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What's driving pitch in your sequences? Steppy handles triggers but not pitch. Noise Engineering offers a 4 channel 16 step CV sequencer by the name of Mimetic Digitalis that plays nicely with Steppy, but you're out of room.
Also, consider adding a small DC-coupled mixer like a 2HP Mix (check to see if the depth is okay for your rack). Mixing CV signals together is important, like combining LFOs and ENVELOPES...
-- Ronin1973
I can use the 1U VCA and ditch the micro vca to make room for Digitalis? Also, I can make use of Disting. I am using disting as a quantizer until I can get scales (backordered). I can also get rid of the 1U ADSR in favour of Maths, I can then get a 1U mixer.
What's driving pitch in your sequences? Steppy handles triggers but not pitch. Noise Engineering offers a 4 channel 16 step CV sequencer by the name of Mimetic Digitalis that plays nicely with Steppy, but you're out of room.
Also, consider adding a small DC-coupled mixer like a 2HP Mix (check to see if the depth is okay for your rack). Mixing CV signals together is important, like combining LFOs and ENVELOPES...
Yay! So glad that you will be ok Lugia! All of your wisdom and advice along with others here have been a tremendous help to me when I started my modular journey two years ago.
I have deleted one false offer in question because it is misleading in deed.
I don't think the users are "clowns" though. Maybe want to buy could be a new feature.
It will help if you can provide more details about what you're wanting to do with your rack. What are you goals?
I would initially suggest more modulation with Maths or Quadrax (both maybe) and some effects (FX Aid XL)
So now, 3rd wish for this possibility to combine XODES tile frames with 1U modules :) Thanks!
-- Sweelinck
As a workaround, one can replace 3U rows with 3 x 1U rows. Not super nice result, yet it's a way to actually plan the rack with real modules, as the 3U modules will somehow temporarily attach to the 1U rows. Simply add 2 x 1HP blanks instead of the adapters.
The thing is with this method, the boring cat will not leave you alone, and the positions of the modules will not be properly saved... but still, if you're not only into fantasy modular, and you actually need to plan a build, this method can help.
A new annoying habit has emerged on the marketplace: people posting as selling a module, but are apparantly actually looking for the module and gaining views by setting prices on the lower end. I personally find this annoying as hell, and would love to blacklist these clowns in some way.
@Lugia Patience and good recovery!
(In our countries, in the United States or in France for my part, we are fortunate to have tremendous expertise and resources in the medical field. This is a privilege. The passion for music being another, so we are doubly privileged :))
Thank you for this very informative and useful advice. I will reconsider my rack and delve into it a bit more.
Lugia's rack looks very good and makes sense, unfortunately I understood only half of what you wrote as I am new to modular.
Would you rather buy something Lugia's rack or go for the complete set and live with its limitations for a while?
I know that at some stage I would change modules in the Black System III for example as it seems rather directed at those who want to have traditional substractive synthesis. I am missing ways for experimentation, unknown chaotic sounds, generative weirdness... please correct me if am wrong!
I should be fine, sacguy. They diagnosed the problem as angina, so now I get to start my day with a time-release nitroglycerin tab for the foreseeable future. The worst part of this was the stress test...which in this case was NOT the usual treadmill-til-u-drop routine. Nooo...first of all, I didn't get food for about 14 hours. That was the test prep. Then this afternoon, they shot me up with some technetium-99 (so I get to be radioactive for another day-ish) then took me for the "stress" part...which involved some hideous chemical that induces the same sort of result, but which had a "slight chance" of causing nausea. Within 30 seconds of that injection, the "slight chance" came on with a vengeance and I was asking for a barf bag. Then...more radioactive needle juice, the second scintillator imaging run...and I noticed something...
The computer they had running the imaging machine was a Hewlett-Packard Z400.
I'm kickin' their ass over here with my Z420 and Z620! Yeah, baybee...always good to know you've got superior firepower!
Lugia is 100% correct and I learned the hard way well at least my 6u Doepfer A100 Starter system was helpful to learn the basics but I ended up expanding to a monster case that really gave me breathing room and then added tools and support modules.
However with that said, new polyphonic modules like Knobula Poly Cinematic and paraphonic modules like Acid Rain Technologies Chainsaw and the Supercritical Demon core oscillator give me hope to at least add to a polyphonic type setup in modular but it still costs way more since you need a good sequencer which is expensive as well as nice big mixer, support modules, effects and so forth. Heck the Waldorf Iridium is a bargain compared to how you will end up spending 5x to get close in Eurorack. If polyphony was a hard stop for me, I would get the Waldorf, Prophet 6 or Access Virus TI2 and a cheap drum machine and be done with it. Same goes for modular drums, very expensive!
