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the picture doesn't seem to wanna upload properly. I read your instructions and cropped the photo at least 7 or 8 times trying to get it to load right. It just doesn't seem to be working, is there something that I'm doing wrong? (instrument: Polyend SEQ Midi 104hp)
Hi, sorry if it bother you guys.
I want to know how much you guys could be interested in this module. https://www.modulargrid.net/e/other-unknown-waveshape-analyzer
Currently it's just for my personal fun but I'd like to share this if I can get more people who want this device!
I know i want to get into modular and just bought a few random things as below. I want to get some self generated but adjustable melody going a basic drum beat. I then want to be able to play around wit hAudio clips through the system. I've ordered a Radio Music from Music Thing Modular but what else is the current favourite / should i get for beats, melody and sound manipulation?
Just ignore if fed up with newbies as there seem to be a huge and growing number!
I think this setup would not be that useles as it looked at first sight. The triggerman cannwork as a clock divider. Rene and pressure points would be perfect for playing the 0-coast. The Adar and random modules are also useful.
Do you think this modular system is balanced? My budget is up to 3.000€; so I tried to build a versatile system that enables me to explore the sound without constraints (at least for the next two years; I hope). Still I do not know if something important is missing ( a switch Power Supply?). I have a dual VCO, FM Playground, texture synthesis (very useful I think) and FX processor. I also think that I have enough CV controls, and along with ES-40 SPDIF Interface and ESX-8CV mk2 I can apply my own CV controls (Reaktor or Max/Msp). I think I can also use in conjunction with Clouds, external sound sources (samples, Noise,Microphone.....) from my audio driver outputs (or I need some kind of converter? Sounds a stupid question......). Anyway at least I know that I need Adapter Cable 6.3/3.5 mm.
So that's it! Thank you in advance.
Ps: I'm new in this modular world, so don't judge ;)
My understanding is that triangle core, say from an Intellijel Rubicon, produces a more accurate text-book sine wave than a sawcore. And that fits right in with the whole 'west-coast'/Buchla aesthetic of starting pure & simple, and adding complexity with a wave-folder. East-coast/Moog style subtractive synthesis prefers a beefy saw wave, chock-full of harmonics, from which you creatively subtract with a filter, getting all kinds of opportunities to sample various filter flavors - so a saw-core oscillator, like a Tiptop z3000, serves that up nicely.
I bought from @lumotint (Koma Field Kit Panel) & @clarinet (Intellijel Planar)
Both were very communicative and easy to deal with. The panel was dropped of directly and the Planar was shipped super fast/safely - totally happy with the items and the experiences.
buying modules isn't an issue. i'm just scraping by in one of the country's bottom 10 worst economies and can't even afford a DAW to do everything in freeware for now.
as to modules, if i ever DID get expendable income, i have a very good idea what i want... lots and lots of different sounding VCOs & VCFs mostly under MIDI control with possibly a control forge & several expanders as THAT utility totally makes sense to me and is 80% close to the "dream module" i'd have a genie build for me. the demos for it suck, but i can totally hear it wobbling, boinging, ahhh whooping & scratching in my head drawing segment curves & adjusting their timing. i have less than zero interest in clock dividers, logic & sequencers and all that noodling stuff and would treat "my rack" mostly as a straight forward synthesizer i can swap & stack voices with and resynthesize audio with. i think that both control forge & envelope following human beat boxing would be the core of "my sound" outside of sampling, percussion & extra twangy light string "new wave/surf" telecaster riffs.
if there were any modules that i'd want to get rid of, they'd be filters that don't have as much flavor as expected with juicy, rubbery & vocal" being my 3 favorite sounds ahead of grungy & fat. i'd basically build an ARP 3000 with a lot more oscillators & filters to essentially cram a room full of hardwired monosynths into a rack.
yeah... i'm a total outsider here.
this is MY dream rack. noodlers would DESPISE IT. LOL
OK... i had to copy the edited rack and create a new URL for it to display right. for some reason, this website is psychotically OBSESSED with kicking synthesis technology's E350 morphing terrarium out of the rack for no reason every chance it gets and fights me putting it back in. this time it did it "after the fact" with what i thought was a "settled" layout update. i'd LOVE an excuse to kick the 303 filter out. i DESPISE 303 filter sweeps. from what i can tell, the extra juicy ARP, SEM & diode ladder filters and the fat rubbery jupiter 8 would be my favorites (not counting digital morpheus "radical" modulation effects). i tossed the macromachines omnimod in as an afterthought in case it offers something control forge doesn't, if only faster & simpler editing after juggling some modules and kicking an EMS filter out.
