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Yeah I have been fooling with layered time pulsed with a solid grid by sync to slightly drifted off grid melody that dances around the main pulse. It was an interesting landing spot so I just hit record, not really designed as a track more just fiddling around hence the name.

Superb start there @wishbonebrewery and I like the direction you take it, big fan of this one.

I was planning on leaning quite heavily into the Disting modules for some of the things you've suggested (like wave folding and sampling, for example, since I generally don't use samplers that much and I already own a few of them). Do you find the Disting to be kind of anti-climactic when you start to use it for loads of different things?

Well, it's a bit of a problematic module. On the one hand, it DOES jam a lot of functions into a 4 hp space. But at the same time, it jams a lot of functions into a 4 hp space.

I'll explain...the Disting is intended as something of a "Swiss Army Knife", in that it can handle many different functions under a very basic control. And that control is where the problems start to creep in. Modules such as the Disting involve quite a bit of "menu diving"...and that with a rather minimal menu, to boot! It's a great fit if you need several different modules but simply DO NOT have the space for them. But when you start to rely on the Disting for specific functions, then things get a bit nebulous as to whether it's the right solution or not.

For example, let's say you're stuck on using the Disting's vocoder function. All well and good there; you're NOT going to find a vocoder that fits into 4 hp besides the Disting. But if the function in question is, say, the dual waveshaper...not so much, because there are more directly-playable waveshapers in that general size and price range that render the Disting version inferior. Take the Joranalogue Fold 6...also 4 hp, same sort of CV I/O arrangement overall...but with the Fold 6, you get a dedicated control for the wavefolding, waveshape, and waveform symmetry each. The Disting gives you only ONE control, and you have to menu around to get it onto the next function. If the idea behind modular synthesis is to make things MORE open-ended and MORE intuitive, the Disting is a bit of a fail on those fronts, even though it can be VERY useful for functions that you'll never cram into its 4 hp space and/or whose modules cost way more than the Disting. A tradeoff, basically.

Also, having midi capability (as opposed to usb-midi) is important for me to incorporate it into my current studio setup, so maybe I need to check out a third midi to cv module that is smaller than the Polyend but different from the one you've suggested.

Sure...you might have a look at Hexinverter's Mutant Brain, then. SYSEX-addressable, user configurable with 4 CV outs and 12 trigger/gate/clock outs, fits in 8 hp. This has a lot of flexibility, being user-definable in a similar manner to the FH-2, but you still get a 5-pin MIDI in.

I also wanted to ask about your experience with the shrunk-down Mutable clones. I haven't had time to look too closely at them but it seems like they might be more of a hassle to program than the name-brand ones (shrinking the face means hiding features?). Curious to know what your experiences have been.

It's worth remembering that these clones are different build variants on the open-source originals. As such, they have the original functions...but some "clones" take this to a higher level, such as the "Monsoon" variants on the original "Clouds" module. There's very much a school of thought that says you should get the original versions...but at the same time, if a build is really space-limited, the clones make sense inasmuch as you can get the same functionality into a tighter space, which then allows MORE functionality to get into the build. Even Mutable themselves have picked up on this, given the reconfiguration of their popular Veils module down from 12 to 10 hp, while adding slider controls for level and a DC offset for unipolar response (very useful with pulse waves to use them as clock pulses, or to keep a modulation signal out of negative voltages).

btw.... there is nothing stopping you follow your own path, though keep in mind some of the feedback from this forum which 'may' help guide future choices of gear.
It can feel like they are here to "Rip you a new one" but I'm sure they are all lovely xxx and actually trying to help.

You could start out with quite a lot less and still enjoy what you make before progressing to more modules.

But yeah.... Don't get into Modular, It will really screw *you up...

*Bank Balance.

Marbles is in control of the gates and pitches.
I made a little Snare from a fairly snappy envelope, some noise and a bit of ADDAC103 and the rolls come from the Ratchet on the DNi Pro DOT, other percussion triggers are from the Roboux LL8, I'm enjoying the Pr0k Clap module and I'm mixing/panning the percussion in my first Doepfer module A-138sv, there is the MakeNoise STO doing one part and the Befaco EvenVCO doing the more tweaked filtered bits which are filtered in the Omsonic Funky Ladder Filter, there's some Monsoon Clouds reverb and some 2hp Verb and some Erica Pico DSP reverb..... all the verbs!

Quite enjoyed this one, I need to dig a bit deeper withe the LL8 and work on more variation or progression on the percussion.

