All Posts

This is awesome, @mowse. I admire your patience and your ability to let the music develop organically. Very well done.
Thanks for sharing.

Questions and comments:

The Lapsus and the Quadratt do much of the same thing. Why do you have both in this small case?
The Intellijel VCAs do not have any kind of manual control (like a bias knob). I would start out with 2 to 4 VCAs with bias controls. I'd lose the Intellijel VCAs as well as the USB port and put in an Intellijel Noise Tools unit for some Sample & Hold, slew, and noise goodness.

Scales is nice. But if you're okay with not having real time controls, a Disting EX or a Ornaments & Crime Micro will give you quantizer functionality. Plus when not needed for quantizing they can do a lot of other useful stuff. In a small case, getting more out of each module is definitely a huge bonus. Look into both the Disting EX and O&C and see if they are right for you.

I would also get a small stereo mixing module. Budget around 6 to 8 HP for that. The Quadratt can be used as a mixer. But I think of that as secondary, as the attenuverting portion is much more useful, especially with modules that don't have built in attenuverters.

The BIGGEST ISSUE.
Steppy and Mimetic need external clocks to make them function. Where is this clock going to come from? Also, where will you get the reset signal to restart them both in sync? I would put something like a Pamela's New Workout in the case. It also has multiple functions that are very useful.

Final thoughts:
Small cases seem ideal for first cases. But they are not. Larger cases allow for growth and learning. They are much more forgiving WHEN you change your mind or your level of knowledge expands. Also, small cases tend to have depth restrictions. Not all modules fit in shallow cases like a Palette. Be sure to do your homework on EVERYTHING if you really insist on a palette case.

For the size of the build and its limitations, it's not a viable set-up. It will work. But you're overpaying for the functionality. For a build this small the Data is pretty useless.

You'd be better off buying something like a Behringer Neutron for $300. You'd get more out of it, spend less, and learn more.

Ill chime is as I also own and use this mixer every day.

Things I love
The master send and return:
I can record my entire performance via this output by sending the mix to my 1010 bit box.
Another draw for me, is sending the master mix out to Morphagene and then back in. Instant fun

I do wish there was gain on the stereo channels, but I have them at set and forget, and run a sub mix into those modules to get a stereo image. The cv control on volume and pan is amazing. Its big, but its in my rack and clean. If I wanted a real mixer, I would sent everything out to my console.

i need some help

i cant figure out how i setup my squarp hermod to work with ableton,ive tried watching youtube,and going through the manual

can someone give me a step by step direction please?

Hi all I hope you are well.

I really love my pittsburgh modular 3900 and am interested in recreating it in a modular case. (For ergonomic reasons)

Does any body with experience with the synth have an idea of modules that would work well to do this?

I think the instruo csl would be a good oscillator.
Would you agree?

I am have no idea about how to imitate the binary filter and dynamic vca section ?
Thank you kindly

EDITED Jan 10th 2022, 09:44

Some feature is missing? Post your idea.
-- modulargrid

Would be nice if we could adjust both the minimum width as well as the maximum width. Never going to be one of the most used features, but if for some reason you want to see only modules that are 10hp wide or more, like you've got a gap to fill in a rack and want to fill it with something useful.

This is my first Eurorack set up. After some research I settled on a standalone synth voice, scope, and modulator. This enabled me to make some fun sounds on day 1 and learn more about the sound shapes. I decided on Maths as a first module because it is complex enough to keep me busy learning for a while, and is something to grow into.

I've used this mixer for a few years and here are some things that I really like about it.

The aux sends are indeed mono, however, I use the 2x stereo channels for stereo returns. This is common practice to only use a mono send for a delay and reverb in the hardware world even for a stereo signal. I use a Sarajewo delay for aux 1 and return the separate delay taps to A and B to get the widening. Sound amazing. For the 2nd aux, I use an FX Aid as a set and forget verb and change up the algorithms to get different timbres. Also sounds great.

Since the aux returns are freed up on the top left corner of the mixer I use one to play ambiance, in my case, a vinyl crackle from 2hp loop. You could use it though for a sub-mix. You also have another set of mix inputs for an additional sub-mix.