Just bought the brilliant Make Noise Optomix v2 from @kansha aka Chris. Lovely guy, really understanding, module exactly as described, lightening postage, arrived the next day. Trade with complete confidence. Cheers Chris! :-)
So I have a Mother 32 and a Microbrute and I'm putting together a nice sidecar between the two. The goal is to use Reaktor Blocks along with the two units, sending CV from Reaktor thru ES-3 and into different patch points to modulate or trigger. The goal with the Shapeshifter is to have a digital sound source that I can run through the Moog or Microbrute or maybe even let it play on it's own and modulate the parameters through the various CV sources I have.
I think I have a "simple" yet versatile configuration here but would anyone have any suggestions or comments about the configuration?
ES-3 for routing LFO/EG CV from Reaktor into modules
Shapeshifter for a digital waveform source with tons of features (including delay and a vocoder)
24db filter for additional shaping
Multi for expanding the use of CV signals
Dual VCA (control via EG CV from Reaktor)
Stereo Out for sending the signal of the Shapeshifter directly into my UAD Apollo for recording if so desired
Another goal is to add one more 60HP rack to the Mother32 and expand into things like Clouds and Rings but that's a little further down the road.
Sounds like you've got your finger on the pulse! Yeah! keep up the good work....... I'm old enough to think that I've been down a similar road as you have been.
Loads of plugins.... Super software programs....... And for me, personally, it was all too much. It stifled my creativity....... It took me, like 12 to 15 years to realize that I need less..... I need limitations.
What I'm realizing is that I'm now going down the path that probably every modular guy goes through. The fact that I now need to thoroughly go through modules until I find the ones that work well in a case that I can take with me.
This is going to require not only trying out modules at the store, "if" I came make it over to the big city.... Also, making sure it works with my other modules. Probably Lots of time spent jamming and re-working modules........
I guess at this point I should be grateful of all the used modules out there and the used module market..... Because I'll probably sell a few after I try them out.
Why am I buying new modules? .......hmmmm...
Uhgg..... What did I get myself into?
Okay,
Once I get all the right modules to fit in a Flight carry on case... I should be set. All limitations intact. Perfectly free to explore the infinite in one little box.
That is my goal.
Thanks for helping me out with this stage of modular prowess!!!
Be careful of my mistake..... Only buy new modules of the ones you know you're going to keep. buy used ones to try them out. (then sell them for the same price)
Grey
Would it be possible to list something as 0 hp for stand alone items, which arent required to be in a rack but directly interfacing with your system? things such as the Intellijel mult pucks, bastl Dude could be examples. Maybe another catagory such as 1u but not require a row and maye have them appear to the sides of the rack sorta like the excess modules will appear if they dont fit in the hp of your current rack?
Im thinking of this because of a "module" i am trying to add on here which does not require space is having its image really messed up whilst attempting to pretend it has some hp so people can see it exists.
Not sure if its feasible or worthwhile, but thought i would ask :)
So I recently sold my volca FM, but I've been feeling a bit regretful because I miss the sound making capabilities of its FM and additive synthesising format.
So I wondered whether it would be possible to make an FM modular as my first modular. This is probably very strange and maybe stupid-sounding to most of you, but I just find the FM style appealing.
Also I was hoping perhaps to use any modular equipment (at least to start) as either an ambient sound bay that i could use alongside other synths/samplers, a source of modulation for another synth (right now I'm thinking the microbrute), or perhaps as a strong monophonic synth in its own right.
So I made a mock up of a potential FM modular - tell me what you think!
Hi I am considering one day assembling a modular synth. I don't think i'll ever have that much money to put aside for it, at least not in the near future. So I made a synth that seemed to me quite simple, effective, and good value for money.