Always get a bigger case/power supply than you think you will need! I started small with 6U case but realized that I needed a monster base case with 12u monster case after a year.

I guess it is a little Brassy, cheers :)

This was good :)

Not how i do it now... But, what i want when it is out!
https://sonicstate.com/news/2021/04/09/mechanical-circle-guitar-interfacing-with-cv-and-gate/

Hiya, sorry to have been rude. I got busy with a bunch of stuff and was not checking in on this. I really appreciate you taking the time to make such a thorough proposal for a redux. I definitely see what you mean about me having under-utilized the space. I was planning on leaning quite heavily into the Disting modules for some of the things you've suggested (like wave folding and sampling, for example, since I generally don't use samplers that much and I already own a few of them). Do you find the Disting to be kind of anti-climactic when you start to use it for loads of different things?

Also, having midi capability (as opposed to usb-midi) is important for me to incorporate it into my current studio setup, so maybe I need to check out a third midi to cv module that is smaller than the Polyend but different from the one you've suggested.

I also wanted to ask about your experience with the shrunk-down Mutable clones. I haven't had time to look too closely at them but it seems like they might be more of a hassle to program than the name-brand ones (shrinking the face means hiding features?). Curious to know what your experiences have been.

Thanks!

That brass sound : mwah!

Thank you GarfieldModular, troux and sacguy71 for your kind remarks!
Very encouraging for a ”rookie”.

This sounds all kinds of wrong, but in a good way.

@sacguy71 -- Oh I know the Disting well, one of the first modules I ever bought. And I completely agree that the user interface is bad, especially the clickless "Z" encoder for selecting things.

OTOH it is half the price of the Sample Drum, 1/4 of the hp (give or take) and it has that lovely Crossfade Looper algorithm... and the 50-odd others which are part of the problem.

OTOOH having two of the same module just seems like a lack of imagination really.... although the Disting is the ultimate "utility" module, and you can never have too many utilities...

I may have been spending too long on Modular Grid recently. I have been building bigger, more elaborate racks on Modular Grid and can't seem to leave it alone. This is surprising because in my recent modular videos I have noticed that I never use all the modules I have for a single patch in just 84hp. So I decided to create a patch that uses everything, plus a few extras. I liked the result and recorded a YouTube performance.

Just curious how you all are using external instruments (specifically electric guitar) with your rack. I don't recall seeing a thread about this recently, so I figured I would start one.
I recently got back into playing guitar (sort of a post-punk/shoegaze style), and have a Doepfer A119 input and plenty of signal processors, but no good output module. Curious how everyone else is getting instrument signals in and out, connecting your rack to guitar amps (?), effects loops, pedal interfaces, etc.
I'm open to any interesting sound design ideas and recommended modules.
Thanks!

I would pass on the Disting- I have one and it is a big pain to use. Maybe because the encoders are tricky to get to do what I want and the vast number of algorithms packed into it make the UI not that great. For a drum sampler, my choice would be something like Erica Synths drum sampler.

Markets are weird... take Beeple's $65 million sale of an NFT. NFTs make absolutely NO sense to me, and the piece in question isn't even close to high art, or really good low art, in my opinion. Value is a vague noun/verb, however, so it's whatever people make of it.

Thank you!!!!

That's a great point!

Of the things I have that have this kind of inflated value, one in particular is absolutely 100% a work of art - I happen to think one of the most stunning eurorack modules ever made, out of print, and totally unobtainium!

For a bit of a giggle I did a quick search for expensive 'rip off' art:

https://www.oddee.com/item_98781.aspx

Suddenly, someone charging #5K for a rare module seems like a bargain!

EDITED Apr 9th 2021, 10:24

You see the inflated prices mostly on Cwejman modules. These were made by an ingenious inventor in high quality and small quantities. During his lifetime the modules were already the most sought-after and expensive. Now that Wowa has passed, it is clear that the price is no longer determined only by the functionality of the module. They are considered as a legacy, as pieces of art.
Sure some people want to cash in but if you think about it this way it is very relative: what is the price of any Banksy certified reproduction print.

Through the power of dialogue we all got on the same page. It's a Modular Grid miracle.
-- troux

I know I drop in and out here, but I have always found it to be the most level and reasonable group of people, adults who can have different opinions without turning to all out war :)

I would like the market to go back to how it was until recently, it's erm, slow to say the least, but then there are people who clearly still have plenty of disposable income.

This to me marks a subtle but seasonal change in the ever widening gap between the people who have, and the people don't - it's a global phenomena.

