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Mat, this build seems pretty solid to me.

The 3 points I have questions about:
-- what will PNW be doing in this setup? It's a great module, but I don't see obvious uses for it here
-- why Scan & Pan vs alternatives or other uses of that HP?
-- why the DUSG? Wogglebug + ER101 + Quadrax + QX already give you a lot of CV for this size a rig, I'm not sure DUSG adds a lot of value alongside your other CV, and it sure takes a lot of HP. If this was my setup, I'd be tempted to put Joranalog Morph 4 where DUSG is. Morph4 is totally different than DUSG, but you could do interesting things in this setup with Morph 4 such as pull several outs from DPO and morph them (at LFO, sequenced or audio rate!) or use it to morph CV that's fed to something else.

That's just what I think when looking at this setup and how I normally work. If those modules are good picks for you, no problem.

Last, I should mention I consider 4MS SISM or Tiptop MISO important in any mid to large setup.

BTW re trying to emulate a Buchla setup, I watched the Tiptop / Buchla announcements today and it sounds like modules will be released here and there over the next 12 months. Between release dates and getting a module (they're likely to be popular!) it could take a while to get one.

Cheers,

NG

OH, HOLY CRAAAAAAAP!!!!!!

First thing I see right off is a 258...for $200!?!?!?! And the 257's getting reissued!?!?! Good lord...

And with Tiptop running the fabrication (I would presume?), we'll really be seeing these, as opposed to Buchla USA's never-gonna-get-done 100 series reissue.
-- Lugia

I guess one of the ways they’ve kept the price down is the absence of preset management which must make the modules simpler to manufacture. I wonder if they’re using vactrols too, which according to a podcast I listened to with the CEO of Buchla bump the price up. And then I guess they’ll have large production runs. It really is rather exciting news! Having said that, I’m still rather keen on the latest iteration of my next rack but this has thrown a haze of doubt over that …

EDITED Sep 16th 2021, 05:49

OK...dig this post over on KVR: https://www.kvraudio.com/news/alan-r-pearlman-foundation-and-the-record-co-announce-arp-2600-synthposium-event-52817

I find this to be utterly ridiculous. The Alan R. Pearlman foundation's also pushing this "ARPs for All" BS...which consists of having ARP instruments available for free use by ONE SINGLE studio rental company in Boston. But why the Foundation is giving Korg all of this credit is beyond me...after all, THEY were the company that succeeded in making the 2600 UNcool and angering the hell out of people with the "2600FS limited edition stunt" followed later by the "2600M crippleware announcement".

As much as I hatehatehateHATE giving him any credit, the one who's actually accomplishing this is...I can't believe I'm actually saying this...Uli Behringer. What sounds like "ARPs for All"? One not-exactly-a-company who got in deep with Korg for window dressing and fabrication purposes while Korg trashed Alan Pearlman's legacy with their hype and nonsense...or another led by a narcissistic jackass with some janky AF business practices BUT who gave us an affordable (AND COMPLETE!!!!) 2600 as well as the 2500 module line?

This is sort of...well, actually, REALLY weird. Korg is the...bad guys? Uli's...uhmm...on the right side of this? Seriously, I'm expecting the Earth to fall into the Sun at any moment because of the factual imbalance of all of this.

Swapped the VCF303 for my Polaris to see how a different filter sounded and with a bit more modulation capabilities, also trying something new with the MSCL, interesting module 🤔 This is an excerpt from a longer jam but I like the structure of it ok even if it starts out a bit slow, hope you enjoy!

Bundled the last couple tunes I made with this (along with the @TumeniKnobs collaboration) onto a mini EP which you can check out here https://stevehand.bandcamp.com/album/september-acid

Made with:

Maybe it does...but the fact is that you can look at it from several feet away and be able to tell the basics of whether it's patched correctly or not.

People rip on Tiptop over these colorful jacks. I don't know why. If you've ever programmed a Serge, Buchla, 2700-series Paia, Ciat-Lonbarde, analog computer of most any sort, etc you NEED those multicolors! Same reasons there apply here, too.