Oh my! You have my prayers Lugia! Hope you recover soon. I've had my fair share of health challenges these past few years. Anyways I am recording some samples to my DAW and new audio interface. MOTU 4 and Presonus Studio One are superb partners and lots of tools make it way easier to record and remix modular than when I used Ableton.
Agree- I needed a way larger cases and having these makes life easier since I can swap out what I need to smaller travel cases.
Utiltiies- yeah the VCAs and modulation sources and tools are more important than 50 fancy oscillators!
Some chill mix with Queen of Pentacles and Acid Rain Chainsaw testing my new audio interface MOTU 4 works great and Presonus Studio One much more feature rich for sound mixing options than Ableton.
XOR NerdSeq sequencing modular+Juno-106+TX81Z+Minilogue XD. Live to multitrack, no overdubs. I have never done anything with the Amen break in my decades of making music. Always felt hackneyed. Finally felt I should perhaps give it a go, so I loaded up the Assimil80r. Bassline is 8 TX81Z "Lately Basses" stacked with the Humble Audio Quad Operator. So 36 oscillators by my count.
You're not going to manage an Iridium/Quantum in modular. Polyphony in modular generally results in huge systems, as you need a massive amount of repeated modules in groups...for starters. Same VCOs, VCFs, VCAs, LFOs, etc etc. Oh, and it'll have you ripping your hair out while programming it. But then, this isn't really what modular is about; you want to build something in Eurorack that is capable of stuff that only a modular can do, just like a Waldorf synth does what THEY do.
The Mantis is a good starting choice, as it can easily be expanded with a second Mantis + the link brackets. Also, the current capacity of the P/S is beefy. But the build above is just not going to work...there's too many really big modules in there in space that could be better used by smaller modules. That way, you can have some elaborate capabilities that, right now, this build isn't capable of.
Lessee here........OK...hmm, not bad:
OK...so, I coupled a sampler together with a VERY complex harmonic oscillator. Yeah, just one...and given what it's capable of, one is all you need! Let's have a look...
TOP: OK...I improved on the MIDI interface by putting in one of Hexinverter's Mutant Brain interfaces. 12 gates, four CVs, with a nice bit of flexibility. Then the Xaoc Odessa oscillator, plus a Hel, the four-voice poly expander...so you can have some polyphony until you hit the VCF, which gives you paraphony. A pair of VCAs is after this, with switchable response. Then that little black sliver is a pair of rectifier-type waveshapers, so that if you want to "nasty up" the Odessa, just run its VCAs through that. Then the multichannel sampler, which here is a Squarp Rampler...this saves space, and it makes the sampler a lot easier to deal with since you only have four outs. After that, there's a Veils which gives each Rampler channel its own VCA. Then to sum all of the VCAs down to stereo, there's an Omsonic UPE, which is a unity gain mixer with panning across six channels. With the audio signal now in stereo, I went with a Xaoc Zagrzeb, which is a stereo multimode VCF with all modes "hot" and in stereo. This filter also allows some weird things, such as putting a HPF on the left and an LPF on the right so that sounds can "migrate" across the stereo field, plus a lot of other potential mayhem. Beads goes in after that, then a Happy Nerding FX Aid XL for typical processing, then this feeds a Happy Nerding Isolator, which transformer-isolates your outputs so that you can avoid ground loops...plus you can hit it hard with the audio signal to get a nice bit of transformer saturation.
BOTTOM: A Doepfer noise/random/S&H module starts this off, then I swapped the Benjolin for a Wogglebug. Similar sort of idea, but more space-sensible. Next, the Make Noise Tempi/Rene mkii combo provides a similar sequencer environment to the Erica, but with a LOT more timing tricks as those two modules are designed to be used together, unlocking some hidden bits that a backplane connector between them uses. Then Maths, followed by a Tenderfoot triple attenuverter/mixer for CV and modulation signals. Another dual VCA like in the top row is after that to provide level control over modulation signals. And last, an Intellijel Quadrax/Qx combo lets you generate basic envelopes...or complex composite ones. Or even more if you crosslink them with the Maths.
That's a better use of space, I think. By doing this, it opened up more space for more functionality without having to resort to having itty-bitty controls for your main modules. And going with the Rampler will be easier to deal with than the Bitbox, which would require quite a bit more in utilities, etc to use to its best advantage. And the Odessa only seems to just be one oscillator...which it is and also isn't. Xaoc stuff is generally very feature-rich, and this is no exception. And hey...I came up with a sum that's only $50 off of your own, but this'll do WAY more for your money.
Hmmmm...in truth, 3U x 84 hp isn't a good way to start. It'll force you into one of two situations...
1) You wind up using very slim modules, 6 hp and down. This has an inherent flaw in that if you don't have fingers about the diameter of spaghetti, it'll be a total bitch to use.
2) You put normal sized modules in, and then run out of room before one or two critical modules can be installed.