Is redistribution of wealth in this context such a terrible thing?!

It's definitely made me think about how I will list these things, if I do, and some words along the lines of 'priced as rare item' would alleviate all slime perhaps? I am open to suggestions for other wordings that would achieve similar or better!

One thing I have never done, and will never do, is act unethically or deliberately try to deceive someone, it's simply not in my nature.

There's another very old saying: A fool and his money are soon parted, I have been that fool on many an occasion, some would argue every time I dropped relatively large amounts of cash on synths heh :))

Maybe these situations are just an inevitable part of life, there will always be the con artist, there will always be the fool and part of growing up is learning to tell the difference.

Love this one too!

"someone who needs to stay the HELL off of YT and stop misleading people"
LOL, I can think of a handful of candidates to that...

EDITED Apr 9th 2021, 06:30

BIA drums
filtered goldbaby clap sample
Humble Audio Quad Operator, Pachinko, LXd, quadigy, mimetic digitalis, quad VCA, 3x MIA, Ochd, FX-Aid, Bat Verb
PEAK

Tracked into Studio One
FabFilter Q3
FabFilter Pro-C2 bus compression
Waves Limiter

EDITED Apr 9th 2021, 05:25

how lovely! I really like marbles and have been using mine as well for ambient stuff.

Today, I finally got my new monster case and placed most stuff in base/monster case so can patch all together. Works great and now I have millions of possible options:

Plus room to grow in the future even. But for now before I buy any more modules, I want to see what music is possible with my setup all together in one space. I do need longer patch cables now to reach the monster case to the base as well as more to patch to the MDLR 14u case and some 1/4 inch to eurorack cables of course. Doepfer makes great cases.

I created this fun ambient session today after moving the modules out of my 6U Doepfer case to my new monster case:

Through the power of dialogue we all got on the same page. It's a Modular Grid miracle.

I agree with that in theory, but I think degree and seller intent are important. (And again I'd stress I'm not talking about legality here, just personal ethics).

Say I bought a Moog DFAM new from Moog for $650, which is about the price brand new through a typical retailer. I decide I don't want it and I sell it as an open-box item for $750 and someone buys it. Fair enough. I'd say that the buyer got kind of a poor deal, as it's not too hard to find a used DFAM in near-mint condition for $500-600 (I paid $480 for mine); but hey, it's certainly no seller's responsibility to offer the lowest or fairest possible price imaginable every time they sell something. People offer to sell things above their average market value all the time, and I don't think they're all doing something bad or unreasonable.

But in terms of personal ethics, to me, there's a range that's conscionable, and that range is based on the seller's knowledge of the generally conceded value of the item he/she is selling. If I take my Moog DFAM and price it at $2500, purely staking my hopes to sell it on the notion that someone will buy it simply not knowing any better ... to me, that's really slimy. If someone does that and can just murmur "buyer beware, buyer beware" to themselves and sleep okay at night, so be it. Personally, I couldn't.

That being said, in all transparency and fairness, I took another closer look at the listing I originally mentioned at the start of the thread as I got to thinking more about this, and it appears to be for a version of the module that's now discontinued, which I didn't initially realize. Combine that with the fact that Make Noise seems to be a hot manufacturer in modular right now, and that puts the listing in a different and much more understandable context, where they're pricing it for hardcore collectors who want something no longer available through the normal channels. I still think it's a greedy mark-up, but since it's an "out of print" unit, so to speak, I've actually no issue w/ it.

EDITED Apr 9th 2021, 00:16

Super chill, looking forward to more @Rookie

New Doepfer monster case arrived and should have plenty of room for my modules and room to grow for a while hehe:

That should put my GAS at bay for while and focus on patching and mastering what I have now to create some interesting tracks and beats and more intricate patching opportunities. I have plenty of utilities and modulation now but could benefit from another mixer and sequencer and who knows?

Hi Rookie,

Oh wow! This is a lovely nice and relaxing track. After a day of hard work, this is the music that I need to chill out. Almost kind of Jazz style, nice!

Superb and great work! Thank you very much for sharing this and kind regards, Garfield.

Hey everyone,

I’m about to take the plunge into the modular game and was looking to get some constructive crit on my rack.

I’m intending on building an ambient/sampling/sound manipulation rig. I’m pretty certain on the 1U and top 104hp row, although things get a little bit uncertain down below. My plan was to focus on building and learning the ins and outs of the top two rows first and then look into the bottom row when I get a grasp on things.

