All Posts

"Haha I wrote something stupid on Behringer's module page. I'm so proud of myself" ~ some shortbus on ModularGrid, 2023

Grow up you guys.

Thanks again :)

again np

Ok, think I'm getting somewhere now lol

Going to leave percussion for now..(maybe 2nd case lol) and use what I can to create a beat, need to learn that anyway as you say.

- the reason for this is it can easily get really expensive and often an external drum machine makes much more sense... obviously I haven't got much - as I have an external drum machine, an external drum synthesizer (both midi only though - which is a pain) and in rack drums - and at least 3 ways to sequence them!!!

I'll leave the MFX and go with the FX Aid pro just now, pure anologue sounds better to me, it looks great, i was originally planning on just getting the small one and MFX but decide which other one later.

the fx aids are still digital - the advantage over the mfx is the sheer number of different algorithms that are available - about 200 iirc and Igor doesn't seem to stop adding them... the advantage of getting the fx aid pro 1st is the screen, if you then get another and want to occupy less space - you can opt for one of the smaller ones (depending on how many modulation inputs you want etc) and then rearrange the algos on the pro so that the 1st 32 algos are the same as on the smaller model - this way you can easily work out which algo you are using on the smaller one (which just uses leds to signify the position)

Is this the mixer you were thinking of, my pal can put it together for me if needed. https://www.thonk.co.uk/shop/ai022-kit/

There is also this one and one similar with a mix control..https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/115758587017?var=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338268676&toolid=10044&customid=Cj0KCQjw0tKiBhC6ARIsAAOXutkoRF6OtlkVlL1gTITAwquPMOghldwNj8m6EudM2p5QBFq_sbg_1LIaAgUTEALw_wcB

yes either of those would work perfectly - the feedback module should also be available DIY (probably from their website)

I'd grab a couple - they're very useful - and probably soon after a happy nerding 3*MIA (which you'll want for modulation - once you start using the Maths properly - see the 'maths illustrated supplement' - you'll use the middle section of maths whilst patch programming)

if I were you I'd also grab a passive mult kit - and get your mate to teach you how to solder - it's not that difficult!!! and then build the mixers yourself!!! soldering is a very handy skill to have!

I was looking at filter, probably just leave that the now to have a better look bu the Doepfer wasp one looks good and would be different from Qpas.

I've got the WASP and the SEM and a ladder filter from Doepfer - amongst others - but really for the money they're pretty decent

if you're going to get a WASP - be aware that the ICs have a habit of blowing up - not a problem as they're inexpensive and don't need soldering... get your mate to add a few to an order if he's buying from a big supplier...

Thanks for your help and saving me money lol

:)

hahaha... you think I'm saving you money... I'm really just reallocating it!!!

Behringer is stealing someone elses design, changing 1 or 2 minor things, and then passing it off as their own. Now, substitute "design" for "music" in that last sentence and ask yourself if you're still fine with it.

Thanks a lot Jim, this is a big help.

NP

I wasn't thinking that the MFX was to be used a s a filter, I though it was an effect for reverb, echo etc. I see it also does auto panning and phasing etc. So it can be used as a transient shaper, so I take it this is more the filtering side of it?

My mistake - I've only got Pams from alm and confused it with a filter - it was late!!! in that case you will probably find you want at least one more filter, at some point...

The peaks clone looks amazing, that's ideal. Looking at the After Late Audio ones. I watched a video on it and the guy was using branches to get a nice kick and snare, would this be a good option for some percussion, just would like something in there to get a beat. I was planning on the Coral as it has so many voice and would work well with the OXI one sequencer I have, drums, chords etc.

