Definitely NOT the way the original 1036 works! It should act like the same circuit in the ARP 2600; if I remember right, this is one of the 2500 bits-n-pieces that made it into the 2600.
Definitely NOT the way the original 1036 works! It should act like the same circuit in the ARP 2600; if I remember right, this is one of the 2500 bits-n-pieces that made it into the 2600.
Get Pams, Euclidean circles and Plaits. You can use Pams for your clock and modulation sources for Plaits. You can use the euclidean circles to trigger Plaits. I would advise you buy a rings or a plonk whilst waiting for the tip top stuff. The wasp would be good too as you have two modulation inputs there too. The Wasp sounds wicked with Plaits in chord mode.
You don't need VCA's until the oscillator comes out as Plaits has a built in low pass gate, but you could get the Veils and use it as a mixer for the time being. Personally I would just get a simple 4 channel mixer, it will be much cheaper for you and these things are really useful all over the place.
The advantage of playing with euclidean circles is to allow multiple rhythms playing off each other to create hypnotic grooves. You would need two sound sources for that. Plaits, Plonk, Rings all work really well with euclidean rhythms as you can get very unusual percussive sounds with them when you modulate with cv ( this will give you that moving sound ) which is what I'm understanding from your brief.
Hope this helps.
Hi Yunyun,
Wow, this is a great track! That sound that kicks in at 0:52, gave me goose bumps! :-) It sounds to me like an almost symphonic composition, very well done!
Lovely video with your rack in the greenery does the rest :-) Thanks a lot for sharing this with us, please keep the good work coming and kind regards, Garfield.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
My recommendation would be to buy Pam's New Workout and see if you can get away with using the Euclidean features on it. If you find that you MUST have real-time performance controls then purchase EC V2 later. A great strategy is to not purchase your entire system at once but just enough to get you going. Then add modules as you gain more experience and literal hands-on knowledge of your system.
I will definitely research them and add the to the list of considerations.
I'm highlighting this... because doing your own research, reading the manuals (before buying) will really help you select the best modules for your needs.
-- Ronin1973
completely agree with @Ronin1973 on these points - there really is no substitute for reading manuals as well as watching demo videos before buying modules
"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia
Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
3x Mia and the WMD/SSF Toolbox. Both seemed like good utility modules.
Do you have any recommendations? Regardless, I shall look into it more though, and thank you for the reply!
those are great starting points - I'd just grab those 2 and see where you want to go afterwards...
"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia
Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
I had already been eyeing Pam's new workout, would you use Pam's or Euclidean circles v2 if you had to choose?
Euclidean Circles V2 is nice because you have easy to read and modify controls. So Euclidean Circles checks all the boxes for real-time performance adjustments. If you are composing on the fly or jamming, then that module makes a lot of sense.
Of course, Pam's does Euclidean plus a whole lot more (that's not Euclidean). Pam's is one of those modules you can make part of the core of your system for clock, sync, rhythm generation, etc.
My recommendation would be to buy Pam's New Workout and see if you can get away with using the Euclidean features on it. If you find that you MUST have real-time performance controls then purchase EC V2 later. A great strategy is to not purchase your entire system at once but just enough to get you going. Then add modules as you gain more experience and literal hands-on knowledge of your system.
I will definitely research them and add the to the list of considerations.
I'm highlighting this... because doing your own research, reading the manuals (before buying) will really help you select the best modules for your needs.
good luck!
"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia
Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
Thanks Jim, I agree. The module is on its way back.
The thing is I'm going for a dedicated 2500 case. For general S&H I already have some Doepfers. I'll do some research and if that's the way the original worked I'm fine with that. If it isn't and I get two modules with the same fault I'll have to reconsider the whole thing.
Tetrapad and tete combo
acid rain navigator
-- Broken-Form
Good suggestion on the Tetrapad + tete. I already have a navigator, but I suppose 2 couldn't hurt :). The navigator is still sitting in the GO case (bottom left) but will be moved to the skiff once I reassemble.
