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Literally smashing, even! The waveforms might complain, but oh...that ripped-up Cuvave SOUND...daaaaaaaaaamn...

Glad you dig it. Oh...if you have the right device for it, try DC-starving it some. That can get really nasty and really fun!

Two Plaits is much more necessary than you think. True, there's plenty of synths that only have one VCO...but then, when you have TWO, you can then detune one ever so slightly and get a much fatter, beefier result. When I put those together, my intention was to aim things toward a VERY big, massive bass sound there. That's physics at work...the detuning causes all sorts of extra sonic phenomena due to the two oscillators phasing against each other. When the phasing is nice and slow, then you get phase reinforcement...sort of the sonic equivalent of 2 + 2 = 5 Or, with some of the Plaits waveforms, that's more like 2 + 2 = 17.6! Trust me on this one...I've left a nice "body count" of damaged subs, broken windows and such, and even some minor structural damage over many years in the wake of some of my bass patches.

First of all, if you're considering pairing this with a 2s, go on and get the Rackbrute. You'll be much happier with the resulting form factor, and you'll also find that it "gigs" better because it's much easier to transport both this AND the 2s as one unit.

Second, that's one expensive DFAM you've got there...because you're housing and powering it TWICE. Once with the skiff Moog put it in, and the second time if/when it gets stuck in here. Don't do this. Not only does this BURN UP 60 hp that should be used for devices that don't already have power and a case, you've also not added something like Erica's MScale to correct certain "discrepancies" between Moog and normal Eurorack CV behavior. This is also likely a huge part of what's keeping you from using a Rackbrute 6U.

Then beyond those points, I can tell you right off that what you have here isn't going to work like you think it will. The entire build is missing submixers, attenuverters, and so on. And it's also majorly lacking in modulation sources, which are essential to getting these other modules to do what they're capable of. You CANNOT build a decent modular system without sufficient modulation sources. Period. And that, minus utility modules = unworkable expensive box of circuitry.

If the idea here is to pair this with a Mini 2s, a far better way to proceed would be to figure out ONE MAIN THING you want this to do...either an actual complement to the 2s, or a sequencing addon, or...well, the upshot is that you can't make a small build like this do loads of things. Pick a lane for it and keep it there. And then, any functionality you get beyond that...that's gravy.

One other piece of advice...you still seem to be in flux about where you want your music to go. And if you're trying to build a modular without that key piece of info, you're much more likely to wind up with a box of costly bits...NOT a musical instrument. You're pretty well-equipped right now, tbh...my suggestion would be to get used to crosspatching all the stuff you've got NOW (especially the SE-02 + Minibrute 2s + DFAM combo) and getting used to how signal flow works there, what you might SPECIFICALLY need to take the present gear forward, and the like. And in the process, you'll have more room to sort out where a modular would work or even whether or not you really DO need one.

Thanks Garfield,

Still learning both modules as well as the Rossum Trident and Morpheus filter- love that filter so awesome!

Thanks Garfield,

Yeah it is a heavy but great case. I need to check with MDLR on what 1u tiles work with my case either Pulplogic or Intellijel. I sent Arjan at MDLR an email on how to check and hook these up. I made sure to order two large new cases this time so I don't run out of space so quickly hehe. The Doepfer monster base case arrives next week with more new modules :-)

Thanks, yeah WMD Crater is a beast of a module and lots of great tone shaping features. Fortunately, the sound is all the module and no angry neighbor as I made it while nobody was around so I was able to crank the volume up this time. Hopefully I move soon into larger studio space that will let me blast my modular systems and guitars in the future for some ear shattering madness ;-)

Now I know why WMD named it Crater. Yeah the pitch can get some crazy tones on it. The sad baby ducks going into the pan came from the Fracture clap percussion module as well as the BLM smashing windows tones. I am anxious for my two new sequencers and Hertz Donut modules to arrive soon- need sequencers plus I have a Mordax Data module on the way as well.

Launch Codes looks like a lot of fun. Antimatter's Sub Ring looks cool too.
Enjoy your new module and happy upcoming holidays to you, Garfield.

I would like a Seahorse case in the themes.

Hi Farkas,

Thank you very much and I wish you a happy Thanksgiving too!

I usually don't buy things just like that but indeed this week, online from my regular local dealer I managed to find a very nice offer on a module that wasn't really on my wish list but I felt attracted by the rather good discount as well as the module itself, being the Launch Codes from Antimatter Audio. Finally I manage to get an American module ;-) (other than the famous Make Noise and Intellijel). It was stock clearance though, my local dealer is no longer carrying this brand (at least it looks like that), so that's a bit of a pity; but I am glad to manage to get this module!

