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Actually, the best way to add space would be to put that Pitt SV-1 back into its own case and use it OUTboard. Right now, it's stealing space from modules that don't have power and housing. To me, that should be Job #1 here...THEN start figuring out modules for the modular system once the space is opened back up.

Ultimately, I'd suggest just going with an external drum machine, and then use some input preamps if you want to alter that with the modular. That's your "basics" there...kick, snare, hat, et al. Then use clocking from the modular to lock the drum machine to everything else. Use the modular to do percussive "hits" against the drum machine's background...that keeps things steady AND allows you to use the modular both as a synth and a sound processor.

Look at various modules to alter gate lengths and/or positions, then Boolean logic to use those gates to derive new rhythms from the gate interactions. There's also some modules that come in handy with clock tampering, such as comparators (they send a gate when CV fed through it exceeds a given level), discriminators such as min/max modules, directional CV trackers (these send a gate depending on CV movement...up, down, same) and so on. Putting a suitable "library" of these sorts of modules together with a suitable master clock for everything is a big key to getting some wild hits, crossrhythms, and the like.

OTOH, if you're paying buttloads of $$$ to get into a school, it would be an intensely stupid idea to jeopardize that with "Essay Pay Writers". Profs these days are wise to that shit and they also have tools to catch this sort of thing...and if you violate university ethics by using this lazy-ass way out, you won't be looking for Essay Pay Writers but help wanted ads for McDonalds.

Spammers are utterly feckless idiots. The only thing dumber than them would be using advice from a spammer. Like...well, THIS.

+1 on the cab advice. In order to add the "helper modules", you WILL need more space than this. My suggestion would be Tiptop's Mantis...one of the best values in Eurorack cabs right now.

A beefier sampler would also help here, too...if you need something that can grab stuff on the fly and then screw with it, my recommendation would be 1010's Bitbox 2.0. Not only is it fully-featured, you get an SD card slot for loading files to it via your DAW for live use later. And it works pretty well in live use as well. Morphagene and Mimeophon are also a really good pairing with that. But again, fix the cab size first.

Shifty or any other shift register module should be pretty worthwhile for this. What happens there is that you've got a series of sample-and-holds in a row. When a CV comes in and locks into the initial register position, on the next "tick" it shifts the first CV to register #2, and the new CV value is in register #1. And so on. By doing this, you can build up chords out of the arpeggios...or just use anything as a CV source. Also, this is one of those things where having some Boolean logic can really come in handy.

Exactly...I've been considering adding the RD-9, but I also know that the RD-8 required some hardware changes from their original to the "mkii" version, which I have. I'm going to sit back and wait and see if that's the case here.

It's too bad that Behringer isn't publicly traded. The shareholders would probably not put up with Uli for very long before the BoD retires him. He might think that "any press is good press", but when you've got pro users that are getting torqued off about this trickery (and a lot of other sorts), they'll show you the door.

A few things:

1. Get a larger case and thank me later. I recommend at least 9u size or even better a 12u case.
2. More utility modules would help: sequential switch, cv matrix mixer, logic
3. more modulation sources

Selling smaller cases when you expand is a pain. I know because I have been there.

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

hi i would suggest another trigger sequencer in addition to the euclidean one. also you might be interested in a module that allows for chance based random skipping of triggers. personally i wouldnt mind for a dedicated output module as most good mixer/soundcard can handle modular output level. i would also add a noise module with a couple AD envelopes and a filter module. delay+reverb would also add to the fun. last but not least there are plenty other drums/perc modules to choose from. to conclude i would like to say that inspiration is not for sale and don´t expect instant gratification from a modular setup.

Hi everyone,

I'm planning a beginner rack focused on drums, and I would love to get your help!

I'm a percussionist and I produce electronic music with Ableton Live and traditional samplers / drum machines, but in the last months I'm struggling to find new inspiration. So I decided to pull the trigger and start my modular journey.

My budget at the moment is up to 2000 dollars. In the future I could expand the system but for now I prefer to focus only on the pieces that are essential to have a basic, independent drum rack.
I would rather avoid sample players and screen-based modules, because it wouldn't be much different from using Ableton. I would like my system to be as analog and performance-oriented as possible. As for the sound, I aim to produce techno / dance / Thom York-like beats.

So, let's deep dive into my first sketch: Euclidean Circles is the main sequencer and Maths is the modulation source. The drum voices are BIA (kick) and three Erica Synth modules for snare, hi-hat and clap. Doepfer A-138s mixes the four voices in stereo, and then everything is passed to the Intellijel output module.