Thanks for the suggestion!
- why buy the doepfer quad vca and then replace with veils? - just buy veils!
- do you really need the output module? - probably not - if you are going to play live you might want one, but then probably a balanced one - if not often they are unnecessary, or can be replaced with passive attenuators - this may differ depending on where you live and how good your mains power is...
- more utility modules would probably be better - I like to think (very loosely):
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
which generally gives you best bang for the buck - ie more variety (in patching)/less money
-- JimHowell1970
Do you have any recommendations? Regardless, I shall look into it more though, and thank you for the reply!
Big modules and a small case. You might run into issues.
You mentioned Euclidean rhythms. I believe Pam's New Workout has that going for it as well. You can get full-blown sequencers that do Euclidean like the Westlich Performer. That would give you the ability to save your set-up. The Westlich can also be controlled externally via a Novation Launchpad. Which might be something nice as you could mount the LaunchPad within your drum kit for better control.
If space isn't an issue, you may want to check out Tiptop Audio's Trigger Riot. For pitches, you might like Noise Engineerings Mimetic Digitalis. It's compact and can do four channels of CV information. The sequencer steps through 16 positions but is set up via a 4x4 grid that can take triggers to reset, or move the position down or to the right.
You can also add more complexity to your rhythms by incorporating some sort of logic module (a comparator).
-- Ronin1973
Yea, big modules could be a problem. I plan to build the system over time, so the possibility to add another Mantis case is always there.
- I had already been eyeing Pam's new workout, would you use Pam's or Euclidean circles v2 if you had to choose?
- The Westlich seems a little out of reach at the moment, something I might revisit in the future when the need arises
- Both the Trigger Riot and the Mimetic Digitalis looked sweet, I will definitely research them and add the to the list of considerations.
Thanks for the input
Tetrapad and tete combo
acid rain navigator
https://broken-form.bandcamp.com/
Got a Mantis Case for sale,PM Me
some great tips,keep them coming
https://broken-form.bandcamp.com/
Got a Mantis Case for sale,PM Me
Here is my rack(s) as they stand today. This represents a full Behringer GO and a NiftyCase. Would like to keep a lot of audio and modulation in the GO case, and utilize the Nifty for control modules. Was curious about opinions of control modules here (joysticks, rene or pressure points, real tactile stuff). Not really looking for sequencers per se. I already use a Squarp Pyramid and a CV.OCD to get 4 cv/gate channels for the voices.
Any recommendations of really interesting tactile modules that can work well for providing/altering CV or audio signals? Would also take any suggestions for gaps you may see in the rack (utility and logic, mostly).
Big modules and a small case. You might run into issues.
You mentioned Euclidean rhythms. I believe Pam's New Workout has that going for it as well. You can get full-blown sequencers that do Euclidean like the Westlich Performer. That would give you the ability to save your set-up. The Westlich can also be controlled externally via a Novation Launchpad. Which might be something nice as you could mount the LaunchPad within your drum kit for better control.
If space isn't an issue, you may want to check out Tiptop Audio's Trigger Riot. For pitches, you might like Noise Engineerings Mimetic Digitalis. It's compact and can do four channels of CV information. The sequencer steps through 16 positions but is set up via a 4x4 grid that can take triggers to reset, or move the position down or to the right.
You can also add more complexity to your rhythms by incorporating some sort of logic module (a comparator).
If you're on a Mac it's possible to aggregate your audio interfaces together into one big virtual interface. So you could use both the ES-8 and your Focusrite at the same time. Not so much luck with a PC.
My latest patch with Beads as the main voice. Additional ones coming from Verbos Harmonic oscillator and Rings.
Still debating with myself if Beads is really for me !
Btw, I already have the following modules which I plan to pull out of my wavetable synth:
Hey guys,
I'm still learning my way through the modular world. I've been working with a wavetable build I made recently and have been having a blast. The only thing is I was looking to add some groove-based ryhthms to full blow beats for songs. The goal is to morph from jams, to tracks, and repeat.
