minimalist ballad.
The second (my favourite): a static contemplation with very interesting, dusty and grating sounds. However I ended up listening to it without watching the video too tiring to my eyes.

Both pieces are like little sound paintings. Hence this recurring question, and which is asked in general. Doesn't the image harm the music a bit too much these days? I think it prevents us from seeing what the sound, the music, is telling us... and it leads the ear to become lazy.

As I recently wrote in Mod Wiggler: ‘I am not afraid of YouTube images but of the laziness of the public’.

My reflection should not make us forget that you have done a good job :)

I'm going to provide additional support to an option already suggested here: the BeatStep Pro.

I know this sequencer quite well. My home studio includes two BSPs used for modular, various synthesizers, including Volcas which sound wonderful but have very limited sequencers, or drum modules like the ADX1 which do not include a sequencer. (I also use sometimes an SQ-1 and a KeyStep, I mention this to further support my suggestion of the BSP).

The BSP is very easy to learn, feature rich (random, swing, tap tempo, pattern chaining, memorize, etc), pleasant to work with (very visual, pads are large and responsive, same for the knobs, no diving menu, etc.), two sequencers plus one drum (gate) sequencer, and to top it all off: an unbeatable price. All of these are reasons why so many modularists use it. I don't even see how Arturia could upgrade it.

This does not prevent the integration of certain types of sequencers (or similar) inside the modular for specific uses. For example, as I’m quite focused on random and stochastic, I must say that the BSP will never replace Marbles (*), Stochastic Inspiration Generator or Bloom, and of course all the modules to create random or other specific things (logic, noise, etc. And weird things as Diode Chaos ;) At last, it will not replace the combinations of modules : patching, is still the first reason for the modular.

I almost forgot one little detail: the BeatStep pro is in stock everywhere. A criterion that will now have to be included more often.

(*) There may be an upgrade path here for Arturia and the BSP: see what has been done since Emilie Gillet's work to create the MicroFreak. But I don’t mean that this is desirable, for various reasons...

I think that the importance of ratings should not be overestimated. The diversity of expectations and experiences obviously brings them a rather subjective character. However, a clear trend, one way or the other, becomes real information if the 'survey' is sufficiently broad.

Pamela's NEW Workout: 4.77 out of 364 votes (this 15 March 2023) is a true indication. Personally, I have not (yet) adopted this module for various reasons. But this information (4.77 out of 364), added to the video demonstrations and various comments tell me that... yes, I might be satisfied if I integrate it into my modular.

The other important information, regardless of the rating, is in the 'why'. Why 4 stars rather than 5, for example. A comment on the rating is just as interesting, and often even more interesting, than the rating itself. That's normally what the forum is for. Even a manufacturer can accept an unfavourable opinion if it is motivated.

On this page you will find information that will surely help you: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/forum/posts/index/10775

My main dislike of black panel designs: I can’t see the knobs as well.
-- Kaleidic

It's true. As a pianist, I actually prefer a traditional white (ivory) keyboard with black (ebony) keys than the other way round. It's more 'readable'.

To complete the original topic, black or brown wooden piano cases were often multicoloured in the past on... harpsichords. And they were magnificently painted.

However, with the psychedelic movement, some pianos were repainted in the 60s. One of the most famous is Lennon's (painted by Dutch design collective artists The Fool).

Today, these different trends can be found in synthesizers and modules.

A bigger case.

As @JimHowell1970 says 'either start with a bigger case or massively scale back what you are trying to do’.
And as you can see, all the people here will advise you to do the former. We say this with the full knowledge of the facts... and to really save you any frustration afterwards.

Utilities and modulation sources.

Once again, we have to underline this other advice from @JimHowell1970 who, with great laudable persistence, tries to remind the necessity of these modules throughout the pages of this forum; and you know what : he is right!

Can you imagine a film with just a few stars and no supporting cast, no extras, not even a little furniture in the set? This is the unconscious bet and the mistake we all make a little too systematically when we approach the modular synthesizer and in front of all its big stars (Clouds, Rings, Morphagene, Basimilus, Bloom, etc.)

Nothing really important to add to what others have said here.
Modular is a bit like cinema. ModularGrid is not the USC School of Cinematic Arts, or the Ecole Nationale Louis-Lumière. But you've come to the right place. The amateurs and even the less amateurs have almost all passed through the benches of ModularGrid :))
Welcome!

It's not a modular, it's a time machine :))

Like @zuggamasta my use of the modular is more experimental, but I am amazed by this type of achievement. In a way, our world of cables and modules is not far removed from 80s synthpop. There was a kind of fascination with machines.

So: well done!

