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Oh wow that’s cool to hear that you can run the MPC Live on battery pack.

Well, how open are you to buying new modules? For many of the Mutable Instruments modules, smaller clones exist. The resale value of your MI modules should be above the new price of the clones.

Perhaps getting rid of the Veils and Quad VCA and going with a Befaco Hex Mix? That's two less VCAs but a space savings.

Do you need the Noise Engineering BIA? Think hard on that.

The Magneto is nice. But could you get away with a Jelly Wobbler?

If you had to pick one of your multi-effects to lose, which one would you remove?

Shall we play a game? JK...interesting sounds...not sure I would get along with all the icons that are used as labels, but on the other hand as with other modules its probably just a matter of getting used to what they mean over time.

Thanks for this! Yeah, that sounds like what I'm looking for. A lot of Digitakt videos I'm finding are using it in different ways than I'd plan to, but just reading your post gives me a lot of ideas.

Industrial and noisier EDM types are gonna dig this...
-- Lugia

I, personally, as a noise musician, found this module quite useful. Also had a nice results during "strange speech manipulations", sounds quite like glitches in modern GSM algorithms.. Maybe I'll shoot a vid about it too)

the 4i4 is about as small an interface as I would ever recommend anyone to buy

this is due to the 4 outputs - 2 for monitors 2 for sending audio out to process and re-record - any smaller and you can't do this unless you don't want to listen to what you are doing - which makes life very difficult imo

-- JimHowell1970

Out of curiosity, does anyone use headphones out of their AI?

I almost exclusively use monitors for mixing, but curious if studio headphones are ok for just playing around?
-- cj18

Not currently as I use an es8 as an audio interface (no headphone output) - but in the past I have - there is absolutely no need for monitors unless "mixing", even then arguably without acoustic room treatment, headphones may be better, depending on the headphones!

for "just playing around" I have used all sorts - laptop speakers, headphones, tiny rechargeable speakers and monitors

currently I use a tesseract tex-mix for mixing the output of which goes to an external mixer (an old yamaha mg10) and from there to either headphones or a pair of yamaha monitors (might be msp8s)

NB headphones won't help with the less than 4 channels problem - headphone outs are usually copies of channels 1 & 2, so you wouldn't be able to listen to the mix on headphones and use outputs 1 & 2 for external processing

3U/1U adapter holds Winterbloom Helium (3x buff mult + precision adder)

I’m using headphones with my Motu 4 audio interface. Works great and such a good audio interface. Recording direct from modular to my DAW is a piece of cake now.

the 4i4 is about as small an interface as I would ever recommend anyone to buy

this is due to the 4 outputs - 2 for monitors 2 for sending audio out to process and re-record - any smaller and you can't do this unless you don't want to listen to what you are doing - which makes life very difficult imo

-- JimHowell1970

Out of curiosity, does anyone use headphones out of their AI?

I almost exclusively use monitors for mixing, but curious if studio headphones are ok for just playing around?

DM sent just now with my modular track. I’m planning to release a modular dance album next year as my personal challenge for the new year. Might as well make music with my modular!

EDITED Dec 23rd 2021, 02:33

I also notice that the signal flow in this is sort of all over the place, and not in an arrangement that's more intuitive. Lemme tinker with this a bit...

OK...see how this feels:

What I did here was to restructure the layout. Nothing added or removed. Your "voicing" is up top, modulation and Rings on #2, drum and random on #3 on the left, FX on the right, and all of the control on the bottom. Also, the two 4 hp Doepfer mixers that are in row #3 are unused in this.

In case it's not apparent, the top row has your buffered mult (yes, you do have enough CV destinations!) then the STOs and Plaits. This is followed by your Quad VCA to give you level control over the oscillator signals. Then the Telharmonium has its own Veils to control the three outputs it has. If there was a quadrature source in here, you could hook it up so that the Veils could "strum" through its outputs. Fold is next (and since it has two inputs, try sending the VCA outputs to the Fold inputs!), Wasp VCF is next, and the Polaris after that, with one of the small Doepfer mixers functioning as a summing mixer for the various VCF outputs. From there, you could go on to an effects device in row #3, or you could use Rings as a final "filter-ish" device before FX. Lots of potential...it just needed to be a bit more visible.