I picked up a elektron digitone for some polyphonic fm, as well as plans to utilise the 4 midi tracks with my FH-2.
To give you an idea of my... tastes, i'm not into dance music per say, but I do love dancing to swung grooves. I love harmonic play, dissonance, shuffling/swung rhythms, improvisation, imperfection, noise, grunge, subtlety, restraint.
Now that you have a super clear idea of what im talking about , what do you think of this little sampler+resonator drum machine? Planning to hook up the Digitone via the FH-2 here as well. Predictability and mayhem covered? Any suggestions are most welcome
if it's described as a sample and hold and behaving as described - then it sounds faulty to me
if Thomann say it's faulty immediately, then they've probably come across a number of these with the same problem) just return it - if the replacement still does the same - return it and get something from a more reputable company - doepfer or divkid/instruo perhaps
"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia
Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
which generally gives you best bang for the buck - ie more variety (in patching)/less money
"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia
Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
Hey, for the last months I have been doing a lot of research into modular and decided to start dipping my toes. So far that has been in the form of Ripplemaker and VCV, and I am starting to get a hold of what works and doesn't, so I would like some thoughts/opinions/critique of my idea for a first build.
My goal with modular is to create pitched rhythms with cool sounds that I can then play drums on top of. I also want the system to have a element of randomness to it, to create interesting and moving sounds and I want the system to be used as a foundation, or a generator, for songs and drum parts.
This means that I am not looking to create any drum samples or drum sequences with traditional sounds (read hi-hat, snare, kick) rather I am after new textures that I can put my acoustic drums on top of, something that I can play to and with, and also spark creativity, both on the drums and on the modular system.
So far I have concluded the following:
- I am planning to build in a Tiptop Mantis case
- I do not want to include any MIDI support
- I want to be able to create polyrythms/polymeters
- Euclidean rhythm modules is something I want to include
- I am drawn to the Buchla sound, and plan on getting the Buchla modules released by Tiptop and want to plan ahead and integrate the 258t and 281t when they release
- I want to start with the essential modules, make a barebones system and expand from there
So, with that said, here is what I got planned for starters:
and this is the direction I am planning to go in:
Any opinions/tips/critique is welcome before I take the plunge. I have bought nothing yet and plan to be patient until I got a clear beginning plan.
Looking forward to responses, and thanks!
Peace
This module does Sample and Hold as expected when using its internal clock or by manually pressing the Sample buttons, but when using the Sample input to clock it, it does Track and Hold. It will output the signal being sampled (eg. white noise) for as long as the gate or trigger are open, and only after they've closed it will hold the last value sampled.
As far as my brief experience in modular tells me, modern S&H units ignore the length of the gate and just take a sample as quickly as the capacitor can store it. So I'm wondering if this is just how the original ARP module worked.
As usual with B, the manual doesn't help much.
Any hints on this?
Edit: The Thomann tech guy tells me it's faulty and shouldn't be doing that, and has sent me a label for a replacement, but I'm still unsure.
Talking of texture...
I had some noise patched through a VCA and then being filtered by the T-Networks ADDAC103 a while back, varying the level on the VCA to control volume to a fairly low level you can get static or something akin to Record crackle out of it, I'm assuming other filters will do this as well as the T-Networks but I've not tried. It was a nice background element to play with or just tweak occasionally and bring in and you and sweep / delicately ride the control on the 103.
Enjoy your spare HP, don't rush to fill every last space, this is not like filling sticker books. Resist the urge to 'complete' your rack, its never complete so just relax.
Well it's technically a delay unit, but the SOMA Lyra-8 FX is so crazy it defies classification. I find it's an outstanding texture-making machine.
