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Make: Analog Synthersizers (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Analog-Synthesizers-Ray-Wilson/dp/1449345220) was a good read for me

Probably also worth asking in the Synth DIY Reddit, and DIY forum on ModWiggler too

EDITED Dec 13th 2021, 07:36

read a lot (30+) newbie threads - take the advice that always stands out

read the stickies at the top of the modwiggler eurorack forum

try to work out what you want the modular for

get a bigger case

read my signature
-- JimHowell1970

Yeah !
That's why I put utility modules. (logic, buff mult etc...)
I will still read.

I still believe I can do something good with this little case. :)

Thanks.

My OCP with Hemisphere arrived this weekend and I tried a bunch of applets and cannot find a way to do this. It has an internal clock option but I cannot find one to do the retrigger either and watched a bunch of synth tutorial videos on it. Still a great module and having a few is worth it even if you need to use another module to retrigger and reset the clocking. I use Pam or Batumi for the reset trigger option right now with my O&C modules.

Does anyone know of any good books on audio synthesizer circuit design.

I'm an EE major and i would like to build a synthesizer for my senior design project. The project should include timer 555(datasheet: https://www.apogeeweb.net/circuitry/ne555-vs-lm555-timer-ics-what-is-the-difference.html) I've built a basic setup using Radio Shack parts (555's, 741's, etc.) but I want to build something with more stability and style!

I own theory books including Sergio Francos excellent book on op-amp and IC design. But i would like to find a book which gives a more detailed design description of actual circuits used in audio synthesizers.

Tube based synthesizer design would be another cool way to go!

I just need more info.

Thanks,

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

whoa...my prayers for a speedy and complete recovery.
So appreciative of all the advice and guidance you've provided me...even though I didn't listen to #1 and #6 I am still having an absolute blast with what I have thanks to you and several others on this awesome forum :)

Probably worthwhile to at the QX expander onto that Quadrax for only $70 and 4HP more you add quite a bit of modulation muscle.

Fingers crossed Lugia - our thoughts are with you!!!
Get Well Soon!!!

Okay, so, I've been looking though all of your feedback and changing a few things, now this is what I ended up with:

First off, you're probably right about getting a bigger case even though I wasn't a fan of it at first. I've known about the Mantis beforehand - a friend of mine owns one, and for some reason I've found it to be a bit clunky and, as stupid as it sounds, somewhat ugly, so that's why I didn't want to get one. @sacguy71 's other suggestion of simply getting the Intellijel 7U case is probably the most obvious solution, so that might be what I'm going to do. That also allows me to keep the Midi 1U module which I'll be relying a lot on and saves me space for a bigger 3U 5-pin Midi in module (and since the case is bigger I can keep the stupid music box in for now). Other than that, I love most of @Chace 's changes, so I integrated a lot of that, pretty much only changing the 4X Stereo Mix for a PanMix, since I've got more space to work with now. Added a spring reverb, since that sounds like it could be fun, changed the CIP for a Loquelic Iteritas and stuck in a Maths, because if I got the space, why wouldn't I.

If there's anything else you think could/needs to be changed or added, I'm always happy about suggestions. For now, many thanks to all of you for helping me out!

Get healthy soon. Synthworld will keep you in our thoughts.

In hospital. Had some cardiac symptoms around 8 last night, went to the ER, and it looks like I'll be here thru at least tomorrow. So it's not easy to post on the Samsung.

Nevertheless, I'll leave some nagging here to tide everyone over until I've got a real computer again. Until then...

1. Make your cases bigger!

2. MORE VCAs!

3. MORE UTILITIES!

4. No, you really don't need mults in a small build.

5. ALWAYS overspec your P/S current by 25% over your expected current draw.

6. Start your build in a cab that you think is too large...because it probably isn't.

Back in a day or two, hopefully.

read a lot (30+) newbie threads - take the advice that always stands out

read the stickies at the top of the modwiggler eurorack forum

try to work out what you want the modular for

get a bigger case

read my signature

The Erica Synths Black System III or Techno System would be my choice.

Thank you, much appreciated. I like the sound of the Black System III a lot and I am really into dark techno stuff.
The Shared System looks nice and shiny and sounds good to my ears. I enjoy putting modules together but I am overwhelmed by the choices.

