im working on some conceptual stuff, and basically there are 3 types of functionality that do not really exist that are 'holding me back'. 1) a qu-bit chord type module that can output note cv as well as a cv arpeggiated mix and has more octave options instead of just outputting source voices. 2) a drums unit somewhere inbetween a scrooge and tukra that is more directly tuned to both intricate live performance, as well as built in randomization and improvisation options, that also provides a full canvas of drum tones. 3) a demon core type module that either includes all the functionality of a loki, or at least includes its own vca so i can send a custom envelope directly from the brainstep. (+1/2) and also, id like it if there was an opned with physical modulate up and down one semitone literal buttons.

just posting this here in case any existing manufacturers think it is worth their own efforts to cater to these unmet needs. peace.

✌️


One of the neat things about modular is that if there isn't a module out there that already to fit your needs, you can "build" your own from other modules. You shouldn't feel like a missing module is holding you back. For your needs:

  1. Not sure what you mean by putting out "cv arpeggiated mix." Have you looked at: Instruo Harmonaig, Addac Addac207 Intuitive Quantizer, or the ACL Sinfonian. The last one is by all reports a beast, and can almost certainly do what you're thinking of. Check out this list for a (not-quite exhaustive but pretty damn close) comparison of different options: https://doudoroff.com/quantizers/. You can always pair it with an arpeggiator in the chain, as well.
  2. Why not just get an external drum machine and integrate it into the system? Would be more straightforward. If you want to stay in box, let's turn again to the modules that already exist. For the cv side of things, check out: Mutable Instruments Grids, vpme.de Euclidean Circles v.2, any good logic circuit (Joranalogue Compare 2 can make some gnarly gate patterns with its logic section, for example). There are probably hundreds of different drum vc programming modules out there, I'll bet some match your workflow for improvisation. Ok, got the cv, now how about the sounds? Simplest choice would to use a sampler, and there are again a huge selection out there: https://doudoroff.com/samplers/. I personally use the Rossum Electro-Music Assimil8or and let me tell you the sound quality and functionality are out of this world. If you have the sample, this can play it and make it sound good. Plus, it now has a MIDI expander (Locutus). I have an electronic drumset with MIDI out... I think you can probably already see the interesting performance and improvisation opportunities.
  3. Not familiar enough with the functionality of those units to give a good comparison. I'm gonna bet, however, that what you want is already accomplishable with existing modules. I know Mutable Instrument Plaits has a built in VCA, and I think some other oscillators do, as well. What I don't get is why would you need that, instead of just using a VCA down the line?
  4. To modulate the cv up and down in musically relevant ways, you're looking for a precision adder. My favorite is vpme.de T-43, and it does exaclty what you want.

I absolutely hope manufacturers see your note and build these modules that you request because I am always excited about new modules. If they don't - which I suspect will be the case since they probably already have a sense of the market for these things - then you shouldn't let it hold you back. The functionality you seek exists through patching, and that's part of the whole process and fun of modular synthesis - building the instrument that you need out of the raw building blocks themselves. Typically, if you want a unit to do all of those things, well, they already exist as standalone synths. In the modular world, you get to design and build it yourself. The "unmet needs" become part of the challenge and fun of patching a system, and why some modules, particular the ones we call "utilities," are so valuable, even if they seem rather dull and boring on the surface.

So once again, we're back to getting to know modular a bit better. Once you do you'll probably come to realize that these spaces that lack a specific module often engender the most discovery and experimentation.

Best of luck!


For the quantizer, the Arpitecht might tick some of your boxes:

https://modulargrid.net/e/wmd-arpitecht

And I agree with @HGSynth that a Grids and/or other logic based trigger sequencers with switched mults or mutes for routing can greatly expand improv drum sequencing. Pair that with something like the vpme.de Quad Drum or the Prok drum modules and you're performance ready (after some practice of course)


@hgsynth 1) like, where i feed in one note cv, which becomes the root note, then i can select between various chord and octave spread options that output 4 fully chorded note cv outs, with offset, and then a 5th note cv out that can output an arpeggiated note cv mix, accepting a clock in, that can do between 1/32 - 1 th notes, without any gate functionality at all. 2) in my concept, i am really thinking about a case and racks that fully function like a full instrument you can play, more than just as a canvas for very specific patches. i guess i could just go on a deep dive to find the one standalone drum machine that scratches all my performance itches, but both the tukra and scrooge have unique modular routing capabilities, and i dont want to lose those options, for this concept. im looking for, basically, a highly unique, highly performable, eurorack full drum machine, but so that i can still create completely unique patch elements so it becomes part of a 'bigger instrument'. idk exactly what i am looking for, but neither the scrooge or the tukra is exactly 'it', but both come vaguely close. 3) part of my concept is packing a ton of functionality into a small footprint, and avoiding too many cables or clutter. i could just add an eg, vca, and filter to the demon core as extra modules, but on top of the extra space, the options are bewildering. for my concept, id much prefer a new "devil core" module that, like the loki, adds all the functionality needed to be a complete voice, with all the eg, vca, and filter options included specifically designed around the unique characteristics of the osc itself right from the start. +0.5) i noticed the module you posted did do this, but, lets say i am keeping 4 tempos on a tempi, and triggering 4 out of sync arpeggios on the opned, fed into 4 distinct voices, i would need 4 of those modules and to trigger all 4 at the same time to modulate the total melody, which is not in line with my concept.

@progspiration the arpitecht looks like vaguely what i want to be able to do, but not quite exactly, which i bet is a problem a lot of people run into.

peace out yall. ✌️