The A-B switches effectively double your inputs and I usually will attenuate one of the inputs externally and use the gain control for the other. Sometimes, it's not needed if modules just happened to be balanced already. An example setup is I use an Erica Hats D in the A input and control the gain there, and for B input I sub-mix Erica Drums1, Mosaic 1u Hats, and Patching Panda hats into a Mosaic 1U mixer and that mixer out goes into the B input. I can just adjust the individual hats volumes on the 1U mixer and flip to A to mute the Mosaic hats group if needed.

Each channel has CV over its VCA and panning. I use an inverted envelope to "duck" channels where needed. This is tricky though cause unless you have an envelope with inverted outputs already you have to do some things to get it to the right voltage, shape etc. Something to note is the Channels expander has CV over the gain of stereo channels it adds in addition to the VCAs, which is not the case on the main module. Comes in handy.

You can use the cue output as a send too and do tricks with that.

A huge feature only found on a few outboard mixers is a master fx send and return. I personally have a mastering chain consisting of Happy Nerding TriTone for EQ and saturation, WMD SCLPL setup for DJ style filtering, and a WMD MSCL compressor set as a limiter.

Lastly, is the ability to run line-level gear in conjunction with modular gear without the need for attenuators or line-in modules.

I also use the DB25 expander for the individual outputs, though, one downside is that the outputs are pre-fader. Good for samples, but not so much for capturing performances and being able to mix them in the DAW later. I just use the stereo outs of the mixer which go through both the main module outputs and the DB25 outputs at the same time, which means cabling can be flexible and you can record with a secondary backup device too.

My wishlist for it.
-The current Mutes module adds mute buttons, but also CV over the aux sends on channels 1-4. I just want a 2hp module that allows CV over the aux sends which is totally doable and maybe even DIY as WMD has mentioned I could ask for the pinouts.
-Clickless muting for the Mutes module. On both the Mutes and the Overseer you can get clicks. I'm not sure what goes into this, but I know it's possible because Happy Nerding has a Mutes module that doesn't click as it only engages or disengages at the zero-crossing or fades in and out (IDK, I'm no EE).
-This is personal, but I would like a set of inputs like the mix-in to sum post master inserts.
-Lastly, sometimes I have to attenuate modules before they go into the mixer because the level is so hot it's clipping the mixer already with no gain. I suspect this is because of the amount of gain they have dialed in to accommodate line-level gear. Would be cool if this was switchable on the back (I hope I'm not missing something on this).

All in all, it's pretty incredible how much went into this mixer. It just does so much more than its size lets on and though it's a good amount of HP in the rack, there's no other way to get this much functionality in that same space.

I highly recommend it.

Lugia's excellent post - especially his remarks about Eno's approach - inspired me to try to emulate the tape-loop version of generative music on my modular:

First time I made my own kick from a VCO

I agree with all that was stated in previous posts. It is really nice, high quality mixer. The only con is that there is no stereo return for aux sends. I have Pico DSP and FX Aid, both stereo outs, so I am using mono send and mix both stereo outs with Doepfer A-138s and patch them to Mix In on Performance Mixer. I really thinking about stereo channel expander as I am using a lot of stereo sources - Rings, E352, BitBox.
Another "con" is that phone output is very loud. I have it on minimum all the time. I use Sennheiser HD 25-1.
I would suggest to use potentiometer caps with pointer on gain knobs. Sometimes I can not see where the gain is. Especially when using two channels for stereo application.

Besides those little things it is amazing mixer.

EDITED Jan 9th 2022, 20:58

thanks Jim and sorry about the link. definitely i get a bigger case. you're right!
the only thought, think need midi, some devices that sport a USB port as well. so i can connect my computer directly to my Eurorack system. like µMIDI Intellijel. also a weird sequencer maybe Pam's and mimetic.
I would like to hear your thought if it's not trouble
-- tsir

you might want to look at the expert sleepers fh2 - or just look at modules on here: midi (function), usb (search field)

you'll have to sift through quite a few - make sure you get midi to cv modules and not cv to midi!

I think this is almost exactly one of the modular set-ups from Ricky Tinez's videos and he does some pretty cool shit with it so you should be good, plus more room to grow!

the salient point here is "one of the modular set-ups" - ie there are multiple - each one lasts as long as a video - they are patch specific!