I didn't have time yet but I hope this weekend to play with it.

Enjoy modular and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Sacguy71,

Yes, nice Rings and Marbles modules indeed. Rings I just received recently and still discovering it a bit and Marbles is on my wish list.

Thanks for demoing these modules and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Mowse,

Oh my God! This is seriously fantastic. I am having goosebumps while listening at this track. That riddle-high-tone sound that kicks in once and a while and later becomes the main "lead", beautiful done and then that drone sound first on the foreground and slowly moves to the background, that does it for me!

Just one thing... it isn't 17+ minutes ;-) And it should be in my opinion because you don't want to stop listening after not even 5 minutes of pure enjoyment, you want to continue this... forever...

I love this, thank you very much for sharing this and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Sacguy71,

Thank you, happy Thanksgiving to you and everyone else too!

He, he, looks like your MDLR case is getting filled up nicely. Any idea already for which kind of 1U tiles you are going?

That sound around 4:30+, nice! He, he, at a certain stage that kick drum sounds like an angry neighbour hammering something at the wall facing your room. Was it really a kick drum or indeed your neighbour? ;-)

Ha, ha, at 6:15 you got Starwars at home! :-) And just a bit before 08:00 it sounds like you put a few alive (!) small ducks in a baking pan and try to bake them while they are complaining at you ;-) Lots of fun, I enjoyed your video!

Enjoy your new case and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Mowse,

Yes, that's what I meant :-) Thank you very much! Nice, good and clear overview.

Kind regards, Garfield.

Just wanted to wish the American MG community a happy Thanksgiving. I'm thankful for the lifeline this community has provided over the past year of considerable isolation. It has been so great to exchange ideas and approaches to making music with people all over the globe.
Is anyone taking advantage of the numerous modular holiday discounts to buy things they don't really need? I've made some room to add a few things that I've been eyeing for a while. I'd love to hear if you are adding something to your rig (and why).
Stay healthy everyone!

Many thanks mowse! Fortunately, using the cool befaco knurlies and larger case makes module placement far easier to move things around quickly and painless. Really loving new toys like WMD percussion modules and 4ms vca matrix mixer.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone,

Had fun morning testing our my new WMD Fracture and WMD Crater percussion modules with 4ms VCA Matrix mixer. Good stuff and now I know why Jim was saying how powerful matrix mixers are for modular builds! Here is a quick demo

Haha certainly, though mostly just a good refresher from school. I'll try my best to give the digital domain a good name.

How curious, wonder who I was thinking of then... I may remember in a bit, name sounds really familiar!!

Anyway, yes, essential viewing if you are dealing with any digital signals at all, ever :)

Just started it up actually so maybe someone else! I'll definitely check that out though, should be good research for sure, much appreciated!

Oh yes, I have seen your videos I think! Cool, please do post them here when you do them, I will definitely watch those!

Do you know this? Essential viewing if not ;)

Ha, trust me I'm aware. I have a deep appreciation for digital logic and such, I'm gonna be doing a video on it soon. Check out Max Makes Music on YouTube if interested, looking to do the whole subsystem eventually. I hope they expand it further

hi! yep, should have listened the first 2 times about just getting a bigger rack than actually buying and selling two smaller skiffs.

I'm pairing this with a drumbrute impact, SQ-1, keystep 37 and an O-Coast. I'm planning to stick a Links/Kinks combo in there and find something fun for the last couple hp. The two 1u modules are currently living in the 1u to 3u adaptor. The SND/RTN is used for both a NTS-1 (for effects) and/or a guitar reverb stomp box. Everything outputs to a Dude mixer into a Zoom H4n recorder.

I mainly do video music beds and jamming. I come from industrial and metal with an appreciation of EDM and quite love synth wave. I tried to get some movement going in there with some playable modules, as well as making sure I had a good amount of utility modules as well. The O-Coast does some of the heavy lifting in that department as well.

what would be a fun 4hp hole-filler? Dlisting mk4? more modulation? I'm really not above pulling and selling anything from this rack to streamline/make it more fun.

Thanks in advance.

Oh nice, glad you got it sorted, it is a great module, so much fun :)

...and yeah,, that's a pretty fundamental thing that should be explicitly stated in the manual!

I highly recommend getting Lipsk, really nice being able to manually switch the bits around... and if you can Jena and Odessa too... incredible!!

They are a bit of a brain wrangler at first, but once you get it, there's tons of potential.

I am super keen to see what they do next with it :)

Yup I contacted them and they confirmed the same. I'm just surprised it's not mentioned in the installation bit of the manual. Mine came disconnected from the module, I thought it was just for Lipsk. Thank ya!

