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On the Intellijel Palette and your 1U modules, have you made SURE that all your 1U modules are in the INTELLIJELL 1U format? 1U falls into two standards: Pulp Logic "tile" and Intellijel. They are NOT compatible with each other. If you're going with the palette be absolutely certain those modules you've picked are Intellijel compatible.

Okay. If you wanted to make a techno song on this, what elements are going to be in your mix? Kick, snare, hats, a bassline, a lead, some chords... what else?

Do a mental exercise of where each of these elements will come from. What will they be sequenced by? Where will you get all the triggers/gates and CV/pitch from? As far as the voices, how will you make each one? What modules will you need in audio chain for each voice? Some modules are self-contained voices (like BIA, Braids, Atlantis). Others will require filters, envelopes, VCAs, etc... don't forget any modulation (the strength of modular synthesis).

How will you combine the outputs of all of these voices and apply effects to them when desired/warranted?

If you do this mental exercise and work backwards, you might have some second thoughts regarding module selection, module size in HP, mixers-submixers, etc. Once you've done the work, you might find that you need more utilities than what you have... that you will need more rack space, and things might be much more expensive to get the level of functionality you'd hoped for.

What started me thinking about this stuff is that I picked up a DFAM for cheap and at present I have just been working some rhythms out on it and running it into an amp and then plugging guitar into another and playing along. Kind of a crude way to use it but it’s still neat. I know nothing about synths but have always been interested in them. I just found a Mother 32 in a 2-tier with an empty case in the other tier so I will have 60 hp to play with when it shows up. At present I will probably mate the 32 and DFAM so I can get some patching 101 done and a better understanding of how it all works. Then I can ask some better informed questions.
Thanks
Mitch
-- OlDefGuy

The Mother 32 is a great intro to synths and modular-land, and with the DFAM is a powerful combo. I would recommend experimenting with those for a few weeks, and when you find that you are unable to do something that you want to do, then start researching modules that will help you solve that problem. When I first started, I bought a few things that I thought I would use but didn't really end up needing so I wasted a little time and money.
Have fun on your synth journey!

@farkas, I saw this today and thought you might want to take a look

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/adventure-audio-merge-white-panel
-- mog00

Whoa! That looks crazy (and useful)! I will definitely look into that. Thanks for the heads up.

What started me thinking about this stuff is that I picked up a DFAM for cheap and at present I have just been working some rhythms out on it and running it into an amp and then plugging guitar into another and playing along. Kind of a crude way to use it but it’s still neat. I know nothing about synths but have always been interested in them. I just found a Mother 32 in a 2-tier with an empty case in the other tier so I will have 60 hp to play with when it shows up. At present I will probably mate the 32 and DFAM so I can get some patching 101 done and a better understanding of how it all works. Then I can ask some better informed questions.
Thanks
Mitch

@farkas, I saw this today and thought you might want to take a look

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/adventure-audio-merge-white-panel

PATCH DE BASE AVEC FURTHHR

Hey 👋

I've been playing with the rack for some days now and I thought I could share some feedback!

First having everything under hand really helped me see how much the improvements that you proposed made a lot of sense. The 1U tiles were such an important addition, the stereo effect is just perfect and I've had a LOT of fun with audio feedback pretty much everywhere in the signal flow. The mults are much more useful than I would have thought. More importantly, each time I felt like I missed something in my patch, I realised that it was offered in your original build (eg. I miss the Noise Tools a bit more than I would have thought) or the module was on its way (O_C is arriving in 2 days!).

So, I thought it was time to work on the second iteration with the idea of ditching the JF and the RE for smaller modules. But I soon realised that there was an issue with the build: the Palette cannot power more than 12 modules simultaneously. The original build included 13 modules (14 if you count the 2HP loop that I decided to keep). So now, the question is not so much about space but number of modules.

To mitigate the issue, my first idea was to find a passive attenuator to replace the Duatt. I found the Attenumixer from Zlob that has 4 inputs and a sum output. This just left me enough room to replace the Duatt and the Mosaic Clock with the Noise Tools.

