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The RackBrute 3U and 6U cases are actually 89 HP wide, and if you replace the PS panel, you've got an extra 2 hp.
-- Vow3ll
I'll be darned if you're not right! :)
Today I received my Quadrax QX Expander after searching for one for the last 4-5 months. It was the last component I needed in order to fill out the top row of my Rackbrute 6U. With the rack on Modular Grid, what I had in place for the advertised 88HP fit perfectly, but after moving my modules around to match how I had it laid out on MG, there is 1HP gap at the end.

I wonder why they didn't just build ventilation into the side of the panel? even a smaller circular vent would have been very efficient I think. I don't know how effective a 1HP gap will be but I guess its better than nothing.

Hmmm...this could be yet another solution to passing DC to the amp, I think...

;-)
-- Lugia

It's not a bad module. But it really doesn't shine until you get the expansion module for it.

Pull the Turing Machine out of your case, put it back in the box (you save your boxes, right?), and try to forget about it.

If you don't bother with it for six months... you probably don't need it. If you keep eye-balling the box and thinking about what you might be able to get away with pulling to put the Turing Machine back in... I'd buy another case and create a larger system. :)

Added some potential future Modules on the shopping list:
Mutable Instruments Stages
Mutable Instruments Links

The plan is that Stages would become the modulation control center. So my main "controllers" then would be LL8, Muxlicer, Stages and the Tesseract Mixer.

Optional with either PICO Seq or Mimetic Digitalis for more control over the voices. I really enjoy the idea of a tiny Pico Seq where I would slowly programm in some bass lines or other pre made patterns that could then be further processed with a sequential switch. As the Pico has configurable gates and even glide.
The Mimetic Digitalis may not have those but would be able to configure to send Gates Via one of the four channels by entering either fully open or fully closed values. so that there would be also the possibility to program "chord progressions".

Now that I write the post the MD might be better for general experimentation... What would you reccomend and which other Sequencer should I consider?

(last recorded live stream of the current setup minus the kick all, which is still being soldered )

Hi - the thumbnail and the actual rack differ - I suspect the actual rack is the real one you want us to look at!

the biggest problem - as so often - is the lack of utility modules

I'd add a starter utility set of kinks, shades and veils:

kinks is discontinued - maybe in stores stilll - wmd/ssf toolbox is a good substitute

shades is useful for attenuversion, offset and mixing - all of which are incredibly useful

veils - you can never have too many vcas - cascading so also a mixer, lots of gain so can add overdrive, or work as an external input (or 4) and is variable between linear and exponential so suitable for all types of signal

This lil unit can do more than you can imagine, don't let it fool you. :)
-- ANTONIVS

My Mimaroglu variation :

Variation on a portable electroacoustic palette

-- Jihel

I like that you kept the whole white colored scheme. :)

It gives nightmares, be warned.

This lil unit can do more than you can imagine, don't let it fool you. :)

Christian,
I think a firmware update is necessary.

Cheers

+1 on Jim above...fact is, there's not really any such thing as "redundancy" in modular synthesis. If you have more than one of the same VCO, for example, you can detune one or two of them and the result is a massive, obesely fat sound.

As for the TM, it's still very useful. For one thing, it gives you (when fully implemented) multiple random sources that can be "captured" and looped when you find an interesting bit. And coupled with a few other modules (Ladik's Discriminator immediately comes to mind), you can use the TM to generate random gates depending on the CV outputs' direction of motion. Or you can fire those CVs into some comparators and create an array of random voltages to send gates elsewhere. And on and on...no, I wouldn't lose it, and it's definitely not "redundant". Lots of abuse potential in those TMs...
-- Lugia

Thanks, still pretty much a novice and haven't got into the more subtle and manipulative aspects of some of my modules yet. Not in a hurry to get rid. I've been adding a few new modules recently and the rack is almost full now. I don't intend getting a bigger rack and wondering if any of them could be moved on to make way for more useful ones. As you all know it's a never ending journey really and requirements change over time as you start to realise what your modules can or can't do.

I have a Pam's and it's nice but you can't change parameters easily without menu diving. You do have two CVs you can assign but it's still not "performable".

