sines, i really like doepfer A-110-4
sines, i really like doepfer A-110-4
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Jim!
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this incredibly resourceful reply, and educate me on some badly overlooked basics! Truly, I've learned so many things from your message.
I've reworked a (hopefully) improved setup here:
(if you have the time and patience to check it out – I don't want to stretch it here.) In a nutshell (or rather, a 500€ case…):
Your signature is truly a well of wisdom… not joking here. I think I'll post-it somewhere.
I'm still thinking about the sequencing part of operations. I guess I could either use that cheap SQ1 with the parrallel chord thing (this covers most of my uses of chords really), or plug in a keyboard. For other, more 'experimental' play, maybe just use a square wave from one of the LFOs to trig something on MATHS for instance?
Then maybe invest in a more sophisticated sequencer when I feel the need for it.
Is there anything you would think is redundant? Sorely missing?
And lastly, would you have any good personal book recommendation to go through the basics of modular synthesis?
Again, many thanks for the help you gave me. It's truly appreciated.
please mark your rack as public and post the url - fuzzy jpgs aren't that helpful to us helping you - no click through or mouse over - and with 11k+ modules available, no one knows all of them!!
but for starters:
sq-1: probably not the best sequencer for sequencing chords... only 1 note at a time... so no ability to go from a major chord to a minor chord, for example... don't just buy modules/things because they are cheap buy the modules you really want/need after extensive research and thinking about how you will actually use them in practice, otherwise you'll be swapping modules in and out until you do find the ones you want/need - which is a false economy - which leads me to...
oscillators: whilst these may seem like a great idea, I think you'll have issues with them... they are tiny and use trimmers and as such are probably not going to be great for precise tuning & having them next to each other will make them almost impossible to adjust when patched - so don't rack them next to each other! - remember that in eurorack 1hp is just 1/5" (5.08mm)...
a lot of people are shocked by how small modules are once they've actually seen them! also pay attention to module and case depth... not all modules fit in all cases - 2hp modules can be quite deep - as the pcbs are perpendicular to the panels - and can be quite fragile
whilst in general doepfer make some fantastic modules, especially their utilities and filters - their midi modules are best described as not great - if you need a midi module I'd go for something else, probably with more channels - if you want chords you'll probably want at least 4 channels - mutant brain might be a better option - & it has extra gate/trigger outputs so you can use midi clock for example, if you wish - but I'd seriously think about how you're going to sequence your modular - pick either midi or cv and then get a module that actually fulfills your needs (I don't think either of the options you've picked do!)
newbie question: if I don't plug in an external sequencer, do I need a clock? I worry about the sequencer being quite constraining on what I can do with this
it depends - do you want to have modulation etc that's in sync with the notes that are being played? the sq-1 is quite a basic sequencer... especially if you want to play chords! find one that's more advanced - preferably with enough channels to sequence all your voices independantly... I like the erica black sequencer... it has 4 channels and each channel has quantized pitch/gates/modulation, has an internal clock, each channel can run at a different division/multiplication, and a clock out for sending to other modules!
newbie question #2: do I miss some critical part of a functional system? A mixer, maybe? A second VCA? Also, not sure about how these 3 oscs all feed into the ADSR? (hence the mult. I don't know if that's how it's done.)
mixers are incredibly useful, you'll likely want a few of them - not just for audio, but also for combining modulation... same with vcas - useful for both audio and cv - again you'll probably want at least a few - I'd go for a quad cascading vca - such as a veils clone...
vco outs go to vca inputs - envelopes (ie an adsr) go to the cv inputs of the vca so they can open and close it - sounds like some further reading on the basics of modular synthesis is a good idea - the stickies at the top of the 1u & 3u subforum on modwiggler are a great place to start!!!