Thanks Garfield,
Definitely will post some of using the new OP-1 with modular. I am watching the Teenage Engineering OP-1 School videos and very easy and intuitive instrument to learn and fun as well. I love the cow internal FX and cute graphics when you play the synth and use FX and modulation on it plus small for travel and battery powered is super awesome! I am waiting for a Kenton USB to MIDI host box to arrive since OP-1 uses USB and technically can use the 3mm outputs from the OP-1 to modular but rather clock everything via MIDI from the OP1 to modular. Super Coupe from ALM arrived as well and tried a quick patch on that new portable modular system and love Squid Salmple so ready for new year to create music.
Hi Sacguy71,
Oh nice! An OP-1 :-) Well, I guess you know what I am going to ask you next, right?
Please do provide us with one or more demo videos whereby you use the OP-1 in combination with your modular setup, would be nice to see! :-) Kind regards, Garfield.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
Doepfer is solid- aside from their crappy MIDI to CV module, their other modules are good and easy to use and affordable for eurorack.
Thanks Garfield,
I modulated the CV on the Jomox with a Doepfer LFO and that really brings the drum alive with nice fade in/fade out for the distortion and compression. Mutant Hot Glue is a great percussion mixer and FX unit so user friendly and powerful. I got my OP-1 today and ALM Busy Circuits Super Coupe modular system so lots to learn and explore and use together.
Hi Sacguy71,
Nice demo of two large modules, nice work! Wow, that sound that you kick in at about 10:43, ho-ho-hooo, great sound :-)
Thanks a lot for this video and demo and kind regards, Garfield.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
Doepfer is great. They have a revised line of modules meant to be smaller. A dual LFO and a dual ADSR envelope from them would be just fine.
The A-140-2 for the EG ($168) at 8HP and an Eowave Zone BF ($111) at 5HP look pretty tasty to me. That's an EG and an LFO in the same HP as the Batumi and Poti... at less than the price $350.
As far as a noise source, check around. Noise generators are often paired with sample & hold circuits as well as slew limiters. The ADDAC215 will do all of this in 6HP... and gives you TWO S&H circuits plus two slew limiters.
Per request some demos of the mighty Jomox bass drum module
Thanks for the tip re: posting and for the feedback on the rack. Good points to consider.
A number of the modules I have were deals on eBay (Function, Doepfer VCA, ring mod, Steppy, and both filters) before I had much idea where I wanted to go.
I have been looking at adding an attenuverter and a better filter choice and appreciate the confirmation on where to make changes.
I had thought the tides and function for envelopes but have been looking at something simpler - and agree that smaller LFO would help with space too.
I'll check out the Disting EX and add a noise source - opinions on which modules to check out? I have been leaning toward Doepfer for simplicity and size for EG, noise, LFO...
When posting your rack, don't post a JPG pic of it, post a link so people can review your set-up. Just copy the URL when viewing your rack. Like this.
Pam's New Workout has an optional MIDI expander. If you're working with MIDI hardware, that might be very useful for sync'ing.
Steppy is a gate sequencer. It doesn't output pitch information. You have a Beatstep Pro that offers gate AND pitch CV. What do you intend on doing with the Steppy?
You have the Intellijel Quad VCA. You also have a Doepfer Dual VCA. For the build, I think you would be safe getting rid of the Doepfer.
I like the Batumi and Poti expander. But this is a small case. Is there a dual LFO module to your like that's a lot smaller?
For your ring modular, I would go with Befaco's A*B+C. It's a dual ring modulator but has pots included for level control. That will be extra handy.
Speaking of pots... look up "attenuverter" You need a couple of those to change the polarity of your CV and attenuate it. Befaco also makes a great dual attenuverter.
Your choice of filters are a low-pass filter and a low-pass/band-pass filter. That's a lot of real estate for a small case. Unless there's a specific style of sound you're looking to get from your filters, I'd find a smaller multimode filter.
Do you have a noise source here?
Where are the envelope generators?
If you get rid of some of the fluff you don't need, you can also go with a Disting EX rather than a Mk4. You'll get much more use out of the EX.
You can also save space by purchasing smaller clones of the Mutable Instruments stuff. Again, in a small build, you might want to sacrifice a little convenience to get squeeze in more modules (more functionality).