This left me with the possibility of replacing the 18HP Resonant Equalizer with 2 modules (14HP) and the Attenumixer. I haven't decided how to replace it exactly as its internal circuit + its second input allow for so much control over feedback. But what I'm missing the most should help a lot:
- probably a second VCO
- a LP filter
- some feedback control

From this, I sketched the second step of my modular backpack journey:

I added a second Mangrove as VCO but a lot of other VCOs would work here. The second module would a a Sclpl, the C4rbn or even maybe the Tanh[3] from Instruo (https://www.modulargrid.net/e/instruo-tanh-3)

Anyway, I hope this will help some of you readers on your own path 👋

EDITED Aug 27th 2021, 12:31

@nickgreenberg

Hi Nicholas,
Thank you for listening :)

Nothing secret or esoteric in my works. It's mainly improvised basic tracks.
I use few modules, usually a sound source connected to a filter, modulated by 1 or 2 chaos-modulators. These modulators are controlled by variable-rates LFO's.
Sometimes I finalize with reverb or delay, but I prefer "dry noises".
I like a lot NLC modules because they are raw and unpredictable.

The most important, my modular system is permanently connected to my computer and I always record what I do. I use later the DAW in time-grid sandbox, and (in "old school mode") I arrange the recorded basic tracks into structures.

Regards,
Jihel

EDITED Aug 27th 2021, 09:22

@Jihel, thanks for sharing that info above.

I checked our your bandcamp page, very interesting tracks!!

If you're up to share a few of the main patching configuration you use with chaos modules, I'd be very interested (as I'm sure would others). Your ambient work is some of the best I've heard, I'd be very curious to know some of your main setups for that. Of course you don't have to give away all your secrets ; )

Regards,

Nicholas

I really like this! I have to ask, though: are the tags and such on this set correctly? It appears when searching as an available Synthesizers.com module. Please make this come true and let me buy it. XD
-- tehyar

Sorry, just changed it so no one makes that mistake. This is just a project I did for myself. I only tagged it with that to give credit for Q128. No chance it will be available from Synthesizers.com. Although, maybe they should produce something similar. I find switches incredibly useful and they don't require a lot of real estate to be fully functional. There is nothing in MU that meets the quality of that MOTM-700 which is why I felt the need to convert it.

-- Precarious

No worries. Call it a mixer of ocd and wishful thinking. :)

I really like this! I have to ask, though: are the tags and such on this set correctly? It appears when searching as an available Synthesizers.com module. Please make this come true and let me buy it. XD
-- tehyar

Sorry, just changed it so no one makes that mistake. This is just a project I did for myself. I only tagged it with that to give credit for Q128. No chance it will be available from Synthesizers.com. Although, maybe they should produce something similar. I find switches incredibly useful and they don't require a lot of real estate to be fully functional. There is nothing in MU that meets the quality of that MOTM-700 which is why I felt the need to convert it.

I really like this! I have to ask, though: are the tags and such on this set correctly? It appears when searching as an available Synthesizers.com module. Please make this come true and let me buy it. XD

EDITED Aug 26th 2021, 22:53

Ugh! It happened again - I crafted an long, detailed response about my studio set up and my real-world example, but when I hit submit it got lost in the ether...
-- TumeniKnobs

half my posts get abandoned for this very reason!

thanks @TumeniKnobs! BTW I lose a lot of TLDR posts, but have gotten in the habit of copying them before posting, and now almost never lose them...

Regarding power, I fixed a NASTY issue the other day by redoing everything to draw off of one outlet. Helped a TON. I never knew about "ground loops" before, but now I know they are real, and potentially very problematic, often in strange ways. So yes, I tried a setup more like yours, helped a lot! I'll need to keep this in mind for future adds/changes. I may bump into my circuit limit (15A?) pretty soon.