EDITED Dec 23rd 2021, 02:03

It sounds utterly horrible on some of those settings...which means it's GREAT!!! Some of those overloads sound suspiciously like the sort of thing that I can get out of my PAR CR-4A, which is interesting as it contains the exact same op-amp circuitry as the ARP 2500 via some classic pre-ARP Nexus Research potted secret-sauce modules designed by Alan Pearlman in his pre-synth days.

Industrial and noisier EDM types are gonna dig this...

first 2 modules to be released in january (no date).
-- FatBerg

YUSSS!!!!

Ok it should be hopefully be fixed now and in stereo:

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Spent time cleaning it up with Audacity and had to double track with one left channel and second copy track right and then mix render to stereo. A pain but good learning experience! I will have to clean it up in Studio One later and remaster in Audacity on the PC that I recorded it from. I cleaned it up on Mac but had to download and update my Babyface RME audio drivers on Mac and fun times.

I can't wait for the "full" (stereo) version ;-)

well it saves attenuating the random and noise outputs - it's modular - try inserting a module that can amplify signals - veils for example NB most vcas won't do this only ones that have gain higher than 1

great advice from @plragde!!!!

Thanks Garfield yeah I found that issue just now and need to edit the mix on my DAW later today.
Probably is a setting in Studio One to create stereo track and record in stereo mix. I switched from Ableton to Studio One as the DAW is easier to use for me and offers more mixing and editing features so have to master it as well.

the 4i4 is about as small an interface as I would ever recommend anyone to buy

this is due to the 4 outputs - 2 for monitors 2 for sending audio out to process and re-record - any smaller and you can't do this unless you don't want to listen to what you are doing - which makes life very difficult imo

in fact mostly I recommend buy the biggest one you can afford with more i/o than you think you'll ever need - really annoying if you run out of interface channels - same with mixers!

just to reiterate, try with nothing, if that fails buy passive attenuators (eg 2hp trim - cheap and always useful), if that fails buy a balanced audio out module - if your interface has balanced inputs!

Hi Sacguy71,

Great to hear from you again and thanks a lot for the Christmas song. Not sure about your end, but here at the other end of the Atlantic Ocean your song comes as a mono song on the left channel only ;-) Perhaps you might want to check if you can make a stereo version out of it then I am sure it will sound even better! :-D and ;-)

Thanks a lot for sharing with us, Merry Christmas to you and everyone and kind regards, Garfield.

Thanks Jim

That clarifies a few things. Hopefully I get clean audio by just dropping the gain and output (and using the correct cable).

If not, I'll be getting another module to sort it out. That was a question to which I had difficulty finding an answer on google: whether a dedicated output module was needed. So thanks!

I am using a Focusrite 4i4, which is a pretty versatile little unit. Great with all inputs so far, but haven't tried it with modular gear yet... I'll find out soon enough if it can handle it - I suspect it will.

Enjoy!

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I recorded direct to Studio One for future edit and remixing. Jomix kick, Tiptop 909 clap, Mutant Snare/Hi hats and some fun voicing.

Instead of getting a smaller case and trying to cram in selected modules to achieve a specific effect, why don't you try "thinning" your rack by removing modules that you are underusing, or that intimidate you, or that are pushing you in directions you don't want? Put them in a drawer and see what you can do with the ones that remain. Repeat and swap as needed. That costs you nothing, you can get started in ten or fifteen minutes, and what you learn can inform future purchases (if any are needed).

I have a Digitakt. It is great fun. Even more useful than probability on a step (which it has) is the ability to say things like "2:5", meaning trigger on repetitions 2, 7, 12... You can use PRE or not-PRE conditions to link to previous events on the same track, NEI or not-NEI for neighbour tracks, to get longer conditional subsequences. With pattern length and tempo mult/div per track, you can create quite intricate and varied rhythms. And you get all this even with the entry-level Model:Samples.

There's no CV in, but I picked up a Befaco CV Thing for CV->MIDI, which works well with Pam's, Compare 2, and other sources of interesting gate sequences.

looks quite small to me

I would be surprised if the size of it is causing your creativity issues

I would add more utilities

Thanks -- I'll check out the Elektrons and MPC. I've never worked with a hardware drum machine and hadn't considered one for this purpose... but if one of them has a fast workflow, per-step probability, good onboard sounds/effects, and overall is more fun than putting together drums in a DAW, it could work. I like modular's happy accidents, but maybe that approach isn't necessary.

