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• The not at all unique utilities are Sloth (apathy), Krach, and Guillotine.
• The ubiquitous utilities are Duatt, Tri Filter, and Stereo Mixer

corrected

it's how you use them that could make them less unique... but unlikely given beauty case

EDITED Dec 29th 2021, 19:04

To illustrate my previous comment and answering a bit more precisely the topic, ladies and gentlemen... the amazing, the magnificient (and fairly low cost) 2hp Hat!
:))

I like Hexinverter Mutant Drums Hi Hat module quite a bit. Also have WMD Crucible that is fun for weird stuff.

@farkas I agree that Crucible sounds wonderful, but I haven't been able to get any "hats" sounds out of it, just ride. Is there a trick I'm missing?
-- troux

It had been a while since I messed around with any drum sounds, so I patched up Crucible this morning. It definitely excels at ride/crash type stuff, but I got a decent hi hat groove going with size, decay, excite, and deform all set around 9 o’clock with pitch and tone set around 12 o’clock. Triggers into the edge and choke inputs. Attenuated lfos into size and decay, and a channel of Voltage Block into velocity in a sort of ascending sawtooth-ish kind of pattern. I also find that I like to filter the output of Crucible a little. I was just using Ripples today, but I’m sure you could get some cool results with other filters/effects.
This little experiment made me want to make some techno again. Haha.

Edit: I love the Patching Panda Punch v3 for percussive sounds, so I'm sure their Hatz v2 is awesome for analog drum machine style hi-hats. I have a few other sources for that kind of sound, otherwise I would probably get one.

EDITED Dec 29th 2021, 14:28

I'd let you have this but it was a live stream so I have no backup audio

Getting some submissions, who else wants to join in?!
-- troux

Still want to join!

Can I send it tomorrow evening (21:00 CET)? Patch is ready but it can use some finetuning before I hit "record"...

For calculating paypal fees I use this: https://www.salecalc.com/paypal?p=100&l=us&r=0&e=0&f=0&m=2&c=0

Another one for the mix is 'Patching Panda Hatz' it has the all-important Choke so the CH will close-off out the OH, it also has accents so you can run an accent pattern behind your main Hat patterns and make your hats more interesting.

As Mazz said, a envelope follower generates continuous CV from a signal you put into it by measuring its voltage. A common application is ducking or side chaining where one sound temporarily suppresses another to keep maximum presence. Like a kick supressing a bass line or a voice pushing back background music in a video.
Something like this:
ducking sound --> env follower --> inverter --> vca controlling ducked sound

I have a https://www.modulargrid.net/e/ladik-e-510-envelope-follower which gives Trigger, Gate and Envelope. I recently used some filtered noise (a crackle type sound) to trigger and run an entire patch. If you happen to have any Piezo contact Mics they can also be used with an envelope follower, at its most simple just tapping on a Mic via the Ladik E-510 can be used to affect the modulation of something else via its envelope. All good fun.

Grab a Mutable Instruments Ears for a bit of Mic-Pre-amp and envelope follower in one.

I don't have a really dedicated module yet: neither for HH nor for Kick. It's a will since the beginning. I use drum machines. But I might change my mind. When you look at Richard Devine current live setup, you can see a 2hp Hat and a 2hp Kick. I'm heading towards this solution. Why not...

In a nutshell, an envelope follower listens to audio transients at its input, and outputs them as CV envelopes.
So you could for example plug in a drum loop and get a filter cut off elsewhere to open to the beat, or plug in a guitar and trigger stuff in your rig with it.
Yes, you need an envelope generator, or four...

@farkas I agree that Crucible sounds wonderful, but I haven't been able to get any "hats" sounds out of it, just ride. Is there a trick I'm missing?

I always chuckle when I see someone say they want to receive payment by Venmo. I would never do anything except PayPal with 3% because it protects both the seller and buyer. Do those that want to be paid using Venmo send the item first and then receive payment after the buyer receives and is ok with item? I'm guessing not

Noticed in the 'function' menu when I was looking up envelope generators that there is also an 'envelope follower'...what is an envelope follower and why would I need one? I'm assuming I should have an envelope 'generator' before I consider buying an envelope 'follower'?

WMD Crucible is pretty awesome. I haven't found a better realistic source of cymbals.

I would love a dial up if i ever find one. Anyone have any good suggestions? A choke would be a big plus. Thanks.

I can't make notes - but I can comment!

I've been messing around with modular for about a year now, and I think I'm finally getting it. After finally figuring out what it is I want to do - this setup meets my needs.

Fata Morgana II is an ambient / drone / noise exploration synth.

• The Centerpiece modules are the Mimeophon, Morphagene, and Ears.
• The main driver is Pamelas New Work out (its the brains of the operation)
• The Disting MK4 is a sample loader ambient exploration or VCOs for droning (or whatever you need really)
• The utilities I find slightly more fun are the Sloth (apathy), Krach, and Guillotine.
• The utilities that are the real lifeblood are the Duatt, State Variable Filter, and STMIX

I use this with an OP-Z and odd vhs/cassette tapes I find.
I'll post some videos once I have them, still trying to figure out the best way to record things!