Regarding Furmann gear, IMO it's important to have some meaningful protection in line with expensive electronics. My $200 Furmann PL+C has been a great investment to date. My (limited) understanding of the Furmann lineup for studios is it includes:
-- voltage regulators: protect from too low or too high voltage, including potential surges and spikes
-- power conditioners: "clean up" power with the effect of reducing noise
-- uninterrupted power supplies: give you some time on battery in case of a power failure, thereby limiting or avoiding data loss etc.
-- power sequencers: give sequenced on/off. This is useful for large touring shows etc., maybe not so needed for normal studios

SO out of those, IMO the possible needs for a small to medium studio would be voltage regulation and/or power conditioning. Your M-8Dx already does that, so maybe the question is would an improved unit be worth while? That's what I'm currently pondering, the main upgrade candidate for me is the $~950 Furman P-1800, but I haven't yet determined if something higher or lower in the conditioner/regulator lineup would be more suitable. I'm in MN where the power almost never goes down except in extreme weather, so I wouldn't really consider a UPS presently. But maybe a UPS would be good in your area or for your uses?

CtrlA, CtrlS, Submit! ; )

EDITED Aug 26th 2021, 22:46

Thanks will take a listen tonight

@frown3n I can recommend you check out this link https://www.modulargrid.net/e/forum/posts/index/9906 which is huge thing I put together months ago... the info / links at the top of that are relevant to "generative." It is food for thought, maybe too much food for thought... But overall the links are very interesting, and include deep & helpful stuff from Lugia, Farkas and a couple others from the forum. You'll glean a LOT if you dig into those posts and the example racks esp. those by Lugia, and his discussions of what's needed in the generative racks.

A few additional comments:

-- I love switches! Boss Bow 2, Switchblade, etc. My next major push is to be able to sequence sequences via switching (Boss Bow 2). Of course one can switch anything: audio, CV (envelopes, LFOs, etc). IMO adding some addressable (CV/gate/trigger controlled) switches adds a huge amount of depth and power to a setup. Verbos Sequence Selector is also worth considering.

-- in addition to switches, you could use additional Logic modules (e.g. OR/AND/XOR, etc.), maybe a couple clock dividers / ratchets (Doepfer has a lot of good options on this front), a derivator (like Joranalogue's one, or Metabolic Devices Coherence), plus more utilities like buff mults, averagers, and something like 4ms SISM to help you combine / wrangle CV from multiple sources. Joranalogue Morph 4 is worth consideration for mixing / mangling signals. The general theme here is, of the signal sources you have, what would be interesting ways to multiply, mangle, and recombine these? Logic and clock dividers also tend to be low on $s and HP so they're a great way to add power and depth with relatively low cost.

-- check out some "chaos" modules: see https://www.modulargrid.net/e/forum/posts/index/10358 especially the last post there by a guy doing ambient installations in art exhibits. Really interesting.

-- 1 or 2 Instruo Ochd units are worth considering. Lots of additional LFO signal for little HP.

-- your build above has i) a packed case ii) a bunch of big modules. If at all possible, try to have 20-40% of your case space left over so you can add more modules in the future without immediately needing a larger case. In other words, you might consider your next build having a considerably a bigger case! You may also want to consider if your biggest modules above are better for you than several smaller modules.

-- Since you have Metropolix, getting it's add-on would give a lot of functionality for little incremental $s and HP; more signal to play with and route. And if you like the "sequencing sequencers" and/or switching ideas above, then you can think of split duties between your sequencers. Tiptop Z800 IMO is a great "companion sequencer" if running more than one unit.

-- I love that you have Scales in there. That will give you a lot of flexibility to extract pitch information from your non-stepped CV, or to have totally independent control of potential pitch values (e.g. by setting custom scales in Scales, and changing those with CV, which is what I do). Yes, most sequencers will already have quantize-able outs, BUT IMO there's a lot to be said for having independent quantizing lanes in addition.

-- I'm not really seeing any modules in your rack that I think are total mistakes, I see a lot of modules I love. But I am left with the impression you'll probably end up needing a larger case and some additional modules.

Well this turned out way longer than I had planned. Hope at least some of this is helpful! Good luck, and enjoy!

EDITED Aug 26th 2021, 22:31

I dig Lightbath for his music, tutelage, and sense of humor. And for ambient music I gravitate to State Azure and Inverted Popes a lot. Red Means Recording has a music channel that is mostly techno vibes I believe.