EDITED Jan 9th 2022, 17:58

Another really restrained piece, nice work, had to turn up the volume at about 10 mins for max effect :)

I think this is almost exactly one of the modular set-ups from Ricky Tinez's videos and he does some pretty cool shit with it so you should be good
-- pestilent

If you have Ricky Tinez's experience and talent, and his supply of additional modules in a larger rig for when you chafe at the restrictions of a small setup...!

yeah - that's the one I thought - not on modulargrid yet

between the hermod and the mixer you need voices - vco/vcf/vcas/modulation/envelope generators etc etc and probably some sub mixers for both audio and control voltages - and after the mixer you need an audio interface to connect to your computer

I hope this what you were expecting!
-- JimHowell1970
Thanks im back in the studio tommorrow. One Thing when the modules Are connected to the hermod. How do I connect Them to the d.o.mixx also?i have the domixx connected to channels on my studiolive 1602 interface.

I think this is almost exactly one of the modular set-ups from Ricky Tinez's videos and he does some pretty cool shit with it so you should be good, plus more room to grow!

I would definitely get a bigger case tho, the mantis is a great choice.

I've had this for a few years now, I've been working on a track recently where I'm using it a lot, was working great, but then today all of a sudden the X-axis has become very noisy, as in barely moving the joystick causes crackly noise. This is with a signal going into the input. The same thing does not happen with the Y-axis, and if I disconnect the x-output and just use the y-output, the noise goes away regardless of how I move the joystick. I took the module out and visually inspected the back, but I don't see anything obviously wrong. I emailed Befaco support but was just wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience.

Hope you enjoy!

thanks Jim and sorry about the link. definitely i get a bigger case. you're right!
the only thought, think need midi, some devices that sport a USB port as well. so i can connect my computer directly to my Eurorack system. like µMIDI Intellijel. also a weird sequencer maybe Pam's and mimetic.
I would like to hear your thought if it's not trouble

EDITED Jan 8th 2022, 23:36

please post a link to your public rack (the actual url) and not to a jpg - they are useless - especially if you want specific recommendations about modules!

get a bigger case - mantis is better value and has better power than the intellijel - you'll losse the 1u row and the built in utilities, but they aren't that much of a benefit imo - tiny beauty cases are great for demonstrating specific patches on you tube, not so great for actual modular synthesis!

think (loosely)

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities

loosely as sometimes the lines can be blurred - multiple oscillators + a mixer = 1 sound source, some filters can be used as sound sources etc etc

do you need midi and a 4 channel sequencer and a dual quantizer (with a built in sequencer) I doubt it and starter cash would be better spent elsewhere rather than duplicating ways to play!

read a lot of other newbie posts and their replies - specifically regarding modulation and utiltiies - much more important than what oscillators you have imo

if you want to learn modular synthesis as opposed to synthesis with modules - then maths (and the 'maths illustrated supplement') are an extremely good jumping off point...

have fun!

@Lugia - thank you for the suggestions. At this stage I want to experiment with guitar as an input source, but am not sure how much I am going to really want to do that. My primary input is MIDI via external controller at this point. If I end up really getting into guitar synthesis I will definitely check out higher quality preamps. At this time, the 1U buff mult is the only mult on my board, so I am reticent to remove it. I intend to add a 2HP mult to each of the main rows as well, but those are lower priority right now. The 1U row is a utility row for me -- saves taking up 3U space. I might get rid of the Steppy depending on what sequencing route I end up going down. The USB jack tile is very important to me because it allows me to power my MIDI controllers without worrying about yet another brick.

@AcgNrg - good advice and suggestions; as above it will depend on how deep I end up going down the guitar synthesis path.

@JimHowell1970 - yes, I have had the ADDAC floor control utility module on my 'planned' board for a while.

I really appreciate everyone's advice and suggestions! Modular is proving to be fascinating as well as frustrating, and this community is really helpful.

Hi, im build a eurorack-system and so for i've came up to this:

Any thoughts or advices of this?

EDITED Jan 8th 2022, 23:14

Thus far I have bought, Plaits, Ripples, Knob farm Hyrlo / Ferry, Pams, ALM mmmidi and expander, and a Michigan Synth works BLN. Function generator and VCAs will be next I think.