I don't endorse either possibility. Instead...and you hear this a lot here...get a Tiptop Mantis. US street on it is $335, and you can add a second Mantis later on with their expansion bracket set. Power supply is also quite hefty in those, and unless you stick several tube-based modules into the build, you're not likely to exceed the current capacity, even on startup inrushes. They're lightweight, and Tiptop even makes an optional gig bag for them.
And speaking of Tiptop, they're working with Buchla on a line of 200-series Eurorack modules. The 281t and 258t are supposed to be out around the end of the year, with the 245t, 257t, 266t, and 292t dropping during 2022. And with THESE, the Buchla "price tag" is gone; the 281t is $210 and the 258t is $200. Given that there's other Buchla or Serge-based Eurorack modules around, you could easily build a pure "West Coast" rig in a single Mantis. But don't try it in the cab you've got above...you won't have room.
Yay...not dead! Going to have to take time-released nitroglycerin tabs for the foreseeable future, though.
Also...there's a disc that'll be at Carle Hospital's records department in a couple of weeks that'll hopefully include the cardiac ultrasound waveforms from one of my tests. That shit sounds VERY alien...and in stereo, even! You know I've gotta do something with it!
Thanks yeah it sucks that I ordered in first week of November and no update since then from shipping. Hopefully I get the module and not out of the $100 for it. At least my other modules arrived from Plum Audio and they are quite good plus Shay at Plum Audio is super nice and helpful. I give mad props to Lugia for the recommendation to buy the 1u Apex module so good for small space and modulation in my 4u palette case. I really like O*C a lot too and easier to use than Expert Sleepers Disting EX!
I ran some comparison between my Doepfer SEM and WASP filters this weekend for fun:
Both are excellent filters and work well with bass and percussion. The SEM is smooth and based I think on the Oberheim filter and the WASP is more aggressive, gritty and can self oscillate and based on the EDP vintage synth filter. Definitely great value for modular filters with good character and easy to use.
Hi, gang! Now that XODES has come up with these really excellent tile frames, and there's also some other similar devices...could we get a way to add tiles/modules to these, sort of in the same way that the half-height Buchla modules work over in that part of the site. It seems relatively simple (just alter the image/grid layouts so that you can drop tiles in) to implement, which of course is probably totally wrong on my part.
-- Lugia
Yes please!
-- hpdr
So now, 3rd wish for this possibility to combine XODES tile frames with 1U modules :) Thanks!
read a lot (30+) newbie threads - take the advice that always stands out
read the stickies at the top of the modwiggler eurorack forum
try to work out what you want the modular for
get a bigger case
read my signature
-- JimHowell1970
Yeah !
That's why I put utility modules. (logic, buff mult etc...)
I will still read.
I still believe I can do something good with this little case. :)
Thanks.
-- 202kwam
I spent a lot of time over about 18 months reading and watching videos before spending a penny on eurorack gear 5 years or so ago - some people seem to think they have done a lot of reading in 30 mins over a weekend - I guess it's really down to attention span - mine is much worse now than it was then
ok let's start with buffered mult - as the case is so small i would not try to cram 2 'voices' in there - so a buffered mult is superfluous, as they are only really needed for v/oct (ie pitch) signals - a bit of voltage droop on audio or any cv that is not v/oct will be unnoticeable - and passive mults in a case this size just take up valuable hp - get stackcables or other forms of passive external splitting - like headphone splitter
belief is sometimes good - but often flawed
I believe you may be able to get something good out of a case this size, but I don't necessarily think you will be able to get lots of somethings good out of it - do yourself a massive favour and get something at least twice the size to start off with there is no need whatsoever to fill it this week/month/year- much better to start bigger with space to expand as you learn what the fuck you are doing rather than having to buy a second case in 3-6 months (which is way more expensive than buying a sensibly sized one to start with) and then once you know exactly what you are doing go smaller if you still feel the need to only use a beauty case for whatever reason - mostly it seems to be "because it fits in my handbag" - almost all those youtube influencers are pulling modules out of much bigger cases to highlight specific patches that they have worked out over years of practice - starting with a too small case adds artificial contraint and forces you into a specific workflow, which is highly unlikely to be your workflow
"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia
Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!
Hi, gang! Now that XODES has come up with these really excellent tile frames, and there's also some other similar devices...could we get a way to add tiles/modules to these, sort of in the same way that the half-height Buchla modules work over in that part of the site. It seems relatively simple (just alter the image/grid layouts so that you can drop tiles in) to implement, which of course is probably totally wrong on my part.
