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actual link to rack - jpgs are crap!!!

Hey Richie.

Yeah I love Marbles a lot. Really nice versatile module :)

I'm fairly new to the modular world, and am looking to build my first little rack. I've already purchased Intellijel's 4u 62hp palette and Mutable Beads. There's also a used Plonk for good deal, but I'm not sure what modules on this rack I'd substitute out if I got it. I'm looking to create something "well-rounded (as everyone says)" and generative. I tend to like random abrupt percussive esque stuff, but also nice melodic harmonious stuff. I also play guitar and drums which I'd love to throw into this, hence the line input. But I honestly have no idea what I'm actually going for, just have to try stuff out I suppose. Anyways, let me know if you have any comments/suggestions. *I know C4RBN is sold out forever, I'd definitely like to know any alternative 4hp or less models that are just as good. Thanks!

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_2151716.jpg

Love it.
Is Marbles any good?
Man...that Modcan quad LFO. Sweet!
Richie

EDITED Jan 25th 2023, 14:56

Some of them look very ADSR-like, though the module doesn't support sustain with a gate or something like that.
-- Arrandan

The sus/level encoder let you set the point on the shape to be held when a gate signal is send to the input trigger. (page 5 in the manual)

EDITED Jan 24th 2023, 23:04

I'm very happy with the Zadar. It's basically a list of digital envelopes that you can chose from. Some of them look very ADSR-like, though the module doesn't support sustain with a gate or something like that. Instead, you get a huge variety of non-ADSR shaped envelopes. You can use CV to change duration, voltage (= attenuation) and many other skewing parameters. The only thing I’m missing is the Nin expander, so I could have 2 cvs per channel. Anyway. Short summary: 4 super flexible channels in 10 hp. I love it!

Without VCA's but with 6 AD EG channels, and can act like LFO's, Slew limiters and AD EG
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/tesseract-modular-selam
-- ferranadsr

Looks good, and the price is more than affordable too, I will check it out, thanks.

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/klavis-quadigy
-- toodee

A powerhouse indeed. I'm not sold on menu based modules and I would rather use a simple interface with no menu diving. I'll check it out anyway and see if it fits my needs, thanks for the suggestion.

Check out the Doepfer Dual Micro ADSR. 8 hp with 4 outputs and it's well priced
-- padmasan

Doepfer's "mini" modules are quite cool, I bought an A-138n mixer some time ago and I'm more than happy with it. It doesn't take much space, is well priced and works flawlessly. I'll definitively check this ADSR out, thanks.

Check out the Doepfer Dual Micro ADSR. 8 hp with 4 outputs and it's well priced

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/doepfer-a-140-2

Used live with diverse sound sources, a pure pleasure.

Listen to what you can do with simple but rich sound sources like a singing bowl, a finger piano, or a cymbal.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CnuyKS9sEmP/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

=b750b27dbbf246c2bbff87a09093ddb1&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Hi there !

I have no opinion on the modules you mentioned as I haven't tried any of them (except for the Quadrax which is well worth the price IMO), but I'd like to put one more on to your radar:

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/klavis-quadigy

This powerhouse of a module can deliver 4 ADSR envelopes and offers a lot of configuration options which you can conveniently save as presets and then recall. Freely assignable button on the interface, clockable LFO's with a clever stretching mechanism, etc. Worth a look, I think, I'm very happy with mine.

Hi,

Without VCA's but with 6 AD EG channels, and can act like LFO's, Slew limiters and AD EG
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/tesseract-modular-selam
Best regards,

I'm looking for some envelope generators to pair with the Itenllijel Quad VCA I already own.

My initial idea was to get the Intelijjel Quadrax with the Qx expander for added outputs. However, it turns out that the price is much higher than the one listed in MG, and I'm now considering different options.

For the price the Quadrax would cost me, I could add a couple of Cosmotronic Delta-V function generators instead, which in turn would also provide some extra VCAs.

On the cheaper side, the Hikari Instruments Triple AD is quite interesting too, but I haven't been able to find it anywhere in Europe, and having it shipped from Japan will probably add to the price. The Nano Modules Quart is also looking good, though neither of those would provide additional outputs.

And just recently, I discovered the After Later Audio QARV, which is quite large at 20HP, but includes four function generators and VCAs plus a mixer. The price for this one looks incredibly good too, and it would probably allow me to get rid of the Quad VCA or at least use it for other duties.

Do you guys have any opinion on those modules? I already own some modules from Intellijel and Nano Modules, and I like both the build quality and user interface, but I've never used anything from Hikari or After Later. Are there any other options I'm overlooking? Maybe you can suggest some other alternatives.

possibly a revision due to component unavailability

Thanks all for the replies! Will look into all of these.