Do you think I'm missing something? Is Euclidean Rhythms enough to make interesting, full-blown beats?
Should I rearrange the voices or remove / replace something?

Thank you so much for your time and advices!

EDITED Apr 29th 2022, 18:27

Nice one! It starts with a sound that I have also been using, but then changes into this bleepy-bloopy jungley thing that at once is quite typical for trackers, yet not cliche. Quite entertaining to listen to!
-- Arrandan

Glad you enjoyed it.

Row 1-4 and Row 6-9 are in adjacent 12U Desktop Racks. Row 5 is in a separate 84 HP skiff.

I am the same tentacle monster. Thank you, I will look up that "Maths Illustrated" Great advice.

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

Just created some new space (30hp) in my rack and am looking for some suggestions on what to fill it with. The type of music I make is more rhythmic electronic and some techno / electro.
Would be great to get some input.

EDITED Apr 29th 2022, 12:45

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...

EDITED Apr 29th 2022, 12:38

Thank you woeps! I appreciate all of the time you spent helping me. I have some more CV generators, you were very right about that. I got rid of that big fx box. I have this new stuff coming on Wed. I don't want to have more than one case, that will be a money pit for me. Still figuring out where to place stuff in the case so this is the tentative placement.Just doing this for fun. I wanted to have the rack play while I draw in my studio. Might replace maths with the module you suggested. I guess I will sell the used modules on ebay or reverb. Thanks again!

EDITED Apr 29th 2022, 12:11

Good stuff. Thanks for sharing!

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

Hi team. I’m looking to get thoughts on this. I want this to be a sample based sound palace. Minimal sources actually generated in this I know. Thinking that a Krog sq1 can act as an external sequencer and clock. Minor modulation / structure with Ochd and 2hp tm. One robust voice with added potential from Mimeophon. Clouds clone and Mimeophon brings the weird…external link to pedals and a lil 4 channel mixer connects to the outside world. Morphagene is the heart of all this with tiptop acting as a supplemental valve. I don’t know if I need the tiptop (though I appreciate Throbbing Gristle a lot)…maybe a filter or something better? I like recording and looping stuff…found sound and vocal bits. Not looking to create highly structured pieces but would like to grab structure when it happens. Anyway…what am I missing, what am I getting wrong…all that.
And thank you.

EDITED Apr 29th 2022, 03:07

I actually have all of the modules in the rack I originally posted and...

Sorry I misunderstood. I thought you were just thinking about accquiring these modules.

Now I see the following ways going forward - depending on your (financial) commitment to eurorack:

• Sell some modules on the used market and replace them in your rack (one after another).
• Get a new rack, which is at least twice as large as your current one (13U, 104hp), replacing your current rack. Rearrange your existing modules and fill up "missing" ones gradually.
• Get 1-2 new racks and plan them "in a modular way". Meaning, to have different racks dedicated to different tasks. E.g. first rack holds stuff for drones and 2-3 "ambient voices" (whatever this might be) - second rack holds 1-2 lead voices and drums/percussion - third rack holds complex sequencer, fx, downmix-utilities and controllers
  Rearrange your existing modules and extend the racks as needed.
  If the first (ambient) rack would have a noise-generator and a (simple) osc with some cv, you would already have some inreresting percussive sounds to play with while not necessarily needing more drum sounds (dependent on your desired style). Together with the sequencing-rack, you would have a nice setup, even for a live gig. (Many cases have the posibility to moint 2 of them together.)
• or combine the previously described approaches in a meaningfull way

On another note: You might want to think about your requirements for the drums. Do you really need them in eurorack format or do you enjoy "more traditional" drum sounds? - e.g. you could just use something like a TR-8S
next to your modular. This would be more cost- and place-efficient, than building similar features out in eurorack-format.
Or you could use a Black Box (by 1010 music) as a sampler for drum-duties and sampling in general (but with less modulation options, than if it were a sampler-module). This nice little thing is even compatible with eurorack-levels. Adding a midi-module could enable you to use the box also for sequencing.

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 great suggestions by woeps there!

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!
-- JimHowell1970

My bad, I should have read OP a little closer :) I do believe Hendrikson was discontinued but I was able to find one last year. Just picked up the Echosystem as the first true pedal to interface with it. I only have three cases with cables laying across my Minibrute 2 and Hydrasynth desktop, I can't imagine what the cable spread would be with 8 cases...lol

Thank you woeps!