I often use my peaks for percussion - but I have a lot more modulation options - and I'd recommend using it for modulation...

you can create a 'beat' by feeding noise (or any other audio source for that matter) into a vca and opening the vca with a trigger from Pams or Maths - I would not worry about this initially though - I would concentrate on learning to patch and getting to know whatever the first batch of modules you buy inside out

I'm really stuck on the mixer side of things, can you recommend a couple that would be good for the CsL utputs as you mentioned. I'll leave the matrix mixer until I find and learn more about them.

any basic mono mixer will do - a lot of people like moog cp3 clones - AISynthesis harmonic mixer for example - as it has some gain - so adds some nice harmonics - or a happy nerding 3*mia, or a mutable shades clone - you will probably find you want multiples of these types of module! you'll probably want an end of chain mixer with send and return at some point in the future... I like the tesseract modular tex-mix (as it's inexpensive, expandable and available as diy) for this purpose

So if I was thinking the MFX was going to be my reverb/delay and you recommend delay and reverb, what other modules would you be thinking, something like the FX Aid?

I'm not sure of the algorithms on the MFX - personally I'd go for a couple of fx aids - at least one of them the pro (so you can see what you are doing easily) - imo it's better to have at least 2 effects units - 1 for delay and another for reverb - some will offer delay into reverb, but that's not necessarily what you'll want to patch - maybe you'll want to have vco into reverb into filter

Case No. 2 , lol, was hoping not to go down that route but I think its inevitable lol.

yes, says he with 8 cases...

I'm planning on going in next wednesday to my shop and picking up the Peaks Clone, ALM Tangled Qaurtet and MFX, if you can give me some advice on the reverb delay and mixer I could maybe them as well and then that would do me till I get my head round the rest lol

-- JimHowell1970

Thanks again :)

Ok, think I'm getting somewhere now lol

Going to leave percussion for now..(maybe 2nd case lol) and use what I can to create a beat, need to learn that anyway as you say.

I'll leave the MFX and go with the FX Aid pro just now, pure anologue sounds better to me, it looks great, i was originally planning on just getting the small one and MFX but decide which other one later.

Is this the mixer you were thinking of, my pal can put it together for me if needed. https://www.thonk.co.uk/shop/ai022-kit/

There is also this one and one similar with a mix control..https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/115758587017?var=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338268676&toolid=10044&customid=Cj0KCQjw0tKiBhC6ARIsAAOXutkoRF6OtlkVlL1gTITAwquPMOghldwNj8m6EudM2p5QBFq_sbg_1LIaAgUTEALw_wcB

I was looking at filter, probably just leave that the now to have a better look bu the Doepfer wasp one looks good and would be different from Qpas.

Thanks for your help and saving me money lol

:)

Don’t worry, I won’t buy it. I save my bucks for Marilyn’s NEW Rehearsal.
-- Sweelinck

Lol!

A mixer, patchbay, inverter, and attenuator.
There are about 50 surface mount resistors in this kit. SMD resistors are about the easiest to do, so don’t let that put you off if you haven’t done SMD, this would be a good module to get experience.
Then a ton of regular resistors, LEDs and switches. Nothing too difficult, just a lot of parts.
The unit works well and is very useful Multiple ways to route thins, and the inverse signal for, say, an LFO is very handy.
A good unit overall, recommended.

Build

The panel is easier to read and understand than the MN Maths.

Small trimmers for the channel attenuverters but a large knob for the curve selection...

Funniest part about this backlash is that there have been countless "maths ripoffs" already, Maths is a euro copy of the serge DUSG, and continually editing this listing to say some vile shit is the same as editing a politician's wiki entry to say "mr Poopyhead" and just as pointless an exercise. Ban users who do this, it's totally childish and makes the site look bad.

Spring Rolls - Live Recording #001

Modular Live improvisation (Raw sound / No Mastering)
Setup : Modular Synthesizer + Beatstep Pro + OTO Boum + Two Notes Audio Engineering Le Clean

EDITED Aug 23rd 2023, 13:45

Thanks a lot Jim, this is a big help.

NP

I wasn't thinking that the MFX was to be used a s a filter, I though it was an effect for reverb, echo etc. I see it also does auto panning and phasing etc. So it can be used as a transient shaper, so I take it this is more the filtering side of it?

My mistake - I've only got Pams from alm and confused it with a filter - it was late!!! in that case you will probably find you want at least one more filter, at some point...