Can people please advise me on what modules I've got wrong and what could be good?
You know you can sort by Depth?
Click twice to change sort direction. Valid workaround?
-- modulargrid
It helps, but i still have to go through the module description do have an idea of actual depth.
A filter with x = max depth in mm, that excludes all modules without depth definition and deeper than x.
Workaround would be to see depth displayed in the overview, so no further clicks are needed to know actual depth.
A Eurocrack Pusher: "The first time is for free" ;)
Would it possible to add a filter on "Module Depth"?
Working a lot with shallow skiffs recently, and that would save me from digging through module descriptions to check if they are compatible.
A Eurocrack Pusher: "The first time is for free" ;)
Bought an Intellijel uScale v2 off of @alexanderL, which was shipped quickly and arrived in great condition. Questions were answered quickly, and he's quite courteous. Cheers!
well NOTHING would beat going someplace where you could get hands on with gear and check it out, especially if there's a knowledgable staff.
personally, i'm REALLY into rossum's control forge. it's a rack hog & has a deep interface, but it works a lot like my mind does picturing tones and beats as curves and stretchy rubber bands. THAT utility makes more sense to me than every clock/divider, sequencer and CV modulator put together, but that's me.
i don't have ANYTHING for making music except a binaural dummy head i made with sure PZMs, a sony portable cassette deck & a TC electronics chorus, all in storage. realistically, i'd start out doing EVERYTHING in a DAW with as much freeware as i could cram in it, then add a tube preamp, a sampler (or software), a cheap monophic analogue... probably a mopho, a twangy telecaster and keep building from there, but the job market here SUCKS, and i have other priorities... like getting my stuff out of storage that have to come first.
i'm just studying modular out of boredom & to learn more than the basics of synthesis & music production i'm already familiar with.
i'm just studying modular out of boredom & to learn more than the basics of synthesis & music production i'm already familiar with.
as to DIY stage cases... check parts express out. they have cheap carpet, spray adhesive & all kinds of handles & corners etc. for building road worthy gear along with excellent customer service. i buy most of my DIY audio stuff from them and have never been burned on an order over an issue they didn't resolve.
The Mother 32 is mono so it only needs a TS to TS 1/4 cable. So what your saying is in order to get each oscillator from the modular to a an external analog mixer or audio interface each on its own channel is you will need an output module in the end signal chain for each oscillator? Mother 32 to an output module then to channel 1 on external analog mixer. 303 Osc to filter, amp, e.g., lfo, effects then another output module to channel 2 on mixer. Wiard Osc to filter, amp, e.g. , lfo, effects then another output module to channel 3 on mixer? And so on so on?
-- Do0mal
I want to be clear here: to answer your question in bold above: YES.
And your examples are correct. I am not aware at this point of anyone who does this. It is perhaps less expensive to multitrack your recording in multiple takes using a single output module. A modular system is more than just a sound source. It's a sound system, but not in the traditional audiophile sense.
Than again it's hard to say. Perhaps you are developing a unique approach that no one else has bothered to develop yet. It's not like a ton of people on this planet are exploring this stuff. It's a pretty small community.
That is a the most general (or abstract) signal chain.
A more specific and typical signal chain is
sound source -> VCA -> output module.
This assumes you have a method of turning the volume up and down on the VCA. You could physically turn knobs on a VCA and create some pretty cool stuff. But you will never be able to "turn" the knob as fast as voltage can. That is where the VC part of VCA comes in. For this you need an envelope generator (EG) such as Make Noise MATHS or Erica Synths Black EG/LFO module. Then there is the new Rossum Control Forge with which you can design arbitrarily complex envelopes. And the term envelope as used here can be confusing because even another oscillator can be used to generate envelopes to VCA to open the volume up and close it down. The Mother-32 gives you access to its EG which you can patch in and out, I believe.
Here is a more specific signal chain I used recently in a patch with modules I have
Erica Synths (ES) Black VCO -> Make Noise (MN) Optomix -> MN Erbe-verb -> ES Black Output.