Given what you already have what are you trying to do, but feel limited in doing? Before adding more voices I would focus on adding utilities to get the most out of the voices you already have. Trying to get multi-voice polyphony in a case this small is a recipe for disaster, plenty of voices just not enough tone sculpting ability so you won't be able to get the most out of all of them.

Are you planning on doing all drums in case, BIA is great module but you don't seem to have enough modulation to really drive two of these, while stages is a great module you might want something like a quad lfo (batumi for cadillac, doepher for value/hp) instead since you have a voltage block as well.

I love the SSF dipole, but not as my primary filter, I would look at the Polaris great bang for the buck filter (saves HP).

Needs some attenuverters, 3xMIA, Lapsus Os, matrix mixer, mutes, switches, etc.

Look at 4ms I/O similar output module 6HP, there are others as well I just happen to own this one.

I will definitely let more experienced people chime in, but I think you would quickly become frustrated with your ability to carve space for all these voices with the lack of utilities.

Hi JB,

Thanks! Will take a look at your suggestion. Actually the Minimix is the mixer I'm looking at! Definitely need a mixer - debating a few different ones at the moment.

For FX module, take a look at FX Aid XL..small but powerful
I don't see any sort of 'mixer' included and is something you probably want to have...admittedly I don't know all the capabilities of everything listed in your build. I use the Cosmotronic Cosmix and am really happy with it

Hi all,

I'm looking to make modular / generative techno and have drawn up this rack below (I currently have Atlantis, BIA, Maths, Pam's, Metropolix, Links, Beads and Quad VCA).

How does this look?

I'm not sure if I've gone overboard on the modulation - can Stages & Maths cover envelope & LFO needs?
Any suggestions for an FX module?
Too many voices?

Which modules should I purchase next - given what I already have (above)?

Thanks!

Thanks for your feedback. I learnt a lot from your comments.

All the best

Nice job ryanthegecko...I have the Minibrute 2 but haven't yet paired it up with my Rackbrute 6U setup (been pairing with my Hydrasynth desktop mostly) but you've inspired me to get that Minibrute out (I forgot the 2 has the sequencer as well). Hopefully I'll get brave enough to share something soon as well...well done!

Came to this thread to learn more about Dreadbox, and I’m pretty sure that Hysteria will be in the next expansion, but I now know that the Unicorn Boom exists! Bwahahaha! That panel is awesome. I don’t care what it does. I guess I’ll never not be 12. ;-)

Hi Ryan the Gecko,

Oh, this is a nice jam! Ha, ha, I had to smile when I heard those funny sounds just before 3:00, good stuff. Some of your percussion is pretty loud compared to the rest, otherwise this is a great piece of work! The pluck sounds are great too! Pity one can't see your Eurorack modules in the video, would be nice to see those too.

Thank you very much for sharing this with us and kind regards, Garfield.

seems a nict to have module. can it boost Mic to ?

If you are talking about the Assimil8or you have 422MB of sampling memory, you could get just shy of 28 minutes of stereo recorded at CD quality, not bad, though I am still waiting for my unit (on pre-order) haven't given that a thought as I record to my Tascam Model 24 SD, I have a Standalone BitBox and can't say I am in love with it as a sampler (as a sample playback it works great, I find the recording is off when dealing with odd measures).

Really like my Nostalgia. And it's not my only (BBD) delay. For the money a "no-brainer". Own it for over a year now. No technical issues. Only thing is that the white paint around "Time" and "Feedback" is disappearing. But that gives this Chromatic module, a nice "nostalgic" 303 look.

Owned Ataxia and the pink looked lovely next to "old school" mutable modules. Sold it because I preferred a dedicated ADSR.

Almost like having a mini Elektron Octatrack or Digitakt in one module for sample and loop playback!
How is it for recording modular stuff? Seems like would be a great way to record live performances and dump to a DAW like Ableton for processing into songs.

Ugh! It happened again - I crafted an long, detailed response about my studio set up and my real-world example, but when I hit submit it got lost in the ether...

