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I send clock from hermod chan 8 to pams. Then I take the first output from pams to a passive mult. fFrom the multiple I distribute clock to the following sequencers:

• metropolis
• mimetic digitalis
• clep diaz
• zularic repetitor
• 4ms rcd
• ll8
• temps utile
• varigate 4+ x 2

Also just bought an analogue solutions generator too so will be integrating that too. I usually have all this stuff prepatched. I love sequencers :)

Resets come from the hermod too

Hi Nickgreenberg,

Sorry, I must have overlooked your post :-( Some feedback and input from my side.

I am very happy with the Vector (with expander module) from Five12, this is a serious sequencer to be considered. If you want to hear just an example of what kind of "crazy" things you can do with it, check my demo about this one out:

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/forum/posts/index/10041

Generally, if you are going to look seriously into a sequencer, and from the look of your posts, you are :-) Then take your sweet time and try to be honest and clearly as possible with yourself. What do I expect from a sequencer? What are my (minimum) requirements? To give you some food for thought (but not exclusive because for sequencers there is so much to check):

• Number of voices?
• Drum/percussion only? Synth leading voices? Both?
• Number of steps, patterns, songs, presets, scenes, etcetera? Which of those are important to you? (confusing is that many manufacturers are using different terminology which doesn't make it easier for you to choose and to recognise when comparing them with each other)
• Should it be able to do: ratcheting? glide? repeat? groove? velocity? mute? etcetera, again check what's important for you
• Check if you are happy with the length (of the sequence) setting for the global sequencer or do you want that to be possible per voice/track?
• Direction of the sequence, only forward? Or also backwards? Random? Ping-pong? There are a few very good sequencers but (some of them) they are very limited in their directions, some only forward :-( So please check for yourself what do you want the sequencer to be able to do?
• Can you set the probability of each step (per track if possible)? Meaning that the sequencer puts a kind of chance to each note if it will be played or how many times or does it change the direction or does it do more or less ratcheting, etcetera
• Are you okay with menu diving or rather not? I believe I read you don't want menu diving, so quite a few sequencers are not applicable for you then (by the way, for a sequencer I also don't want real menu diving, you want it to be playable and kind of logically to use and there should be no need for a manual laying next to it how to use it)
• Do you want some modulation influence possibilities? Not all sequencers can do that

I most probably still forgot tons of parameters that one could/should check when trying to decide: "Which sequencer is the right one?" I felt it was a kind of nightmare to choose. My conclusion is: there is no real perfect sequencer... you have to make some compromises to come to that kind of "perfect sequencer that suites you best" :-)

It took me about one-and-a-half years and though I don't have the perfect sequencer, I am pretty happy with the Vector (together with the Jack Expander); it comes close to the perfect sequencer.

By the way, all the points for consideration I gave you here above, most of those can be handled/done by the Vector. Not many sequencers that can do all of that.

Good luck with the search for the sequencer and once you made your choice, I hope you will let us know, if possible with a demo of it :-) Kind regards, Garfield.

Thanks for sharing this...I just got a Disting EX last week and very interested to try the poly exciter...can you explain more about how you are using that in this piece?

Also love that you have a Ts-L because I just ordered one which will be here next week :)

Hi Wishbonebrewery,

I put the gain up yet another lot and indeed I can hear it now :-) I love the bird sounds you managed here, really realistic and beautiful! Kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Gabor,

Nice to see and hear a video from you again with your OP-1, it will be for me always a kind of nice little miracle-device :-)

He, he, those sounds in the last half minute or so, are cool, especially when it get distorted :-)

The device in the right bottom corner of your rack, is that the Make Noise René? Thanks a lot for sharing this with us and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Ryanthegecko,

Nice to hear from you again and to see you at work here in your video! Good stuff, though I wouldn't mind to hear a bit more of dub in your work that you had in your previous work :-)

Why less than 5 minutes? I don't mind if you make it (much) longer. Thank you very much for sharing this with us and kind regards, Garfield.