The Optomix was being opened and closed in weird and funky ways using a Synthesis Technologies E350 (Morphing Terrarium). Also, I was using Rossum Control Forge to move around in the wave tables on the E350 which was continually altering the way the MN Optomix opened and closed. Now that I think about it I was sending ES Pico VCO into the second channel on MN Optomix. The same envelope was being used to open and close both channels on the Optomix.
The point here is that modules such as Optomix are mixers which is what you want. The output from your mixer goes to your output module which provides a line level signal to the rest of your outboard equipment to interface with your DAW and keyboards and such. The ES Black Output module is also a mixer as well as an output module.
Taking a signal directly out of a modular system can be done but it will be too hot for most audio equipment which is expecting a line level signal voltage (anyone know what the limits are of line level voltage?).
Where is the the output module was also my first thought. maybe you should take a look at the make noise Rosie. It as a cue mixer and was made for live performance. So,maybe it's for you. But you may also consider the new Doepfer output module.
The Mother 32 is mono so it only needs a TS to TS 1/4 cable. So what your saying is in order to get each oscillator from the modular to a an external analog mixer or audio interface each on its own channel is you will need an output module in the end signal chain for each oscillator? Mother 32 to an output module then to channel 1 on external analog mixer. 303 Osc to filter, amp, e.g., lfo, effects then another output module to channel 2 on mixer. Wiard Osc to filter, amp, e.g. , lfo, effects then another output module to channel 3 on mixer? And so on so on?
Okay. I think I get it. I'm going with this explanation, "I am trying to create a system and need to know what modules to add to this one I am making on modular grid in order to send audio into a Focusrite Clarett 8 pre audio interface which I have or buy a mixer with plenty of inputs which I don't have yet."
I took a look at the Clarett. Let's say you were interested in connecting only the Mother-32 so that it's audio can be recorded in Ableton. Then what you would do is connect the stereo output on the back of the M-32 to any two of the Clarett's 1/4" inputs. Let's say you chose the two on front. To do this you would need a 1/4" stereo to x2 1/4" mono y-cable or breakout cable. Or you could use a "breakout box" which provides these sorts of connections in a box instead of a cable (it's more flexible options wise). Set your levels and you're done!
Example 2 : let's say you want to instead use the rest of the modules you've specified in your case maybe with or without the M-32. Then you would need an output module such as the Make Noise Rosie or Erica Synths Black Output. The Black Output provides two 1/4" mono outputs which makes it super simple to patch into your Clarett using two mono 1/4" TS (tip-sleeve or mono) cables.
You could patch directly out from any module into the Clarett but the levels will likely be too high. Without a way to trim them, then you will be clipping your signal. You need a way to bring the signal strength of modular down to line level.
Now, you could get patch cables with built in resistors to trim the lines, but quality might suffer. Or! You might want roll your own and solder a resistor into a patch cable! That's always fun.
So, what is your opinion of the M-32 and Clarett Pre8?
Okay. I think I get it. I'm going with this explanation, "I am trying to create a system and need to know what modules to add to this one I am making on modular grid in order to send audio into a Focusrite Clarett 8 pre audio interface which I have or buy a mixer with plenty of inputs which I don't have yet."
I took a look at the Clarett. Let's say you were interested in connecting only the Mother-32 so that it's audio can be recorded in Ableton. Then what you would do is connect the stereo output on the back of the M-32 to any two of the Clarett's 1/4" inputs. Let's say you chose the two on front. To do this you would need a 1/4" stereo to x2 1/4" mono y-cable or breakout cable. Or you could use a "breakout box" which provides these sorts of connections in a box instead of a cable (it's more flexible options wise). Set your levels and you're done!
Example 2 : let's say you want to instead use the rest of the modules you've specified in your case maybe with or without the M-32. Then you would need an output module such as the Make Noise Rosie or Erica Synths Black Output. The Black Output provides two 1/4" mono outputs which makes it super simple to patch into your Clarett using two mono 1/4" TS (tip-sleeve or mono) cables.
You could patch directly out from any module into the Clarett but the levels will likely be too high. Without a way to trim them, then you will be clipping your signal. You need a way to bring the signal strength of modular down to line level.
Now, you could get patch cables with built in resistors to trim the lines, but quality might suffer. Or! You might want roll your own and solder a resistor into a patch cable! That's always fun.