Oh well, here's the shorter version - I have my entire synth studio being fed from a single outlet. No noise, no anomalies, no weirdness that might be power related that I can tell. I have a Furman M-8Dx plugged into the wall and four PST-8 power strips into that. Everything except the computer and its two monitors is either in a PST-8 or direct to the M-8Dx. That includes seven hardware synths, two 7U cases full, two Yamaha HS80Ms and matching subwoofer, Presonus StudioLive32 and a ton of other stuff like lighting and pedals etc. I keep the computer on its own power strip plugged into the wall so I can leave it on and have a single switch to power off all the other gear. I added up all the power requirements for EVERYTHING in my studio on that circuit and it's about 12 amps (remarkably low for all that gear).

I "believe" this is a safe setup but I am not 100% confident. I'd love to get a UPS but they are expensive at this scale - like $1,500 for a Furman. Is it really necessary?

I am not an expert here either and would love to hear from other folks.

I bought the Behringer K2 and added this interface pod so that the K2 fits in seamlessly with the rest of my modular system. I don't understand why Korg does not build an MS20-Modular in Eurorack.
-- galaxiesmerge

It's a different standard. So the K2 would have to be built on a new backbone and still try to emulate the MS20 close enough to be acceptable.

I cannot seem to get the intellijel noise tools into the 3U to 1U adapter where the module physically actually sits in my current rack so it hangs there outside the rack and disconnect. If anyone knows how to do this please let me know. Maybe it is a feature for modular grid that is just waiting to happen!
-- galaxiesmerge

Perhaps start looking at 3U sample & hold modules. "Noise tools" is more of "Sample & Hold" tools. You might find what you're looking for in 4 to 6 HP.

If you're looking for pieces to add to your Neutron, it's okay. But if you remove the Neutron, you're pretty limited.

If you're going to buy a Disting, get the EX. It has more features and a better display. It can also do the work of two of the Mk4 Distings in most cases. A small submixer that can also handle DC would be nice. Rings, Filter 8, and the Disting can all act as oscillators and you might want to combine them or some CV in a patch.
-- Ronin1973

Thanks a lot for your comment above, Ronin1973. I really appreciate your feedback about the Disting Ex, and totally blanked on that when loading up the case. It really does look like an excellent addition to this set up.

I agree with your comments regarding an additional small DC (operable) mixer. Would you have any recommendations?

Thanks again!

-- djidmusic1

I'm using 1U Quadratts in my setup. But that's Intellijel 1U. Almost any mixer will do, so just go with what works in terms of features and size... just be sure it's DC coupled so it will work with audio and CV.

Given that the Bitbox is technically a tiny little computer hiding inside a Eurorack cab, I tend to approach it so that it can dedicate as much of its operation to audio synthesis. So getting a bit LESS going on with it is one of those things that I, at least, would feel good about as it should do better at its "mission" with less going on inside of it.

-- Lugia

See, this is why I like to ask these questions. I'm fully aware of what is out there and how to go about Eurorack, but getting some insights like this, an approach to something that is meaningful yet different to your own, that I find enlightening. I guess I need to find an octa-filter as well! :)

-- ParanormalPatroler

The Bitbox Mk2's inputs and outputs are DC coupled and you have four discrete outputs. Why wouldn't you get a VCA involved?

quality of breadbox modules on the chromatic line are top notch. I personally love the colours.

aesthetics wise I think multiple shades of black and silver look awful next to each other and I purposfully try where possible to contrast between different module shades. Dunno why but I find the pink of the ataxia attracts me first before maths when patching, I just find it much simpler and easier to use.

Started my modular journey a few moths ago, after being inspired greatly by Andrew Huang. Mylar melodies and DivKid have been invaluable resources in choosing modules and approach.

Not sure what I'd call this, genre-wise. It's a hip-hop-ish beat and tempo, I guess.

Enjoy!

P.s. Sorry for the abysmal camerawork!

EDITED Aug 25th 2021, 14:43

@catwavez, I hear ya -- fair enough & thank you for the rundown. That's helpful and interesting. Didn't mean for my reply to be testy or whatnot, but I'm not above liking things simply because they're pretty at times, so I kinda wanted to think through my feeling about aesthetics vs. function anyway, lol.