That is some great information. I will digest some of this and let you know what I come up with. I actually have all of the modules in the rack I originally posted and I am messing around making noise figuring things out. I agree that there are not enough cv generators. I will look into your suggestions. I definitely agree that Doepfer FX unit takes up a lot of space that could be accomplished with a smaller unit. I am not married to any of these modules so I appreciate all of the advice.
Thank you again,
The Tentacle Monster

Assuming wave plane gets tracking issue solved, if not stick with SSL double deka (waiting for Paula to rspond re cal info for steve > tracking +2octanves) also not reflecting talk with suit re more time suite modules need 3rd time buffer new cab? ask- sell KYMA + oberheims )keep steinberger-GM70-D550-MKS70 but sellKurzweils and hjupiter), add 9 more time suite modules - CANT w/o new time buffer board damint

EDITED Apr 28th 2022, 00:54

I honestly feel there's way to many Effects and Soundsources here to be supported by the rest of the Modules, for Example Beads can do a lot of stuff that Mimeophon and Data Bender can do (Plus it can be a Great Sounding Wavetable Voice). I really think the case is too small for all 3. I tried knocking things around a little and also made the Audio Path a little more understandable (to me at least). Top Row is now Effects, Sources, Modifiers, Filter and mixing, while the lower row is pretty much modulation and Utility only (Also notice Tides another Voice in Disguise).
Please consider getting the real deal Mutable Instruments modules in there if you can, they are amazing in
terms of playability (size) plus they'll be gone forever soon and Emilie will surely appreciate a little extra Retirement Money.
I srecon this would benefit from a few more VCA's tho..

PS: Take this with a Grain of Salt. I'm not the most experienced Person on the Planet obviously.

Edit: Just Read you're Original Post more carefully. If you're not too much about all the Modulation possibilities after all, maybe, for what you're trying to do, consider spending your 5000€/£/$ for a hologram microcosm, a Red Panda Tensor, an awesome Delay (maybe Tape?), a Waldorf M or Hydrasynth and a Polyend Tracker or Digitakt and mount them in a nice Case together if carrying is of concern. Because you can. Easily. and then some.

All the Best
Chris

EDITED Apr 28th 2022, 00:28

I'm a fan of https://www.modulargrid.net/e/modulaire-maritime-sindikat

Yup Jim is 100% correct- for utilities I like WMD SSF Toolbox, Mutable Instruments Kinks and Links combo and Intellijel Quad VCA.

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!!!!

EDITED Apr 27th 2022, 18:42

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!

For modulation, I like Batumi quad LFO, Quadrax, and Maestro. Those all have lots of modulation features to spice up patches and for me, I burn through modulation like crazy. Take Noise Engineering modules for instance. Noise Engineering modules beg to be modulated with many points for modulation sources. If you have just one, that easily takes up four modulation patch points.

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!

Hi Jim

Indeed i was wondering if the poly2 would be able to do so but apparently it won't.

I will have a look at shifty.

Thanks

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

Hi Jim

Thanks so much for the detailed answer. I think I need to go back to the books and the tutorial videos! I've always liked the look of the Doepfer gear. Seems they offer a lot of value in simple units.

I'll also take a look out for Stages

Russ

Obligatory: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/forum/posts/index/3579 . The "polyphony" part is important here.

Honestly, I don't think this system would be all that much fun to play with - you barely have enough modulation sources to control your STOs' volume, leaving you with one mod source (either the A-140 or one of maths' function generators) and whatever the NK provides for actual modulation of all the possible places you could modulate - the STO inputs, the BIA's and AI's inputs, the filters' frequency and the squawk dirty's other inputs. At this point, once you've gotten a fun patch going, you have zero modulation sources left to actually do anything with that morphagene.

Personally, I'd probably scratch the idea of going for four voices entirely and build for one or two voices and a lot more modulation (and attenuators, VCAs and all the other utilities that come with that :P). If you do want multiple voices, it's probably better to get a standalone synth (such as the dreadbox nymphes) and, if the synth doesn't have one, a MIDI keyboard. You'll have a much more balanced and affordable system.

If you insist on making a polyphonic eurorack, I'd go for voices with a lot smaller foot print - BoBeats' test setup (seen at about two-three minutes in and onwards - the embed doesn't care for the timestamp apparently), for instance, used two Winterbloom Castor&Polluxes and a tiny VCA. I'll try and reconstruct his setup as a modulargrid link later, if I remember to.