I'm surprised with the popularity of modular these days, that more companies like Focusrite haven't made their audio interfaces to be DC coupled...thanks to you, I was able to find a very inexpensive MOTU 828 and it has been doing what I need (or as much as I know how to exploit at this time...which I'm sure is very little) with my desire to interface my modular setup with Ableton CV tools.

I don't have the history you do...not even close...but I'm curious about your comment about E-mu and mostly because I bought one of the XK-6 keyboards twenty years ago, acquired a couple nice ROMs to go with it over time (Techno Synth Construction Yard and Proteus 2000). I've thought about selling the keyboard (too big for the space I have) and getting one of the E-mu modules that has 4 SIMM sockets to use the two extra ROMs but people are asking crazy $ for the ROMs which I can easily use to support my newfound modular addiction :) It would be cool if there was a way to use the ROMs I have as a sample source for my modular setup...plug the ROM into a module and boom, tons of nice sounds

Cheers Jim, will have another look

I'm actually a little shocked that the modular/computer USB interface thing hasn't taken off more. Expert Sleepers makes great stuff, of course, but I thought some of the other manufacturers might come up with some innovative designs in that realm.

I'm trying to find a way to search for Jim's posts and in particular the one about his formula for modules and rack space but I can't find a way to do it. It will take forever scrolling through all the old posts to find it that way. Must be an easy way, any advice welcome please.

-- david23

at the top of the main forum page there is a search field - type my name JimHowell1970 into it and press search - looks like it displays all of the threads I have posted in - to find Lugia's type his name instead of mine

or google - "modulargrid: JimHowell1970"

the relevant part that @greenfly was talking about earlier is:

"sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation (20%+ of the rack) < utilities (at least 30% of the rack)

because you can get much more variation that way

utilities are the inexpensive, dull polish that stop the expensive, shiny modules from tarnishing and makes them shine"

if you want to find other posts etc from me - I'm also Agawell on some forums

also instagram.com/JimHowell1970 if you want to see my video synthesis posts

EDITED Sep 26th 2021, 16:43

I'm trying to find a way to search for Jim's posts and in particular the one about his formula for modules and rack space but I can't find a way to do it. It will take forever scrolling through all the old posts to find it that way. Must be an easy way, any advice welcome please.

Thanks Greenfly, good advice, I have seen the mylarmelodies one before but it's good to revisit as we progress, often things make more sense. I shall also check out Jim and Lugia's posts too if I can find them. I'm setting myself a challenge/task at the moment to spend some time each day just really delving into one module and seeing what it can do over and above what I have already used it for. Easy to get into a sort of comfortable rut if not careful and miss out on some great features.

yes, I find a lot of value in reading through the previous posts but especially the stuff from you, Lugia and Farkas are great :)

If you look through the previous advice from Jim on the Forum, you'll see he has a nice formula for how much of your rack space should be roughly devoted to different types of modules. I found that quite useful as I, like you didn't have a clue what most of these modules could be used for. I understood what an oscillator was, what a filter was and others things like lfos and envelopes. Pretty much what you play with on a soft synth.

Over time I realised I loved sequencers and also learnt that vca's, attenuverters, dividers, multiples, cv mixers etc were really damn useful. There is a use for absolutely everything.

I'd keep the Turing machine and like Jim and Lugia said there are so many other uses for it.

I'd encourage you also to watch this and particularly the last bit of this video ( I watch all of it about once a week and always learn something new) about logic modules and the Turing machine from mylarmelodies you'll want to keep it, I guarantee it :)

Happy patching :)
-- greenfly

I'm glad you found/find my ramblings so useful...

If you look through the previous advice from Jim on the Forum, you'll see he has a nice formula for how much of your rack space should be roughly devoted to different types of modules. I found that quite useful as I, like you didn't have a clue what most of these modules could be used for. I understood what an oscillator was, what a filter was and others things like lfos and envelopes. Pretty much what you play with on a soft synth.

Over time I realised I loved sequencers and also learnt that vca's, attenuverters, dividers, multiples, cv mixers etc were really damn useful. There is a use for absolutely everything.

I'd keep the Turing machine and like Jim and Lugia said there are so many other uses for it.