DFAM is easily detached from its own casing and mounted in eurorack, and since I have free space (at least now!) in my rack it's neatly in the same place as others. True, if the rack gets full I might put it back in its original case.
-- jussilampela

You really should put it back where it belongs. For one thing, you've really kicked the price of the DFAM up by doing this. And given how expensive Eurorack cab space is...well, here's what's going on:

(prices are USD per Perfect Circuit's listings)
The A-100 P9 = $675 w/ 252 total hp
DFAM = $699 and takes up 60 hp. So...

675/252 = $2.68 per hp
2.68 x 60 = $160.80

So the ACTUAL cost of the DFAM, in this configuration, is $859.80...and probably MORE given the import duty on the Moog.

This is why, when you can Eurorack-mount some devices that have cabs and power already, you won't see a lot of us doing that. Eurorack cases are really for things that DON'T have those, simply because the cost-to-benefit ratio isn't really good when you put something like a DFAM in a Eurorack cab. Also, putting something like that in a Eurorack case that also takes up more than half a row really depletes your open space for other proper modules.

OH, HOLY CRAAAAAAAP!!!!!!

First thing I see right off is a 258...for $200!?!?!?! And the 257's getting reissued!?!?! Good lord...

And with Tiptop running the fabrication (I would presume?), we'll really be seeing these, as opposed to Buchla USA's never-gonna-get-done 100 series reissue.

Additional sequencer is more about CV control, there are things that you can do with mangling CV that gets very organic results in eurorack. You can get close with max for Live's Midi lfo in Ableton and mapping them accordingly, but I also spend so much time with computer that it's nice to have something that you can put your finger on!

best,

JL
-- jussilampela

Cool...I got an ornament & crime to try and get some of that 'organic' sequenced mangling going on too
I hear you on the computer time and nice to have something to put your finger on :)

hi, and thanks for the good replies!
Yes, the Black sequencer is an option I've eyed, I like to have something tactile and not too menu driven. And the knobs seem really good, something to grab easily!
Shipping from US (or outside EU) is generally so much slower, and brings customs payments as well, so I'll try to find stuff inside EU.
DFAM is easily detached from its own casing and mounted in eurorack, and since I have free space (at least now!) in my rack it's neatly in the same place as others. True, if the rack gets full I might put it back in its original case.

Additional sequencer is more about CV control, there are things that you can do with mangling CV that gets very organic results in eurorack. You can get close with max for Live's Midi lfo in Ableton and mapping them accordingly, but I also spend so much time with computer that it's nice to have something that you can put your finger on!

best,

JL

Made a video for one of the tracks listed above. Here's the link:

Really cool ..... where is the program, to build import create you're own envelopes, and plenty space on the device for these things, WHY SO LOCKED DOWN =D

so ...... multiple in's multiple outs, ability to monitor its multiple fv1 chips, and replace them, free fx all free, this is an investment not an unfixable toy ....... IT LOOKS LIKE ONE

EDITED Sep 15th 2021, 16:54

I am also using Ableton but have a Beatstep Pro...I've been using the BSP as my primary clock source in my setup (which also includes a Hydrasynth desktop and my Rackbrute 6U. Also more recently integrated iSpark (drum machine) on my iPad with it as well (so I can have drums if I ever go remote...Ableton is on a desktop for me currently)

If I'm not mistaken, that DFAM has its own enclosure? It takes up a HUGE chunk of real estate in your setup. There is a calculation that can be done to demonstrate the extra $ it costs to include that in your setup...maybe you're considering removing it when you fill up more HP on your setup?

Curious as to why you're looking for more sequencing power when you are using Ableton Live and KSP...are you using CV Tools in Ableton? what are you looking to do with adding a sequencer in rack (more just curious than anything since I'm newer to modular).

I'd look at the Erica Synth Black Sequencer. It has 16 encoders on it. I'm assuming that if you have the Metropolis, that you like having sliders/knobs for input. Erica's website lists it at 510 Euros. Erica is based in Europe as well.

Research it and see if it's for you.

