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"I own the Pico out and it's a great module, I throw it in tons of cases, but the odd hp size and the tiny pot drive me nuts. To counter the odd hp I usually pair it with 1 or 3 other Pico modules. Recently picked up a 1 hp blank to fill in the gaps if I find myself only able to use 1 Pico unit. That's all personal and ocd related, but worth considering. Have fun!"
Aaaahh.... I am little OCD myself, in fact, so actually this is a damn useful observation!
It will take a little while before I fill my 84hp so I have a bit of leeway and hopefully everything will add up (as mentioned elsewhere I rather like Pico too), but in the meantime I'm looking to get a little set of acrylic or perspex blanks cut.
Partly to hide as much Behringer as humanly possible. If I get them done in clear or smoked effect perspex, I can use the same material if I get into it and need a bigger case!
I'm excited af to get my Weather Drones so thanks for singing its praises, I look forward to some weirdness in my life. Peace!
Okay that's cool, you're basically confirming what I thought re: basic signal path, maybe seems like I'm too hasty wanting to add a second voice before I even understand what I'm doing with one, especially given what you and yeahivandalizm have said about WD's functionality.
Sequencing in-rack really fascinates me, but yeah, I'm also thinking about a Beatstep since I already use Ableton, hmmm.... as always, Pico and Ladik, thanks for the practical suggestions. Pico Seq would match the out I got for headphones... I will update this thread as I go ofc...
Excellent choice with the weather drones. I started with a semi-modular, and after getting into it for a while I got the weather drones. I quickly realized that would be the perfect choice for a first module. It's a really good combination of musically usable and modular weirdness. For your output you might want to consider a noise engineering sono abitus. At the time of writing this NE is running 15% off on their site. Same functions, but ¼" Jack's, bigger sturdier knobs, and 4hp instead of 3hp. I own the Pico out and it's a great module, I throw it in tons of cases, but the odd hp size and the tiny pot drive me nuts. To counter the odd hp I usually pair it with 1 or 3 other Pico modules. Recently picked up a 1 hp blank to fill in the gaps if I find myself only able to use 1 Pico unit. That's all personal and ocd related, but worth considering. Have fun!
edit
After re-reading, looks like you have the out already, my bad lol
It's possible that I misread the specs, but Weather Drone seems like it's a full synth voice. If that is the case, all it really needs is a Keystep (or Beatstep) to get bleeping/blooping melodic note sequences right away. It could be done with the Keystep's onboard sequencer, or drive the Keystep CV outs from Ableton
The output module is nice if you want to connect headphones directly, but it's not necessary if you already have a mixer or sound card for your computer.
A basic synth voice would be:
Oscillator - Filter - Envelope - VCA
All of the above appears to be included in Weather Drone along with an LFO, sample and hold and some other nice bonus stuff.
If you want to keep sequencing in the rack. Check out the full line of Pico and Ladik modules. They have some great budget minded gate and CV sequencers.
Nice! Here we run into one of the problems of modular that's already becoming apparent to me: SO many tempting modules, SO many ways to modulate and process...!
Literally all of the options you outlined appeal to me in one way or another, and I 'm intrigued by the idea of paired modules.
Probably the most budget-conscious option is one Pip, second Pip, then... probably MISO, which I really like the look of over O/A/x2. The QARV is another module like the look/feel of, so I'll be sorta keeping an eye on a bunch of these options on the wait'n'see principle over the next couple months, so another good shout there.
My last question... with preamble lol...
The idea of the rack is to have the core drone and wibble maker as discussd, then the quad VCA (or an erica double black vca) and the wee little arp and burst mods to generate basic bleepitude and melodicity, adding modulation and FX as i expand (to be used in both aspects, obviously).
How far off base am I in my expectations there?
Sorry to keep asking but it's really nice to get such detailed and useful responses!
Not a perfect module for me. With CV inputs on top, cables are on the screen and the knobs below.
I prefer buying a second FX AID XL.
-- Jihel
Never had cables over the display.
Pip Slope + O/A/x2 combo looks pretty awesome, but IMO function generators are best in pairs. Patching one into another to make all sorts of wild modulations.
Maybe consider 2x Pip before getting the mix/atten
Weather Drones looks like a pretty complete noise-maker that would benefit from dynamic modulation and some effects.