So, what is your opinion of the M-32 and Clarett Pre8?
i'm not an expert either, BUT looking at your system, you have a duophonic with 2 analogue VCOs...
-- bubblefunk
My friend, it seems like you are a eurorack master and literally one of THE MOST experienced persons on the field! Words can't describe how much I appreciate your effort into explaining EVERYTHING in detail and giving me a better understanding as to what is best for a system, how to save money and most importantly, providing a deep coverage on the technical side of things. Believe me, your explanation will be my bible into designing my next one.
Maybe you are right about the moog sound, I am a bit obsessed with it and in that case I overdone it! I'll edit this one and will be definitely removing the ladder filter. Checking the videos now and will get back to you.
It's not rack mounted yet. I am trying to create a system and need to know what modules to add to this one I am making on modular grid in order to send audio into a Focusrite Clarett 8 pre audio interface which I have or buy a mixer with plenty of inputs which I don't have yet. I record in Ableton Live. Do I need an output module for every voice ? I thought there was a way to sum everything together and send each synth voice from the modular to its own channel on the mixer or audio interface. How can I get this rack I am creating into a mixer having each its own seperate channel. The mother on one channel the 303 another and so on. I would be using a Vermona DRM MkIII for drums with trigger outputs into the circadian rhythms. How do I get the 8 parts of the Vermona drums out of the circadian into the audio interface or mixer?
Doc! Sorry for the really long delay. I've wanted to sit down and reread where we were at and these a long posts, man. It sounds to me like you are on the right track. You're developing experience and stuff. That's all you can do. Keep going. If/when you want to put together a modular setup, then say how much you have to spend and take it from there. There are so many ways to go here it's mind numbing.
MATHS is really cool. I recently was playing around with it and used it to get some amazing bass sounds. I really like MATHS and Optomix as a pair. And Function is excellent, too. If MATHS isn't available as an EG, then you will need something like Function. I like them compared to some other EGs I've used because they can be really snappy or very gracefully smooth and drawn out.
You said something a while back about taking courses locally to learn electronics versus watching YT and teaching yourself. If you have the resources and a little help around you, you certainly can teach yourself. But I would recommend taking a course or two instead. It would probably get you where you want to go faster. It would also engage you with other people interested in similar things. You never know what could happen!
I've been doing this for a little over a year now. What I'm learning is that a system can always be changing and there may never be a perfect setup. That said I run my synth directly into a Presonus usb interface and then into either Reaper, Studio One, or Logic. Actually, my perferred order is Studio One then Reaper then Logic way down the line. I also run my synth into my DSI Pro-2 keyboard or I run the keyboard into the synth. Either way audio out is somewhere and that goes into the usb audio interface. Or a mixer.
Hmm. I feel maybe I'm still missing the point of your question. Come to think of it, what are you using for audio output? I don't think I see an output module. The Mother-32 has a 1/4" audio jack on the back side when mounted in Moog's case, but if you have it rack mounted, then you have lost the audio output (?). I use Make Noise Rosie and Erica Synth's Black Output module which I prefer now because it's a three channel mixer and provides L and R channels that go directly to studio monitors or usb interface or mixer.
So, one last thing I think of: Erica Synths musician on hand, Kodek, is pretty into techno. There are some great videos of him using their Pico system for some pretty amazing stuff. Perhaps you might get some ideas by watching? Just a thought.
Right now I'm in the process of redesigning my system of 50+ modules and rethinking enclosures. I'm getting to the point in my understanding of modular synthesis and sound and CV that logic modules are becoming necessary. When I started I was overwhelmed with half a dozen modules and no understanding of CV. Looking back I could have started with just an oscillator, a VCA, and MATHS or Function (I like them both), and an output module. What is waaaay more important is knowledge of how to use those few modules well. That knowledge I was lacking and it would have made a huge difference.
I would like to perform techno live with this setup. I was just wondering what other modules I would need to properly get this system up and running. I have a Vermona DRM MkIII with triggers which I use for drums and was wondering if I could use that with the Circadian Rhythms. Then sequence everything else with the mother 32 or metropolis. I understand it's an expensive domain. I said I am creating a custom rack so it will be built over time.