Thanks Lugia, it's clearer now. I think I was confused by the fact that the Focusrite has also midi in and out, which I use to sync the desktop synth. The ES-8 doesn't have midi ports unless connected to some expanders, so basically with the ES-8 I would also need a module for midi. I guess I'll stick with the Focusrite for now.
Hey all - Here's what I've ended up with in my Arturia rackbrute case. I have other gear that I use (Digitakt, Waldorf Blofeld, Behringer TD-3, Korg Monolgue) and both a Keystep and Beatstep pro.
I like the random/generative ability of Marbles and the tonal possibilities from Plaits, Surface, and Chainsaw (and Tides) but wonder whether I should go for more basic oscillators (I also have a Tiptop Z3000 but wish it was smaller)
There's some duplication with the Steppy and Beatstep Pro for sequencing.
As far as my style, I like generative sounds, noise, ambient, but don't mind making straight beats as well (Digitakt probably best for this).
New to modular and hoping for some useful critique where I can add/subtract/substitute for a more useful system. Thanks!
FWIW, it isn’t so much that VnIcursal is cramped, it is that the ordering of the pots, in relation to their channels, is really unintuitive. Zoom in on one of the module images and you’ll see what I mean. :)
They’re both pretty great little modules, though. They just optimize for different things, as with all good modules large or small.
You’re welcome Garfield. Yeah Wogglebug is great. I made a cool trance house patch using it as a triple oscillator into modemix and optimix using Erbeverb and modulated by Maths. The Make Noise Shared System feels like a complete and portable modular instrument. I’m glad that I started on Doepfer basic modules before the Make Noise modular stuff.
Yeah, VnIcursal did look cramped, and given everything you guys mentioned, I think I'll avoid it for now.
Thanks a lot,
Jack
BSPs wouldn't be a bad idea. Or perhaps one of those and a Keystep Pro? That would give you much the same functionality AND also add a proper keyboard controller.
How do you make it portable? Easy-peasy. Go to a sporting goods place that carries more guns and gun supplies than the entirety of Delta Force, and find a suitable gun case. This might sound odd at first, but when you notice that at least one manufacturer of these ALSO makes music cases (ie: SKB), it all gets clearer. Find one that can fit the BSPs...or the BSP + KSP...and then modify the internal foam so that everything fits nice and snugly. In fact, quite a few gun cases have "cubed foam" so that you can modify the interior to your exact liking. Just take your gear measurements with you, do some rooting around, and you should find just the thing you need.
As for FX...you've got a big gap in the tile row. If this is 24 hp or wider, there's your FX module space; Intellijel has a tile that offers stereo reverb, chorus, and delay (https://www.modulargrid.net/e/intellijel-multi-fx-1u)...in short, the basics that are often part of sound design, albeit nothing overly complicated, either to use or in terms of sound. As for anything beyond that, you should do a deep dive on either eBay or Reverb and look at 1980s thru mid-90s rack processors. Back in the day, a Yamaha REV-7 would've set you back a hefty chunk of change...but the two right next to me in the rack only ran me about $350 (yes, together!)because they're "obsolete". They don't SOUND obsolete...they're just not the newer/shiner/faster model of reverb unit, which to me isn't even close to "obsolete".
The ES-8 is basically a multichannel digital audio interface crammed into a small Eurorack module. As such, it should function just like any other interface, save for the fact that it outputs CV and so forth as it's a DC-coupled device. In fact, some of us (myself included) use standalone DC-coupled interfaces from a number of years back. These would normally be considered "obsolete" for audio (except that they still sound fine), but given that some of them can also pass DC, they work great for this purpose. As for your DAW, it has the CV Tools device for using Ableton with something like an ES-8, MOTU 828 mkii (which I use) and such.
FYI, the smarter way to sync the DAW would be to use CV Tools to SEND clock information, since this will have much more stability than most modules offer. Taking your headphone from the mixer is also fine...it should have the same exact result as whatever's going into the ES-8, etc. But always rely on the most stable source for clocking, in this case the computer.