Happy Nerding FX Aid XL and 3X VCA
Frap Tools 321
Filter
-- jb61264

I was thinking about that FX Aid XL but is there a point in having it when I already have Erica Synths Black Hole DSP?

What would be the best filter to get right now? Possibly not the cleaniest one, or it doesn't matter?
Frap Tools 321 - is it similar to how Veils work? How can I utilize it in my setup efficiently?

And a very noob question - most voices like Manis Iteritas are mono.. am I right? I'm a total beginner and was a bit surprised that when plugging it (Manis) to Erica's Black Mixer it gives my the mono audio only.

-- Arrus

I'm new to modular as well, but before jumping into anything I did quite a bit of reading/research and asked a lot of questions here and elsewhere. There will be others on MG that are far better at answering your questions than I am :)

With such a small setup (I have a Rackbrute 6U as well)...taking up HP with larger modules like the Black Hole (16HP) when you can use something like FX Aid XL (6HP) makes no sense. You have an extra 10HP to use on other utilities if you switch them out. Not bashing the Black Hole at all (never used it or read any reviews about it)...but with a smaller setup like this, you should focus on smaller modules that give you similar features/functionality. That Hermod sequencer is nice, but you could probably find a smaller HP sequencer that will do what you are wanting. I bought an ornament & crime module that can do some sequencing (and a million other things too) in 8HP but also bought a Beatstep Pro as the main sequencer in my setup (so I'm not taking any HP in my setup for a sequencer).

Filters are really a matter of personal taste...there are many flavors out there...some with a very specific characteristic (Jove by System80 emulates the Roland Jupiter 6) and some which give you a wide variety of potential characteristics (Neutron Flux by Supercritical Synthesizers).

321 is quite different to Veils...I would recommend spending some time reading up on the two to discover what those differences are...Veils is a VCA where 321 is more of a "utility" module.

Mat,
Please Hold on before you buy anything. TipTop and Buchla are collaborating on bringing the 200 Series Modules to Eurorack.
Better see what the prices will be on those and then reevaluate the Build.

Best
Chris
-- Cangore

Thanks. Gosh, who saw that coming? And by the looks of the comment below yours they are not going to cost so much either. That really is very exciting to me. I bet they’ll sell like hot cakes. I wonder if they’ll make the weird keyboard?

EDITED Sep 15th 2021, 14:08

First price indications:
https://tiptopaudio.com/buchla/
-- BrumoD

Holy Sh*t thats cheap. Well atleast cheaper than expected.

First price indications:
https://tiptopaudio.com/buchla/

EDITED Sep 15th 2021, 12:40

Mat,
Please Hold on before you buy anything. TipTop and Buchla are collaborating on bringing the 200 Series Modules to Eurorack.
Better see what the prices will be on those and then reevaluate the Build.

Best
Chris

Hi folks,

this is my first setup, which is actually divided between two rack cases (one Doepfer 6U and one Dreadbox 3U), and the dreadbox has some utility modules ready (two mixers, two multipliers, 4 attenuators, MIDI to CV and one lfo).
And I'm also using a Dreadbox NYX as an additional synth voice. I'm clocking the whole from Ableton and also sequencing some from there (via Arturia Keystep).

I've been looking for some more sequencing power, the Metropolis is great but some more is needed. I was looking at Malekko Voltage block or one of the Varigates, but they seem to be out of stock everywhere in Europe I looked for. Verbos Multistage looks tempting, but a bit on the expensive side...

Any ideas welcome, cheers!

best,

Jussi L.

I don't intend getting a bigger rack
-- david23

no one intends to get a bigger rack, but at some point you realise you need one! and then the floodgates are open

I started with a 6u/72hp case (Bastl Marton) - after less than 6 months there was only 12hp left... & I wanted Maths... but wanted to keep all the modules I already had... simple solution - buy a bigger case - bought a Mantis and Maths... kept the Marton... filled the Mantis within another 6 months and started putting modules in the Marton... then I discovered DIY & Video Synthesis... now about 4 years later, I'm at approx 1500hp - with the rails, ears and 19" rack space for another 12u of 84hp... just need power for it...