Some thoughts...

Using an Octatrack, consider a MI Ears (or two). Than you can process samples through your modular. Rings as a resonator can be lots of fun, but the Octatrack also has a resonator.

When using CV.OCD, Pam's could be redundant (except for LFO's). So maybe instead of Pam's a Batumi?
-- M01C

I have bought a Michigan synth works BLN as an output module, but it also has a Balanced line level to Eurorack convertor at the top, so I can send audio in. Should work well I hope:)

Very cool track Rookie, Nicely done!

I use the Delta-V and love it, its strengths and weaknesses have already been covered above.

I know a few people who use the Boundary and seem to like it a lot.
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/schlappi-engineering-boundary

There is also the Rampage @ 18hp.
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/befaco-rampage

You can also do a "Quasy" 1/2 - Maths using a Contour 1 and the O/A/x2.
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/joranalogue-audio-design-contour-1
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/alm-busy-circuits-alm010-o-a-x2
-- Vow3ll

Looking into all these options, thanks for the info. Contour has such glowing reviews. Would only provide one envelope as Maths has 2 right? Seems hard to beat Maths value wise, but it does use a lot of HP. Still considering Delta-V as well.

Nice jam zuggamasta and that rack does look like a lot of fun to use!

This rack is insanely fun to use. Now with a RaspberryPi Running ORCA as main cockpit, controlling master clock and CV sequences. Also new lighting ;)

2hp Pluck is the only sound source used in this patch.
CV:s from 2hp EG, 2hp TM and one LFO are mixed in Veils modulated with LFO:s and sent to 2hp Tune playing a harmonic minor scale sent to Pluck v/oct. And then some delay and reverb.

Thanks for watching :)

VCA - I quite fancy a https://www.modulargrid.net/e/worng-electronics-vertex to go with my Chainsaw, though I'm currently using the ST Modular SVCA though I find it all too easy to colour the sound with it and I get a better result using 2 channels of MI Veils.
I'm currently filtering with the Patching Panda Moonphase which is alright, I may get a DIY Stereo Ripples at some point or as others say the Dual Dagger maybe.

WOW Lugia, thanks so much for taking the time here, AMAZING, and extremely helpful. Thanks for writing so much info on your reasoning. I'm going to look into these to get a handle on them more in depth. Thanks again for your time :)

Had a look, tore it apart, rebuilt it. Here we go...

LOTS of changes. For one thing, the original had a bad case of "sexy module syndrome" (ie: too many "feature" modules, and not hardly enough "helper" modules to use with those), so I did some major rebalancing of the module types. Also, it was possible to condense some functions down to ONE module, such as using the Hermod (yep...added a sequencer!) as a MIDI interface.

TOP: PWRchekr is the little sliver at left. Then instead of your complex VCO choice, I went with the OG...the Buchla 258, and since Tiptop'll have these for only $200 when they drop in a few weeks (presumably), why not TWO? Well, why not indeed...so there IS two, along with plenty of trickery to make them do lots of Buchla-ish mojo. After that is the first of two quad VCAs, which also sums things down to one or two outputs, depending on what you're up to. After that is a Modbap wavetable VCO with some lo-fi settings, and the ability to blow samples into a microSD card, plus some weird modulation schemes such as phase mod (best known from the Casio CZ-series), a suboscillator, and lots of other tricks. And it's smaller than the Shapeshifter. Then the Joranalogue Generate3 gives you a complex TZFM-able VCO. Then another quad VCA...same deal as before. But the thing after it isn't exactly a mixer; rather, it's an omsonic Panning expander, a fixed-level mixer with stereo panning to stereoize your voicing...mainly because after that point, the audio signal path is stereo out to the main mixer. And right on cue, the first of the three stereo VCFs...Dave Rossum's Linneaus, which is a killer stereo VCF with TZFM capabilities.

