Bugfix: upload images in Safari

That is more a Safari bug than a ModularGrid bug, but I have made a walkaround so that it is possible again to upload module, pedal images and user avatars in Safari 14.

Considering to swap my old doepfer 8hp noise/random module and and my large 4x LFO module for new mini (4hp) versions to gain space. Not sure yet. Working on a good deal to get a Intellijel mixup. Probably next week. Also negotiating a uBurst Clouds clone to add to my Plaits and Rings super combo, with a MI Marbles being shipped to arrive later this week. Still room for some multiples etc.
To be continued.

Hi Gabor,

Oh man, this is super cool! He, he, I love the video, it's nice to see you at work, it's interesting too and very entertaining.

I only can beg for more :-) Thanks a lot for sharing this with us and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Farkas,

Ha, ha, yes, that sounds like lots of fun, pity the track is so short!

Thanks a lot for sharing this and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Mowse,

Oh yes! Nice demo of the Mimeophon. It's already on my wish list, now waiting for a good deal :-)

Thanks a lot for sharing this and kind regards, Garfield.

Ace! Nice work. Sad that Whimsical Raps Mannequins has not released any new production batches for their modules like Mangrove and Three Sisters as I'd love to try them out.

I've been experimenting with the Future Sound Systems Recombination Engine, and man... what a fun module. I captured about 30 seconds of a freak-folk-hippie-country synth jam that I stumbled into. The Recombination Engine is the primary sound source (melody and percussion) with some bass notes from AJH. Also used Ripples and a touch of DLD.
I was fascinated by the versatility of this oscillator, but didn't feel like recording into the laptop, so I just pulled out my phone real quick. Sorry for the low quality. I haven't seen many videos showcasing what the Recombination Engine can do.
I'm quickly turning into a FSS devotee. Great modules.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CIgtlsnBRlC/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

In that case take a look at this, it's designed off a rack @lugia put together to solve a similar problem, but you'd swap the Arbhar in for the Lubadh.

Your version would end up like so:

EDITED Dec 7th 2020, 18:23

This is great. Kind of has a "Second Toughest in the Infants"-era Underworld vibe. Nice!

Recorded this percussive piece today. Details in the video desctiption.

@Lugia & @troux,

I was wanting to go for a sampler/ effects sciff and I may have to upgrade, because I'd like to add some drum machine modules. All of the synth work I will be using my Elektron A4 MKII and the Digitone, is there a module that can help bridge the gap between the 2 systems?

Thanks for the help.

Orium

A quick jam on my Moog stack. DFAM, 2x Mother 32, Subharmonicon. Mutable Instruments Clouds & Make Noise Mimeophon for reverb and delay.

Thanks Garfield,

Indeed- in fact all of my desks/tables are full of my three modular cases so no space left until I can move to larger studio and buy more desks. I also need a couple more pairs of studio monitors and stands. I already have a ton of modular gear to learn and use to create and record music. Once the WMD Metron sequencer arrives that is it for modules for a while. I figure with two good sequencers, two complex oscillators/filters and lots of modulation sources and support modules in the MDLR 14u case, I have more than enough to keep busy! I did take advice and have the 8 VCAs, 8 attenuator/offset and mixers and logic modules even have plenty of tools like this for making patches fun. The matrix mixer from 4ms is really fun can have 4x4 matrix mixer with mutes and all sorts of routing options. Befaco Hexmix is superb eurorack mixer as well love the mutes and pan options. At least no one can say my new case lacks enough support modules now :-)

Really like the Erogeneous Tones VC8 and Levit8 attentuator modules and Mutable Instruments Shades is fantastic.

Which A-138? You've got two, and only one of those should be for audio, the other (linear) one is tailored for CV/modulation mixing. They deal with gain differently...the exponential one raises and lowers levels in a way that our hearing deals with apparent loudness (the Fletcher-Munson curves...look 'em up) and the linear changes gain in a purely linear manner across the entire input pot taper.

The layout is sort of crap, also...very confusional as to signal flow across the patchpanel. I'm going to tinker with that...

EDIT: OK, hopefully this build will actually show up. The "screenshot" function is acting pretty wonky right now...

Aaaaaaaand nope, it's not showing up. This'll have to wait until that function starts working properly again. However, I did a major-type rework of the build; since you mentioned you were considering tossing the Doepfer modules, I really dived in on this and tried for more functional density. UNFORTUNATELY ModularGrid is having other ideas here...

(Monday evening) Ahhh...the screenshot function is working again! So...