The peaks clone looks amazing, that's ideal. Looking at the After Late Audio ones. I watched a video on it and the guy was using branches to get a nice kick and snare, would this be a good option for some percussion, just would like something in there to get a beat. I was planning on the Coral as it has so many voice and would work well with the OXI one sequencer I have, drums, chords etc.

I often use my peaks for percussion - but I have a lot more modulation options - and I'd recommend using it for modulation...

you can create a 'beat' by feeding noise (or any other audio source for that matter) into a vca and opening the vca with a trigger from Pams or Maths - I would not worry about this initially though - I would concentrate on learning to patch and getting to know whatever the first batch of modules you buy inside out

I'm really stuck on the mixer side of things, can you recommend a couple that would be good for the CsL utputs as you mentioned. I'll leave the matrix mixer until I find and learn more about them.

any basic mono mixer will do - a lot of people like moog cp3 clones - AISynthesis harmonic mixer for example - as it has some gain - so adds some nice harmonics - or a happy nerding 3*mia, or a mutable shades clone - you will probably find you want multiples of these types of module! you'll probably want an end of chain mixer with send and return at some point in the future... I like the tesseract modular tex-mix (as it's inexpensive, expandable and available as diy) for this purpose

So if I was thinking the MFX was going to be my reverb/delay and you recommend delay and reverb, what other modules would you be thinking, something like the FX Aid?

I'm not sure of the algorithms on the MFX - personally I'd go for a couple of fx aids - at least one of them the pro (so you can see what you are doing easily) - imo it's better to have at least 2 effects units - 1 for delay and another for reverb - some will offer delay into reverb, but that's not necessarily what you'll want to patch - maybe you'll want to have vco into reverb into filter

Case No. 2 , lol, was hoping not to go down that route but I think its inevitable lol.

yes, says he with 8 cases...

I'm planning on going in next wednesday to my shop and picking up the Peaks Clone, ALM Tangled Qaurtet and MFX, if you can give me some advice on the reverb delay and mixer I could maybe them as well and then that would do me till I get my head round the rest lol

🛀👾💦🐳

EDITED May 7th 2023, 19:43

Pam's can do random, logic and looped random quantized pitch - so I'd hold off on the instruo random and logic and the turing machine for now

the qpas and the mfx will probably be enough filtering - so again hold off on the instruo filter

I'd seriously contemplate the 2 instruo dual vcas with a quad cascading vca - alm tangle quartet or the intellijel quad - more functionality in the same space and for less than 1/2 the price

I'd probably replace the 2 adsrs with a peaks clone

the instruo lion I'd also hold off on and get a simpler matrix mixer - firstly so that you get a good idea of what a matrix mixer is and how it works and secondly because I'd lose the dongley bits (the i/o and the loop cable) - also less expensive - go for a doepfer for example

I'd look at your mixing solution in general - the instruo vco could definitely do with a dedicated sub-mixer and the end of chain mixing looks poor - no send/return

I'm not convinced of the benefits of the xpan either - a happy nerding pan mix jr would take up less space and be much less expensive

I'd probably leave the percussion module for case number 2

I'd also want some sort of delay and reverb in there - which you might just about be able to squeeze in with the space savings

there's no need to fill the whole case straight away - go slowly and buy a single voiced minimum viable synth and go from there

I'd suggest taking a look at my signature and spending some time thinking about it before spending any money

-- JimHowell1970

Thanks a lot Jim, this is a big help.

I have been saving for a while so have the money to get a good bit done in my case but in no rush as I want to learn and find out what I need as I go along, so your info is a great help. I'm just trying to plan it out so I know what I'm getting, and I'm aware that it could all change.

I wasn't thinking that the MFX was to be used a s a filter, I though it was an effect for reverb, echo etc. I see it also does auto panning and phasing etc. So it can be used as a transient shaper, so I take it this is more the filtering side of it?

I think I'll go wiht the ALM Tangle Quartet for the VCA, I have already got one of the Instruo ones (a good deal)

The peaks clone looks amazing, that's ideal. Looking at the After Late Audio ones. I watched a video on it and the guy was using branches to get a nice kick and snare, would this be a good option for some percussion, just would like something in there to get a beat. I was planning on the Coral as it has so many voice and would work well with the OXI one sequencer I have, drums, chords etc.