I've not bought a case since the Mantis - all have been DIY - including the power supplies - I favour the Befaco Excalibus for that - not the cheapest, but excellent value and pretty resilient - reverse power protection etc

Happy Nerding FX Aid XL and 3X VCA
Frap Tools 321
Filter
-- jb61264

I was thinking about that FX Aid XL but is there a point in having it when I already have Erica Synths Black Hole DSP?

What would be the best filter to get right now? Possibly not the cleaniest one, or it doesn't matter?
Frap Tools 321 - is it similar to how Veils work? How can I utilize it in my setup efficiently?

And a very noob question - most voices like Manis Iteritas are mono.. am I right? I'm a total beginner and was a bit surprised that when plugging it (Manis) to Erica's Black Mixer it gives my the mono audio only.

Hi M01C,

As you and many might know, I am not really a fan of techno, though if this is going to be the new techno style then I will be a new techno fan :-) This is just cool. You got a nice relaxed rhythm there and this could go on and on for me. Pity this is only a bit over 7 minutes, why not 17+ minutes?!

I don't mind to hear more of this style of dub or "techno" ;-) Thank you very much and kind regards, Garfield.
-- GarfieldModular

Garfield :)

Thanks again for your nice words! Great to read you normally don't dig Techno, but that you dig this. It is not a new subgenre, it is there since the midnineties. Last week I was playing some classic tunes, my spouse thought it was new work of me. Very nice compliment :)

17+ minutes? Planning to release a cassette. Side A seperate tracks, Side B mixed together. When I'm finished (2032? ;)) I'll send you a message :)

Kindly,
M01C

Trying to decide which one to buy…

Using alongside a Behringer 2600. Would love to hear your opinions, or if you have a better option in the same price range?

Hi M01C,

As you and many might know, I am not really a fan of techno, though if this is going to be the new techno style then I will be a new techno fan :-) This is just cool. You got a nice relaxed rhythm there and this could go on and on for me. Pity this is only a bit over 7 minutes, why not 17+ minutes?!

I don't mind to hear more of this style of dub or "techno" ;-) Thank you very much and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Gabor,

Oh wow, a complete album! That's fantastic. I just start listening but I am already very impressed with the first song. That kind of tip-tapping sound that kicks in around 03:00+ is just fantastic! Nicely done :-)

Thanks a lot for sharing this with us, and I will continue listen with the next tracks, can't wait what other surprises you have up your sleeves for us, the listener ;-) Kind regards, Garfield.

Does anyone know of a way to mount 19" rack gear into a eurorack case. I have a doepefer monsterbase and was trying to stick a moog slim phatty into it. A vertical bracket that screws into the top and bottom of the eurorack rail with screw holes for 19" rack gear, may not have the depth in the case but wondering if there's a solution.
-- Gint

Here's what I would suggest (aside of not doing this, which I also suggest, as Eurorack cab space isn't cheap and rackmount gear belongs in a proper rack)...

Get four 4 hp blanks. Then epoxy two of these together so that you have a thicker 4 hp panel. Drill suitably for 3U rack ears, then mount this in the right space for the Slim Phatty's rack ears to attach to this as if it were a rack rail. Make another one with the other two 4 hp blanks, then mount this where the Slim Phatty's other rack ear is.

However...if your case can't support a depth of 110mm, none of this will work. And given that Doepfer lists the depths for the Monster Base as 70mm on the "flat" row and 90mm on the "angle", this seems to be DOA.

If someone sees a guy with a ModularGrid shirt on Friday, that's me! Say hello!

Check out IME/Harvestman and Mutable Instrument modules they easily can do dark ambient stuff.
Piston Honda or Plaits would be a good starting point with support modules and a random generator/sequencer. You also want some sort of FX like a good reverb/delay. Under 1300 will be tough to do.

Happy Nerding FX Aid XL and 3X VCA
Frap Tools 321
Filter

Awesome, I'll look into that, thanks Ronin!

I've had 19" 3u rails racked before, just need to see if it there's anything to make it other way.

It usually works better the other way around. There are frames you can buy to fit Eurorack modules into a standard 19" rack. Eurorack takes 3U of regular rack space. So you might want to dedicate three, six, or nine U to Eurorack.