Hi @Raaf.
Bravo for this first video which is already of an excellent level: the framing, the light, the decor, the typography of the comments (with the arrows, very good :) All this is pleasant. I will also make this small criticism: some long texts are not exposed long enough. On the other hand, your diction, which is quite slow, is an advantage. Some video creators forget this often prohibitive aspect: speed + strong local accent = zapping!
Good luck.
I'm subscribing.

It's a good idea to have a topic that pays tribute to the relational and human qualities of some manufacturers.
I would like to take this opportunity to salute two in particular for their availability and the quality of our exchanges: Xodes (France) and Stochastic Instruments (UK). Without going into detail, I can say that these two sincerely love their work and have a real passion for their products. A passion linked to a deep knowledge of music.
Another thing they have in common (but is it a coincidence?) is their love of animals. This is often an excellent indicator.

There is a simple way to do this: you start by making a selection of modules through the features in the 'My Modular' section.

You choose for example: 1 sequencer, 1 or 2 vcos, 1 drum module, at least 1 vcf, 1 envelope generator, 1 vca, 1 lfo, 1 fx, some utilities like 1 multiple and 1 attenuator, 1 mixer, etc.

Don't be afraid to make a mistake, because it is on this basis that many here will be happy to correct your selection by explaining things to you. Okay?

Personally, I don't care about the colour. I just want it to work. But I have noticed that this 'black panel' phenomenon has been growing and gaining ground for some time.

This 'limited black edition' fashion affects all sectors. An example with this telescopic handler for agriculture... Well, I can understand it here, we see the same trend in cars and motorbikes. But when you find this also for your toilet...

I am not a guitarist and this description is therefore not of direct concern to me, BUT: your research and this video with the details of the patches really deserve congratulations! The modular synthesizer is exactly this alchemical practice, a search for the transmutation of sounds: from the common to the rare (lead/gold).
The modularist's setup is an achimist's laboratory.
Very nice work!

PS: the result (at 9:08) reminded me of the opening scene of Return of the Jedi where C-3PO and R2-D2 enter Jabba the Hutt's Palace :)) The participation of Wogglebug and Afterneath (a great pedal) is of course not unrelated.

I don't know if you have resolved your question, but SSF DivKid Rnd Step is also an appropriate answer.

There are indeed some very nice things here, like the beats at 1:05, or that unexpected bridge at 2:15 and its subsequent modulation at 2:38. This piece is somewhere between ambient and melodic. As for the video, no problem, we're here for the music first, right?

I would add some granular synthesis. Morphagene, Nebulae, Arbhar, etc. Very good for all styles, especially ambient of course. But it’s a question of sensitivity. Excellent selection of modules otherwise...

When sampling an instrument for tonal music, use the 'cycle of fifths': F, C, G, D, A, E, B, etc. But, as explained above, this assumes the ability to multi-sample...
See this rather complete article on piano sampling: https://audient.com/tutorial/pianosample/

For the rest (e.g. atonal percussion, concrete or experimental music), there is no rule.
But, in a modular, filters, wavefolders, envelopes and vcas, will be very useful :))

@Stratx

For drums and percussions, the possibilities are endless because they depend closely on the musical genres. As the principle of these instruments is basically quite 'physical', it can indeed be a good idea to go for external controllers (as the Beatstep Pro), and even to complete with traditional drum machines. I personnaly use both.

Of course I have reserved some elements inside the modular itself, in relation with the its specific qualities and in order to create more complex drum parts...

So, on the trigger side, I currently use: Marbles, SIG, Varigate (which can be based on chance, a number of steps you determine, and all on several different channels), LB5 (logic module), A-151 (sequential switch), A-160-2; plus Nin (Zadar expander with manual trigs), Ears; and DFAM which has an extreme playability.

But there are also many others possibilities that are popular around pure euclidean sequencers.
As always, a question of taste, priorities and investment :)

Excellent concept, and you form a real duo: we can feel a nice understanding for the benefit of both worlds.
The applications seem to be numerous (Jarre will be jealous, he will call you soon :)

About the setup, some modules could favour a cartoon spirit (I think of Morphagene, Data Bender), and controllers (like joysticks, or surfaces like LP1lightplane, Tetrapad), for you to test...

Nice work guys! / Beau travail les mecs !

@wishbonebrewery

Back on MG. I'm a bit late...
But among the things that hold my attention here, there are these relaxed tracks from the Wishbonebrewery :))

So, another piece that doesn't lack charm (even if sometimes a little bit long; honestly, I stopped after 23 minutes, but I had a pleasant little trip under the 'starry vault' of the first part; and I also saw quickly the last part with the voices, which looks like a kind of return to earth).

Two questions:
- Do you remember how you proceeded with those little percussions with some delay (and triggered by Pam, I guess...). The ones that appear around 5:10. They form beautiful clouds of galaxies :)
- How is your black cat? (I have a cousin of his here, on the other side of the channel, in the Somme).