I’m interested to know if anyone sees any issues or has any advice around the rack I’ve created on modular grid.

I’m also keen to know which modules people think are most essential and will allow me to actually start using my rig, rather than having to wait to buy every single module before getting a sound out of the thing.

FYI;
- I intend on using an octatrack to sequence the rig
- I currently only own Plaits
- I will use external effects

EDITED Apr 9th 2021, 00:51

And another heard from on the rack size: it's too small. The 3U Rackbrute is better used to expand the Minibrute by adding a few things that it doesn't have. But to do a proper build, you'd need to start with the 6U version...and I'd even think that THAT was a bit small unless you're good at using alternatives to the full-sized modules.

These 3U builds simply DO NOT WORK unless you're designing something very specific that can fit into that small a space. Otherwise, you'll tend to run into that space limitation over and over. Yes, you see these on YouTube all the time. But those are either done by very experienced modular users OR they're unworkable pieces of crap cobbled together by someone who needs to stay the HELL off of YT and stop misleading people.

How to correct a public posting with a rack link:

First, delete the original link out of your thread.

Next, go back to your build's page. Refresh it. Then open the "Screenshot" under the "Show" menu. If this doesn't show the right version of the build, refresh the screenshot. If it STILL doesn't show it, go back and check the build. Then refresh again, do the screenshot again.

Once the screenshot AND the build are identical, go back to your original post and put the link to the BUILD PAGE (and NOT the screenshot) back in. When you go back to the thread this time, you should see the image where the link was replaced in the post.

+1 on Behri, they’re pretty much the only corporate devil in euroland. Buying from any other brand is a way to support the community :)
-- LYFoulidis

Except for when you can't. I can think of several Uli things that aren't exactly duplicated elsewhere, most notably the 2600 reissue and the CAT. While these are replications of existing devices, in those cases...

2600: Korg screwed up. Massively. The only 1:1 between their 2600s and Uli's is that ONLY the "limited edition" 2600 FS has the 3620 module onboard. Korg's 2600M doesn't have this, ergo I think it's something along the lines of "crippleware" at three times B.'s price.

CAT: You'll probably never even SEE one of these out in the world. The original Octave-Plateau one, that is. ARP sued this and the similar Kitten off the market back in the 1970s, claiming that they were copies of the Odyssey and Axxe respectively. They aren't, though...so in this case, Uli's the only practical game in town.

No, I don't think much of Uli and his behavior. Fact is, I think their brand would be better off if Uli were shunted off to some position where he's just a figurehead and CERTAINLY NOT a public spokesperson for his brand. This doesn't necessarily mean that ALL of Behringer's stuff is crap; I think the brand would be thought of a lot better if he'd simply STFU and let people such as Rob Keeble et al drive the car.

The Squid might be overkill for my needs, but I'll definitely have I'll have a look, thanks @troux. Was staring at the Erica Sample Drum and the Squark Rample for a while. Both interesting, both do more than I need. Sample Drum is probably closer.

Plan B : buy another Disting? The Crossfade Looper algorithm is muy bueno.

buying anything on a secondary "used" market is and has always been buyer beware. It is up to the buyer to make sure they are getting what they are expecting and are cognizant of the underlying costs. Any misrepresentation by the seller is not cool and sellers that act this way don't survive long before people no-longer buy from them, and in this case I feel bad for anyone that did their homework and simply didn't receive what they intended to buy through no fault of their own (ripped off). On the other hand, if someone a seller prices something above market it is the buyers responsibility to recognize this and through the powers of supply and demand simply make that calculation for themselves, if you buy something and then come to find out you overpaid (and allow this to impact you emotionally), perhaps you shouldn't have bought it in the first place.

If you buy something that you want, got exactly what you ordered, just could have bought it somewhere else cheaper, better to just let it go and enjoy what you bought because at the time you bought it you were okay with both the item described, and the price and got exactly what you paid for.

(Shrug) ... it sounds like you're trying to convince yourself. I'm not saying it should be illegal, but there are many things that I don't think are a good thing to do that I don't necessarily think should be illegal. This is one of them. To me Reverb is a place to buy/sell used gear at a bit of a discount, because it's used and being passed on. Let's just say it's not something I would do, and that I hope you find other ways to improve your situation (and maybe even be able to keep your gear) than knowingly selling it for an inflated price. Look at it this way: you yourself say "sorry you got ripped off," which implies you agree that I was ripped off. The guy was just doing what you're describing doing, basically.