Edit: I've reconstructed BoBeats' setup now:
Note that this is still just a very simple four-voice synth without lots of options in terms of modulation or patching, which at least in my book wouldn't justify the (roughly) 2.5k€ price tag when something like the aforementioned dreadbox nymphes does basically the same stuff for less than a third of that.

EDITED Apr 27th 2022, 15:16

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?

Hi I've owned mother 32(sold it now) and had some experience with 'traditional' pianos
I've been trying to get to know more about modular synth and found out about niftykeyz
Since I have some experience with keyboard styled instruments, I thought it will be a good idea to start with that

My objective for this build is to make a 4 voice synth (think of moog's grandmother with 4 voice)
I own a beatstep pro, so I don't think I'll need a different clock source or sequencer

I open for suggestions and ideas. thank you.

Hi,

Lately I am having some fun with my arturia keystep arpeggiating atlantis in a very electro fashion style (some 808 and 909 on the background).

I've never really had a think about getting an arpeggiator in eurorack but I am now wondering if there are any good on the market.

Another option would be to pick up a Polyend Poly 2 to route the Arturia arpeggiator signal on different modules.

Anyone having fun with arpeggiators have any suggestions?

Thanks
Ciao
Mat

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

HI

That's really helpful thanks. Just watched a demo on the FX Aid and it doesn't do too much more than the EHX Cathedral I'm using atm. That's actually really good to know!

I've looked at the Starlab before. Seems quite epic and quite an investment. Probably worth it though.
I also have a WASP on the way so that's given me confidence in my choice

Modulation and Utilities. Anything you could recommend?

Here's an alternative iteration:

Okay...

I've reverted back to my original, original package based on an Intellijel 7U Performance case. Having more than one box defeats the purpose of this build, so the x2-Doepfer-cases (or similar) idea in not an option. It has to be small so as to be mobile.

The functionality of my Doepfer () system is mostly retained... mostly.

There are some compromises.

I reinstated my original, original first choice for a stereo filter - the MCFx2. It's all anal-log, is reasonably priced, is fairly compact, has built-in attenuverters and can be driven. The Rample does have filters so I figured I could live without the Ikarie for now.

The Monosynth idea is mostly still intact albeit without the Twin Wave II. I replaced it with a very basic noise module. This is a shame. I could I suppose, switch the MCFx2 for the Ikarie and loose the noise module, which would free up space for the Twin Wave.

I've gone for the Cockpit so as to give me volume control over the sub mixers within the system and a headphone socket. However, as with my Doepfer system (see link above), if I swapped the Cockpit for x3 Mosaic output modules, I could defer summing to a line level mixer or audio interface. This would save a little cash, give me more outputs and generally be more useful for my particular purposes.

This system is far more compact than the Deopfer one. The Intellijel case also has more than enough power - unlike the Doepfer - very baaaaad Deopfer. :-P

Speaking of anal-log - I'm going to the loo.

K byeeeeeee

EDITED Apr 27th 2022, 12:05

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!

EDITED Apr 27th 2022, 12:55

Perhaps even a looper of some kind

Yep I know about the cables and I don't have an aversion to them, however its the spread of cables that clutters everything as the pedals don't fit in the rack. So by consolidating I'm keeping everything in one place rather than here there and everywhere

I'm looking to add reverb, delay and anything else that gives a sense of depth and space. I have a 6U Rackbrute that has the bottom row free at present. That's 176 and then maybe 60 spare up top. Forgive my slight vagueness but I'm not near it atm

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?

EDITED Apr 27th 2022, 10:59

Hi

Total newb here. I've been messing around with the 3 tier Moogs (Mother, Sub and DFAM). Having lots of fun! As a guitarist also I've been wiring up effects pedals to each one, a simple in and out of the jack sockets. I really like the ability to change the sound of each module whilst still having them sync'd and it makes a huge difference to my sound

It's getting quote messy with different bits of kit so how could I create a similar thing in my rack? i.e where I could route separate modules to separate effects, perhaps in one effect module or a collection of modules with a small-ish footprint. I currently also have a Maths, Marbles and Quad VCA, using the Mother 32 as the primary oscillator.

I know, I know.. my rig is missing so many things but I'm on a tight budget and just finding my way. When I see something for a good price I buy it and figure 'hey, I'll learn to use it properly at some point!'. It's taken me a good 18 months to build up to this point and the main thing for me is to get interesting results fairly quickly. I still struggle with the whole science of modular so any help is appreciated to get some more interesting ambient and musique concrete sounds

Tnx!