FWIW, I already own the Rample, Pam's, the dual VCA and Noise Tools, which together would shave a good amount off the cost of the modular route.

The voltage range of the noise seems pretty small, so the random output range is small. They don't talk about voltages at all on the web site or in the so called manual.

The screen failed twice the first year I bought it, outputs are not responsive in the second year of use, Customer service was not helpful in taking responsibility.

Hi everyone!
Our humble manufacture presents the flagship device – bit-crushing unit made on Soviet components! We made a little video with basic functions review and lots of sounds from the machine.

Module's page – www.modulargrid.net/e/vg-line-12-bit-crusher

Will gladly answer any questions!

The Akai MPC Live family running update 2.10 or later has probability incorporated. It also comes with 8 CV outputs should you want to incorporate modular gear into the mix. The MPC Live II is probably the best fit as it can be powered by its internal batteries. To me, that would make more sense than trying to create what you need out of modular gear.

Have you considered an Elektron Digitakt or Octatrack?

Hallo :-)

I want to minimize my rack to a intellijel 64 or 104 Case. The goal should be a standalone techno system to jam and have fun. My Modular got to big the last months, and this blocks out my creativity. Need something smaller :-) What would you do? What Modules would you choose for a smaller case? I need some inspiration.

Hello!

I am planning to make a small, all-in-one portable case as an extension of my main case, which I'd primarily use to build clicky-clacky drum/percussion loops. I write a lot of tension-style music for libraries and want to build some more weirdness and probability into my background percussion.

So:

Rample is the sound source, utilizing stock samples as well as my own. Pam's triggers it and the ADSR, clocks Varigate, and has enough additional outputs for clocked modulation. Varigate is extremely important here, if only for its per-step probability. I'd probably run it in 2/2 mode so I can also CV sequence some other parameter.

Also important was a feature-packed delay. I use delay a lot in putting together loops like these, and having one like the Imitor with a lot of CV inputs felt good -- I'm wary of having a lot of modulation options and nowhere to put them.

Otherwise I have the MIA for CV mixing/attenuating, the Doepfer mixer for the Rample voices, and additional utilities. Headphone output can be used as a stereo line out, so I figure that could help with the portability factor.

I want to be careful to not have any redundant modules in such a small case, and I may have missed other options that do the things I'm looking for in a better way. Would really appreciate feedback!

received an email today from mr milstein himself, saying an updated newsletter coming very soon with the first 2 modules to be released in january (no date).

+1 on Sample Drum for chopped breaks.

Erica Sample drum is amazing. Perfect for breakbeats.

paypal

One final question: do I need to do anything special to get my sound out?

maybe

turn everything down as much as you can on the modular and plug it into the audio interface with one or more normal (not floating ring) 1/8"->1/4" cable(s)

if there is an input gain control on the audio interface then turn that down 1st a well and then increase the gain until you can hear the audio

if there is clipping - unwanted distortion - then the 1st thing to try is a passive attenuator on each channel - these are inexpensive and almost always useful - 2hp trim is an example module

if there is still unwanted noise - then you may want a balanced output module - but that really depends on your interface and whether or not it expects balanced inputs

I have a floating ring CV patch cable that ends in a jack that will fit my audio interface. As far as I can tell, that should be enough as long as I don't do anything stupid with the gain on the AI. Please correct me if I am wrong...

floating ring CV patch cables are not meant for audio (hence the "CV" in the name!)

My Arturia has a CV out on it, so I am 99% sure I can go directly from it to the modular. Again, let me know if I am wrong.

you can send cv from the arturia to the modular using the cv out

I was just looking at the Rample and Erica Sample drum. Would you be willing to share your thoughts on the two?
Which one of the two would be more suited for chop up breakbeats. Thank you in advance!

Thanks for all of the advice everyone!!

I'll triple check my power ribbon, and give it a go!

Thanks for the module/rack upgrade recommendations too. I will await the next big sale, once I have had a good play with what I have :)

One final question: do I need to do anything special to get my sound out?