Like I say, I don't think it's morally the worst thing in the universe, and the buyer does have some responsibility to look out for themselves here. With my example, I feel I was kind of ripped off (or would have been -- I was able to back out of the sale, as it happened, at the cost of a "restocking fee") ... but I also accept that it was partly on me for not shopping with more care. But personally I'd just prefer to be able to trust that sellers are offering me a reasonably fair price. What is reasonably fair is admittedly going to be a little subjective. But, I'm only just getting into modular, and I can already tell it's a very addictive hobby, and it's certainly easy to get a little carried away clicking the "buy" button on sites like Reverb -- even with non-inflated prices.

EDITED Apr 8th 2021, 20:41

Jim is once again spot on, you need a bigger rack. Eurorack requires lots of space as these single use modules take up space and you need a lot of them to get the most out of your investment. If you buy a small case because the bigger cases are too expensive you are setting yourself up for disappointment.

There are lots of cool videos of small racks sounding awesome, the issue is that these small racks sound awesome for that specific sound and in some cases only that kind of patch and without enough supporting modules you will get bored or frustrated rather quickly. Ultimately either reselling your modules or getting a bigger rack that you should have started with.

It would be in your best interest to start with a bigger rack (don't focus on the need to fill it right away) so you have the best chance of finding your way in eurorack. It is an expensive hobby and there are lots of other ways to try a little before making this kind of investment like a neutron, dfam or similar semi-modular system to start.

I also wouldn't start with the Ataraxic (I have this one) as a voice, this is apologetically digital and taming it into warmer tones takes a fair bit of work. I would start with something like the Dixie II (my favorite workhorse osc), or similar analog osc. I like the Dixie because it has a ton of features at a great price, you will get a lot more mileage out of the Dixie as a first osc imho.

Marbles plays an A minor pentatonic scale to µOSC-II (Plaits clone) and to 2hp Pluck processed by Monsoon (Clouds clone).
Plaits plays Amin, Dmin and Emin chords fed by Minibrute 2S sequencer.

OK what are you trying to do? what type(s) of music do you want to create? what other equipment do you have, that can be used with the rack?

I'll say this on the assumption that you have done near 0 research - return the case if you can and get a bigger one - tiptop mantis or doepfer lc9 are good starter cases - because that way you won't be buying another one in 3-6 months - better to start with a big case and fewer modules than a nearly full small case!

often recommended starting modules are: a sound source, a sound modifier, a modulation source, a way to play and a way to listen - including/plus a quad cascading vca (which may be your way to listen) and a utility starter set of something like links, kinks and shades - I would try to follow this more closely

if you have problems copy and pasting the rack let me know which one and I can try!

that sounds like a plan - I'd try to spend a few weeks to a month with each one and then with a couple together etc until you know all your sound sources and all your other modules inside and out - this will help give you an idea of what else you need to get everything working together in the future

Help me with this rack im trying to build,currently i have bought the arturia 3u rackbrute

+1 on Behri, they’re pretty much the only corporate devil in euroland. Buying from any other brand is a way to support the community :)

I'm the same about the b-company

There are no eurorack companies that come anywhere near close in size to them

Doepfer is (iirc) 4 people
Mutable is one

etc etc

I know you don't, don't worry about that!

Sorry you got ripped off, that sucks :(

So, I sell something at a high price, but then someone else comes along and sells the same thing for a low price, does that make me slimy?

I don't think it does... it's certainly not my intention to rip anyone off, my intention is to get my ass out of trouble by any legal means necessary. I am not being dishonest. I am not breaking any laws.

This is why we have laws. So we can differentiate between criminal activity and free markets.

Or do you believe that markets should be further regulated and buyers and seller controlled beyond the point they are now?

I am not sure that would be such good idea. How would it be regulated?

I would rather trust that the person doing the buying is in a comfortable position to do so and is doing it of their own free will.

As for the suggestion that I would rip off some excited young kid, well... come on! Are you implying that people doing nothing other than listing their stuff for sale at a high price are ripping people off? I don't think they are.

To 'rip someone off' there has to be some intent to mislead, manipulate, etc. that means you are dishonest and tell lies to con someone out of money. Listing something for a high price does not constitute that.

Listing something and lying about what it actually is, the condition it is in, passing off fakes as the real item etc. that is ripping someone off.

You are entitled to your opinion, but it's a bit sketchy to say the least.

Lets keep it real huh!?

Anyone have one of these mults? We have been trying to track one down and can’t seem to find one...

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/2hp-pmkn