@Lugia that's an interesting point about about "samey" racks and does make the to me otherwise baffling design of something like, say, the Moog Grandmother, more understandable (though I realize there's an all-black version as well). While my modules are mostly black, I do find it helpful at times to break up portions that sort of blend together with an accent (via any non-black module). I don't perform live, but I feel a little OCD about my evolving rack at times (not uncommon in this hobby I'd imagine) and sometimes vacillate between liking the idea of a very clean feel with a lot of consistency (an all- or mostly-(black) ADDAC system makes me salivate a bit, lol, I love the vibe of their modules -- it's like the appeal of Doepfer vintage, if DV had to clean itself up to attend a fancy social function) -- and also wanting a case that has a lot of variety and character and personality and a bit of chaos to it, continually trying modules from many different makers (maybe part of the reason I can sort of embrace Blue Lantern's aesthetics). It's going to be the mish-mash / a-little-of-everything route regardless, for various reasons, but I used to be a freelance designer and am currently an artist, so I always end up musing about the overall visual aesthetics of things, and always vacillate between enjoying extreme clarity and order, and cozy, personality-rich chaos.

@plragde -- I just looked up that module, and ... yeah, agreed, lol. Tbh despite all I've said about it, I can usually get past or come around to most module aesthetics if I have a reason to (great value, needed functionality, a useful accent/splash of something different, etc.) and can at least theoretically see the appeal of many modules ranging from Manhattan Analog to Dreadbox Chromatic, ADDAC to Blue Lantern. But occasionally an especially bad aesthetic can be a dealbreaker -- the other that comes to mind I noticed recently was a ... mm ... I think a Birdkids module, maybe? ... that had a unicorn graphic on the front and the unicorn's butthole was one of the main jacks or something like that. I get they're just having some fun, but ... man. Snazzy FX comes to mind too ... I think being aggressively psychedelically ugly is just kinda their thing, but, man ... I'd have to really want one of their modules to get past the look of most of them.

As a side note, being an aesthetically driven buyer to a small degree, it does drive me a little nuts when I can find something like an ADDAC Marble Physics in cherry red and matte black, but for some reason every vendor -- including ADDAC themselves -- wants a ton extra for the black one.

EDITED Aug 25th 2021, 07:02

I use these audio-rate chaos modules :
NLC Giant BONO
Neutron Sound Orgone Accumulator
Rob Hordijk Benjolin
Error Instruments Sound Scaper.

And I use these CV chaos modules :
NLC Triple Sloths V2
NLC Hyperchaos Deluxe
NLC Let's Splosh
NLC Genie.

It's (mainly) for creating backgroung soundscapes in art exhibitions, and (occasionally) soundscapes for games.
(some sounds here : https://arcanewaves.bandcamp.com/album/electronic-fields)

EDITED Aug 25th 2021, 07:27

Given that the Bitbox is technically a tiny little computer hiding inside a Eurorack cab, I tend to approach it so that it can dedicate as much of its operation to audio synthesis. So getting a bit LESS going on with it is one of those things that I, at least, would feel good about as it should do better at its "mission" with less going on inside of it.

-- Lugia

See, this is why I like to ask these questions. I'm fully aware of what is out there and how to go about Eurorack, but getting some insights like this, an approach to something that is meaningful yet different to your own, that I find enlightening. I guess I need to find an octa-filter as well! :)

Based on your feedback, I came up with this one. It looks like the Disting EX could cover many FX duties, so took out the dual FX and added the Pico DSP. On Ronin's recommendation, added the small Pico CV/ Audio Mixer to cover the extra 3hp. Finally, added the Pico RND for extra modulation and randomness.

Thanks again for your helpful comments.