Instead of the basic envelope / lfo consider Pam's New Workout (Pro), Zadar or maybe even Maths would give you a ton of fun modulation to patch in.
FX Aid to add a bunch of great effects algorithms
-- 33PO
Thanks 33PO!
Your comments are duly noted and appreciated, and I will definitely look at finding something more dynamic. Would love me some Pam action, probably looking at the cheaper modules or multiple simple units (at least for now). A YT video suggested Pip Slope plus O/A/x2 as a Maths replacement, which appeals to me bc two cheaper modules are easier to acquire for my broke ass! Any opinion?
FX are slightly lower priority at the outset bc I have Ableton and some pedals to fall back on for actrual projects, but FX Aid is a really nifty looking wee module, really flexible, so it's now on my official Want List.
Yeah there are weak points in monster case and sometimes it’s hard to get knurlies screwed into parts of the case.
I would buy something like Cases from Lake as my next large format case.
-- benscott
Hi Ben
This is easy to solve if you slightly loosen all the screws in a row. Then the modules have room to maneuver again and the knurlies can be screwed in easily.
I agree. Idk how else to store chord progressions though. Maybe an Elektrofon Klang if I could find one. I'd like to avoid an ableton dependency. The Klee is huge but the flow is butter and dropping it sounds sad.
Downsizing and cleaning out. 7u 104hp feels tight but I already bought the case so here we go. Idea here is to use nerdseq to play fixed chord progessions through Odessa expander, while jamming basslines / melodies on Klee, throw in samples and drums. Id like more clock modulation I think.
I haven't found a method of generative chord progressions I like, so I'd like to take fixed structures and break them in real time.
Only non-negotiables here are Klee, Odessa, texmex, o_c, and Kermit. Very curious on any ideas you might have. Thank you.
Howdy folks! I've been tweaking this patch for a week and I've really enjoyed the many forms it has taken to get to this point. This is a performance recording (probably take 5?) and I used the Moog Subharmonicon, MI Rings, VPME.QD, Make Noise XPO, MI Plaits, Qu-Bit Nautilus, Strymon Starlab, Stochastic Inspiration Generator, Rene2, etc. etc. ;-)
I also spent a bunch of time creating the animation in Artmatic Designer. It really is an incredible program for creating these stunning visuals.
Comments welcome on practicality of setup and order of purchase. I admit I have a steep learning curve as I'm leaping blind into this with no advice or experience, so be brutal and honest please folks.
My aim at the moment is to build a beginner's setup to use mainly as a drone-machine for ambient and industrial music (currently I'm all in the box) but with some capacity for me to also experiment with bleepy electro and basic sound design.
So far I have soe of the plumbing (power, mixer, mult, out) and a cheapo 84hp rack (held nose, bought Behringer). Next up is the Weather Drones as a central unit, plus the ADSR and Quad VCA...
The Takaab RLFO in December, but then I'll be broke af.
The arp and burst generator, which are more geared to the latter aspects of my interests, are going to have to wait until New Year.
Yeah there are weak points in monster case and sometimes it’s hard to get knurlies screwed into parts of the case.
I would buy something like Cases from Lake as my next large format case.
This the best quadraphonic signal processor today (Nov 2022). This module will place one voice in the quadraphonic space using various internal patterns that can be sync to an external clock. Automations can be removed to control via CV the location of the signal using either polar (angle-distance) or cartesian coordinates (x-y).
The strength of this module is because it is tightly integrated with an LFO, which guarantees no audio bleed when the audio signal is abruptly moved from one quadraphonic output to another.
Additionally this module has a configurable output to, for instance, output the distance of the signal to the center. This signal can be send to control the reverb on an input signal. The further the signal is from the center, the more reverb is applied to the audio input, increasing the distance illusion on the final quadraphonic output.
This module can also be used to process mono or stereo, making it a kind of dynamic mixer, input 4 different audio signal and using the sum output get the module to create interesting mixes.
This module gives you many of the capabilities of the Buchla 227e, the reference for quadraphonic, but in Eurorack format. A must have module when starting in quadraphonic.
I have a Doepfer Monster Base (the flightcase version), I don't like the angles (the 45° angle doesn't work for my setup) and it turns out to be too wide for my personal eurorack bandwidth... but what I really really like about them is the solid build, the handles, the PSUs and the fact that it has a lid that actually fits snuggly into place. I'm selling the base btw if anyone's interested, it has two PSU2s that were just about enough to handle my requirements.
