Please Suggest/Rate my future rack

Hi guys!

I’m planning my future rack for hypnotic/dub-ish techno, mainly for leads, risers, textures, pads, and sound exploration/fun. I’d really appreciate your opinions, corrections, and suggestions for better alternatives or fits.

I think a complex oscillator would provide a lot of fun, and I really like its waveshaping capabilities and sound.
I plan to use the Polaris filter as my main filter for the oscillator, and Blades for filtering effects and feedback.

mmMidi would handle syncing with my Digitakt (which provides drums) or sequencing the rack.

I want to use the matrix mixer with these inputs:
* Main sound (oscillators, maybe with one effect)
* Clouds output
* Dual Looping Delay output
* Reverb output

And these outputs:
* Main output to speakers
* Clouds send
* Dual Looping Delay send
* Reverb send

I really like the mixing possibilities this setup offers.

For modulation, I think I have enough free channels from Pam’s, plus 12 free-running LFOs and Maths (also useful for attenuation).

I’m unsure about the number of VCAs, but I think it’s probably okay, more would be nice, but I’m out of space, and I can use the mixer manually for some of that.

TL;DR: Be harsh and rate my rack:)

rack:

EDITED Friday February 06, 13:15

First impression is too many sound sources, filters, and effects, and not enough utilities.

Specificially:
Nothing wrong with Doepfer modules, but I'd swap the A-143-3 for a Xaoc Batumi II. Covers everything the A-143-3 can do, plus lots more, in 4 less HP.

If you're in love with the effects modules, fine, but I'd rather free up a lot of HP by ditching at least one of the delays and the reverb module in exchange for a smaller multi fx module such as ALM MFX, Disting mk4 or EX, Happy Nerding FX Aid or FX Aid XL, or the like.

Clouds and Blades are discontinued, and while you might be able to pick them up used, be aware that companies (e.g., Cal Synths) create clones that you can purchase new. Often, these will also save you some space in slightly smaller forms and/or come with additional optional firmware that extends capabilites.

I'd also get a different output module that gives you more control over panning, crossfading, and volume (e.g., Make Noise X Pan). This will help funnel your matrix mixer outputs with better control.

More generally:
I'd think about freeing up space to add utilities such as (in no particular order): more mixing, attenuversion, multiples, switches, noise/random sources, sample & hold, logic, crossfading, etc. I'd also add clock dividers but I think that's mostly like covered by Pam's & Digitakt.

Best of luck!!

Edit: Correction: X Pan is a mixer not an output module...I was thinking XOH, but they're both good modules for funneling several stereo outputs to extermal gear, especially when used together.

EDITED Friday February 06, 21:43

Hi there Jukeshoe!

Thanks for taking the time to examine my planned rack!

Let me clarify a bit. These are the modules I currently have, and some of them weren’t the best choices because I don’t really like or use them much:

• A-135-2 Quad VCA / VC Mixer (Doepfer)
• Maths (Make Noise)
• A-143-3 (Doepfer)
• Crush Delay v2 (Befaco)
• A-106-1 (Doepfer)
• Pamela’s NEW Workout (ALM Busy Circuits)
• (Digitakt mk1)

I’ll probably sell the Befaco Crush Delay v2 and the Doepfer A-143-3.

First impression is too many sound sources, filters, and effects, and not enough utilities.

I don’t fully get the first part of this statement. I only have one complex oscillator with two oscillators in it. Okay, it has lots of outputs, but I don’t see how I could or should change that. CS-L seems like a long-term module/investment to me.

About filters: I want to use Polaris as my main filter after the CS-L output. Blades would be used in effects/feedback loops. The Doepfer filter isn’t really necessary, but since I already have one, I can use it creatively in one of the signal paths. I think that the Doepfer filter probably isn’t the best choice as a main filter or in the effects chain.

If you're in love with the effects modules, fine, but I'd rather free up a lot of HP by ditching at least one of the delays and the reverb module in exchange for a smaller multi-fx module such as ALM MFX, Disting mk4 or EX, Happy Nerding FX Aid or FX Aid XL, or the like.

Yep, you’re right! I should get rid of the Crush Delay. I want a dedicated delay and reverb because they’d be useful with the matrix mixer, but maybe a multi-fx instead of a dedicated reverb is a good idea. Thanks for suggesting that!

I'd also get a different output module that gives you more control over panning, crossfading, and volume (e.g., Make Noise X-Pan). This will help funnel your matrix mixer outputs with better control.

Good idea!

I'd think about freeing up space to add utilities such as (in no particular order): more mixing, attenuversion, multiples, switches, noise/random sources, sample & hold, logic, crossfading, etc. I'd also add clock dividers but I think that's mostly covered by Pam’s & Digitakt.

I think with Zadar, Pam’s, and Maths I already have enough modulation sources with built-in attenuation. Still, I’d really appreciate it if you could suggest some concrete modules for the utilities you mentioned (attenuversion, switches, noise/random sources, sample & hold, logic, crossfading). That would make it easier for me to explore the missing functionality in my rack.

Finally, thanks again for taking the time and for the really useful tips!

Cheers,
Denes