EDITED Nov 26th 2020, 18:33

Yes... this, from ZAOC confirms:

"there is no "internal" A/D->D/A connection in Drezno. The connection between these two halves is provided only by the ribbon cable. Drezno is shipped with the cable plugged both sides to it"

My guess is that the cable is missing or not seated properly!

===

You need to break this connection to introduce Lipsk or other expanders ;)

Super cool module, one of the most innovative things to happen in Eurorack, well.... ever! I love mine!!

Aww yeah of course, I am the worlds worst at not recording things hehe :)

I just know from many years of failure that eventually I did need to practice recording, it's a skill like any other! Having invested I don't find it a disruptive thing any more ;)

p.s. I didn't think your post was contrary at all, very complementary in fact!

My Cuvave Fuzz turned up, a very nice solid little box, both physically and what it does to audio!

Smashing - thanks again :)

Going from memory... Is there meant to be a cable connecting the two mini pin ports on the back?

That thread was missing bits, so here's a new version:

This is my largest modular build, a Pittsburgh Modular EP-420 with three rows of 140HP. This is often supplemented by a 104HP skiff and some other semi-modular synthesizers, but this is my main rig. Now, this is how I approach module placement and overall layout. Your mileage may vary.

Top row, red: Oscillators. Main sound sources. Other oscillators (Plaits, Dixie, BIA) get dropped into that 104HP skiff when I need them. Simple.

Middle row, yellow: Primary modulation sources and utilities. At eye level where I can find them quickly. Arranged by where they sit within my workflow.

Middle row, pink: VCA's. Leftmost VCA is often used to bring in outside signals from my Moog stack or that 104HP skiff.

Middle row, green: Effects and sound sculpting. Reverbs, delays, compression and EQ. End of chain stuff.

Bottom row, blue: Filters. I like to ping and play my filters, so they are where I can reach them easily.

Bottom row, orange: Popular stuff. Interactive things. Modules I reach for often or that want a lot of hands-on attention.

Once oscillators are chosen, overall movement is from lower left to top right, ending with Make Noise XOH to a sound interface. This layout really works for me. I know where everything is at. I can reach things that are most important to me. Developing muscle memory is easier when the landscape makes sense.

Hope this helps!

Nice!!

Definitely worth the little extra time it takes to get a delivery from Exploding Shed here in the UK!

Once UK leaves the EU, it would be an absolute no brainer to support Exploding Shed for anyone living in the EU. Depending on import charges (from what I hear they are not too bad) I will probably continue to support them, some things have hidden costs that are not always financial and I don't get that sense from these guys in the slightest. I sincerely hope this brexit is a huge boon for them! It would be great to see them stocking more kits and stepping up again :)

A lovely company with actual real life musicians I believe hehe :D

I very much appreciate you taking a shot at the rack. It makes so much sense. I've got something to work towards. Thanks a lot!!!!

Wasnt sure if 2 plaits would be necessary so fit in the Basimilus and a Milky Way FX instead of the Spring (I know I said I didn't want that lol)

This was getting close, so I opted to throw down on it. Vide:

The layout is still the same, although I put the audio out on the bottom row so that all cables to/from the rig will be on the lower tier. Otherwise, this retains the "audio up/mod down" layout.

I reworked the audio row considerably. The Morphing Terrarium and Mangroves now are set to submix (or not) through the Optomix LPGs, and I replaced the Plaits with two 3rd-party builds of it. But these now are set to feed through the Samara, and the LPGs can ALSO go through this for various mixing + waveshaping transformations. Filters next, then I tossed in one of Doepfer's new micro series dual VCAs (one per VCF) before the stereo performance mixer. And "spring" reverb got added, with the Purrtronics Purrvrrb spring emulator; you'll likely feed this through the mixer's AUX out and then return it to one of the non-AUXed stereo channels. Once the audio mix is set, this then feeds down to the transformer-isolated stereo out.

Modulation row starts with a little 1 hp sliver...that's a Konstant Labs PWR Checker, gives you visual feedback on your power rail status. VERY useful as an early warning if something might be going awry with your P/S. Then starting with the Poti (the expander for the Batumi), things get entertaining. I put the Roti next to this so that you have it handy as an inverting mixer for the Batumi specifically, and anything else in general that you might mix with it. This allows fast programming of weird, nonrepeating LFO curves. I then paired the Maths and Quadrax by putting the Qx between them so that they can actually play off of each other if desired. A dual ADSR follows for your audio VCF/VCA purposes, and there's one of Mutable's new 10 hp Veils revisions there so that if you need any of it for audio, it's perfectly situated...and if you need them for modulation level control, they're convenient for that, too.