Hello, yesterday I received 2hp delay, but I found some differences in the internal circuit of the module...in the images on the site it's different, I'd like to understand why. Thank you

Worth looking at:

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/error-instruments-spanky-eurorack

Yeah, I would recommend DFAM with Basimilus Iteritas Alter (with plenty of modulation and effects) if you want to get in a similar vein. Soma inhabits a different kind of universe, so you won't get the exact same experience, of course. Both DFAM and BIA are readily available and reasonably priced.

The DFAM can sound really nasty, and when combined with the MAFD by Sonoclast you can program in 8 different sounds and sequence them independently from the rather limited onboard sequencer. I am also currently getting back into the Dreadbox Drips, which features similar concepts (2 VCOs with FM plus Noise, Filter, 2 Envelopes), albeit with somewhat less flexibility.

Food for thought:

Hey everyone!

I'm looking for a percussive/drum synth that can behave similarly to the pulsar in terms of sound (raw experimental percussive sounds) - but at a lower price point. Anyone have any suggestions? Would love to hear your thoughts!

can i use it to sequence the E352,plaits and the boba fat at the same time?
-- Broken-Form

yes... one of the pitch sequencer channels for each of e352 & plaits (if you're using plaits as a melodic voice or to change mode) and 2 of the drum sequencer channels for the boba fet (& 1 for plaits if you're using it for a percussion voice)

you could also send both outputs of plaits to 2 vcas and use a pair of the drum sequencer channels to choose between them - different hats for example

-- JimHowell1970

awesome im making ambient music so first my plan is to only use the boba fat asa drum voice,and E352 and plaits for drony stuff

-- Broken-Form

np

in that case just use the pitch out from the 2 pitch channels - and nothing plugged into the level or trigger inputs on plaits

have fun!

can i use it to sequence the E352,plaits and the boba fat at the same time?
-- Broken-Form

yes... one of the pitch sequencer channels for each of e352 & plaits (if you're using plaits as a melodic voice or to change mode) and 2 of the drum sequencer channels for the boba fet (& 1 for plaits if you're using it for a percussion voice)

you could also send both outputs of plaits to 2 vcas and use a pair of the drum sequencer channels to choose between them - different hats for example

-- JimHowell1970

awesome im making ambient music so first my plan is to only use the boba fat asa drum voice,and E352 and plaits for drony stuff

can i use it to sequence the E352,plaits and the boba fat at the same time?
-- Broken-Form

yes... one of the pitch sequencer channels for each of e352 & plaits (if you're using plaits as a melodic voice or to change mode) and 2 of the drum sequencer channels for the boba fet (& 1 for plaits if you're using it for a percussion voice)

you could also send both outputs of plaits to 2 vcas and use a pair of the drum sequencer channels to choose between them - different hats for example

thanks guys

im away from the studio due to work,so havent had time to actually use beatstep pro as sequencer yet.

can i use it to sequence the E352,plaits and the boba fat at the same time?

There is somewhere a pdf "The book of bad ideas" not sure if it was on this forum, i dont want to look for the link now.

https://www.infinitesimal.eu/modules/images/5/5e/The_book_of_bad_ideas_V2.pdf

BR

There is somewhere a pdf "The book of bad ideas" not sure if it was on this forum, i dont want to look for the link now.

Also watch lots of videos, i would suggest Make Noise, Monotrail, Undulations (allthough he does not mainly Eurorack but definitely helps you to think out of the box like clocking a sequencer with an audio signal from playing piano or clocking it at audio rate and using as audio source and gazillions of other weird ideas of abusing stuff)

In case my opinion may be useful, six months ago I started with modular hardware. I have started with a very tight budget, and acquiring modules for a "basic" patch (VCO, filter, VCA's, basic Envelopes).
After many "patch and unpatch" I think that, although the basic utilities (VCA's, LFO's, envelopes) are essential, but more complex modules are the ones that give more room for experimentation. Mainly effects (delay, distortion), waveshapers and filters with some extra function.
I think that now I have entered a second phase, where I am exploring for example my Endorphin.es Airstreamer and my NE Viol Ruina filter and although they are quite basic modules, it is surprising what they give of themselves.

Start from a blank patch, nothing patched. Then patch your initial idea: what do you want to try or learn, what module do you want to explore? This could be something obvious like a basic technique, it could also be something complex or abstract. Stay with that initial thought.
When you think you're finished, record the patch, power off your system and unplug everything. Next session: do the same. Not only will you be able to learn your system better, you'll also have a collection of your own recordings.

One thing that I find helpful is to create a set of rules, instructions and restrictions and then randomly choose one before beginning a patch. You can sit down, write out a list, number each, then use a random number generator online to select one (or you could create a set of cards with 1 rule on each card, then just pick a card).

