A beginner needs some advice

Hello everyone,
I’m completely new to Eurorack and wanted to give it a try. I don’t want to invest too much money, and many of you are probably thinking that I should go for more or better modules… but I really want to keep it cheap while still not having to give up too much. I definitely don’t want to spend more than €2000… preferably around €1500.

I mainly need the rack for ambient and dark ambient and will be combining it with a Yamaha Reface CP, which is connected to a Neonegg Planetarium V3.

I’m curious—can this rack setup work as it is, or am I doing a lot wrong here?

I’d like to thank you in advance for constructive help… as a beginner, any real guidance is really appreciated.
Thank you very much.

This video offers some food for thought. There's a running gag amongst modular users that you can never have too many VCAs, and that's something that beginners don't usually understand at first. You don't have any VCAs here, and I don't see any mixing solutions either. That's where I would recommend looking.
Have fun and good luck!

Hi farkas
thanks a lot for your help! That already helped me a lot, and I understand the logic behind it now.
I’ve added a VCA module and made some other changes as well.
Maybe you or someone else has an opinion on that?

Adding the VCA and audio mixer makes it better but not good. You have a handful of voices you want to be able to mix, plus a mighty dsp fx box that calls for a mixer with at least one fx send bus. Also, there is no basic plumbing such as attenuators and cv mixing. Loose at least one of the big modules to fit that in. Chaos and A-118 looks redundant to me.

The A-118-2v will save you 4hp over using the A-119, but wiggler's right, the Chaos will give you much of the same randomitry.
Get a couple Rides in the Storm QAM active multiples instead and share those CVs.
Stereo vs. mono. You'll either have to mix in stereo, run long wires, combine two channels, or throw one side away.
What's your usual clock going to be? Several modules here give or require a clock.
Can you distribute the clock(s) to where it's needed?
Are you hoping to use stacked cables? Don't do that.

Hey guys

many thanks to everyone who is helping me out here. For people who are very knowledgeable, it might seem boring, or they might not understand how someone could not know certain things. But for people like me, who are starting almost from scratch, the help is incredibly valuable and really motivating. :)

I’ve made some changes here again… does this make a bit more sense now?

The truth is, what you're going to have to do is just take the plunge and get some experience. There are all sorts of variables that are highly individual but won't make sense until you have some modules in front of you. This individualization is one of the beauties and joys of modular, but also makes it difficult to give advice. Everyone has their favorite manufacturers and modules, but that doesn't mean you'll like the same ones.
Do you like one-knob-per-function modules or are you okay with menus and button combinations? Do you want lots of panel space to tweak knobs, or are you okay with having tiny knobs and jacks all bunched up together, making it hard to get your fingers in there? And so on...
My advice is always to do your research and go slowly, only buy modules that solve problems that you cannot solve with modules you already have, don't be afraid to sell off modules that don't work for you, invest in a bigger case than you think you need, and have fun. You probably will spend more than your current budget in the long run.

Hello farkas

What you’re writing makes absolute sense, and I feel the same way. Modular means growing with the modules, and the knowledge about them grows as well with them. For me, the main concern at the moment is simply not making a big mistake at the beginning—like forgetting something very important or combining modules that make absolutely no sense together.

I’m also not looking for advice on the “best module,” the “best brand,” or the “best workflow”… as you said, that’s very personal and will develop over time. What’s important to me is just not buying something I absolutely shouldn’t have, because it would be musically illogical or wouldn’t work at all.

Hi,
A lot of modules for that case.
To run this, you'll need at least 88 more HP.
I'd start with BRAINS, CHAOS, ABACUS, and SKIES.
I'd choose smaller VCAs, for example https://modulargrid.net/e/doepfer-a-135-2-quad-vca-vc-mixer. It's inexpensive and is a Doepfer.
Regarding attenuators, instead of the Doepfer, I'd recommend, for example, https://modulargrid.net/e/befaco-atte. With it, you can invert the signals and it also gives you offset.
To output audio, a stereo mixer with send/return takes up a lot of space, at least 20 HP, so you'll either go for a larger case or opt for an external mixer.
Try this, and then you can add HALOS and Black Hole DSP2.
Ferran,

Hello ferran_RMBL

Thanks a lot for your perspective and opinion as well!
Would you then start with a case the same size as mine (84hp 6U), but with fewer modules?
I’ve changed the VCAs and taken out a few modules.
From your point of view, would that be a more sensible way to start — and then add more modules later?
It would also hurt less financially ;)

Hi,
Yes, but form my expierence, the best starter case size is 6U 104 Hp.
And i would change Doepfer attenuator for Attenuverters (polarizer) and offset. It's very usefull for modulating.

hi hi

Okay, great — I’ve put in the Atte instead of the Doepfer.
As for getting a bigger case, I’ll have to think about it — I don’t actually have that much space on my desk.
And since I downsized, I now have over 50HP of free space… I’ll have to see what I’ll do about that.