What's nice about this is that it's turned out that you have a solid audio path and a solid modulation complement...but in both of those paths, you can get VERY complicated with your patching and turn each row into its own gigantic "composite module" if you felt like it. In the end, this now seems to be a solid instrument...in a very real sense!
-- Lugia

I stumbled upon Exploding Shed when I was looking for black panels for my MATHS and Erbe-Verb and I found some panels by Chora, a maker/designer I'd never heard of. Not a single panel Chora makes was (and is) in stock, but then I found the guy online and now some esoteric MATHS & Erbe black panels are in the making (and also one for MI Yarns). Guess I owe ES a big thank you.

definitely can recommend ExplodingShed, their support and shipment are super fast. Also great super friendly guys working in the shop. I just wished they had a larger catalogue but for their size it's understandable that the risk of overstocking and having a large catalogue is too high. Regarding Brexit it's unfortunately a reality now and I don't think we can "undo" it, but I think there could be a few options specifically for Thonk. I think it would be great if they opened a store in mainland Europe to provide for their customers outside of UK. This would mean a split in terms of management and a lot of coordination but anything can be achieved with the right motivation and proper planning. Maybe my view is too simplistic and I'm not taking a lot of "buts" into account.

I'd recommend to use Arduino as a platform to practice and understand the basics but at some point the processing power and limitations of an 8-bit processor will make you hit a roadblock depending on what your goals are. On the other hand the ARM-environment is great and cheap, check out the blue pill/black pill boards. No wonder why so many digital modules have M3s and M4s inside. (Varigate, QuadLFO have ARM processors, Mutable Instuments uses them in a lot of modules, list is endless...). You can get ARM boards for 1-3$ from China (check out AliExpress).

Hi there-

I'm looking to pick up a Razmasynth (Telewizor / Vector / Du-NTSC) if anyone wants to sell one. Just getting into modular but I do animation as well and want to try going down THAT path and see what happens.....

Fingers crossed!

Be safe everyone.

Yea sorry cannot find it, I will mess about with placement. Waiting on some more gear to arrive- mixers and sequencers. I scored a deal on Stillson Hammer MK2 and Hertz Donut MK3 to complete my orange knobs rule Harvestman setup and waiting for Befaco Hexmixer and WMD Metron sequencer. I am also planning to move to larger studio space soon so I can put all my modular gear in one spot for easier access and patching. That will be my wall of modular.

Thanks Garfield,

Indeed and boy is that sucker heavy and bigger than expected! Love it and trying to figure out how to use 1u tiles but don't have any so not an issue. I had fun messing about with Rings and Marbles tonite

It does have a VCA off/on mode that allows for a continuous tone. It's only one oscillator but one could run any amount of FM and effects to create interesting sounds. Maybe a project for tomorrow while I'm not allowed in the kitchen.

@GarfieldModular, great idea with this 17 minutes thing, I'll chime in and second that 🧘‍♂️🧘‍♂️

@mowse, nice one again, good intensity too, looking forward to the next one.

Hi i thought of this as mi first Eurorack. (The MFOS is just for the space of the Westlicht Per FORMER witch isnt in modulargrid)
The idea is to pair it with a minibrute 2s, i already have the DFAM as well.
I mostly like techno and i ve been jamming at home with roland tr8s, tb03, sh01, se-02, monologue and minilogue xd, microbrute, microfreak, korg arp oddysey and an organelle where ive been exploring mutable instrument parches. I also have some effect pedals
I thought of it as a complement for some perc and melodyc voices, also drones and the sequencer for random variations.
I think i may expand in the future as i sell my old stuff while trying to keep using the cv capable synths
Any advice will be aprecciated.

EDITED Nov 26th 2020, 13:22

Hi there,

Got my hands on Drezno but as far as I can tell I'm either missing something or it's defective. I've fed several different Eurorack level signals to the ADC input (Plaits, Sample Drum, Subharmonicon), and the bit LEDs and the faders will all light up when adjusted. I believe that means they should be loud enough to clip. I've turned the link On, turned up the gain and offset of the DAC in several configurations, but the DAC output will only give me a very quiet version of the input signal at best, giving only noise if I turn the gain up enough past a point.

By default with nothing else patched but the audio in and out, I believe it should just do 8-bit resampling, creating a subtle audio effect as stated in the manual. I don't expect it to attenuate the input by a ton. Any ideas?

Hi Mowse,

Oh yes, very nice! Thank you very much for mentioning the Moog - Werkstatt-1 kit set, I wasn't aware of that one.