The oscs are all sines. I picked these because they're apparently quite pure, they sound great in the videos and are not too expensive, but they might not be ideal in terms of ergonomics/fine tuning and/or functionality?
if you replace might with WILL in the sentance above you will be correct!
buy vcos that are bigger, have proper knobs on them and not trimmers (especially for pitch - tuning!!) and preferably with more functionality - multiple waveforms are a good idea (options/verstiltiy), as are things like pwm... if you seriously want only very pure sines, you might find you are better off using resonant filters as sound sources - do more research!!!
there are plenty of good inexpensive(ish) vcos about... probably a bit more expensive than those 2hp ones, but not necessarily that much more! but you may end up wanting a simple mixer for each - so you can combine waveforms...
I've been thinking of replacing them with the Ensemble Osc from 4ms but I'm worried about it being a bit too ready to use/prescriptive. I like the idea of something more basic. Your thoughts will be apreciated.
ah the debate of 'modular synthesis' vs 'synthesis with modules'.... both are valid, as are all points in between... but to start I'd recommend more basic modules - making up a single voice and learning how to use that inside and out before adding more voices... at which point a module like the ensemble oscillator, might be a good option - make sure you understand how to sequence it properly - iirc you really want more than 1 sequencer channel - either to sequence root and chord type, or to send it multiple pitches to play at once - also I'm not convinced that it will do full polyphony - paraphony yes, but polyphony??? again do your research!
Chose this ring mod that apparently sounds quite clear. It might go to make room for something else. Any suggestion?
why a ring mod? doesn't fit with your pure/clean aesthetic... maybe a multi-function effect module would be better... fx aid pro (so you can see what you are adoing) would be my pick!
I'm very much into phasing tones, combination tones, Shepards. Any idea/tip about this?
phasing - as in the effect? get a phaser - the new doepfer one looks good
combining tones - mixer &/or cascading vca
shepard tones - I'm sure you can patch it but there's at least one module that has this built in expert sleepers general CV - which is a great and undervalued module... despite it's tiny screen!
Also, any tips about resonating filters? A second filter? Something else?
if you want polyphony rather than paraphony - you'll want a filter per oscillator (& possibly the same filter for each) - spend some time fiinding the one(s) you like... even if you only want paraphony, multiple filters will give you more choices/versatility, but they can come later...
I'd also recommend taking a look at my signature file & spending a fair amount of time thinking about what it says - the formula is a hint at (loosely) getting the most versatility from a modular synthesizer for the least expense...
I hope this has all been helpful...
"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia
Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
Hi everyone!
I've been busing sketching and scheming this little Eurorack system. I'd like to do sine-y sounds, sort of like flutes, organs, I'd like to be able to do chords and resonating tones, and I want the whole thing to sound as clear and clean as it can. I plan on doing both slow sequences of tones/chords (I'm into phasing tones and combination tones, Alvin Lucier-style) and bleepy techno. I will be sequencing from a SQ1 as it's a convenient, cheap option.
I have a few questions:
Thanks! Take care, everyone
It would be nice to set a "maximum depth" for a rack, that disallows adding a module that is deeper.
Here's a black panel for it:
https://morkmodules.com/en-us/products/alm-pamelas-new-workout-black-panel
over:under
My A.D.D. wants to put Pam with the other silvers
-- AEROCATONE
I agree, but i find it hard to see the screen on PNW if it's in the top row.
This seems like it should be so simple but I've really gotten stuck on this. I have a sidechain compression pedal that takes audio as an input. Is there a way to turn a clock signal of any variety into a simple audio pulse that I could use to drive the sidechain input? My live setup has a Toraiz Squid, Volcas, a Monologue and a SP202, so there is plenty of sync to go around. I just don't want to waste an entire synth's output driving the sidechain. Maybe someone makes a MIDI to metronome dongle for cheap lol.
I have to agree that the Nifty Case is very, very tempting. For appox. 200 Euro you get Midi-to-CV and VCA built in. But, indeed, it ain't very future proof. Maybe a nice "extra" portable mini-modular setup (for later on after buying your first serious case) if you don't mind the 200 bucks...