The P/S for the Rackbrute is missing; you'll find it under "Arturia" in the manufacturer list. And I don't think that Neutron belongs in there, since it already has a cab and power on its own. You want to use the not-exactly-cheap Eurorack cab space for things that DON'T have those. Or, a better way to put it:

Rackbrute 6 = $359 @ 171 hp (176 - 5 for the P/S). $359/171 = 2.10 (ish). This is the cost per hp of each space in the cab.
Neutron cost = $329. A Neutron takes up 80 hp, so $2.10 x 80 = $168. This is the cost to house the Neutron in the Rackbrute, which you would then add to the Neutron's cost, giving you an ACTUAL cost for the Neutron of $497.00.

Honestly, you would probably be better off if you used the space the Neutron's stealing for a basic voice AND a good sequencer AND some modules to screw with timing for the interface with the Minibrute AND the Neutron. The above might look convenient, but it's going to cost you some real $$$ in the long run.
-- Lugia

Thanks very much for your detailed feedback, Lugia. I feel very fortunate to be able to ask experienced users these questions in this forum - it's a great learning tool, and saves beginners like me money.

Thanks for your point about adding the power supply to the build. I will have to add that to the rack.

I appreciate your thoughts on the redundancy of the Neutron. To be honest, this build will probably be a slow one, owing to finances, with the first rack (pictured) taking a while to come together, before stripping out the Neturon and adding another voice. For that, I thought of the Morphagene for its compatibility with Beads as a start.

I guess you may have already checked this one, but the combination of Morphagene and Beads seems like a real winner. Add to that a Pamela's and Akemi's, and I think I would be sorted for a while.

Once again, thanks a lot for your time and detailed comments.

All the best

I cannot seem to get the intellijel noise tools into the 3U to 1U adapter where the module physically actually sits in my current rack so it hangs there outside the rack and disconnect. If anyone knows how to do this please let me know. Maybe it is a feature for modular grid that is just waiting to happen!

If you're looking for pieces to add to your Neutron, it's okay. But if you remove the Neutron, you're pretty limited.

If you're going to buy a Disting, get the EX. It has more features and a better display. It can also do the work of two of the Mk4 Distings in most cases. A small submixer that can also handle DC would be nice. Rings, Filter 8, and the Disting can all act as oscillators and you might want to combine them or some CV in a patch.
-- Ronin1973

Thanks a lot for your comment above, Ronin1973. I really appreciate your feedback about the Disting Ex, and totally blanked on that when loading up the case. It really does look like an excellent addition to this set up.

I agree with your comments regarding an additional small DC (operable) mixer. Would you have any recommendations?

Thanks again!

I bought the Behringer K2 and added this interface pod so that the K2 fits in seamlessly with the rest of my modular system. I don't understand why Korg does not build an MS20-Modular in Eurorack.

The new modular rack I am working on building. This is really all about filtering, delays, resonances and modulation. It fits in with all of the other racks but adds a new palette for aural design.

Hi folks, thanks for the ideas above!

Update: I decided to go ahead with a few modules from NLC that I've been wanting for some time. Triple Sloths, Hypster and Squid Axon. Triple Sloths is well known and loved; Hypster was strongly recommended to me as something great for my use cases; Squid Axon, well me and the GF have a big kitty who acts like a giant squid quite often, so clearly I needed a Squid Axon. It actually does look like a cool and useful module, but names matter, I couldn't resist... BTW the videos on the bottom of the NLC module pages will show you what these do, in case you're curious.

I've had a scan of the modules mentioned above. IMO the Elby Designs and Zlob modules sound like very good alternatives / complements for the type of chaos I'm looking for. The Elby in particular are by Ian Fritz who also originated the ideas behind the NLC Hypster. I'll consider those in the future if I need to add more chaos. Wogglebug I would also likely add, if it was ever available...