BIG reworking on this...the main thrust was to boot everything that didn't have sufficient functional density. If you're going with a 2 x 84 cab, then it's imperative that you maximize the amount of function you can cram in. So this thing got MAJORLY changed around...let's have a look...

Top row: first thing there is a neat little Cavisynth slew gen + buffered mult. And yes, this will likely have enough CV destinations that the buffered mult IS needed. Like, for the Quadnic...still there, but now paired with a little Doepfer 4 x 1 mixer that'll allow you to sum the Quadnic down with total control over the levels of the oscillators. Yeah, it's got a summed output, I know...but this offers more subtlety. Original Plaits = gone, replaced with TWO 3rd-party builds of the same. And beside this is both a waveshaper AND a suboctave divider in the Tiptop Fold Processor. Dreadbox mixer/multimode VCF next as an "in general" VCO mixer + VCF (highpass is super-useful here), then there's G-Storm's version (with another 2-input mixer) of the original ARP Odyssey VCF, and a Nanorings...yep, another 3rd party Mutable module, saving more space. Last up is the 10 hp version of Mutable's Veils for CV-controlled final mixing.

Bottom row: kept the A-118, Marbles goes next (because it uses the A-118 for random signal sources), and then I dropped in a 4ms Quad Pingable LFO. These are way nifty...they have a maximum cycle period of over 70 minutes and on the top end, they clock up to 500 Hz, so if you needed an AF mod source, there you are. Roti Pola next, mainly for mixing and polarization of your QPL. Beside that are two Antumbra VCAs (identical to the Veils VCA). Then the envelope section...I went with a Quadrax for the 2-stage loopables, and an Intellijel Dual ADSR for your four-stage envelopes for the final VCA and your VCFs. The very end of the audio chain is next to this...the Stasis Leak offers reverb, chorus, and a tap delay, plus it's a mono-in stereo-out device that can "stereoize" your signal...which goes right to the Happy Nerding Isolator, which also has your final stereo level control, and which has transformer-balanced 1/4" outs.

Now THAT'S got some beef! By yanking a lot of the sparser Doepfer stuff and shooting for more interconnectivity between SETS of modules, this is now one helluva potent 2 x 84. There's now ample modulation sources for the upper audio row, you have FX, stereo out, more VCAs...well, just MORE, really, which was the point of this rework.

EDITED Dec 8th 2020, 00:03

An LDR array...pretty neat. Basically, this uses light-dependent resistors to generate CVs based on incoming luminosity levels. NLC made this for smartphone screens (putting the phone face-down on the array allows the array to "read" the light levels onscreen), but you could use it with a lot of things...a laser pointer set up like a pendulum would work too, and be REALLY interesting, more than likely.

In a very real sense, it's sort of an "analog UPIC".

Hi Mowse,

Yes, nice interesting jam indeed!

Do I miss here 10:20? ;-) No, not necessarily, I feel this is a good length, though with your music and jams a few more minutes would never harm :-)

Thank you very much for sharing this and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Sacguy71,

Yes good point about the larger studio space, I am facing the same issue. I have the modular stuff just on the table next to my (home office) working table and there is just no more space for it to extend. For me there is no easy way around this and I need a mega plan to create space for a larger studio space... sigh... a lot of work ;-)

Good luck with your studio plans and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Zuggamasta,

Oh yes, that's a cool track! Lots of fun sounds to discover in this track, kind of sonic journey through an audio-sonic landscape :-)

Thanks a lot for sharing this and kind regards, Garfield.

Decided today to add the MI Marbles. I ordered it already and it will be delivered later this week, so need to re-arrange again and get rid of some of my Doepfer stuff. Also looking to get a better audio mixer with good quality line output instead of the A-138 that I use now. This A-138 gets too quickly into clipping.
Bon, à suivre ......

EDITED Dec 6th 2020, 22:24

Thank you Garfield! Here is the new setup and I'm really pleased by the zlob modules, but did some minor beauty/usability adjustments. All befaco bananuts so I'm not going around plugging outs in outs when jamming. I also updated the 2hp module with the same color coding. Also the Output V3 had to be switched for my tight packing.

I tried it all out with a long jam and had a lot of fun and good moments. Afterwards I tried to recreate some moments but with this super basic setup (only the skiff + small Teenage Engineering PO-33) it's all a little fumbly.

I'm not really sure if I want to keep the beefy settings of the SVF or bring it down a notch via the jumpers on the back. We'll see...
Thank all for tuning in and all your great feedback

EDITED Dec 6th 2020, 17:19

Nice jam @mowse!