-- Lugia
yes to both - anything can be done with modular as long as you are prepared to pay for it - and probably more than if you found a stand alone box that can do it... but it may be more satisfying, a better workflow for you, more fun, more interesting etc things that are worth paying for perhaps!?!?!?!
it's more about the user and how they 'play' the instrument than the instrument though
there are many ways to create polyphonic/paraphonic chords with modules - the trickiest part is sequencing them - personally I don't like the idea of sequencing root notes and sequencing the gender and degree of the chord - there are plenty of modules that do this , instruo harmonaig, qu-bit chord etc - I prefer to sequence every note - I use an acl sinfonion for this which allows me to sequence a chord progression and has multiple quantizers and an arpeggiator to keep everything else in key with the chord progression which other modules will not do for you, but it is expensive and quite big - you'll also need either a lot of voices (4-8 oscillators is probably a good starting point for a pad, plus filters and support modules - doepfer has a load of polyphonic modules designed for just this, wavefonix may also be worth looking at, if you want analog) or a digital module that is specifically designed to output chords, or can do it as a feature - maybe 4ms ensemble oscillator - there are almost definitely others - I tend to use a expert sleepers general cv for this and then process the output through delay and reverb
sequence a bassline - take a square wave output from whatever oscilllator you are using for the bass and send it through a clock divider - /2 = -1 octave, /4 = -2 octaves, use multiples of this slightly detuned, mix them, filter and distort them - there are also modules that will output sub-octaves - probably want to mix in the filtered and distorted original basslines so that they get some slightly higher frequency content so that people listening on phones, laptops etc can get an idea of what you are aiming for rather than creating music that can only be reproduced with a sub-woofer
"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia
Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!
My OCP with Hemisphere arrived this weekend and I tried a bunch of applets and cannot find a way to do this. It has an internal clock option but I cannot find one to do the retrigger either and watched a bunch of synth tutorial videos on it. Still a great module and having a few is worth it even if you need to use another module to retrigger and reset the clocking. I use Pam or Batumi for the reset trigger option right now with my O&C modules.
-- sacguy71
I'm not sure about the Hemispheres firmware. But with the original firmware, you could generally scroll down into the menu and assign TR2 or TR4 to the reset function.
speedy recovery, while your presence is missed my bank account needs some recovery as well. It seems I am always picking up a new module that I never heard about in your posts (106 Chorus, now that one is lovely)
My OCP with Hemisphere arrived this weekend and I tried a bunch of applets and cannot find a way to do this. It has an internal clock option but I cannot find one to do the retrigger either and watched a bunch of synth tutorial videos on it. Still a great module and having a few is worth it even if you need to use another module to retrigger and reset the clocking. I use Pam or Batumi for the reset trigger option right now with my O&C modules.
Does anyone know of any good books on audio synthesizer circuit design.
I'm an EE major and i would like to build a synthesizer for my senior design project. The project should include timer 555(datasheet: https://www.apogeeweb.net/circuitry/ne555-vs-lm555-timer-ics-what-is-the-difference.html) I've built a basic setup using Radio Shack parts (555's, 741's, etc.) but I want to build something with more stability and style!
I own theory books including Sergio Francos excellent book on op-amp and IC design. But i would like to find a book which gives a more detailed design description of actual circuits used in audio synthesizers.
Tube based synthesizer design would be another cool way to go!
whoa...my prayers for a speedy and complete recovery.
So appreciative of all the advice and guidance you've provided me...even though I didn't listen to #1 and #6 I am still having an absolute blast with what I have thanks to you and several others on this awesome forum :)
Okay, so, I've been looking though all of your feedback and changing a few things, now this is what I ended up with:
First off, you're probably right about getting a bigger case even though I wasn't a fan of it at first. I've known about the Mantis beforehand - a friend of mine owns one, and for some reason I've found it to be a bit clunky and, as stupid as it sounds, somewhat ugly, so that's why I didn't want to get one. @sacguy71 's other suggestion of simply getting the Intellijel 7U case is probably the most obvious solution, so that might be what I'm going to do. That also allows me to keep the Midi 1U module which I'll be relying a lot on and saves me space for a bigger 3U 5-pin Midi in module (and since the case is bigger I can keep the stupid music box in for now). Other than that, I love most of @Chace 's changes, so I integrated a lot of that, pretty much only changing the 4X Stereo Mix for a PanMix, since I've got more space to work with now. Added a spring reverb, since that sounds like it could be fun, changed the CIP for a Loquelic Iteritas and stuck in a Maths, because if I got the space, why wouldn't I.
If there's anything else you think could/needs to be changed or added, I'm always happy about suggestions. For now, many thanks to all of you for helping me out!
In hospital. Had some cardiac symptoms around 8 last night, went to the ER, and it looks like I'll be here thru at least tomorrow. So it's not easy to post on the Samsung.
Nevertheless, I'll leave some nagging here to tide everyone over until I've got a real computer again. Until then...
Make your cases bigger!
MORE VCAs!
MORE UTILITIES!
No, you really don't need mults in a small build.
ALWAYS overspec your P/S current by 25% over your expected current draw.
Start your build in a cab that you think is too large...because it probably isn't.