Thanks for your time, much appreciated :)
have sent an email to XAOC.
Will get back here to clarify in case it can help :)
Best
Sorry but I don't know.
You should ask Xaoc direcly.
They are very cool and they always reply quickly.
I'm curious if anyone has been able to get a black panel. Not seeing them on the Random*Source website.
-- themachineswon
I got this from a gent who goes by B0bcat on Modwiggler. PM him there and he can hook you up.
Thanks for that :) Had not yet opened the downloader... My bad :)
Is there a way, in the setup menu, to restore the unit to factory default? INITIALIZE?
Thank you :)
imho veils
-- ferranadsr
I agree. I have one original and 2x the After Later clone. I wanted to buy something like a Tesseract Sweet16 but that wasn't available. I already had the OG Veils & added the two clones. Great as a VCA, with offset, lin/exp control and a decent amp in it, and great as a controller for live.
hi,
the update procedure is in the firmware zip folder.
Is it possible to match the case size to the real-life counterpart?
For example, I have several 6U Rackbrutes and would like to match that so I can effectively (re)arrange my modules.
Can we have multiple cases in view, all at once? (Like they are in the studio)
over:under
Hi all :)
I see there is a FW update (2.0.7) and I also see my module has less than the 270 EGs as described on the XAOC website.
2 questions:
1) How do you update the FW on these?
2) Is there a way to reset the module to a "factory default" state as I bought mine and all EGs have been mesed with.
Thanks for any hint,
Loersatz
I'm curious if anyone has been able to get a black panel. Not seeing them on the Random*Source website.
Fine transaction with @metajonmusic
Recommended !
Smart communication and fine transaction with @39tutu
Recommended !
have you looked at the mutant brain (in rack version of cv.ocd) - was hexinverter, now being made by erica synths... it has the 4 cv/gate pairs you want + more gate outputs - so you can use a midi clock for syncing to the computer...
I use a kick sample on an audio track in logic, personally - this will always be 'tighter' than midi clock, due to Operating System priorities, but if you don't use any other software on the computer at the same time and disconnect from wifi etc then you should be fine
"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia
Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
Hello gals and guys!
I used to use Betastep Pro, but didn't like it that much. I'm thinking of using MIDI keyboard or hooking my eurorack to MIDI out from my DAW.
Anyone here using (or used) Doepfer A-190-5 or Vermona qMI2? I really like the idea of (relatively) cheap module that can do 4 independent voices. If I play some software synths or samples from DAW along with Eurorack, will they sync?
I'm also open for other suggestions about this PC-Eurorack connection and everything else regarding my setup.
Thank you in advance!
currently you can only swap entire rows. its not possible to move a row to a specific position without messing up the rest of the rack
Edit -> Swap Rows
i already made a feature request for moving a row
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/forum/posts/view/39243
What about make noise modules? Those are not knurled..
EDIT: Ah, nut driver they're called. Did not know that.
-- maths
From what I see, makenoise uses "regular" nuts on their jacks. I think they are metric 6 nuts.
What about make noise modules? Those are not knurled..
EDIT: Ah, nut driver they're called. Did not know that.
Hi,
I was wodering what tool (if any) is needed when changing a modules panel. In particular iäm thinking of those small rings/screws/nuts that holds the holes for the patch cables on the front. Any suggestions?
is it possible to move/swap all the modules in a row (all at the same time)?
over:under
go to the home page, scroll down, click on the 'about unicorn accounts' link, scroll down and you should see a paypal button - click on that...
"some of the best base-level info to remember can be found in Jim's sigfile" @Lugia
Utility modules are the dull polish that makes the shiny modules actually shine!!!
sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities
How do I pay my dues.
I want to use Paypal.
I am way behind
Thanks, Foghorn
Herbs and Stones took their groove box and made it eurorack capable.
Not much to the build, this is mostly a surface mount kit and all the SMD is already done. So just pots, jacks, and LEDs.