I recommend the Erica Synths Black System III to start with if you like the demos from the Erica Synths modules. I have a lot of their modules and love them and the Black Sequencer is one of the best modular sequencers and user friendly for beginners. That said, I also have the Make Noise Shared System and enjoy that but it is better suited for pure weird experimental type stuff. Erica Synths is more focused on techno and dance style music but can do ambient as well. Make Noise takes effort to make dance techno music. BUT half of the fun is building a custom instrument from different modules versus an all in one system from one company like Make Noise or Erica Synths. I started off two years ago with a Doepfer A100 Basic System 1 based on recommendations from my modular synth friends in southern California when I was brand new to modular and also because at the time there were no Make Noise or Erica Synths systems available for sale at the time. It was helpful and good Doepfer modules sound great and easy to use. I added to the case and now have different brands. Also check out Verbos Performance System they are expensive but analog and sound incredible. Building own system is the most fun however and best learning process.

Great

Agree, love going down the rabbit hole with O&C. Its actually teaching me MANY different topics in the modular world in one small module...but it is frustrating that something this simple isn't available, at least not at this time :) I have posted to the ModWiggler O&C thread and hopefully a developer will pick up on the feature and add it in at some point.

-- jb61264

Good idea, I hadn't thought about that.

Same thing (in a way) with Temps Utile, which does almost everything Pam's New Workout does, except that amazingly useful .... simple On/Off button! If they could just add that into the firmware, it would be a no brainer with TU costing half the price of PNW.

Thanks a lot. Like your rack.

I red a lot (not enough) but not enough for the modules i put in the rig.

I'm looking for another vco than Behringer. :) removed from my cart.

I'm open to evolve with another eurorack case. (Future)

Don't want to get too much digitals modules (still interesting though) . (Even if it seems digital's ones seels 'swiss army knife' s)

Save money and be patient. (not easy)

I own cheap multifx's hardware. And free FX's vst's in my DAW. (so this is not my first aim)

Many thanks.
I appreciate your answer.

Tried my first rack here, would go for a mantis rack.
I am interested in experimental, dark, droning, sampling, granular, techno, ambient, wavetable.
Had a Waldorf Iridium before and would like this in analog/modular.
Would you change anything? Do I have to take care of anything?
Or should I rather buy a Shared System used for €3500?
Or a Black System III ?
Or should I start smaller (nifty)?
I would sometimes like to use my digitakt as a sequencer/sound source, is it possible with this?
I am no technician and have two left hands :)
Sorry for all the questions.
But I love music...

EDITED Dec 12th 2021, 15:00

Wow, that's pretty f'ing cool...really impressive. Thanks for posting!

Others will be able to give you better advice than I can but here's what I know will most likely be pointed out. First and foremost, the 3U is extremely small to be wanting it to be a 'stand-alone' modular. I have a Rackbrute 3U but my 'goal' with it is to use as a compliment to my Minibrute2 synth...not as a stand-alone. Because of that, I'm including lots of modulation and effects modules.

I would get rid of the 2500, it takes up a lot of HP space, which you don't have...there are probably better smaller options than this and you already have the Hysteria VCO in there. Consider adding Pamela's New Workout for a clock source and maybe FX Aid XL instead.

I'm assuming you have this set as 88HP as listed on Arturia's website...in fact, you can get 89HP which I have set both my Rackbrute 6U and 3U to.

A very clever module that @Lugia recommended for me in my 3U case is the Bastl Hendrikson which will allow me to incorporate external stompboxes for effects, etc as well. They are discontinued, but you may still be able to find out somewhere. The Hendrikson combined with this: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TriParMix--electro-harmonix-tri-parallel-mixer you'll be able to add up to three other external devices into your setup :) Other options to Hendrikson are Strymon AA.1 and Malekko SND/RTN

Maybe also consider adding ornament and crime as a swiss army knife utility module as well if you have the space.

EDITED Dec 12th 2021, 18:57

Just to chip in, I have O&C (I'm also running the original firmware), and as I far as I know, what you want to do isn't possible - asking O&C to re-trigger itself.

Actually, it's one of the oddest things about O&C. It's, as some say, the Swiss army knife of modular, but some of the most obvious things you'd love it to do....it doesn't! You can freeze sequences, alter them on the fly either yourself or via algorithms, and more. Yet to have a simple possibility to clock or trigger itself, and in some of the modes a possibility to stop or start, it doesn't do. However, it's a brilliant module, and as you already said 'diving down the rabbit hole of O&C is much fun, and often very productive.