I have a floating ring CV patch cable that ends in a jack that will fit my audio interface. As far as I can tell, that should be enough as long as I don't do anything stupid with the gain on the AI. Please correct me if I am wrong...

My Arturia has a CV out on it, so I am 99% sure I can go directly from it to the modular. Again, let me know if I am wrong.

Thanks everyone!

Basic sample only patch.

Sequencing:
- deluge -> poly 2 to sequence drum patterns
- PNW clocking bloom -> 2 SD channels
Voices:
- rample for drums
- SD for lead/bass
FX:
- SD -> DB -> Beads -> Prism
Modulation:
Zadar modulating bloom/beads or any combo of fx parameters

outs to bluebox

Buchlas "around the first of the year" ... Thanks for the update!

EDITED Dec 22nd 2021, 01:56

thanks for the info, i.e., 'around the first of the year'. that sounds promising - i hope it's accurate and not just stringing us along!? i suppose i can be patient until mid-january. i also contacted tiptop and i'm still waiting for a reply.

Hi all,

I've been using the site for a while but never used the market place.

I am considering selling some modules and have some questions regarding payment methods.

How do people usually transfer money to each other on here?

I would prefer to avoid big fees charged by eBay and Reverb, but I am also concerned about selling things 'off grid'. Is there a safe way of doing it this way?

Could any of you explain the usual way of doing business here and which methods are most at risk. Is it possible for people to reverse payments even after they have received a product?

Saying that, I imagine this is quite an honest place. Please enlighten me :)

Thanks in advance

Well, the rep I was communicating with said we'll see the first two "around the first of the year". My guess is that they're aiming for a pre-NAMM launch of those so that they can say "we've got these now...and here's what's coming".

+1 on the FX Aid XL! That module is a real gamechanger...there's been Spin FV-1 FX modules before, but what HN's done with them really ups the game.

Hi folks, any updates on ETA for Tiptop / Buchla modules to be available? I've done some internet search but haven't found any new info.

I'm expecting some holiday sales at my favorite US vendors. BUT if the Tiptop / Buchla stuff will be available soonish, I may wait and save $s to go to the Tiptop Eurorack Buchlas!

Thought I'd check around and ask if ya'll are hearing more than I have on this front. Thanks!

don't worry too much about plugging the power in - iirc uZeus comes with a flying busboard on which the headers are keyed - mostly power cables are the right way round - out of 60 or so bought modules only 1 was incorrect and that was an old doepfer module - with a non-standard power cable (power header on multiple pcbs)

but it's still a great idea to know how to check power cables

on modules that don't have keyed headers they should be marked with a stripe or -12v - this corresponds to the red stripe on a correctly made power cable

if the headers are keyed then the power cable should just plug in one way

power cables should be red stripe match up to a small triangle to the left of the key on the connector

NB some modules/power cables don't work like this but they are the exception and I don't think any of the modules that you have are in this group

re: swiss army knife modules - another one is fx aid (xl) - igor keeps adding more and more algorithms - there are over a hundred, of which 32 can be loaded at any one time - including - reverbs, delays, filters, drum sounds etc

Well, as long as the modules are plugged into power correctly, there shouldn't be an issue. Knowing about the red-stripe is day #1 knowledge. Getting your modules plugged in is very easy to do. It's also very easy to plug something in backwards if you're not paying attention and get over-confident.

It looks like your case is full. So after you've explored what you have and how it works, I would say the next evolution is to transplant your modules to a bigger, more useful case. The Tip Top Mantis seems to offer the most value for the money from what I'm seeing. You'll have lots of room for expansion.

As far as exploring new modules, multi-feature modules are great. The Swiss Army Knife type usually allow for exploration in functionality. The big three I can think of are Pamela's New Workout, Disting EX, and Ornaments & Crime. There are others that are nice to have as well. In my opinion, you'll probably keep these three modules as there always seems to be an application for them and for the price (less than $1000US) for all three, you'll get a LOT of use and learn a lot from them.

I've mentioned the big three in other posts. I hate sounding like a broken record. But the questions seem to be the same. :)

Personally I would remove the pittsburgh waveforms and get the ataxia from dreadbox.

I would remove the Pittsburgh stuff and create a separate voice around it in a new skiff. I like the dreadbox chromatic modules and will eventually buy all of them at some point - excellent starter modules.