Getting the front panel on was not a breeze, I think they need to look at the height differences between the pots and jacks they use, but in the end it fits.
Long demo section, since I was learning about the unit and the build was so short. The internal clock did not seem to work, but it took external clocking just fine.
OK unit, not sure where I’ll use this.
Ambient, generative. 3 modules, small case.
‘What else?"-- Sweelinck
Thanks, I was interested in Qu-Bit and this was great.
Ambient, generative. 3 modules, small case.
‘What else?’
'On ne devrait jamais quitter Montauban' (Fernand Naudin).
https://soundcloud.com/petrus-major/tracks
veils is discontinued. you will go for a clone or secondhand market
-- ferranadsrFound 2nd hand originals on Ebay here in UK . The Doepfer quad VCA mixer from a site reduced and new for £110, last one in stock. Need to decide on which one though.
-- EuroBadger
imho veils
Cool runnings, prompt comms and delivery with my module purchased from @ogrebattle
veils is discontinued. you will go for a clone or secondhand market
-- ferranadsr
Found 2nd hand originals on Ebay here in UK . The Doepfer quad VCA mixer from a site reduced and new for £110, last one in stock. Need to decide on which one though.
Veils @12hp https://www.modulargrid.net/e/mutable-instruments-veils
or Doepfer a-135 2v Quad VCA / VC Mixer https://www.modulargrid.net/e/doepfer-a-135-2v @8hp.
veils is discontinued. you will go for a clone or secondhand market
-Managing the knobs "physically" is like a drug, once you try it you won't want to use the PC for it
-- ferranadsr
I was not planning to use pc other than for audio to speakers, on recieving the items I have bought I might be producing no sounds at all at this point! Managing the knobs and patching generative and seeing where we go is the goal and its exciting.
As far as effects I am unsure, although listening to Qu-Bit modules has been a great experience.
Again huge thank you to you all - the advice/knowledge has been taken onboard - I am looking for a VCA currently steering towards
Veils @12hp https://www.modulargrid.net/e/mutable-instruments-veils
or Doepfer a-135 2v Quad VCA / VC Mixer https://www.modulargrid.net/e/doepfer-a-135-2v @8hp.
I like that @Sweelinck, thank you!
@Niemandsland feedback patching is pretty tricky, the smallest adjustments in amplitude can cascade and get too loud or descend into silence. I need to get better at that but I'm glad you enjoyed it!
my tunes: https://stevehand.bandcamp.com/
From what you say I understand that you will use MIDI to take both clock and CV from the computer to the case. You can use VCV Rack to generate the main clock and bring in some CV signals to modulate. You can start like this, of course, but keep in mind that:
-Managing the knobs "physically" is like a drug, once you try it you won't want to use the PC for it.
-To experiment in the field of generative and ambient, an effects module will give you many possibilities. I wouldn't know which one to recommend, since I'm not really into that field yet.
-Sooner rather than later you are going to need EG's, LFO's and VCA's, apart from additional utilities. Prioritize them before additional voices.
Thanks for spending the time to advise - it seems that even at this early stage I have not made the best choices as far as what I have purchased.
That's entirely normal and part of the exploration! Because that's what modular is. You don't buy a prefab instrument that goes "pling" when you pull a string or press a key. You buy a rack because you'll be adding modules as you explore the possibilities of synthesis.
The initail idea was to begin with 2 or 3 modules that would produce sounds that i could explore, have fun and expand on.
-- EuroBadger
Yeah, but as indicated above, 2-3 modules are very, very limited. It's like getting a small box of regular Lego blocks. Sure, you can build a little house with a basic roof. Roof tiles, wheels for a car, little men, ... All of those are extra purchases. Here too: Plaits is a very good starting point because of the built-in trigger. So learn it, then when you consider your next step (add a second sound at the same time? add drums? add an effect?), add modules. I started with I think just under 10 modules, just to get a few sounds going.