-- joesh

Agree, love going down the rabbit hole with O&C. Its actually teaching me MANY different topics in the modular world in one small module...but it is frustrating that something this simple isn't available, at least not at this time :) I have posted to the ModWiggler O&C thread and hopefully a developer will pick up on the feature and add it in at some point.

EDITED Dec 12th 2021, 14:13

Hi, beginner, yeah again.

10 years I' waiting for hardware modular synth. Don't want to pactice VCV rack really.
My influences was Moog modular,
Buchla modular.

If I could my ho to is an Arp 2600.

Different worlds but : Oberheim, Jupiter 8, Prophet 5, Yamaha Cs 80, Korg Monopoly. Yamaha Dx 7.
Are amazing pieces as music instruments.

Owner of a Moog Mother 32.
An eurorack case Arturia Rack 3u.
And a Dreadbox hysteria VCO.

Here I started setup on modulargrid.

Want to do more than a mother 32.(flexible, versatile)

Want an eurorack which can also works without the Mother 32.

What missing in my modulargrid setup ?
Could this setup could be considered as a standalone semimodular ?

Need to record sound into my USB soundcard. After sampling resequencing, etc...)

Thought to use a midi keyboard which jave a sequencer in it. Or add a sequencer's module, later. Using Ableton live temporarly.

Thanks

And I'd like to point out that Surgeon is an especially cool dude after being awake for 30+ hours and having Denny's for breakfast afterward.
-- Lugia

Yes, really. He seems very humble, very friendly. Very patient too. A whole attitude and philosophy which you can find embodied in his works. Respect.

Just to chip in, I have O&C (I'm also running the original firmware), and as I far as I know, what you want to do isn't possible - asking O&C to re-trigger itself.

Actually, it's one of the oddest things about O&C. It's, as some say, the Swiss army knife of modular, but some of the most obvious things you'd love it to do .... it doesn't! You can freeze sequences, alter them on the fly either yourself or via algorithms, and more. Yet to have a simple possibility to clock or trigger itself, and in some of the modes a possibility to stop or start, it doesn't do. However, it's a brilliant module, and as you already said 'diving down the rabbit hole of O&C is much fun, and often very productive.

Well you definitely need bigger travel case either get an Intellijel 7u case or the Tiptop Mantis case. Replace the massive Loquelic Iteritas Percido with either a Loquelic Iteritas or Manis Iteritas and replace the massive Erica Synths Blackhole DSP v2 with Happy Nerding FX Aid.

I went thru this recently to create a smaller travel setup instead of hauling monster case around. For my needs, I had to use at least two small travel cases to have sufficient modulation, sequencers, support tools and mixers. I was able to get a lot in my 4u Intellijel Palette case but did add 1u support modules like Apex, DVCA, and Milky Way 1u to free up space in the main case.

I put some modules in my new 7u Intellijel case today except for the Piques After Audio modules that I need to order. Here is my test setup:

I plan to use it with my 4u palette case or my 6u Doepfer case that has Batumi and O&C for modulation and envelopes.

Thoughts? I had fun making techno experimental on it this evening. So far I can do a lot just with this and my 4u palette case or my 6u Doepfer suitcase that has modules better suited in vertical position. This case focus is really a supplement to carry my sequencers in easy access for performance.

Definitely hope to meet Surgeon and you all one day at a future synth meetup. I am finishing up my mobile rig and so far have it down to one 6u Doepfer suitcase, a 4u Intellijel Palette case and a 7u Intellijel case. I can mix and match for easy travel.

If this is in an Intellijel Palette, I would strongly suggest removing the buffered mult and dropping this in instead: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/intellijel-stereo-mixer-1u This connects to the Palette's 1/4" jacks like a typical stereo out, but it has a parallel stereo input with a level control so that you can use it as an extra FX return post-mix. Plus, in a small build like this, multiples of this sort are pretty much a waste. In this case, you've got a dual buffered mult, but there's not enough destinations for a single CV to cause voltage sag. Stick with stackcables or inline mults instead.
-- Lugia

Hey, thanks for the comment. This is a custom case so I don’t get any of the built in stuff from the palette. Any other advice would be nice though.

And I'd like to point out that Surgeon is an especially cool dude after being awake for 30+ hours and having Denny's for breakfast afterward.