You are absolutely right. I also the the teleplexer in this case that was not in the picture for some reason but good advice. I will look into this.. Was playing with it yesterday and running the chips and cells into the Geiger counter gave a huge range of distorted or very cool alterations. Thanks for the advice.. Peace..

Looks solid to me @ColdTurkey28, can't wait to hear what you make with it.

Hey @troux, I think I’m going to put this together tomorrow for my trip. I’ll definitely post some things that come out of it. Let me know if you think I’ve made any choice mistakes. Nice chatting with you.

Sat down at the Moog stack for a random jam. Just improvising with two Mother 32's and a Subharmonicon. Make Noise Mimeophon for space.

These things are so much fun for getting into something quickly and organically. They feel great to play, too.

Yep...the name of the module you're looking for here is a "diode OR"...it actually fits into the "Logic" category, as it passes a gate when any one of the inputs receives one, but it's not a "true" Boolean gate. There's also another similar module for combining CV/mods...adders, which have the fun capability of doing what the name means. For example, let's say you've got your pitch CV, but you want this to glide up and down in pitch instead of staying static. One way of doing this, natch, is to mult out a modulation source and send individual signals to each VCO's mod inputs. Which can sort of work...but it's messy and you have to adjust ALL of those mod input levels just right.

But the OTHER, more elegant solution would be to send the mod source to an adder along with your pitch CV. Combine, connect the VCO CVs as per normal. This cuts down on patchcables and hassles in general, and ALL pitch CVs are moving at exactly the same rate without futzing with the individual mod input levels.

...unless that 1A figure is the inrush current, in which case you'd better pay attention!

First up, I don't advocate putting synths (which this is...it's NOT a module!) into Eurorack cabs when they already have a case and power. This is costly, and wastes space that should be used for actual modules that have NO housing and NO power. And it makes the thing you've DEcased and DEpowered for this more expensive; case in point, let's look at a Mantis...

These cabs are pretty ubiquitous and not all that expensive. But when you put a Model D, etc into one, you're actually making that synth cost MORE than you paid for it. Each hp in that case comes out to a cost of $1.61. 70 hp = $112.70. So that Boog actually winds up costing you $411.69...instead of the $298.99 street you'd paid for it. Sure, it's convenient...but can you afford that sort of convenience? Sounds a bit extravagant to me...and ultimately, impractical.

Next, let's explain inrush currents...when you turn on ANY circuit, there's a period of a few milliseconds where it draws more current than when it's in normal operation. This is just basic E.E.-type physics at work. But that tiny interval of time is long enough that you can POP the P/S if the inrush current exceeds the P/S's current capacity. And also, trying to run a P/S at right near its maximum rated current damages the supply slowly over time, mainly due to heating effects on the components. The last thing you want to deal with with a modular is a power supply issue, especially one that could ALSO fire an overvoltage down one of your power busses. And, of course, heat in general in a modular synth is a cause for concern, as excessive internal heat can throw all sorts of things out of calibration.

This is yet another reason why I tell users to NOT put these in their Eurorack cabs. Also, keep in mind that while synth module makers are very fastidious about current specs (because of this exact reason, in fact), other companies often don't know or CARE how much of a load they're putting on your P/S. Case in point: Roland's AIRA modules...each of which draws 450 mA on the +12 rail. Users quickly found that trying to put the entire AIRA module range into their rigs was a huge no-go, since that would draw a grand total of 1.8 Amps just among those four modules alone. And these were released back when we didn't have some of the beefier power options that exist today...which explains a lot about why those things got discontinued.

The fix that I always tell people to do is to OVERSPEC their power needs. If your power needs on the +12V rail comes out to 1500 mA, then have at least 2000 mA on the rail...and preferably more...to avoid inrush issues. B.'s spec here actually comes close to my 1/3rd-more rule-of-thumb if, in fact, the 1A figure is the inrush and 600 mA is the "stable" draw. But this is why you have users who figure that 1500 mA would be the right amount in this example...and explains also why a sizable number of Eurorack users wreck their P/Ss. ALWAYS overspec! Always!

EDITED Dec 6th 2020, 03:18

Thanks Garfield,

Indeed, I am happy now as plenty of space. I do however need to move into a larger studio space to take advantage of my gear. Right now studio space is crowded. Fortunately the folding tables are great and MDLR case superb for travel and easy to fold when not in use albeit quite heavy! I probably will get some 1u modules and few more percussion modules, another complex analog oscillator and filter and some FX modules in the future then have all needed in one case. Add ring modulator for good measure like the Dalek modulator.