LFOs
Noise Generator
Multi-Mode Filter

Those are the three things I could think of as being useful and not present. Your oscillators are all digital. So maybe an analog oscillator like the Intellijel Dixie II+. It can also work at LFO rates, so it might serve a coupleof purposes.

Little Dubtechno Jam, starring the Addac 601...

EDITED Sep 14th 2021, 15:36

Hello guys,

So for now, I have gathered and installed these modules in my Arturia Rackbrute 6U:

Before expanding it to much bigger version later in the future (thanks Lugia once again), I wanted to complete
my Rackbrute. Unfortunately I'm a little bit stuck. Little space left and I'm not sure how to finish it up.
I made one obvious mistake - Doepfer seems to have no use for me, as Hermod does all the midi/ usb work for me.

I would be really grateful for suggestions!

Thanks for the lovely feedback! Glad you enjoyed.

My new album is out today on this small netlabel, Kossava. These pieces reside mostly in drone territory.

https://kosssavasound.bandcamp.com/album/odan

Does anyone know of a way to mount 19" rack gear into a eurorack case. I have a doepefer monsterbase and was trying to stick a moog slim phatty into it. A vertical bracket that screws into the top and bottom of the eurorack rail with screw holes for 19" rack gear, may not have the depth in the case but wondering if there's a solution.

Ronin that's a great idea thanks

Great experience dealing with @PrismaticShard - prompt and pleasant communication, fast and safe shipping and the module just as described - deal with confidence, folks... and @PrismaticShard - thanks!!!

EDITED Sep 14th 2021, 03:32

Yes, that's pretty darn awesome. Those bass-drops - very nice.

EDITED Feb 27th 2023, 07:17

Hi Zuggamasta,

Nice to hear some music from you again! Nice rhythm you start with and in the very beginning the sound goes pretty low :-)

If you are looking for a small yet playful sequencer then have a look at Xaoc Devices - Tirana II, a lovely small sequencer at a foot print of 6 HP, only 4 steps but tons of fun and you can daisy chain it into 8 steps, 12 steps, 16 steps, etcetera.

Good luck with the search for a good sequencer and kind regards, Garfield.

Expander module to make it even more silence? ;-)

No idea, but my 6U's are heavily modified - power, custom ventilation, mixed media decoration. Why? For the same reason, I build custom PC's when others buy them off the shelf.

a. I've run completely stock -full 6U cases and had zero heat problems. And I've tested them with the same gear I use to do heat map, airflow, and ventilation design for the PCs.

b. Working to make some custom powder-coated blanks with varying ventilation designs and colors in useful hp sizes, but covid and paying projects have slowed things down a tad.

-- Vow3ll

Badass man! do you have any videos of your 6U mods?

EDITED Sep 13th 2021, 23:07

Yes you can do that. Just paste the Youtube URL in the description, it will be parsed as an embedded video.

Did you have any 1HP gap on your Rackbrute 6U? I found that after I put in 88HP of modules, there is a 1HP gap...if you had that as well and still had overheating issues, I'm going to be concerned.

-- jb61264

I never even got it full, only managed about 1 and a quarter filled.

EDITED Feb 27th 2023, 07:17

sequencers are difficult... very personal...

I have a pico seq - I find that it's not particularly easy to program and resetting the sequence is a pita - i just reload the sequence once it has stopped - it is easier than actually resetting it which involves pressing both tiny buttons - either together or one after the other I can't remember exactly - but difficult when there are other modules next to it

as with a lot of small modules the ergonomics are poor - I have a feeling this also applies to the mimetic digitalis - but that might just be me and my opinions/experiences

I much prefer modules that leave space to actually get to the controls, especially ones where I am doing a lot of effectively programming - if the pico seq was 6-8hp and had a proper reset button and preferably a cv reset and a bigger screen it would be a fantastic module for the purpose I want it for - sequencing song parts on a sinfonion - as it is it's ok - it has other things going for it - 16 memory slots etc

I'm tempted by theblack sequencer - it' s just a shame you can't individually clock the channels