If this is in an Intellijel Palette, I would strongly suggest removing the buffered mult and dropping this in instead: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/intellijel-stereo-mixer-1u This connects to the Palette's 1/4" jacks like a typical stereo out, but it has a parallel stereo input with a level control so that you can use it as an extra FX return post-mix. Plus, in a small build like this, multiples of this sort are pretty much a waste. In this case, you've got a dual buffered mult, but there's not enough destinations for a single CV to cause voltage sag. Stick with stackcables or inline mults instead.

+1 on the Mantis as well. Fact is, it's $335 street in the USA, has excellent current output from its P/S, and is lightweight for portability. You can even get a matching gig bag for it, and if you feel the need to expand it, just get the expander links that match the cases. This would also make it easier to use some of the larger modules from the first build above, although I think you should try to keep the "panel bloat" to a minimum.

It's a shame they seem to have dropped the in-rack VCV Recorder module (to push people to buy pro?), that was super convenient...
-- justarandomgeek

In case you don't know, the Recorder is back. It just wasn't ready for initial release.

-- ProggyBoog

Yeah, they've been doing some incremental changes since 2.0.0 dropped. Last I checked (last night) they'd moved on up to 2.0.3

Own as of 12/11/2021

4MS Row Power
Plaits
Disting
Chance
Line Out 1U
Steppy
Scales

Well - I'll recommend the bigger case anyway - get a Mantis - it's probably about 3" bigger, possibly cheaper and means that you can add the modules you want not what intellijel pushes you towards in terms of midi and output modules - plus it's still very ,very portable (unless you are a small child), almost definitely has better power and just as importantly gets rid of the 1u row - there is nothing compelling in 1u that can't be done in 3u in 1/4 of the hp!!!

other point and possibly the one that you should pay more attention to - why the disting mk2??? get a mk4!!!! same size and more possibilities - also actually available new

Hello Blackmaul,

If it were me, and trying to keep the spirit of what your goals are (drone-synth voice + sample manipulation through Morphagene), I would do something like this:

(May need to click the picture to see the most recent arrangement.)

Here are my thoughts:

1. I'm thinking the Cursus Iteritas Percido is a bit too big for the case and freeing up some room for other functionality would be a good idea. As far as I understand, Cursus Iteritas is a stripped down version of CIP that's less than half its size in HP. I think you would still be able to get plenty of the gritty tones you're after with the CI. Also, adding a flexible filter like Belgrad after it will further allow a massive range of other tones.

2. The 1U Row:
   a. The 1U Golden Master felt like it could be swapped out for something more generally useful.
   b. I'm a huge fan of Intellijel's 1U Quadratt (and the Duatt when you have a little bit of extra space to fill in). Here I'm seeing the Quadratt as a way to more precisely attenuate modulation going into CI and Belgrad and/or mixing the outs of CI, Belgrad (as kind of a dry/wet level with CI or using Belgrad as a resonant oscillator on its own), and Krach (if you want to add noise).
   c. Added Krach to use as a gritty modulation source or to mix in as audio like mentioned above.
   d. Kept the 1U Stereo In module as a way to get external sound into Morphagene. If that's not how you're planning on using Morphagene, then I, personally, would probably swap it out for a different 1U tile.
   e. Added the Sloth Chaos for smooth randomness to the drone, sample manipulation, or effects.
   f. I've never used nor am I very familiar with Ornament and Crime, but I would want to use it a source of modulation in this build - probably LFOs. There may be more HP-efficient options out there for this purpose.
   g. I'm not sure whether it's possible to place the MIDI and Out modules where I've put them, but that seems ideal to me - having the Out at the far right by the final mixer (see below) and the MIDI above the synth voice.

3. Quadrax is a very flexible source of modulation - something that I think you need more of in the build. It would be ideal to have at least two of it's channels as envelopes (to filter and VCA) if you want to try a more traditional subtractive synth voice architecture at some point with the CI/Belgrad.

4. Keeping your core of Morphagene and QPAS. I interpreted your inclusion of the QPAS (other than you already own it) as a way to further process the Morphagene's output. Both are stereo, so you could have some interesting things going on there.

5. Swapped out the Black Hole DSP2 for FX Aid XL (it's less expensive, less HP, and better rated).

6. Added the 4X Stereo Mix as a compact stereo final output mixer before the 1U Out module. That way you can keep your stereo things in stereo while mixing with your synth voice.

7. Swapped out the Black Quad VCA2 for Veils (2020). It's slightly less expensive, same HP, and has additional functionality.

8. Added the RND STEP as another source of randomness. I have no experience with the Disting (I'm not a fan of multi-mode modules, in general), but I think some of it's functions could create interesting things with the RND STEP, so I put those two next to each other.