I have to say, of all the Eurorack modules I've considered, the chaos modules are among the hardest I've found to compare / select. Some considerations I've come had:
-- smooth or jerky: for example NLC has some jerk chaos modules, don't think I need those now (and frankly can hardly imagine a musical use for them)
-- rate: slow like Sloths appeals to my use cases, as well as having some faster moving chaos signals. I can't yet imagine a musical use for audio-rate chaos signal
-- controls: I'm finding a lot of these units (esp the NLC ones) are more "user influenced" than "user controlled" e.g. one cannot rigidly constrain the chaos behavior, just "nudge" the behavior a bit here or there.
-- # of outputs: all things considered I'd like a chaos unit with more outs so it can add wander/slop to more destinations.
-- appealing videos: as the descriptions of the module can leave so much to the question "what does it do," the modules for which there are decent videos showing the module in action producing musically interesting (to me results) go to the top of my consideration set

Lastly, for those interested, there's a thread at MW by Ian Fritz that brings up many (and more technical) issues of chaos modules in Eurorack https://modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=194284&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=

I wanted to post this to wrap this thread up (at least from my end for now). Again, thanks for all the ideas and comments!

Hi folks,

As I expand my modular setup, I'm running into some power questions. I have zero electronics background, thought I'd ask for some help.

For the sake of easy #s, let's assume a sizeable draft rack in Doepfer Monster 12u plus 6u base case, power needs calculated by MG as approximately: 6000 mA +12V | 3500 mA -12V | 0 mA 5V

Questions:

1. how much of an electrical load will this present to my studio power circuit? From the above mA is it correct to assume 6 amps load from the modular any time it is on?

2. power channels & circuits: I initially thought "I should put a larger electrical load on 2 different circuits if possible" so I plugged in one case in one outlet and another on a further away outlet. Yuk! Big problems with noise and other very strange behavior like frequency sidebands on a sequenced sine wave (which of course should have no sidebands). Talked with my normal guy at Patchwerks who said "oh yeah, you want all your audio powered on the same circuit, or you can have various strange problems." I don't understand the issues at hand here, but it boils down to: run all your audio stuff on one power circuit if possible, or spread it on different power circuits? I'm in a home basement in the US so I assume 15 amps per circuit in general.

3. power regulation / conditioning: I have a ~$200 Furmann PL+C voltage regulator and conditioner, which has been decent. I wanted something to protect my studio gear and deliver "cleaner" power which would create less problems such as noise and electronics wear. But I'm not sure if my PL+C is up to the task of my current production + mixing setup? I know Furmann has a good reputation for quality, but I find their product literature baffling: I can't tell the practical performance differences between their $3600 box and their $200 box, both of which use the same marketing babble to describe their benefits. Any practical suggestions for power regulation for a production + mixing studio with ambitions of both quality output and longevity? I would invest in a new power solution if it is merited.

Thanks for your ideas and comments!

Nicholas

EDITED Aug 25th 2021, 02:34

Can you please expand on your use of a VCA after the Bitbox? I added an octa-VCA after my Micro to be able to change the levels but I'd love to hear your thought behind the combination. Technically, you can assign a CV input on the Bitbox to control the level.
-- ParanormalPatroler

Sure, but having the VCA pair allows for some interesting stereo modulation. All you need is an LFO + inverter, and you've got some very trippy L-R panning happening. It also allows for easy AM (in stereo) of the signal.

Given that the Bitbox is technically a tiny little computer hiding inside a Eurorack cab, I tend to approach it so that it can dedicate as much of its operation to audio synthesis. So getting a bit LESS going on with it is one of those things that I, at least, would feel good about as it should do better at its "mission" with less going on inside of it.

The P/S for the Rackbrute is missing; you'll find it under "Arturia" in the manufacturer list. And I don't think that Neutron belongs in there, since it already has a cab and power on its own. You want to use the not-exactly-cheap Eurorack cab space for things that DON'T have those. Or, a better way to put it:

Rackbrute 6 = $359 @ 171 hp (176 - 5 for the P/S). $359/171 = 2.10 (ish). This is the cost per hp of each space in the cab.
Neutron cost = $329. A Neutron takes up 80 hp, so $2.10 x 80 = $168. This is the cost to house the Neutron in the Rackbrute, which you would then add to the Neutron's cost, giving you an ACTUAL cost for the Neutron of $497.00.

Honestly, you would probably be better off if you used the space the Neutron's stealing for a basic voice AND a good sequencer AND some modules to screw with timing for the interface with the Minibrute AND the Neutron. The above might look convenient, but it's going to cost you some real $$$ in the long run.