Hi Sacguy71,
Thanks a lot for your comments on complex oscillators, will check out those you mentioned!
Ha, ha, yeah I got a Wogglebug too, funny thing. I love to use it as a random generator ;-)
I think you would love the Sinfonion, it's a powerful beast! Looks like you have some good fun with your Shared System, keep up the good spirit and kind regards, Garfield.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
Hi Jtunes_ia,
Good comments by Jim and Mvdirty!
The main reason for me to choose the Veils over the VnIcursal would be the user interface. The Veils has, in my opinion, a better user interface, it looks calmer and I am sure with the Veils one would feel more comfortable in usage rather than the VnIcursal, when fully patched, having 18 cables going to a small 8 HP panel with 6 tiny potentiometers above those 18 cables... mwaaahhh.... Veils is the winner here for me.
Though I have to admit those 8 small potentiometers on the Veils is of a similar problem, at least the sliders make this module a bit more comfy to use though.
Now if you want a serious comfortable module to use, then you might want to look at the dual VCA called Waldorf - DVCA1 (look at my below website for a downloadable report in PDF format about the DVCA1), it's on offer right now and is one of the best (if not the best) VCAs I have come across so far. But... there is always a but... it is 20 HP wide, that's the downside of it; if HP usage is an issue that is.
Good luck with choosing a suitable (quad/dual) VCA and kind regards, Garfield.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
Thanks Garfield,
I love the DPO however if I was choosing a new complex oscillator it would not be my top choice. I would consider Frap Tools Brenso, Instruo Saich, Verbos Harmonic Oscillator, or Hexinverter Mindphaser. But it came with Shared System and sounds massive for kicks and so forth. It is a dirty oscillator but can do more mild stuff as well. I will try feeding Morphagene into Mimeophon and see how it sounds. It sounds great thru Erbeverb and Echophon. Wogglebug is fantastic as well. Such a well designed modular system for experimental sound design! I also have an ALM Super Coupe and OP-1 on the way to use with it for my mobile modular rig. Saving for ACL Sinfonion and Assimil8or.
Hi Sacguy71,
Nice to hear the DPO. I am still hesitating about this module, is it really worth it?
Yeah, the Morphagene sounds like good fun. For some more crazy fun you could try to put it in series with Mimeophon that I guess you will have in your Shared System as well, right? Just connect the output of the Morphagene to the input of the Mimeophon and have fun :-) Kind regards, Garfield.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
Hey guys, thanks a lot for your replies!
About the case I may add up one more row and go for a 9 or 10u / 104hp to get a bit more space to breath and add some more utility modules. And I think it would still be pretty much movable.
I never thought about a sequencial processor as nickgreenberg suggested but it seems like a great addition to this case, I'm looking that up.
And to answer Lugia I use my 2 Minibrute 2 as sequencers or additional voices when needed but it's definitely not the most portable setup. Actually swapping them for Beatsep Pros may be a pretty good idea.
Also, if I was to add one more row, what would you suggest to complement the actual setup?
I'm mainly thinking about Marbles that I've been looking up for a while. Maybe a second Veils and then some more utilities?
I also have a PEG, a Dual Looping Delay and an Erbe-Verb in my Rackbrute 3u. Should I add some of those in this setup?
With both VnIcursal and Veils 2020 side by side I can perhaps add a bit to Jim's answer above:
Thank you for the feedback everyone :)
I am inspired by birth, death and the events inbetween.
So cool! Amazing stuff @aphew_goodman.
Latest stuff : https://soundcloud.com/user-352590333
I won't sleep tonight now after the sensory deprivation ;-)
Good stuff, interesting stuff, I would love to hear a beat-driven version.
Enjoy your spare HP, don't rush to fill every last space, this is not like filling sticker books. Resist the urge to 'complete' your rack, its never complete so just relax.
Wow, another nice track with some really well modeled sounds. I'm still finding inspiration from "treno" which you posted a couple months ago.
All the best.