Thanks in advance for your answers, and congratulations for your publications !

When I read your 'intention', yes... (Ideally Zadar + Nin).

Zadar :)

Tarot seems to be a great module, like everything else that Modulaire Maritime does. It wouldn’t be a bad idea for getting new timbres and sometimes a deeper or more aggressive touch. I would go with that. But the choice of one (or more) module is mostly dependent on the musical direction you want to go in.

“Mr. Hammond, after careful consideration, I’ve decided not to endorse your park.” (Dr. Alan Grant - Jurassic Park).

That’s a nice trip! Modular is a long river.

Good atmosphere, nice little ambient trip to start a Sunday afternoon thanks to this piece, the guinea pigs and your music-loving cat. A proper conditioning before joining my own home studio. (BTW do not forget to feed the chickens :)

This patch, inspired by the french musician and writer Boris Vian: ‘the monkey > the man > the fool’.
So sometimes it’s good to pull the plug.

@farkas is right. My first manual about a modular subject was for the Make Noise O-Coast. The pedagogy of this manual invited me to continue towards modular.
One Make Noise exception: the Maths manual. Fortunately Demonam has been there :) https://w2.mat.ucsb.edu/mat276n/resources/systems/CREATE_teachingSynth/manuals/8c_Maths2013-V1.11-printable.pdf
Otherwise, for their nice readability: Mutable Instruments.

May I just add to all these suggestions Qu-Bit Data Bender which is an authentic sound processor. Much more than a simple 'destruction' module :))
I had first adopted it for this ‘crusher’ function and I discovered that it can also do much more, and beautiful things.
Again, it's all in the use of the tool...

Plaits is French, Twin Waves is Belgian.
I use Plaits, but Twin Waves is a ‘bloody little module’ with a lot of ‘little grey cells’ (so many great features) and it sounds absolutely wonderful!
I don't know how I haven't given in to temptation yet...
I'm a ‘bloody little frog’.

I use both mixers. They are excellent (and no noise problems on the StMix!).
My most frequent configuration: StMix and/or A-138s as sub-mixers (either of which can end up on a stereo effect: reverb, Data Bender, etc.), and the Black Stereo Mixer V3 as the final mixer before the Listen IO output module.
Some details differ (see the manuals) like a 5th input on the Befaco or the merge of mono channels on the Erica Synths.
The choice will depend on the context of use.

Nice tracks, beautiful travel diary. Very interesting cross between European and Japanese influences.

Nice topic.
I think I'd start having fun with this... while thinking about the next 104 HP ;)

Is there a way I can tell the cat that the mess is actually part of my rack? I like cats - but this cat is annoying me.
-- cosmicmusicfoundation

No, you can't. Cats can't be trained. But that said, try to coax him with kibble. Salmon kibble?

Sad news. ‘Planning for the future’ is ‘impossible’... A situation that many companies are experiencing. A page is being turned in the world of modular.

Some basic remarks although I'm not the most 'expert' here.

For 'experimental drone/ambient-like/random/generative stuff' you will need many modulations. In a small case, DivKid Ochd (8 Lfos in 4HP) is worth considering.

The A-180-2 can easily be replaced by passive multiples like Black Market Monomults or Tiptop Stackables: you will save some space. You can even replace it by a buffered mult which is very recommended for a better distribution of the v/oct signals.

Concerning the empty 4HP, a recommendation often shared: the Disting mk4, the famous Swiss knife of the Eurorack.

To conclude, but you will need a little more place, listen carefully to the NE Demodus Versio. This is a tool that may be suitable for your musical orientation. A flexible and modern module with the possibility to change the firmware.

PS: a larger case... sorry :))

White flag! May I just confirm that Limaflo Motomouth is genuinely an excellent Formant Filter, with numerous adjustment possibilities. (And that this Grendel, surely very talented, is not about to win its international beauty contest either :)

It's like an ode to fermentation (this interpretation is obviously under influence ;) Anyway, a nice track. Smooth and relaxing (not to mention the cat).

Upon hearing the student enter the secret chamber, Zosimos of Panopolis had only one word: 'Before you venture into the transmutation of sound with all these devices, you will begin your spiritual quest by first experimenting with the Moog DFAM, young Padawan’.
-- Sweelinck

Eh...can't I just fuck around with this EML 400/401 I found in a dumpster somewhere? (not really)

-- Lugia

Zosimos quietly pulled Master Lugia into a corner of the laboratory and whispered: '500 bucks and you give me the address of that fucking dumpster'. Lugia looked down at the tips of his Nike shoes with a compassed expression... Zosimos: 'Ok 750, my Behringer Swing and a signed copy of Fifty Shades of Grey’.
But a noise was suddenly heard on the stairs: it was the Padawan running away with a Vermona DRM1 MKIV under his arm!