It's not a good idea to put stress on any PSU, as it might break (no big deal) and take a few modules with it when it dies (probably a big deal).
(I'd stay away from the Meanwells if possible. Many makers (that don't sell PSUs so they aren't trying to sell their stuff to me) have warned me about issues with those. )
Phisynth used to have double this amount, but seems to have cut down. Commenting he really didn't need that much and that this is now about the right size.
"PRO MIX" is actually labelled "CV MIXER" on the custom panel.
Doepfer monster cases have lids and covers with handles to transport them places. I like the clean aesthetic and power but Case from Lake look fantastic as well.
I ordered a ZLOB Skew fade LFO to @RTFM and everything went perfectly. New module, well packaged and with a fast delivery.
He has a large number of DIY modules, perfect for those of us who are not good enough with a soldering iron.
Highly recommended seller.
If you want to post a link to your rack, just click on your user name, right click on the link to whichever rack you want to show, and then select "copy link address".
Interesting, thanks for the response. I suppose I would agree that it's very connected to all of those variables (goals, style, size, etc.). At the moment, my system is still relatively small (https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_2086285.jpg - how do I post a link to my rack rather than the jpg?), so I think part of my issue is that I can't work around an existing patch too easily if I want access to a module. The other part is that I'm just an impatient person (sigh).
The temporary nature of patches is part of the fun for me, but as I said, I'm starting to realize that maybe I'm not actually exploring them deeply enough before I remove the cables. But as each patch is a learning experience, I suppose that it's just a matter of gaining more experience with my modules and my own workflow.
The last module on the The Human Comparator 73-75 Homebuilt #1, looks to be an audio output. I cant find an equivalent module from Prism at this time. So have just used another brands out module. I don't suggest using that however. I think the best approach is to talk to Prism about creating an out, using a modified version of adapter, to convert to 1/4 jack out. i suspect that the THC out is a mult to mono out with an attenuator on it. We could ask someone to find out.
I know I'm not typical but if I come up with something that I know I'm going to use on a track I'll definitely leave it patched up for months at a time. Yes, I'm a slow worker haha. If end up needing to use some of the modules involved then maybe I'll write the patch down before disassembling it. But I have a pretty large system so that's not always necessary. Anyway I think this kind of thing is highly individual and just depends on your goals, your method of working, the size of your system, etc.
General question, but I'm curious how long you typically keep a patch before starting a new one? Additionally, how do you know when you've fully explored your patch and are ready to move on to something new?
I find that my patches only last between a few days to a week before I feel the urge to explore something new. I realize that I'm most inspired when building a new patch, rather than returning to the befuddling spaghetti of an older one. However, as my rack and experience grow, I'm finding that there are seemingly infinite variations to explore within each patch. Also, I've read several posts of people who keep patches together for weeks or even months! Due to that, I'm starting to wonder if I'm exploring each patch deeply enough, and if my lack of inspiration with older patches actually comes from a lack of knowledge.
How do you know when you're "done" with a patch and ready to move onto greener musical pastures?
Do you have any strategies that you when use to explore your patches to ensure that you've squeezed out all the music you can from it?
Worth noting that the tank that comes with this is huge! Doesn't fit in my LC6 case, does produce a nice long decay though... this is a quality spring reverb. Befaco make great modules.
-- wuhnder
can sound well in different setups. Its low end can be used to fill a simple Basseline. in general it as not many sound variations but ist stabel and very handy to use.
There's something I really do not understand about this module.
Why are the effects individually stored on proprietary memory cards? Couldn't they be stored on a USB drive or an SD card and loaded to internal memory as needed?
-- fabulis
If they stored them on USB drives or SD cards, they could be easily copied.
I have 1 very nice case from lake, it is big, and kind of too awkward / heavy to move much.
I am getting another Case From Lake, it will be a joinable pair, more HP than the first, but also easier to move due to its being a splitable / joinable pair. If you follow up with Alberto at CFL and ask about some pairs, he'll show you some pictures.
I'm looking to get an extra large, closeable, ~portable case. It's ok if it's bulky and couldn't possibly fit as a carry-on on a plane, but I hope to transport it in a car and occasionally clear it off my desk and store it in a corner/closet. Major bonus points if it can be closed while patched.