Hi Sacguy71,

Sounds like you got enough HP space for a while :-)

Enjoy your new modules and space and kind regards, Garfield.

Maths is not a VCA, and for a tiny system like this, it's probably not what you want. You only have 22 hp left in the case.

I'd suggest spending that 22hp on a quad function generator such as Zadar, Stages, or Quadrax. They'll give you tons of flexibility, and can even act as sound sources if you like. Those modules range from 10-14hp, so you'd have either 8 or 12 hp left. With that space, add a VCA module. Plenty of options... a dual VCA like the 6hp Intellijel VCA would be good. That would leave you a few more hp for something else, and I'd suggest a Disting mk 4 (because it does basically everything).

Very good, I enjoyed that Max, thank you :)

Definitely useful to help anyone understand what this Drezno does, looking forward to see what you do next with it!

Hi troux,
Thanks. I get your points. Let me explain a bit where I come from and where I want to go ( my case is still chanhing so I probably should not have named it FINAL). I have been using a fairly traditional set up wth two VCO's ( the A-110's) with some stuff added like a wave processor, freq divider, noise, ring modulator. I like the use a seperate LP filter for each VCO and use envelopes for both VCOś and filters. I use LFO for the VCO feqentie and for the filter cut offf modulation. Key modlues for me are the Mutable Instruments Plaits and Rings. They are absolutely fantastic. Last week I got the Studio Electronics Quadnic and my first impression is very good. I just bought the cheap Dreadbox VCA second hand for 60€ to try as VCA with the Quandnic and I must say thay it is not bad at all. SO both will likely stay. With the Quadnic added, I will let go one of the two Doepfer VCO's. Another thing that I am considering is to get a MI Marbles. That will be a awsome combo with my Plaits and Rings. But this means that I need to free up another 18 hp.

About sequencing: I use sequencers out side the rack. I currently use the Korg SQ-1 and the Arturia Beatstep. Both easy, flexible and have sufficient CV and gate outs available. I have been using the Doepfer Dark Time for quite some time, but have sold that one a few months ago as I prefer the SQ-1.

About your reworked rack :
I don't have hands-on experience with the Maths but I don like the Maths or Function, the Make Noise stuff is just not my thing. I do like the Intellijel mixer/multi and should probably get one to try out. Also like the MI Links, seems much better than the simple Doepfer multiples. Curious what te Disting is, I don't know this one but seems an interesting multi function thing.

Anyway, thanks a lot for your inputs.
Take care,
Rick

EDITED Dec 9th 2020, 22:08

My current performance rack with or without the band. Actually 2 Behringer Go cases and a Behringer 104 skiff case. There are two major “ranks” for playing either separately or together (bottom row and 3rd row up), I use Logic Pro 10.6 to interface with the deopfers and polyend hardware. Liberal use of control switch 992 modules and oscillator switch modules allow for quick configuration with effects peripherals (s&h, sequencers, efs applied to vco’s etc.) The rest of my setup includes several midi controllers, a workstation, three botique synths (a couple of model d's and a wasp), and a poly d. Thinking of adding some mk4 quantizers to help with the tuning, but really, my technique is not to mess much with the synth voices, use cv switches, and simply setup everything prior to show-time. My patch scheme is completely uniform for my own needs...across all synths and voices.

BTW, I've modified some of the behringer 994 multiples modules to convert a single V-trigger input to triple S-trigger outputs. By doing this I don't need to load up on Behinger 961 modules... and I can convert the triggers very close to the envelope generators.

EDITED Dec 5th 2020, 22:20

would LOVE a way to subtract my power supply specs from the "power consumption" section at the bottom of my racks.... could be a good unicorn account feature.... that way i don't have to bust out a calculator to see how much headroom i got

Full-fledged studio corner together with a Behringer Neutron and the Arturia Beatstep Pro, no?

Nice !!

Nice jam @EroGumby, lots of great work by the lead here, I love the variation and can tell you're having fun. Looking forward to more.