Upon hearing the student enter the secret chamber, Zosimos of Panopolis had only one word: 'Before you venture into the transmutation of sound with all these devices, you will begin your spiritual quest by first experimenting with the Moog DFAM, young Padawan’.

@clusterchord Yes. For all its features, but also 'intellectually' :) Maths remains a must-have. The best cigar money can buy :))

Great answer from Lugia on the Maths cigar :)) Humor is too often absent here. VCA: I've been using the Intellijel Quad Vca for 3 years, solid as a Montecristo Nº 4. EG: Zadar recently completed (with Nin) my other modules like Tides. It's more like a VegaFina: a unique taste and concept, excellent value for money!

If you really need a manual reset trig, you should use an appropriate module (the FSR 1U seems to be convenient). Other methods would be less suitable and could bring you latency.

Concerning the cables, different colors will help you to visualize your patch more easily. And several lengths can be adapted to the in/out distances. However, the longer cables allow you to free up space to access the modules. Personally I prefer this solution and have mainly 100cm cables (Black Market in various colors).

The right angle patch cables can also free up space at the top: this is useful for the passage of hands to the knobs; they are also handy for the live performance cases, those with two boxes that close on top of each other.

Stackables seem a good solution 'a priori'... but they add obstacles for the passage of hands because they stack up high (and they are expensive). 1-in/5-out splitter hubs or 2-out splitters are more practical (and cheaper).
https://www.sweetwater.com/black-market-monomult/series
https://polarnoise.com/product/eurorack-patch-cables-splitter/

You can start with a mix and then expand your cable set. So, again, same advice here: go slowly.
Modular is like wine, an art of living, it must be tasted and enjoyed in small sips :))

I don't know all the modules included here, except 7 that I own. So, on my part, some simple advice and opinions; other modularists who regularly intervene in these forums will be able to complete or help more knowledgeably (I have two or three names in mind ;)

The design of the whole seems to me well balanced. We can see a certain experience thanks to the path already taken with the virtual modular.

Concerning the power supply, no problem. It is generally advised not to exceed 70% to 80% of the available power. (Sometimes less, up to 50% if all the modules were working together in the same patch, and with all the lights on, etc. Which is quite rare).

The only important type of module that I don't see here is an active multiple (Buff Mult type): indispensable for pitch cvs or other signals requiring high precision.

The Disting Mk4 should be kept, it will always be useful even in a larger configuration. And for example in this setup: if you need a delay or a Bit crusher. It's a little 'comfort' module that is good to have in reserve. That's what made it so successful.

A controller, or a manual trigger, could also be recommended. This is the interest of the physical modular, beyond the tweaks, to be in direct contact with the physical dimension. See LS1lightstrip, Ears, TP8... while waiting for a Planar, or a Tetrapad for example.

My advice would also be not to buy everything at once. Restrict yourself, at first, to the ones you are sure to want absolutely.

First of all, to be able to take the time to read the manuals well. This allows you to concentrate on mastering them (for example Marbles, a wonderful module, very powerful; or even just Rings which is user-friendly but has a lot of resources). I'm talking less about 'knowledge' than about 'mastery'.

You have to get used to the physical approach of the modules, a dimension naturally absent from their software version. And gradually, things will seem less abstract to you. In the real world, it is easier to see what you really want.

It can also be useful to notice the differences between the various manufacturing qualities, depending on the modules or the manufacturers.

So, your theoretical approach seems to me to be globally good, which is quite rare at the beginning. Your experience as a 'software modular user' has been beneficial. Your only small deficiencies are currently linked to this non-experience of the physical dimension of modular: which is logical today :)

I have a Rackbrute 6U. In facts, it has 89hp by row (instead of 88). The power unit takes 5 hp.
-- ClaudeP

You’re right. But, please, that little extra hp in each row (one up and one down) must remain a secret! And it could have been a nice surprise for @davidkcolman, especially for his modules... You shouldn't try to fill those 2 small spaces: they allow for better ventilation. I have three RackBrute 6U. They are beautiful and smart :)

RackBrute 6U: 176 HP - 5 HP power module = 171 HP

Beyond the very good advice of @JimHowell1970, I note your faithful love for House, Techno and Trance music. I would therefore advise you to include at least two types of modules absent from your current selection: a beefy oscillator (Noise Engineering for example offers a few like the Manis Iteritas), or a complex oscillator (like the Furthrrrr Generator). And at least a kick module (like the Tiptop Audio BD909, or more widely an Erica Synths Sample Drum).

Still not speaking drone, but many good ideas in this thread and lots of inspiration.

-- Exposure

Perfect. The best way to speak another language is, knowing the basics, to practice it over and over again...
So now, good luck!

Hi Gaz, well... you know... actually...
And you’re a really wonderful guy... but...
(Ahem)