I'm really stuck on the mixer side of things, can you recommend a couple that would be good for the CsL utputs as you mentioned. I'll leave the matrix mixer until I find and learn more about them.

So if I was thinking the MFX was going to be my reverb/delay and you recommend delay and reverb, what other modules would you be thinking, something like the FX Aid?

Case No. 2 , lol, was hoping not to go down that route but I think its inevitable lol.

I'm planning on going in next wednesday to my shop and picking up the Peaks Clone, ALM Tangled Qaurtet and MFX, if you can give me some advice on the reverb delay and mixer I could maybe them as well and then that would do me till I get my head round the rest lol

Many thanks

Don’t worry, I won’t buy it. I save my bucks for Marilyn’s NEW Rehearsal.

Pam's can do random, logic and looped random quantized pitch - so I'd hold off on the instruo random and logic and the turing machine for now

the qpas and the mfx will probably be enough filtering - so again hold off on the instruo filter

I'd seriously contemplate the 2 instruo dual vcas with a quad cascading vca - alm tangle quartet or the intellijel quad - more functionality in the same space and for less than 1/2 the price

I'd probably replace the 2 adsrs with a peaks clone

the instruo lion I'd also hold off on and get a simpler matrix mixer - firstly so that you get a good idea of what a matrix mixer is and how it works and secondly because I'd lose the dongley bits (the i/o and the loop cable) - also less expensive - go for a doepfer for example

I'd look at your mixing solution in general - the instruo vco could definitely do with a dedicated sub-mixer and the end of chain mixing looks poor - no send/return

I'm not convinced of the benefits of the xpan either - a happy nerding pan mix jr would take up less space and be much less expensive

I'd probably leave the percussion module for case number 2

I'd also want some sort of delay and reverb in there - which you might just about be able to squeeze in with the space savings

there's no need to fill the whole case straight away - go slowly and buy a single voiced minimum viable synth and go from there

I'd suggest taking a look at my signature and spending some time thinking about it before spending any money

I have been trying different combinations and think I'm getting closer to my instrument.

Got power under max, only just though.

any thoughts on my modules guys?

Predatory company ripping off small businesses without adding any value. If you care about the euro community avoid this.

Predatory company ripping off small businesses without adding any value. If you care about the euro community avoid this.

RYK Vector Wave, Disting Ex, Plonk, Mangrove & Nord Drum2. Some more patch info in the video description. Thanks for watching.

EDITED May 4th 2023, 21:21

All clear!
Thanks for answer
And also video :-)

In addition this would be a closer clone of the MK1 Maths which is no longer in production.
Either way a wise investment to go along side my MN Maths. The same way as my Behringer Brains are along side my MI Plaits.

EDITED May 4th 2023, 18:01

Additional gear:
- TR-6s > Strymon Deco
- Erica Synths Fusion Box
- CV controlled cassette player https://reverb.com/item/68324012-variable-speed-modified-cassette-walkman-selectable-photocell-knob-control-cv-input
- ^ goes into RC-505 > MV
- PreMix6 mixer/interface
- Soda water for hydration

Thanks! I know Make Noise did some videos a few years back on some of the example patches, and with the new release JDanielCramer of Poly Krell fame started a new series as well. Good stuff!

Pico & The Final Frontier

Pico MScale
‘The module is not limited for use with Moog Mother-32 only. You can use it as a regular eurorack precision voltage scaler': https://www.ericasynths.lv/media/Pico_Mscale_manual_v2.pdf
- Useful? Yes. For the scale difference -5V +5V / 0V +10V
- Essential? No. Because the pitch of the note can be adjusted by the frequency of the destination sound source.
- Tip: start without it and decide later.
- Testimony: my MScale has made the round trip between case and drawer several times. It is currently on holiday...

Mother-32
There are a few constants among modularists:
- A passion for exploring sound.
- The temptation to acquire new modules.
- Their need for space to house all those modules.