I find that doing this I've created many interesting patches that I would not have created otherwise.

I actually created an Excel worksheet with all these rules and use the random function to generate new rules each time I feel stuck or just feel like trying something new. I put together about 60 possible rules (examples: use filtered noise as a sound source, use a function generator, modulate a vca with a slow changing CV, use 2 different utility modules, , etc., etc...) .

I even have the worksheet randomly generate the cable combo to start my patch with (example: start with 4 long, 2 short and 3 medium cables).

I also always remove all cables when done so I start from scratch each day I use my synth.

My request is semantic more than a feature. I'm over here in America, and everyday I drool over all the cool modules for sale in Europe and abroad. The vast majority of those modules in the market place state in their ads that they will 'ship to EU only'. I've gotten desperate enough that I sometimes reach out and ask private sellers if they would consider shipping to the US, and they usually are willing, even if the ad says no.

SO, my request is: Would it be possible to change the default 'Description of your Offer' to remove the * I will ship to xxx only. * so that sellers have to explicitly state where they will ship rather than just use the default copy that says they won't ship abroad?

I understand everyone's different, and shipping abroad can be more complicated, but over here in America we are starving for your modules, and gosh darn it, we'll pay the shipping costs!
Note: I have been trying to accrue good module karma by selling my modules to Europeans whenever they request. Is it working?

P.S. BONUS REQUEST: Also, it would be so cool to have a rack of the week 'contest' where users' racks get featured based on type of build/ number of views on a rack (or something). Basically a showcase of users' racks that encourages people to design racks that others can think about/learn from. I know I love wading through people's racks looking for cool build ideas! OK, thanks for your consideration!
-- pigrabbit

I had no problem shipping to US if a) german customs would not demand so complicated paperwork (like "Double Export certification" from certain value on ) and b) if german customs would not start to treat you as Pro-Dealer whenever they want, which means then, you have to make official accounting and all that. Even if i trade modules with outside EU i have to pay the same 4%customs plus 19%VAT (of course on shipping too!) if the item is over i think 30€ worth (and i trade a lot, almost more than sell/buy). let alone, that they exactly check your paypal, so any "lower declaration" etc is NOT a good idea.

EDITED Jan 22nd 2023, 22:34

That’s great to hear. No, I don’t think anything is missing. Maybe for the type of ambient-evolving-soundscapes, I’d recommend the Morpheus filter (controlled by long Zadar envelopes) or Arbhar. But I don’t know if that’s your type of ambience. For Aphex Twin ambient, you’re good. And it looks like that's probably what you’re going for.

EDITED Jan 22nd 2023, 20:40

Hey. Thanks for your reply. All the Modules are in the Case. It stands next to me. What do you think about it for minimal techno, and ambient? Are there modules missing?

What do you think of my modular? Is there something missing or too much??

-- Denkraumverzerrt

I think there might be too much — as in literally too much modules. Rows 3 and 4 extend an hp beyond the boundaries of the case dimensions. Can you get all those modules to fit in your case? If not, the least amount of movement would be replacing Links (4hp) and Pico DSP (3hp) for modules that are 2hp; or putting Pico on the Links row (trading places), and buying a 2hp mult for the Pico row.

EDITED Jan 22nd 2023, 20:18

Hallo Community,

this is my Rack Iam working on since a couple of years. First, I wanted a small rack for minimal Techno. I expanded a bit for ambient and drone stuff. What do you think of my modular? Is there something missing or too much??

EDITED Jan 22nd 2023, 19:21

Two questions:
- Do you remember how you proceeded with those little percussions with some delay (and triggered by Pam, I guess...). The ones that appear around 5:10. They form beautiful clouds of galaxies :)
- How is your black cat? (I have a cousin of his here, on the other side of the channel, in the Somme).

Thanks in advance for your answers, and congratulations for your publications !

-- Sweelinck

Making me think now!! Befaco Burst is randomly triggering either a 2HP Turing machine or a Arp which is also playing the 2HP Bell, aka the twinkly sh!t
The She Cat/s are good thanks.

Cheers for listening :)

How about adding a CHEAT SHEETS button to each module, where the latest cheat sheets could be stored ?

write a patch randomiser script/program - if you search around the internet then there's an example written in Python by Daniel Cramer which should be easy to find, understand and modify - it was written for a small portable system, but can be scaled to any size - there are some "features" of it which could be improved, but it's a good starting point

I second everything @wishbonebrewery said. All great advice.
I unpatch almost everything every time I sit down to play. I have just a few "normalled" connections, but mostly start from scratch. I've tried to eliminate modules that don't encourage experimentation, or get in the way of creativity. Along the way, I've also gotten stuck in ruts but after watching some demo videos or trying to recreate a sound someone else has recorded (especially Autechre, holy cow.) I've had a few epiphanies about new ways to utilize what I do have. If you have a very small setup, you will be limited, so maybe have a few modules on standby to switch in and out for inspiration.
Above all, try to make it fun. If you are stuck, just experiment and make some crazy noise for a while. You might surprise yourself with a cool new tone.