I just read that it has a drone mode, so tomorrow a drone with this one and 17+ minutes long? ;-)

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

This was getting close, so I opted to throw down on it. Vide:

The layout is still the same, although I put the audio out on the bottom row so that all cables to/from the rig will be on the lower tier. Otherwise, this retains the "audio up/mod down" layout.

I reworked the audio row considerably. The Morphing Terrarium and Mangroves now are set to submix (or not) through the Optomix LPGs, and I replaced the Plaits with two 3rd-party builds of it. But these now are set to feed through the Samara, and the LPGs can ALSO go through this for various mixing + waveshaping transformations. Filters next, then I tossed in one of Doepfer's new micro series dual VCAs (one per VCF) before the stereo performance mixer. And "spring" reverb got added, with the Purrtronics Purrvrrb spring emulator; you'll likely feed this through the mixer's AUX out and then return it to one of the non-AUXed stereo channels. Once the audio mix is set, this then feeds down to the transformer-isolated stereo out.

Modulation row starts with a little 1 hp sliver...that's a Konstant Labs PWR Checker, gives you visual feedback on your power rail status. VERY useful as an early warning if something might be going awry with your P/S. Then starting with the Poti (the expander for the Batumi), things get entertaining. I put the Roti next to this so that you have it handy as an inverting mixer for the Batumi specifically, and anything else in general that you might mix with it. This allows fast programming of weird, nonrepeating LFO curves. I then paired the Maths and Quadrax by putting the Qx between them so that they can actually play off of each other if desired. A dual ADSR follows for your audio VCF/VCA purposes, and there's one of Mutable's new 10 hp Veils revisions there so that if you need any of it for audio, it's perfectly situated...and if you need them for modulation level control, they're convenient for that, too.

What's nice about this is that it's turned out that you have a solid audio path and a solid modulation complement...but in both of those paths, you can get VERY complicated with your patching and turn each row into its own gigantic "composite module" if you felt like it. In the end, this now seems to be a solid instrument...in a very real sense!

Hi Sacguy71,

Wow yes, you got your MDLR case! :-) Lots of free space now, I am glad for you that you have enough space for the moment. Looks like you like the Trident a lot!

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

Thanks Lugia!

I appreciate the feedback and your advice is welcome to make sure I build a monster powerful system. Love Tetrapad especially with the Tete extender that gives you gesture CV record and playback sequencer features. Still learning it as it is complex.

I will save up for the Serge TKB and a good joystick. Really loving my new gear- the Rossum Trident triple oscillator is superb.

Tetrapad + Serge TKB? That would sound like the win of all wins! Handle the pitch signals with the TKB, then employ the Tetrapad as a left-hand "expression" control with all the user definition you can stand!

I've changed things up a bit with this rack, but I think its starting to come together, also will be getting the Mantis case to get some more HP.

Would appreciate any input on if it makes sense on first glance and if there might be some other important things to add in there.

The Plaits is in there because it'll be the first module I get, but when the case gets to this point it is very possible that it won't make it in there, though the extra full synth voice could be nice to have. Was thinking of maybe adding a small Doepfer spring reverb to make the Plaits shine a bit more.

Other than that, the idea I'm going for is something like this:
- E350 can be used as a growly wavetable, or an LFO for the Mangrove
- Could potentially try to add another filter in there to make the E350 and the Mangrove their own separate voices (though the Dual Borg might be enough)
- Bottom row is obviously the modulation and envelopes, I wanted to add some random in there as well as just a solid amount of modulation for my sound sources
- Something that I'm excited by is taking these sound sources a step further in the processing direction, but need something more focused/special than a 2hp DSP effects module... though I'm sure they're great... I just want to have as much control over the processing as possible... Filters are a great example, which reminds me that a waveshaping module might be a good addition. Mimeophon, Clouds, etc could be interesting additions as well, but not totally sold just yet.
- Admittedly, I kind of threw in the Optomix and Quad VCA just because I know I'll need them but haven't had the chance to fully think it through to see if they might be repetitive, or if some other utility modules would be a better option.

Again - sequencing from my Squarp Pyramid, and drums are handled from 2 external drum machines. All going into my Apollo audio interface.

Thank you for the input!

EDITED Nov 25th 2020, 21:06

I'm gonna be a contrarian and chime in to say, not recording can be its own boon too, just let things flow, have fun, keep the patch changing. I personally like to wait to record til I really think I'm ready which incentivizes me not to get stuck on something that * sounds good * but that's really just ok or not where I'm trying to go. This also pushes me a bit to keep improving until I'm really happy with the tune rather than a "ok, got some good sections in there." Anyway, YMMV but my 2 cents.