I'd encourage you also to watch this and particularly the last bit of this video ( I watch all of it about once a week and always learn something new) about logic modules and the Turing machine from mylarmelodies you'll want to keep it, I guarantee it :)

Happy patching :)

EDITED Sep 26th 2021, 13:23

Thanks. I have factory made LL8 so seems not soldering issue.
Ans yes, I too use "send triggers by ear" way ) I plan to use 1 trig out of ll8 for some pre programmed light indication of 1st step (led? ).

ah in that case what is happening is it probably needs 2 or more triggers in in order to get the tempo... not a lot you can do about it... it's not a bug, it's just an unfortunate 'product feature'... have you tried muting the clock instead of pulling the patch cable? this may help... but also may not

Pams does this too to some extent when I restart the clock it judders slightly - I work around it by starting the clock in logic slightly before I want Pams to actually start kicking out triggers etc

I have similar behaviour with the clock - sometimes being one sixteenth off. I normally send triggers by ear and not care too much about the classic positions of where things should be ie kicks on 1, 5, 9, 13 in a 4/4.

Sometimes it works fine though, so I'm presuming turning of and turning on the modular has some form of effect.

In my case all the triggers work though so if its a DIY, it could be a soldering issue

JimHowell1970, Thanks for reply. On II8 there is no reset input. It resets automatically after clock interruption for some seconds to step 1. There is only 1 input - clock in.

I don't have a ll8, but is your reset on the 1? try bringing the reset forwards in time a little bit... this is not that uncommon and certainly not limited to the ll8 - 2 events at the same time - particularly a reset and a trigger the reset has priority over the trigger and the trigger gets lost - if you reset before the trigger, then all should work as expected

I'm about to start screwing cases to the wall! so 1/2 way there I suppose...

I need help with LL8. After reset (disconnect clock for some seconds and send clock again) it always skip first step in pattern (no trigger out). Is it normal for LL8?

Dim.XL

On your profile: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/users/view/123266

This patch is featuring the new Poly Ecxiter algorithm on the Disting Ex. Also starring were Instruo Ts-L and Plonk. More details in the video description.

I have signed up for the unicorn account, but cannot find my module collection - where is it?

Thanks

OK...it's the latter half of 2021. Modular synth tech has reached a point where you can get bits and pieces even at certain big box stores. Recording tech has also reached a similar paradigm in that you can slap together a top-shelf multitrack for a couple grand; when I began, a couple grand might get you ONE circuit card out of a Studer A820. Synclaviers have become something you can get...at least in VERY comprehensive and accurate software versions...at Guitar Center for a few hundred bucks. Same goes for the Fairlight IIx. Every processor you can think of...even ones that would cost you a cool $20K+...is now out there as VSTs, often dead-on-accurate to the point that they're indistinguishable from hardware.

But just looking at Eurorack alone, we have a situation where if you want a vintage device, you can have that. Oh, sure, some VERY obscure things haven't been made available in the format, but even some of THAT is out there. Take G-Storm's Syrinx VCF, for instance. A real Synton Syrinx would cost you...hmm, I can't count that high. But if you want the "magic part" from it, that being the formant filter itself, it'll run you $320.

It was a couple of weeks ago, though, when I realized what a strange position we're in these days. It was the intro of the Tiptop/Buchla modules, and I couldn't help but think that we have come a LOOOOONG way in all of this. Consider:

If you want a Buchla 100, there's ways to get that via LA67, Tokyo Tape Music Center, maybe Buchla (haven't heard anything about their 100 series reissues as of late)
If you want a Buchla 200, same deal.
Moog 55/IIIp/c, etc? Behringer plus several other makers.
ARP 2500? You can pick either Phil Cirocco's version or Uli's.
ARP 2600? Modules out of that are in the MG database, plus Uli gave us a proper one while Korg continues to flounder around in the wake of the 2600FS fiasco. Meanwhile, the Antonius and TTSH are still out there for those who want the 1:1 experience.
E-Mu modular? Dave Rossum's got you, and he's even pushed the old E-Mu ideas further in the Rossum modules.