I don't know what your goals are, but in this space and retaining at least one of each of the Doepfer modules and all of the more unique modules (the Quantic and the Eudemonia), this is what I'd go with:

Principles I was working from:
1) You don't need so many duplicate modules, especially without having used them
2) There's a core of modules that cover a lot of ground and will excel in any small rack, Links, Kinks, Maths, Disting, and FX Aid (XL or not), and that are generally reasonably priced. I would personally not start a 6U rack without them, the Maths and FX Aid being the most important.
3) Having a sequencer around is always a plus, especially with a quantizer (the Disting), so I added a Tirana II.
4) I aimed to keep the price in the same range, but added about $500. I think it's more than worth it here.
5) You had too many oscillators in the original, not enough utilities. Additionally, the Doepfer VCOs don't strike me as full featured enough for the HP they take up here, hence the Dixie 2+

EDITED Dec 5th 2020, 19:21

Any comments?

what in the bloody mary

I am pretty sure you will be able to fry your modules when trying to combine gates with a mult, switched or not. The thing that he is (ab)using is that some modules might have protection against this. But It's really no good idea to use this as a basis for your patch.

Better go for something that actually does the job. like the Low Gain Electronics Short Bus: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/low-gain-electronics-short-bus-v-3

I'm currently looking into fabricating my own dual or-combiner to go with my muxlicer. I'll start a thread on my progress later today.

-- zuggamasta

Thanks a lot - the Short Bus is exactly what i was looking for!

I am pretty sure you will be able to fry your modules when trying to combine gates with a mult, switched or not. The thing that he is (ab)using is that some modules might have protection against this. But It's really no good idea to use this as a basis for your patch.

Better go for something that actually does the job. like the Low Gain Electronics Short Bus: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/low-gain-electronics-short-bus-v-3

I'm currently looking into fabricating my own dual or-combiner to go with my muxlicer. I'll start a thread on my progress later today.

Hi,

I´m currently looking into combining triggers from diferent sources to drive e.g. a single drum voice.
As i read through a lot of threads, i get that a logic module (especially an OR function) would do the trick on a basic level.

Than i came across this old video from mylarmelodies

He uses a switched multiple to combine triggers into a single output. This way he´s able to toggle different trigger sources on and off - which i think is pretty cool.

Now, my actual question is, if this use of a switched multiple is more or less "safe"? I read multiple times, that modules could be damaged when fed combined trigger voltages (e.g. 10 v).

Can anybody confirm or deny that?

Moreover, can you think of another method to achieve the same? (being able to switch combined trigger sources on and off)

Thanks for any help in advance!

Nice, thank you.

Ended up making the thingy

Hope I could do it some justice

Definitely check them out, Garfield!

Piston Honda and Hertz Donut are super amazing complex oscillators and Kermit a super modulator plus Bionic Lester a crazy filter with lots of hidden tricks. I am really enjoying the Stillson Hammer sequencer as well. Black Friday sales and good return policy make it risk free for me as I can return in 30 days for refund or store credit. The MDLR case is great- now I have room for my larger fun modules and still 200HP free and plus 2 rows for 1u tile modules. I also have Doepfer monster base case that has 300+ HP free so good on space at last for the crazy massive modules that I have wanted. Befaco Hexmixer is surprisingly great love the mute switches and EQ section for 6 inputs/outputs. For tools, the Erogeneous Tones Levit8 and VC8 are superb and Mutable Instruments Shades.

Hi Sacguy71,

You make me curious about those Harvestman modules, I really need to check if I can test one or two of them with my next visit to my local dealer. It's just this stupid Covid-19 that keeps me away from doing that, let's hope that from next year onwards things are getting better on that front :-)

Kind regards, Garfield.

Thanks Garfield,

Yeah Harvestman/IME are probably my favorite modules next to Mutable Instruments and Intellijel so far as a modular company.
The Stillson Hammer sequencer is everything that the Varigate failed to achieve. Super powerful, easy to learn and great for live on the fly performances. It can do quantized live, many different modes like reverse, pendalum, random and so forth and create lots of fun patterns quickly and easily. Hertz Donut is my favorite new complex oscillator! I can go from sweet flute tones and pads to brutal mayhem. I love the Rossum Trident as well. But the Harvestman just takes cake for industrial madness. Scott Jaeger is a genius.

Hi Sacguy71,

Nice demo! Next time I go to my local dealer I need to check out the Harvestman stuff (I always forget that new name).

Indeed about the Varigate, I had it tested last year at my local dealer and wasn't really impressed, I am glad that I didn't bought it, after reading your feedback :-)

Thank you very much and kind regards, Garfield.

P.S.: I looked it up, Industrial Music Electronics... what a name ;-) To me the Harvestman sounds nicer and especially easier to remember!

Hi Zuggamasta,

Great DIY picture :-)

Keep up the good work and kind regards, Garfield.