9. And sadly, I would do away with the music box module. I could see some really interesting things going on with it and the Morphagene, but I would rather use the HP for something else. You could always sample it for use in the Morphagene without having it in the final rack.

Overall, it looks like a fun build. And, of course, this is just how I would do it. And I certainly wouldn't limit myself to patching it only in the ways mentioned above - those are just starting points. I hope some of that might help you!

Best regards,
Chace

Very cool funbun! Really enjoyable.

All the best.

It's a shame they seem to have dropped the in-rack VCV Recorder module (to push people to buy pro?), that was super convenient...
-- justarandomgeek

In case you don't know, the Recorder is back. It just wasn't ready for initial release.

Oh, thanks, everyone!

@GarfieldModular, yeah, since I'm not fishing right now, it seemed like a good time to do a music video.

@farkas, thanks for chiming over on the YouTube channel.

@jb61264, Yes, this is it's own format. It's made by Tangible Waves and called AE Modular. Check out their Web site and forums. It's a growing community, new modules added all the time, all kinds of new music, all the time:

https://www.tangiblewaves.com/
https://forum.aemodular.com/forum
https://wiki.aemodular.com/

The whole premise behind AE Modular was to reduce the cost of modular synth without sacrificing sound. Yes, it uses custom made pin wires, but it's all to reduce the cost. But, the sound is amazing.

EDITED Dec 11th 2021, 14:58

Heyhey people,
I'm planning on building towards a coherent, fully thought out system and I'm looking to get other people's feedback on what to change, what to improve etc. I know that fully planning out a system in advance doesn't really fully work out but I'd like to have a general idea of what I'm going for. Quick side note: I got the sonic lullaby module joke-gifted by a few friends about a year ago and since the idea of a sample-driven noise machine came mostly from that, I'd love to have it in there, but as much as it'd be funny, it'll probably be the first one to go as soon as I need some space.

This is what my current plan is looking like:

First off, what I want it to do: I want it to have at least one drone-ish synth voice and the sample manipulation of the morphagene. Haven't got any of the modules yet except the one I mentioned earlier and the QPAS, so everything's up to (possibly) be changed. Planning to sequence it with either my DAW or external gear, so I dont't think I'll be needing a sequencing module. What I'm mostly looking for is some advice for some modulation or utility I might want/need and some thoughts on the CIP as main synth voice. I really love the gritty sound that comes out of that thing, but there are a lot of other modules covering need for dark/aggressive sounds and I most likely don't know half of em. Also, since that would probably be the first mentioned advice, I don't really want to get a bigger case since I'd like it to be somewhat portable and dedicated in what it does. Don't worry, I've got another relatively empty case sitting here if the need for more modules arises.

Thanks in advance for any advice guys!

@jb61264 Maths is a bit like the church in the middle of the village: you don't necessarily enter it every day, but you think about it often.

The video and discussions at Elevator Sound are very interesting. In particular this notion of limitation: in the inflation of modules and the temptations which are related to it... Thanks for sharing.

Cool...I'm newer to modular so forgive my ignorance on the hardware...is it another form factor of modular like Buchla or Serge? I noticed the patch cables/connectors were much smaller/thinner than what I've seen to date.

Dig your thoughts on generative music and wanting to be involved in the process like a conductor. Thanks for posting

I have one with base firmware and my OCP with Hemispheres just arrived today in the post so I need to see if this is possible.
-- sacguy71

Cool...let me know if you figure it out on Hemispheres. I originally had that loaded and decided I wanted to try the base firmware and that's what got me down the Sequins rabbit hole. Hemispheres doesn't have "Sequins" but maybe running in Darkest Timeline on one side with Schmitt Trigger on the other? I never tried them when I had Hemispheres loaded, but did have fun with Enigma.

EDITED Dec 11th 2021, 05:41

I have one with base firmware and my OCP with Hemispheres just arrived today in the post so I need to see if this is possible.

That was great, @funbun. Subscribed to your channel.
I've been interested in the AE stuff. Please keep sharing.
Happy holidays.

Hi Funbun,

Nice video with a great demo of your AE system. Finally I can watch you work with your AE modular system, great! :-)

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

If you just want to listen to the tune, fast-forward to 8:17.

There may be a way to do that with Hemispheres, I'm not sure. I think that's why o_c and Temps Utile tend to go hand-in-hand