There's also digital-based modules that do things that we only DREAMED of back c. 1980, in the halcyon pre-MIDI era. Granular synthesis used to require things such as the ISPW (IRCAM Sound Processing Workstation) and a fast NeXTcube to run it on or, if you go back even further, DEC mini-mainframes (which are also pretty much what the original Synclavier's engine ran on). And don't EVEN get me started on how sequencer tech has metastasized and metamorphed.

And this all prompts the question: "Where does this go NEXT?" Hell, Eurorack systems have become SO commonplace that it's not unusual to see someone working with a skiff or cab...and not just one, either. I remember seeing Animal Collective on Colbert a couple of years ago, and I think I counted three separate(ish...there's really no such thing as "separate" modular synths in the end, after all) Euro skiffs amongst the pile of other toys.

So where is all of this heading? If you wonder what the answer is to that, just like I do, toss around some ideas in the comments and maybe we can cook up a few bits of the future.

ha, I was tuning my oscillators today and I was having this exact same issue with the fine tune knob. It went through my head to turn meta off after reading the manual and it sorted my issue, then afterwards I've just read this :)

Well, when you get back to using the Ears as an external preamp and you STILL want some overdriven grit, check out Plankton's NUTONE. It also gives you a pair of VCAs, but the big ticket there is...yep...TUBES. Or in this case, the Korg-created "NuTube", which uses a variation on a fluorescent display tube to give you a dual triode, but it doesn't suck amps like most other tube circuits. I've heard the NuTube in other devices and it's totally shocked my shit; I always thought this would require something heftier and requiring big current, but not this thing, even though it HAS that triode amp sound.

My eurorack rig is just a small side project in an already full studio.
-- asleepwheel

You're obviously confused. Electronic music studios aren't considered "full" until you start eyeballing the ceiling as yet another "surface" for adding gear.

Sequences are probably one of the coolest things to me in modular that offer more variety than hardware fixed platform synths.r
I love using VPME Euclidian Circles for tribal drum beats as it is very fun with the flashing lights and creative way of making beats versus a standard sequencer.

Latest in weekly recordings. Wanted to keep under 5 minutes, and be in a major key for once :)

Weird, it sounds OK here, though I agree it does start quiet, I was afraid of making the recording clip so i set things so I knew they would only pip the red-line with all parts playing.
It was a one-take live stream so not recorded on anything but direct to Youtube.

Thank you Wishbonebrewery :-)

Hi Wishbonebrewery,

I am not sure if this is just me, the first 6 or 7 minutes I almost don't hear anything, as from 7 minutes one can hear a bit and as from 8 minutes it get's better. Still I have to put the gain pretty high to hear something. Might you have some gain issue here or is it indeed at my side (but what could that be because anything else I can hear at a normal volume?).

The end sounds quite interesting but if you could re-issue this with a higher gain that would be great. Thank you very much and kind regards, Garfield.

Much craziness, Liking it :)

84hp - doepfer lc9 cannot be beaten economically (cost/ total hp) - but may be a bit under powered if a lot of high power modules - analog modules are fine - some digital ones are horrific...

104hp - mantis... exceptional case - a bit low on -ve rail for my purposes (video) but great none the less!! I have one of these and use it for video or as a portable audio case - fantastic and rock solid - quiet as you could want up to video rates (no dirt in video) so also perfect for audio

or build your own - if you have basic wood working skills - ie you can use a saw and a drill (I could even 35 years + after doing any)
and a screwdriver - then you will save yourself a lot of cash...

as with mixer channels, audio interface channels and vcas - always, always go bigger than you think you'll need... because you will, sooner or later...

exception (there are always exceptions) is if you have a massive case already and want a case specifically to concentrate on a new module or as a satellite - ie control, sequencing, effects... as for portable pull out cases - that's what my mantis is for... portable by anyone except small children, the infirm or exceptionally elderly - mine's been on many - otherwise beauty cases are for people who need to fit their modular synth in their handbags...

Digital Birds in an Analogue world.... freshly streamed.