1. Then there are two more questions: how I’ve arranged the modules actually makes sense, or if a different arrangement would be better.
2. i have now 2 outs.. the A138s and a small second one cause i want also headphones out.. is this a good solution or should i change something there?

EDITED Oct 7th, 16:32

hey guys.. i changed some modules and added also some..
can you maybe tell me if this a more logic case now?
your opinion would help me a lot

A few things I'm noticing: you added the Behringer 112 oscillator pair, but there's nothing to process the raw oscillator output (filter, wavefolder, etc). Running raw vco into vca can sound great, but you'll eventually want some more shaping ability. That's the beauty of a module like Plaits/Brains in a small system like this is that it has a lot of sound shaping ability built in, plus the level in and built in decay envelope so it can operate almost completely on its own. This has been suggested already, but I think you should also start with a slightly larger case. I believe it still holds that the best value for money per hp and for quality of power supply is the TipTop Mantis. 6u, 104hp, plenty of power, and given the size of modules you're entertaining you'll eventually fill it. I also agree with Ferran_RMBL in their suggestion for starter modules: CHAOS, ABACUS, BRAINS, SKIES, and a cascading vca like the intellijel one or a Mutable Veils clone. Those modules are deep and you'll get a ton of variety out of them, particularly if your aim is more in the ambient droney side of things. Once you get a grasp of those modules, you'll have a better sense of what you want and what will help you get the sound you're going for. All that said, get a TipTop Mantis case and that subset of the modules, don't worry about completing the rack right off the bat. Get to know the workflow and see what directions you want to explore next. Peace friend!

some great comments from everyone , and some good changes in the right direction ..
in the latest case, id defo got for a pams pro and then you could loose the quantiser module ..save some space ..
in the 5 years ive been at it , id defo recommend starting with a 104 x 6U , and just building one good voice , i did something similar , and bought loads of oscilators and filters , you just end up sounding like a crap mono synth ..
the sound what people get from modular, which you dont get from all the other stuff , is kinda built , on modulating stuff in ways you dont quiet get offered using other instruemnts .. quirkey sequencers are defo a real way to make things sound modular ,
analog stuff that drifts and worbles aswell.. i found it quiet frustrating until i had a enough utility modules, to modulate the modules , that were modulating the modules that were modulating the modules..
VCV rack and an ES8 would be good to have alongside a really good voice , if you can handle working with computer ..
if you cant , its a pretty costly , buy, try , sell, or keep ,, and repeat ... excercise .. and just when you think youve got there , some one brings out a module that does things that you currently use 3 modules to do .. lol ..
enjoy the ride ..

Hi all

Thank you a lot for your comments!

there is another thing... i could get a cheap mother32 and DFAM in good conditions from a friend. So, this could change a lot maybe?
is this a good thing in your opinion to integrate it in a first modular rack? the good thing is mother 32 has a sequencer and a midi in i could use for the rack..
i would go then with just the brain with it and the utilities. Or is this a bad idea?

yeah i have pc and could also use for tries VCV... would you remmend the free or the one fpr 149.-

I think the Moog semimodulars are awesome. I started with the DFAM (still have it). Those are a great pairing, and an excellent way to dip your toe into a larger system. Figure out everything they can do and then add modules that complement them and offer functions that they don't have.
Have fun!

...i could get a cheap mother32 and DFAM in good conditions from a friend....
-- NoSky

Absolutely — go for it!
My personal opinion: the fewer Behringer modules in your rack, the better
I totally get that price plays a huge role — and yeah, Behringer is hard to beat there.
But if you have the chance to grab an alternative for a similar price, definitely take it!

I see what you guys wanna say about behringer and other cheap modules.. i have anohter perspective.
For myself, as a beginner, i like more to buy a behringer module for 80.- instead an original for 300.- for testing out...

to really understand a module, what it does, how it works, and do i need it or not. I think its necessary to buy it and use it and try it... and i dont buy as a beginner a 5000.- rack with original high end modules just for a try if its for me or not...
and behringer modules are also good to resell.

so i think, its the cheapest and best way to learn and try different modules for a low price to find out, what kind of modules do i need and how they work..

EDITED Oct 15th, 17:39

Okay guys…
unfortunately, the DFAM was no longer available. But I managed to get the Mother-32. I thought I’d start with two sound sources for now and shortened it by one row. I think it makes more sense as you guys told me, to start a bit smaller. I’m not sure yet which case or what size it will be.

But I’d be really happy and very grateful if you could take a quick look at the modules-setup to make sure I haven’t made any big mistakes. If the setup makes sense as it is, I’d just dive into the modular world :)