Hope this offers some explanation on the purpose of the build!

EDITED Jan 4th 2022, 12:20

Would also take arrangement suggestions.

Finally saying goodbye to the Cre8 Nifty modules (cellz and chips). I have a Patching Panda Operat on the way to replace the Chips module. I'll actually miss Cellz a bit as a handy touch controller, but I was using it less and less ever since getting a CV.OCD. I've got a lingering 2hp in the top row that I could fill with a 2hp VCO, but it doesn't really feel necessary in this build. I suppose I could use it for a FM/RM/AM source... Just seems like I might get more use out of an additional 8hp if I pull the Erica CV Processor (although I'm thinking this might be an interesting tool for intermingling the Oscillators in the Operat).

I mostly use this rack for sound design/soundscapes when patching for fun, or to build clip/loop-based jams on the BitBox when I'm struck with the inspiration to compose something a bit more formal/traditional. Not really into generative (I like listening, just not so much making it). I lean more into funky/lofi/trip-hop/industrial/boom-bap type stuff on most days. This is also not an all-in-one build or performance build. I'm trying to sharpen the focus on sound design options, not necessarily a rack where I can use every module in every patch. I'm ok with letting some modules go unused here and there. A good example of this is the Step Sequencer. I use it in maybe 1/5 patches, but when I do I'm extremely glad it is there.

Any good folk out there want to take a stab at redesigning or optimizing this build?

Hey all,

Have the Moog trifecta of semi-modulars and love all three. I've had a hankering to move beyond and add on a 104HP skiff to supplement and also act as a standalone unit. My idea is to do techno-style music - downbeat, psy-bient, EDM, melodic. Not really looking into generative at the moment. I also like the idea of being able to perform on the rack.

So I have 104HP. I've populated it thus far with MATHs, Disting MK4, and a buff mult. Bastl CV Trinity to follow very soon.

This is my line of thinking - uPlaits or Make Noise STO for VCO, Disting for utility, fx, etc., MATHs - because it's MATHS, Pams for clocking, Voltage block for performative sequencing, Bastl Cinnamon for VCF, Bastl CV Trinity - for automation, LFO, and ADSR, Malekko Quad VCA, Future Sound Systems MX1 as a mixer, 2HP Hat Kick and Snare for drums, and Bastl Ciao for output to a sound system or to interface with iPad - think fx, processing, etc.

Thoughts of what I could get rid of or what I'd need instead. Like I said already have 4 modules, so they are staying for now. Also, haven't decided on VCO, but at this point it's between uPlaits and STO.

EDITED Dec 29th 2021, 01:43

EDITED Feb 27th 2023, 07:11

Price-wise as well as width-wise there is this one too: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/bearmodules-matrix-mixer
Great value for the buck, practical, good feel, and the unipolar / bipolar switch is a great extra function.
B.

Thanks for the feedback. I take a look into the shift register. Pico System III is the eurorack version, so no case, but it is a good idea. I think there are some small cases and affordable (4 Ms pod maybe) cases for it.
-- iron_at

When it comes to a second case, another idea is to use it for all of your real-time controllers, sequencers, mixers, mutes, etc. Anything you want to be very hands-on with is nice. Just be sure the case is deep enough to hold them. Some skiffs and palettes are rather shallow.

if you fancy something at a good price and DIY then try
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/ai-synthesis-ai008-eurorack-matrix-mixer
Good for signal routing, modulation, effects sends etc

+1.
I just got a 1amp power supply to replace a broken one, but I am almost at 1 amp just with a couple digital modules and preamps with phantom power. I have to be very careful about power consumption in my planning for now, and it is pretty hard to figure out what I can or can't do just with the tools on the site.

EDITED Dec 29th 2021, 01:55

Thanks for the feedback. I take a look into the shift register. Pico System III is the eurorack version, so no case, but it is a good idea. I think there are some small cases and affordable (4 Ms pod maybe) cases for it.

I have everything to the right of the 8HP blank space. The Pams, Logica XT, and Doepfer A-130-2 are reserved HP...leaving me 8 HP of unreserved space. It was recommended I consider an envelope follower to the build...any recommendations for something that would occupy 6 or 8HP? Really loving everything that I've added so far, really fun combining the Minibrute2 with external sounds modified by Warps, Ultrafold, and Beads

I edited and removed what I was writing as I don't want to hijack the OP's post

EDITED Dec 28th 2021, 05:31

Actually, if the designer there would've just staggered the knobs to the left and right, you WOULD have ample room for fingers. Too much attention paid to electronics and NOT ergonomics is how you get unplayable modules. For example, my AE system uses those little marked-shaft pots, but they were designed with ample space so that you can get into through the patchcord (actually pinwires in the AE) snarl and the other controls around.