MIDDLE: A Doepfer Quadrature LFO is first here; this will be useful for when you want separate LFO outs from the same LFO, but with each out at a 90 degree phase rotation so that you can have multiple sweeping LFOs with different phase relationships (like with the quad VCAs, or quadraturing modulation for the Linnaeus's TZFM scheme). Then four more LFOs with the expander in the Batumi, and after that, Maths. This gets followed by a dual VCA (same topology as the Veils VCAs) and a Frap 321; these are for tampering with modulation behavior, combining mod signals, and so on. Next, Quadrax and the Qx, which lets you do some interesting chained behavior with the four EGs. All your other envelopes are in the Zadar, with its Nin expander. Then an alternate stereo filter, good for some strange timbral behavior (would pair nicely with Beads!) that's also from Dave Rossum and the E-Mu Morpheus. Then the SCLPL is down at the end, which makes it easier to drop into the mixer out as a global filter...and it's ALSO a good pairing with the Beads.

BOTTOM: Hermod...this functions as a MIDI interface AND an eight-channel sequencer, so...yeah, it's got a sequencer now with some serious power. Then "effects", which includes the Beads, plus an Alright Devices Chronoblob2 (stereo delay with an insert point in the feedback path, so it's all set for some serious timbral delay mayhem), and a Happy Nerding FX Aid XL for reverb, flange, etc etc. Then for a mixer, I specced a WMD Performance Mixer because you'll need ample inputs for your sources while, at the same time, having a good AUX send/return setup, a CUE bus, muting, and on and on. Yes, it's big, and it's expensive...but it's a mixer that you can grow into, instead of having to put one mixer in one cab, another in the next, and so forth. This makes it easier to plan expansions. Then down at the end, Happy Nerding again with their OUT module, with transformer balancing, 1/4" TRS outs plus a second headphone preamp (the other's on the WMD mixer, that's the one that can be switched into CUE mode to check various issues on the fly, such as tuning, setting VCF cutoffs, etc). But this also has a second parallel stereo input, so that if you wanted, you could fly in yet another stereo signal from a voice or an FX module.

You'll notice that in a number of cases in here, I made swaps that consolidated several functions. I also got rid of most of the HUGE modules in deference to getting more panel space for modules that were QUITE necessary (all of the VCAs I've added, for example). Other modules got "shrunk" (the Batumi is a good example: 4 LFOs with complex interaction capabilities jammed into a mere 13 hp), and a few just got tossed altogether (for example, the mult...on something this size, you're much better off using inline mults or stackcables). But overall, your primary functions are still intact and, in fact, rather enhanced now that you've got the right supporting modules. Plus the layout makes far more sense by grouping primary functions so that everything moves around the front panel in a pretty good "left-up, right-down" formation for patching clarity. And even with all of the changes, the new/different modules, all that...it still came out only $800 more than your incomplete original, but now the whole cab is full, with lots of possibilities there.

Another possibility: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/wmd-sclpl This thing is a very shrunk-down variation on the Serge Resonant EQ, fits in 4 hp, is full stereo, and it can morph between settings which gives things shot through it the ability to have seamless and wild timbral shifts.

As for sequencing, my suggestion would be to go with a Make Noise Rene/Tempi pair. Those two have some backplane connections that allow them to get into some more advanced functions. Plus, if you add a Brains (only 4 hp), you can also make the Pressure Points function as another sequencer...only four steps, sure, but if you need sequenced transpositions, it's perfect.

I am using Shakmat Dual Dagger stereo filter with my Acid Rain Chainsaw and it works great. For sequencer, in that small case, I use Endorphin.es Ground Control which works great since I can build a sequence on one voice and play another voice on the keyboard in real time live situation. It lets me send both 1v/oct and gate triggers to Chainsaw and also has 8 triggers for percussion modules. I can create and save patterns for future recall and the new firmware has additional features.

I use Queen of Pentacles for percussion and they play well together. VCAs- I use 1u After Later Audio DVCA and Plum Audio 1u Apex for modulation. These work great in my small 4u palette case.