Take only a few modules and start making music with them.
(try to take it to new/other directions, if necessary read manuals)
Narrowing down to a very small setup teaches me a lot every time. The music that comes out is mainly shit, but the things I learn I can use in a bigger setup again.

@wishbonebrewery

Back on MG. I'm a bit late...
But among the things that hold my attention here, there are these relaxed tracks from the Wishbonebrewery :))

So, another piece that doesn't lack charm (even if sometimes a little bit long; honestly, I stopped after 23 minutes, but I had a pleasant little trip under the 'starry vault' of the first part; and I also saw quickly the last part with the voices, which looks like a kind of return to earth).

Two questions:
- Do you remember how you proceeded with those little percussions with some delay (and triggered by Pam, I guess...). The ones that appear around 5:10. They form beautiful clouds of galaxies :)
- How is your black cat? (I have a cousin of his here, on the other side of the channel, in the Somme).

Thanks in advance for your answers, and congratulations for your publications !

You can try arranging your modules differently or changing your modules altogether.

You can always set little goals:

Only use Noise: filter it, sweep it, gate it, lower the volume through a VCA and something like a ADDAC103 and you get some lovely sweep-able crackle, with an envelope follower after that you can run your whole system clicking from noise crackle. You can combine Noise with low VCO and LFO like @Anthuriumsounds on Youtube does and there is a walk through of how they do it.

Always Unpatch everything: I'm bad at not doing this but it helps make you try different things, I was getting stuck leaving all my percussion section patched up.

Try some Feedback loops: You can use a simple Mixer or Attenuator to limit and control the feedback.

Single VCO: try splitting different waveforms off into different effects (Everything will be in tune), something like the MakeNoise STO is great for this with its S-Gate you can easily make a good piece from just the STO.

Use a Pitch sequence to control a filter rather than a VCO.

Use random snippets of gated audio as percussion.

Use different length Euclidean patterns to liven-up your percussion so they evolve over a longer timeframe.

Add a gate sequence AFTER your effects or add it both before and after the effects.

Thats a few things I've played with, hope it gives you some ideas or something you haven't thought of.

EDITED Jan 22nd 2023, 11:29

No comment, 'just a heads up;

Have you already bought all four C4RBN's? They are discontinued and sold out basically everywhere, with one exception I found—listed as the 'final batch' and available as a pre-order, if you're interested, fingers crossed they are getting at least four remaining:
https://www.rhythmiqx.ca/products/c4rbn?_pos=1&_sid=9f223768d&_ss=r

And the gold FX Aid XL; I couldn't get one. I eventually gave up waiting for a Reverb post or a faceplate restock from Signal Sounds.

Like the saying, 'We live, not as we wish to, but as we can': We build our modular cases, not as we wish to, but as we can.

EDITED Jan 22nd 2023, 01:03

Interested in seeing how well rounded this seems. any opinions welcome, thanks.

EDITED Jan 21st 2023, 22:20

I feel like I somehow got into a narrow minded patching routine, not being able to think outside the box, or to take it to a higher level, being stuck with basic techniques I learned in the beginning.. I know there are no real shortcuts in learning any skill, but I also know that there are good and bad ways in learning any skill...
Has anyone felt like this, do you have any good and real advice?
Thanks in advance :)

A new distortion unit from Neutral Labs.
Very simple build, mostly surface mount pre-installed, so only one pot, 3 jacks, and a few other things to solder.
Similar to they Scrat, this allows you to plug random electronic components into the audio chain to create distortion.
Slightly less aggressive than the Scrat,, but a good module and a great 1-2nd module.

Build

I bought an Arbhar from user @jotaha. The box arrived damaged, which would usually be alright if the module had been packed properly. Unfortunately that wasn't the case: instead of putting the module's box in a larger box with enough padding in between, which is in my experience common practice, he simply wrapped the original box in paper. Of course that wasn't enough protection and the module arrived broken.
Hopefully that won't happen again but I definitely wouldn't take the risk and avoid trading with him.

for those who'd lke to hear it in action

Done ! English is not my best langage, sometimes it's a bit hard to fully understand the manual and the vids... the right algorithm was G6 ;-) !

I've seen this video but the cv clock doesn't send any start (I've try everything so far, but din't find a solution)... the clock signal is is sent and the pedal receive it but did not start, they just follow their own internal clock...