Hello all,

I am new to this forum and to modular synthesis in general. I have been generally futzing around with traditional hardware based synths + DAWS for a couple of years, but want something more generative and explorative that gets me away from a mouse and computer keyboard / DAW in favor of realtime expression. Also, I am an enginner and interested in learning more about analog sound design as a theory, the mechanics and science of it all, and how to merge the two systems (analog + digital) in a way that helps me focus on creating music / emotions / soundscapes in the moment.

I've spent the past couple of days researching modules and flows required to create generative ambient drone style music that I can integrate with my existing studio setup. I'd appreciate any feedback or advice from anyone on my proposed first rack system (see below).

But first, a few comments about myself.

• I am a software engineer and make good money. I have the funds to buy what I want / need, but I still don't want to spend money unnecesarily.

• I have an quasi- moderate level understanding around sound design / synthesis and connecting basic hardware / software together, but I am mostly new to modular (aside from playing around w/ VCV Rack 2 in my DAW).

• I have no interest or delusions around "making it"... I am 52 years old with a family... I am just looking for a hobby that allows me to feel the joy of making music in a way that connects my soul to the universe and expresses who I am in the purest form possible, without all the manual tedium of software based configuration.

• I am looking for a community open to all, with a focus on music instead of labels, and where questions are encouraged.

My current setup:
- Fantom 6 EX
- Minilouge XD
- Microfreak
- Arturia Audiofuse 16Rig
- Alesis Drum Pad
- Ableton Live 12
- Serum
- Diva
- Fab Filter
- ... (shit ton of other filters, compressors, f/x, synths, and all the tedious things...)

Proposed 1st Eurorack System

Hoping to make some new friends,

Josh

You've mostly dodged the #1 newbie mistake of "5 voices and no modulation sources" so that's good. Looooooots of modulation to be found here.

The main thing that stands out as missing is utilities: You have the one quad VCA, one mixer (though it's exponential so better for mixing audio than CV), and Maths which is a hybrid CV source/utility. Utilities let your modulation sources intermingle, giving you sounds that evolve in far more complex ways that any of those sources would give you on their own.

I'd look for what you're willing to sacrifice in order to put in another VCA module (perhaps a ring mod, so it's not just the same as the VCA you already have) and a DC-coupled mixer (for your CVs). It's a common refrain in modular synth: You can never have too many VCAs or Mixers. Some other utilities that may prove useful: Mults (Buffered Mults for pitch CV, passive mults can be replaced with stackable cables but sometimes it's nice to have an actula module for it). Logic modules. Attenuverters.

Consider replacing that RackBrute module with a powered case, or a backplane power supply. Power modules can sometimes be a little anemic (your setup is fine: only uses ~75% of the +12V rail), or sometimes couple power noise into the other modules.

Consider a "control surface" module. Something that lets you play the synth in a way other than "turn knob, push button". Joysticks, lightstrips, contact mics, ribbon controllers...Sometimes it's nice to take these very abstract instruments and make something about them a little more tactile. (A more complex MIDI-CV controller could inherit some of this from MIDI CCs, but that Behringer one pretty much only does CV-Gate)

Overall, it does look like a fun system to explore. Just giving you some ideas to chew on.

EDITED Today, 20:39

Hey, thanks Bassman1805... I'm trying to digest everything you've said, as a lot of this is still new for me, but I ran your response through Grok and it recommended I swap out the Octasource for a Happy Nerding 3xMIA and Make Noise modDemix (or similar)... Does that sound right to you? Any better / more specific recommendations you'd make over these (trying to stay within the 12HP I freed up).

You've mostly dodged the #1 newbie mistake of "5 voices and no modulation sources" so that's good. Looooooots of modulation to be found here.

The main thing that stands out as missing is utilities: You have the one quad VCA, one mixer (though it's exponential so better for mixing audio than CV), and Maths which is a hybrid CV source/utility. Utilities let your modulation sources intermingle, giving you sounds that evolve in far more complex ways that any of those sources would give you on their own.

I'd look for what you're willing to sacrifice in order to put in another VCA module (perhaps a ring mod, so it's not just the same as the VCA you already have) and a DC-coupled mixer (for your CVs). It's a common refrain in modular synth: You can never have too many VCAs or Mixers. Some other utilities that may prove useful: Mults (Buffered Mults for pitch CV, passive mults can be replaced with stackable cables but sometimes it's nice to have an actula module for it). Logic modules. Attenuverters.

Consider replacing that RackBrute module with a powered case, or a backplane power supply. Power modules can sometimes be a little anemic (your setup is fine: only uses ~75% of the +12V rail), or sometimes couple power noise into the other modules.

Consider a "control surface" module. Something that lets you play the synth in a way other than "turn knob, push button". Joysticks, lightstrips, contact mics, ribbon controllers...Sometimes it's nice to take these very abstract instruments and make something about them a little more tactile. (A more complex MIDI-CV controller could inherit some of this from MIDI CCs, but that Behringer one pretty much only does CV-Gate)

Overall, it does look like a fun system to explore. Just giving you some ideas to chew on.
-- Bassman1805

EDITED Today, 23:01