A bunch of my stompboxes see duty as percussion manglers. One you should seriously look at is some sort of auto-wah...on snares, these work great with a very fast attack and release, adding a quick filter sweep to the drum sound. I've gotten deep into the Chinese stompbox thing, and one bunch of sellers I've had a great time with are what I refer to as the "Brantford Pedal Mafia", aka a number of sellers in Brantford, ONT in the same general family who all deal in pedals AND who have inventories in both the USA and Canada, which makes things easy for quick shipment. You'll find the "Kingpin", aka mec.2009 at https://www.ebay.com/sch/mec.2009/m.html

Knob proximity seems to be an issue, but I guess you can't have both compact and easy to noodle. I think I need to build one. Definitely need room either side of the knobs.

Indeed and even in my smaller setups, I strive for utilities and tools like VCAs, envelopes and attenuators. My smallest case has these and I use them a lot in complex patches. Now with 1u tools and small hp sized support modules, it makes life easier.

Bought a Make Noise modDemix from @abozzelli. Fast shipping and good communication! Module very well packaged, and with original box. All good :)

Bought a Make Noise Contour from @fred05. Fast shipping and good communication! Module very well packaged, and with original box. All good :)

Lugia is right. We can also want a piano without a pedal, a microwave without a cooking time setting, an airplane without an altimeter... Funny Club. Everything that is imaginable is not necessarily reasonable ;)

I really need to get my stuff together and record. But all current patches are just soooo messy.

True but for me, dedicated VCAs are better in my experience but I like control and simplicity if possible.

Agree Livestock Electronics Maze is great and can also let you create fade in/fade out transitions of CV control which is really nice for making smooth movements. Still learning mine but all good. My 2022 mantra is no gear purchases so I can focus on what I have no and I even put blank panels to avoid the temptation.

Getting some submissions, who else wants to join in?!

The QPAS has a dual VCA on its inputs, just saying ;p

I'm pretty sure it's standard when you pay the 3% or whatever that you have to pay for non-friends and family transactions
-- JimHowell1970

Thanks very much for your help!

I'm pretty sure it's standard when you pay the 3% or whatever that you have to pay for non-friends and family transactions

don't do friends and family if they are not friend or family - pay the fees, get the protection
-- JimHowell1970

Is the protection an additional service or part of the standard PayPal service?

Thanks

i like !

-ADR- Really nice video demonstrations, all the info very clearly presented and explicated. I also just watched another demo on your channel and the same can be said for that as well. Thank you for the effort and work putting these together.

All the best

Hey MG !
I got the Tarot from the hands of its designer, and after a few meetings, he told me about a few tricks on it. Like getting the Tarot to do a Ring job. That was an excellent tip, so when I got back, I got excited and needed to try that on some perc sounds. It worked like an angel, and far deeper than a traditionnal ring modulator.

more here :

don't do friends and family if they are not friend or family - pay the fees, get the protection

Cool thanks, I guess you still have to hope you get an honest person that doesn't try charge-backs via paypal but it is what it is.

If anyone has any tips to cover my back it would be appreciated

I just have made an indstrial sound design using the Tarot, here :

with an external drum machine you might want to go with pedals for the distortion/fuzz/overdrive and the compression (to free more space in the rack) and a continuously variable filter - so that you can go from low-pass to high pass and all places in between
-- JimHowell1970

Can you expand on this a little? I am using the TR-8S for drums...will eventually go down the stomp box 'path' as I purchased Bastl Hendrikson a few weeks ago for my Minibrute2/Rackbrute3U setup...but it sounds like using them in line with the TR-8S can also add some flavor to the drums?

-- jb61264

yeah - some pedals in line with the drums - specifically a gain pedal (which will add some compression) and a compessor can add to the drum machine without taking up valuable rack space - and pedals can often be had cheaper than modules (bigger market for them - both new and used) then feed that in to the rack (I'd use a veils - most vcas don't have gain - veils has 20dB there on tap - so can again add more grit at this stage if needed) and then go through a filter in rack - maybe a doepfer SEM or WASP - both of which can go from low pass to high pass on the turn of a knob - this would make an interesting processing chain for a drum machine to me - possibly with parallel processing at some point either before the chain - an ABY pedal is a great solution here - so you can switch between the processed drums and the unprocessed (or differently processed) drums - this is especially useful as distortion pedals have a tendency to loose low-end - so maybe take this into account when choosing a distortion pedal - maybe something specifically designed for bass processing

the hendrickson is a great idea for sending stuff from the rack into an effects pedal chain and then back in - especially things like delays and reverbs can be used so much earlier in the chain than usually and then brought back in - possibly for further processing - filtering for example

an envelope follower (or 4) is also really handy to have at this point - as are more vcas

I think you'll be wanting to expand the 3u to a 6u soon - try to keep the 3U - if you can - always good to have space to expand into!!!