Quite a messy patch, full notes would be a bit messy too!
Patchingpanda Punch bird song made with a resonating Omsonic FLF with Punch is plucking at it and triggers from the Befacosynth Burst and looping in Makenoisemusic Mimeophon :)

Damn, I need this and was contemplating a filter to separate voices by pitch... this makes a truly outstanding module nearly perfect!

kinks is good but discontinued - wmd/ssf toolbox is good substitute - but 6hp - I'd prioritise this over new sound source - more utilities better than more sound sources imo!
I was able to find kinks at detroit modular :)

no idea about rack wart... don't use them - waste of space if you ask me!!!
Can't disagree with you on that...the Rackbrute 6U was a 'post' Minibrute 2 purchase...like the idea that I could connect and possibly carry it all together...so I have to accept the wasted space for now (unless I find a really cool modification I can d0...that I would feel comfortable doing...to power it differently).

maybe in next case with next sound source!!!
Funny you should say that as I was just looking at cases...someone had a Frap 84HP case that I was looking at but you still end up having to install a power supply as a module with that...what would you recommend to complement my 6U now? Would like to keep the same size (84HP roughly) as the 6U width-wise as it fits nicely in the space where I have my 6U/Hydrasynth/Beatstep Pro

-- JimHowell1970

i will test it out on monday

also think i will get the Doepfer A-115 think that will be very usefull in my setup

Thank you it’s a pleasure to work/play with.

Great rack
-- GarfieldModular

No debate there! I've been looking at this for a hot minute, and the only thing I would change here would be to move the Ears to the left end of the top row. That would make it less messy as zuggamasta's audio input line could come in from the left edge of the cab, instead of over the middle-top. But the rest...this is clearly an experimentation rig, and it's a damn good one!

-- Lugia

The ears is still in the middle from some earlier single row experiments. I’m currently using it as an overdrive anyway so it’s not to busy with external gear ✌️

Final decisions and purchases made to complete my Rackbrute 6U build (although is anything ever complete in modular?)

never...

For the last 10HP that I had available, I decided to go with Instruo Ts-L and Mutable Instruments Kinks

kinks is good but discontinued - wmd/ssf toolbox is good substitute - but 6hp - I'd prioritise this over new sound source - more utilities better than more sound sources imo!

I do see one modification coming and that is to replace the Ladik Gateable Slew Limiter with a Disting MK4 (which has the slew limiting functionality and of course much more)

I do have a question, I am considering moving the Rackbrute power supply to the lower right...but this is also where I currently have my Bastl Ciao quad line output....bad idea to have the power right next to the output like that? maybe I move power back to upper left corner and Ciao next to the Cosmix and Preamp and Warps comes down to lower right...

-- jb61264

no idea about rack wart... don't use them - waste of space if you ask me!!!

wouldn't bother with mk4 you have ex...

maybe in next case with next sound source!!!

EDITED Sep 25th 2021, 10:11

A row-lock, or better, a module-lock; but I suppose it's difficult to implement.

We would be interested in features that support the eurorack DIY community, such as: 1) a rating for the build difficulty for DIY modules, and 2) a link to a Mouser cart for DIY projects (could be community maintained, or maintained by the person who adds the module).

Final decisions and purchases made to complete my Rackbrute 6U build (although is anything ever complete in modular?)
For the last 10HP that I had available, I decided to go with Instruo Ts-L and Mutable Instruments Kinks
I do see one modification coming and that is to replace the Ladik Gateable Slew Limiter with a Disting MK4 (which has the slew limiting functionality and of course much more)

I do have a question, I am considering moving the Rackbrute power supply to the lower right...but this is also where I currently have my Bastl Ciao quad line output....bad idea to have the power right next to the output like that? maybe I move power back to upper left corner and Ciao next to the Cosmix and Preamp and Warps comes down to lower right...

Great rack
-- GarfieldModular

No debate there! I've been looking at this for a hot minute, and the only thing I would change here would be to move the Ears to the left end of the top row. That would make it less messy as zuggamasta's audio input line could come in from the left edge of the cab, instead of over the middle-top. But the rest...this is clearly an experimentation rig, and it's a damn good one!

:-)

hahahaha
just you wait

Thanks! It would be nice to not spend valuable hp on power. Unfortunately, I don't have room for 6U in my rack. My eurorack rig is just a small side project in an already full studio.