So if you want to, leave your Mother-32 in the RackBrute, but you may soon hear the call of the big spaces.

Modularists are pioneers at heart ('Go West! Young Man'), gold diggers, conquering sound: 'To explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before!

That's why their cases are never large enough.

Baths.... 😪😪🤷 ....

Ok, I misunderstood the power issue.
Pam's can work as a quantizer, but perhaps better to use it for tempo tasks. Doepfer has a very affordable double quantizer and good features.
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/doepfer-a-156
Regarding the mixer, I meant a mixer in the rack to mix CV signals. Matrix type for example
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/ai-synthesis-ai008-matrix-mixer-black
in only 10HP.
-- ferranadsr

No worries, does Pams not do both at same time? Still learning about it. I’ve decided to not get Renee and stick with my OXI one for time being so if I put a small power module in I shouldn’t need to worry about space and power now. I can get the other quantizer and mixer you mentioned. I also want the Strymon module to put guitar pedals in. Might still have space for XPO! Excited about the new make noise module coming out though, sounds like a new stereo reverb, thanks for your help

Ok, I misunderstood the power issue.
Pam's can work as a quantizer, but perhaps better to use it for tempo tasks. Doepfer has a very affordable double quantizer and good features.
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/doepfer-a-156
Regarding the mixer, I meant a mixer in the rack to mix CV signals. Matrix type for example
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/ai-synthesis-ai008-matrix-mixer-black
in only 10HP.

Hi,
I think you will need more power for this rack. CP1A only gives 1A +/-12V.
With current modules, you will need at least 2A +12V.

-- ferranadsr

Thanks mate

I was under the impression that the CP1A would only be needed for a couple of modules and not the full case, Case power is 1,4A.
I found another one, The endorphines one which is only 2hp, that would let me keep Maths.

I've been using quantizers in Pam's, only learning about this so no expert, will I still need another.

Do you recommend any external mixer? Trying to figure out what I need is puzzling me.

Many thanks

Hi,
I think you will need more power for this rack. CP1A only gives 1A +/-12V.
With current modules, you will need at least 2A +12V.
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/4ms-company-row-power-45
With a brick power source you have the 4ms for example, but I would consider an internal source or perhaps better an already powered box like the Mantis. You lose the 1U row but you gain power quality.
Regarding the modules
-I would keep the Maths option as modulation source. Your effects modules and complex voices have a lot to modulate.
-I would add a quantizer and an auxiliary mixer for complex modulation shapes, maybe a matrix mixer.
Best regards,

Just to have an opinion...

The Pico Mscale of Erica Synth can adapt the Moog M32 -5v +5v to standard 0v 10v
Usually used to control the sequencer pitch with other Eurorack Modules

Do you think is necessary to have it, a must have in my configuration?
I plan to do not have another sequencer... I'm fine with the one in M32

The Pico Mscale resolve only the sequencer out of the M32 or can be good for other kind of controls?

I'm trying to get this case to work but went over power so got recommended the Behringer CP1A which solves power issues. Looking for some feeback on these modules.

at moment I have
Pams
Xpan
Mimeophon
Qpas
1 x Instruo VinCA
Instruo Csl
Instruo OCHD
MFX

I have Maths which Im thinking of replacing with XPO, Plaits which I'm changing for Coral.

Thanks

EDITED May 3rd 2023, 21:59

musicstore expect new mantises at the start of July

Oooh, thanks for the tip! And in black, too, so tempting.

EDITED May 3rd 2023, 21:21

Both good :)

Here's an exploration of hocketing in a modular system, using Disting EX's "Chord Engine." Detailed patch notes in the video.
Very nice and technically very elaborate. Great video, thanks moogul for post it.

-- ferranadsr

Thanks for watching and commenting!

Congratulations on your piece.

Below, a historical example of the hoquetus technique: 'Hoquetus David' by Guillaume de Machaut (14th century), vocal version. A beautiful interpretation and a video in which one can visualise the alternation specific to this technique. There are also many instrumental versions.

Thanks Sweelinck! I really enjoyed this de Machaut piece.