I like it, especialy from the 7 minute mark when the sound lures me deeper into this sonic landscape (love this part, could stay here a lot longer). The transition back to the surface (14;30 and beyond) could (according to my taste) be longer and smoother. But hey I am already glad that you brought me back to the surface :-). If it was longer and smoother it would be a great piece to meditate to. Thanx for sharing!
Thanks for spending the time to advise - it seems that even at this early stage I have not made the best choices as far as what I have purchased.
The Niftycase for it's price although small was classed as a beginner case and with enough conections, including plugging into pc with later a module going to the "to out" on the front of the case. It has its own power and looked like everything you need to start your eurorack adventures apart from the modules. Bigger cases would be great and I have seen some that I would have loved to have bought such as the Rackbrute (thanks Arrandan for pointing out the "Mantis"). But I am happy to upgrade over time and evolve as my knowledge/modules increase.
The initail idea was to begin with 2 or 3 modules that would produce sounds that i could explore, have fun and expand on.
I will look at Veils and it's clone forms, thankyou...I imagine doing it properly (quad) rather than a dual such as the ALA https://reverb.com/uk/item/38278842-after-later-audio-dvca-dual-vca-veils-redesigned-module
This has become quite an adventure already...
Hi, Welcome,
I am also relatively new, a little over a year ago.
More than suggesting specific modules, I am going to give you some opinions and suggestions.
-Case point. It's a shame you already have the case, 3U 84HP is a very limited space. Surely in a short time you will have to choose to expand. I wanted to start with 3U 104HP, in the end I started with 6U 104HP and a few months ago I added 3U 104hp more. They are not full at all, maybe 70%.
-Brains point. I am not a fan of brand B but what I can tell you is to avoid "reduced" modules. If you go for MI clones, you better try to buy them in the original size.
-Next module point. I am not sure which clock you are going to use to trigger both the VCO and the sequencer...
In your case, and to have as many functions as possible, I would recommend Pamela's NEW Workout.
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/alm-busy-circuits-alm017-pamela-s-new-workout
A single module that offers you clock and modulation functions. In the second-hand market you can find this version at a very good price.
For me this would be the next module, with a Veils type VCA.
The clones are at a good price.
For example https://www.modulargrid.net/e/tlm-audio-vacs-veils-2-clone
Now to continue you will surely need function generators (Maths, Rampage or similar), effects (important for generative and ambient), matrix mixer, LFO's (Batumi,...), and surely incorporate another voice, perhaps an MI Rings (a classic), or a complex VCO.
Money money money...
Welcome to the forum! Others will chime in as well but first - get a bigger case. Mantis gets advised often as it's pretty good value for money. You can say now you want to start small. But a modular setup grows and you'll be happy not to be stuck in 84hp after a few months. I can vouch for that - I wanted to start in 84hp and I'm at around 400hp now, a year and a half into it.
Then, about how modular works. To get a note, you need a trigger (note NOW please) and a note value. The Ladik 610 will give you some note values from the CV out. But it also needs a trigger in. So you'll need a clock source and/or sequencer of some kind. Take a look at Pamela's New Workout (or Pro Workout). It features a clock and several kinds of organised triggers. Call it a clock-and-sequencer if you like.
So now you have your Plaits clone getting a trigger and a note value. The good thing with Plaits is that it can take a trigger - it saves you some complexity of adding VCAs and envelope generators. Plaits output isn't ready to listen to, though. How are you going to listen? Headphones? Connect to the line in of an amp or powered speakers? In any case, you'll need an output module. I started with the Befaco Out, which I thought was a good little module. There's plenty of others, like the higher end Joranalogue Transmit 2 in case you need XLR out (you probably don't).
With those 4, you'll have a basic setup: triggering notes, setting the tone, and sending it out. You still don't have filters or effects. And with other oscillators, you'll need VCAs and envelopes. And there's a billion options for sequencing as well, internal as well as external (Beatstep Pro is a good starting place for an external sequencer for modular). But if you want to start really small, it will work fine and give you plenty to explore.