I like having 1U rows, so I've discussed a custom build with Case from Lake about adding two 1U rows to the middle section, bringing it to 17U 126HP. This is totally feasible and really a dream case for me. I want this to be my main case for the next 10+ years. I may make the big investment in it sometime next year, but I am concerned about power. I want to hear others' thoughts and get my math checked before I go really overboard and compromise or spend extra money unnecessarily.
The case would come with three power supplies by default, powering the top two rows, the middle three (1U + 3U + 1U), and the bottom two. It has quite a few power-hungry modules. In my estimate, I could be using up to 1850/795 mA (12V/-12V) per power supply based on the totals in the last two rows.
Case from Lake says the default power supplies (Meanwell RT65Bs) can go to 2000/800 mA without overstressing. 795 mA is very close to 800 mA on the -12V rail, which is why I'm concerned. Maybe some modules have under-reported power usage, or maybe I'll buy even more power-hungry digital modules in the future. I don't want to have to compromise the rack's layout and be worrying about power if I'm going to invest in this.
So I could add an extra power supply to the top section and the bottom section. These Meanwell RT65Bs are pretty cheap, so that doesn't seem like a big deal and might be enough to address my concerns.
Alternately, I could "upgrade" to the Doepfer PSU3, but that supports 2000/1200 mA total, so using the "80% rule" it might start overstressing at 1600/ 960 mA, which is definitely not enough. I'd probably need five Doepfer PSU3s for this case, but those are significantly more expensive and it looks like it might add something like $900 to the cost (practically doubling the price). It seems these Doepfer power supplies are really well regarded, and part of me thinks if I'm going to invest in this as my main case for the next 10+ years, I am willing to spend more for very high quality that I can depend on. I just don't know if it's worth it... Maybe there's (more) detectable noise with the Meanwells? I've heard stories of certain digital modules using a spike in power at boot-up and not working with lower-end power supplies, but I don't know if this is something I should even be worrying about (is this actually a problem for many people?) or if Doepfer vs Meanwell is meaningful for these concerns.
Ooooor, I could get the mdlrcase 14U 126HP case with its 85W power supplies that can provide 4000/2500 mA to each 7U section. These cases seem pretty nice too! I'd be sacraficing a 3U row, but these seems to give plenty of power headroom at a better price point than five Doepfer power supplies. A big question here is if the mdlrcase power supply is significantly better than a couple Meanwells, and if that would make it worth dropping the 3U row.
In summary, things I'm considering:
Get the Case from Lake case with the default three Meanwell PSUs, knowing that I am riding the line of overstressing, but also knowing I could simply not fill the case (probably a good idea anyway?) or learn DIY skills and upgrade/add the PSUs myself later.
Pay a little more for five Meanwell PSUs. Replace them later if there are any issues.
Pay a lot more for five Doepfer PSU3s instead of three or five Meanwells because I want it to be super-dependable
Stop debating all that and just get the mdlrcase with its overpowered PSUs, but lose some rack space.
If you read this far and are willing to share some thoughts, thanks in advance!
There's something I really do not understand about this module.
Why are the effects individually stored on proprietary memory cards? Couldn't they be stored on a USB drive or an SD card and loaded to internal memory as needed?
-- fabulis
Weirdly, I kinda like this limitation. I like that it’s one-at-time, that they’re sort of a series of little collectibles, and that you can tell by looking what effect is loaded.
That said, you’re probably right that it’s inefficient. 😆
I just received my Klavis Quadigy (what a beast!) from @frits - the deal was super smooth, great communication and very careful packaging, recommended trader :-)
Please review my rack and comment. My intention is a performance case with both structured and unstructured elements that use macro changes to influence movements over various voices. I can also bump some techno.
Tarot seems to be a great module, like everything else that Modulaire Maritime does. It wouldn’t be a bad idea for getting new timbres and sometimes a deeper or more aggressive touch. I would go with that. But the choice of one (or more) module is mostly dependent on the musical direction you want to go in.
I have questions about this 2*84hp rack : I have all those modules but the A138i, Alm mmMidi and Happy Nerding 3xVCA. And there is a big hole in the middle.
Do you think the A134i will be enough as a global mixer here ? or do you have any recommandation ? x-pan ?
What about the big hole ? any idea ? a multimode filter like Filter 8 ? a waveshaper like the Tarot from Modulaire Maritime ?