EDITED May 3rd 2023, 18:54

And this ‘little’ Stereo Krell by Todd Barton using the new Tiptop Buchla Quad Lopass Gate Model 292t...
Wonderful.

I'll check it out this evening. It definitely got me to get some new sounds out of my modular.

Yeah maybe that's it, the panel on mine is aluminum I think.

It could be because I turned mine around an the "reverse" Frontpanel seems to be out of some kind of hard plastic, but the normal front panel is out of metal?

There's plenty of "sampleable" phrases from all the series and movies imo... nearly every episode has something profound in it...

When I first heard of the Krell Patch I just totally didn’t get it, but after trying it I absolutely love it. This is an awesome exploration of the concept with such a huge variety of sounds and tones. Amazing! Have you checked out the 44 part super-in-depth series by Daniel Cramer? He takes it to crazy levels too. Cheers!

EDITED May 3rd 2023, 11:47

I wonder if that issue with the buttons might be particular to just your module or maybe just to the newer ones? Because I've had one since 2019, it's not even mounted in a rack, there's only a module on one side of it, and I've never noticed any bending of the pcb or sinking of any of the buttons. Admittedly I don't use mine much though.

I rarely listen to tracks people post... but massive star trek fan - I'm called Jim after Kirk - because I negotiated watching (I think) the first set of re-runs of TOS on the BBC in 1973 when I was 3 years old - they were on at 11pm and my bed time was 7 or something!

I'm guessing the biological responses sample is Tuvok, but it really sounds like Leonard Nimoy's Spock...

-- JimHowell1970

Thanks for checking it out! I find Star Trek absolutely fascinating, but I only got hooked when TNG was running. Yes, that’s Tuvok and Janeway. I’ve done three more “Trek Jams” since this one that you might also find amusing. They’re all on my SoundCloud in a playlist. “You Seem Apprehensive” is my favorite, but for some reason I think I listen to these more than any of my other recordings. I haven’t watch TOS in ages but there’s got to be a ton of sample worthy, inspiring dialog to build tracks around. Cheers!

Nice patching! Thanks for sharing . I haven’t had a chance to sit down with the Strange book yet, but it is really cool to hear examples created directly from the book. Cheers!

When bought (mine was bought 2023) , the module comes with a reverse panel so you can mount it upside down an have the IN / OUT writing in the correct way.
Only downside to the module is, that the button on the "bottom" sinks in when pressed, so the pcb is bending a bit, the pcb is held in place with the rings from the IN/OUT, but when tightly screwed and "squeezed" near other panels it gives enough stability to not bend.

Over all it is a superb utility tool, I use 3 of it with an Erica Synths Sequencer to get seperate independent mute buttons.

Comes with screws, reverse panel, sticker.

EDITED May 3rd 2023, 09:39

I purchased a module on https://www.chipsmall.com/, and the seller was great - fast shipping and, most importantly, an honest person. I will definitely buy again. There are also many great obsolete parts available for sale on the website!

Here's an exploration of hocketing in a modular system, using Disting EX's "Chord Engine." Detailed patch notes in the video.
Very nice and technically very elaborate. Great video, thanks moogul for post it.

I loved this article on ediT and his modular journey, and highly recommend following his cooking sessions on social. In the article he spoke a bit about drum sequencing (WMD Merton) but didn't say much about modules he uses for drum voices (and it doesn't look like he's using the Elektrons for that). Does anyone have any idea what he might be using? Or something that would get me close to it? less

https://reverb.com/news/interview-glitch-mobs-edit-on-new-rave-and-diving-deep-into-modular-synths

I'm always building the next case before I fill the previous one... so I never run out of space... and never see a module as too big... I like decent ergonomics - and have some very large modules...

musicstore expect new mantises at the start of July

I got rid of the only erica pico module I had, the sequencer, I didn't like the reset...

Congratulations on your piece.

Below, a historical example of the hoquetus technique: 'Hoquetus David' by Guillaume de Machaut (14th century), vocal version. A beautiful interpretation and a video in which one can visualise the alternation specific to this technique. There are also many instrumental versions.