EDITED Jan 8th 2022, 02:08

Speaking of guitars, think of how you are going to get to the right signal levels. If you use an external preamp anyway, a good line level IO should do.
-- AcdNrg

Not so much. See here: http://www.ovnilab.com/articles/linelevel.shtml But the TL;DR there is that instrument-level signals require much more gain than incoming line-level signals. For one thing, they're typically -24 dB down from pro line-level. Also, the impedance on that input will need to be different from a typical line-level's input, and that can cause signal loss, or if the input preamp doesn't have the necessary gain, you'll wind up amplifying a lot of noise along with your desired signal. Also, with an external input, I think it's important to have something that not only amplifies, but which also has an envelope follower, such as the Doepfer A-119. Being able to modulate with the envelope follower is a big key to getting instruments such as guitars to be fully-functional controllers in addition to signal sources. The A-119 also has a comparator to extract gates from signal levels, and this comes in handy for firing off envelopes, LFO resets, etc.

a really useful type of module if you are a guitar player is an expression pedal interface...

doepfer and addac both do them (iirc they both do a variety - some can cope with on/off pedals too)

the addac one may or may not be diy, can't remember, but there is also the 7 dials cv express, which is DIY, if that interests you

being able to control at least some of the module whilst playing is quite useful...

Oooo...so it's an actual HN port? That's quite cool, would make Igor one of only a few manufacturers to tackle multiple formats with the same circuits. I'm used to seeing a lot of UNofficial ports and modded modules over on MU, so I figured it was something like that.

Hi, I'm new to modular and would love any comments on my rack setup here. Would be great to know the first 3-5 modules you would suggest to get going. Thanks in advance.

For a stereo filter that fits the low HP criteria, you may want to have a look at Shakmat’s Dual Dagger, it’s only 6HP and quite capable in the matters of stereo filtering goodness

I may have to totally redesign my rack if these are ever available in the states. Closest thing to the Make Noise.

I'm not quite sure if I understand the scope of Data Bender but I'm guessing I probably need a separate sample module from Data Bender to do the actual record/sample and then that would play through Data Bender? or can Data Bender actually record a bit of audio and subsequently mangle it up?

Data Bender is a circuit bent digital audio buffer. It is inspired by the ways in which audio equipment can fail. The sounds of skipping CDs, software bugs, and defective tape machine playback are all accessible. The 96kHz, 24-bit audio buffer can hold over a minute of stereo audio, providing a sonic canvas capable of infinite surprises and discovery.

I'd like to find one
-- manuelcposadas

selling one, let me know...

Pretty sure this thing isn't 60 HP, but rather 59 HP.

I have one installed in an Arturia Rack brute which is has room for 88 HP. I have installed:
- The power supply (5PH)
- Erica Synths Black Dual EG/LFO (10HP)
- Erica Synths Black Double Bass (10HP)
- BEFACO OUT V3 (4 HP)

5 + 60 + 10 +10 + 4 = 89

-- leewaa

The RackBrute’s official specs are 88HP width, and their rails are 88HP wide, but the rack itself has 89HP of space.

-- megarat

Ah thanks for the info ! Well, I could have figured that out myself too but I guess I was too lazy to look closer, sorry about the confusion xD

I like Squid Salmple a lot for sampling and mangling plus it has 8 channels and filter options. Sample time is short but long enough for basic stuff and editing clips is easy. For more esoteric stuff, I use Morphagene. The ultimate Eurorack sampler is the Rossum Assimil8or but it’s a very expensive module.

Morphagene and Data Bender are getting most of my attention for this at the moment.

I just bought a chainsaw. Planning to use it with the st modular fitzemdefore. should make for some interesting sequences. Im wondering about the envelope/vca/filter question myself. Watching this thread.

Speaking of guitars, think of how you are going to get to the right signal levels. If you use an external preamp anyway, a good line level IO should do. Personally, I´d look for something with XLR connectors for balanced signals. That way, studio use or longer cables in a live setup are taken care of. Vermona TAI or ACL Audio Interface come to mind.

For effects, it depends on what you want to achieve. There are modular versions of well established pedal effects like the Strymons. To get more on the crazy modular side of things, Noise Engineering have a very versatile platform with their versio series: You can swap the firmware and change the module into a delay, reverb, distortion etc. The frontplate is labeled according to whether you buy it as reverb, delay, etc. but there are overlays available as well (either for specific firmwares or neutral "1,2,3...").

For every "cool module hp" plan 1-2 hp of "helper modules" such as multiples, mixers (audio and cv), vcas, polarizers, attenuverters etc. I like the Happy Nerding ones for their great build quality and use of dual pots (inner and outer pot, so 2 in the space of one). Probably throw in one or two EQs to adjust signals in between modules.