After starting out with a bunch of everything-and-the-kitchen-sync modules, I am slowly replacing those with singular function modules. Space in the case be damned.

The last module I added was an actual Turing Machine. :)
-- kokernutz
Thanks. I wanted the Pam's anyway for the master clock and multiple synched outputs. The Voltage block is great for adjusting parameters on the fly and can produce random sequences of different lengths similar to the Turing which is what makes me feel it might not be so useful now.

And coupled with a few other modules (Ladik's Discriminator immediately comes to mind), you can use the TM to generate random gates depending on the CV outputs' direction of motion.

Do you mean Ladik’s “Derivator”, rather than “Discriminator”? I can’t find the latter, but I have the former and it’s great for what you describe.

my first bigger rack ! lmk whatcha think

+1 on Jim above...fact is, there's not really any such thing as "redundancy" in modular synthesis. If you have more than one of the same VCO, for example, you can detune one or two of them and the result is a massive, obesely fat sound.

As for the TM, it's still very useful. For one thing, it gives you (when fully implemented) multiple random sources that can be "captured" and looped when you find an interesting bit. And coupled with a few other modules (Ladik's Discriminator immediately comes to mind), you can use the TM to generate random gates depending on the CV outputs' direction of motion. Or you can fire those CVs into some comparators and create an array of random voltages to send gates elsewhere. And on and on...no, I wouldn't lose it, and it's definitely not "redundant". Lots of abuse potential in those TMs...

Hmmm...this could be yet another solution to passing DC to the amp, I think...

;-)

I suspect that the reason for the blown speaker was DC passed through the Outs module. Simply because something has a balanced out doesn't mean that it'll block DC, and looking at Intellijel's docs on this, they mention nothing about isolation transformers...which IS how you block DC. But if you don't block it and push your amp and monitors really hard...well, this is what that looks like:

A better choice, which also kills ground loop issues, would be https://www.modulargrid.net/e/happy-nerding-isolator Stereo out, ganged level control, but behind the panel you've got transformers to balance the signal AND block DC. Plus, since you've got some "iron" in the signal path now, you can push the Isolator a bit harder and those transformers will add a touch of warm-up to the signal.

Hi Ryanthegecko,

Oh yes, nice dub track you got there :-) Between all the techno and other stuff that goes around here, I don't mind some more of your dub stuff :-)

Thanks a lot for sharing this with us and kind regards, Garfield.

I'm really enjoying both the sounds and the functionality of Brenso, but one should note that while the coarse tune and main modulation knobs are large and well-spaced, the attenuverters are small, and there are some very small switches for occasional use. Having all those attenuverters is really handy, though, and the layout and normalling is quite well thought-out.

Mat, hope I'm not overcomplicating the issue. A few more comments:

-- yes there are a lot of options as far as "complex OSCs" go. Some of them are closer to the original Buchla inspiration, some further. We should add Frap Brenso to the list already above.

-- it IS worth reviewing the manuals, faceplates, and demo videos to get a sense of how these are same and different. Also worth of note is the NORMALING of signals in the module is pretty important and IMO kind of hard to really wrap one's head around unless spending a bunch of hands on time with the module. Also, IMO it is a bit hard to learn these types of modules unless one has a handy oscilloscope / FFT analyzer (like DATA or an in-DAW option), or unless one is already super experienced. I certainly needed DATA to help get a grip on DPO.

-- what may make the situation SIMPLER is, a lot of the options are known to be very good options. DPO is a well known and well liked module, and there's a lot of enthusiasm around C-sl and Mindphaser. The other alternatives, I know less well, but I don't know of a "dud" among them. So if you just picked one you're most excited about (and can get your hands on when you want, as stocking can be an issue), then it may be hard to go wrong in this area

EDITED Sep 12th 2021, 22:11

If your system is connected to a DAW you may also tune it that way. I use Ableton Live and there's a tuner utility in there.

what is this concept of redundancy?
try thinking outside the box a bit - even if you don't use the TM for generating v/oct, it can be used as a modulation source - or as an extra v/oct source when you get another vco or for transposing another v/oct source (precision adder may be needed) etc etc etc

Dub is one of my favourite types of music, but I don't often make it. I had the idea that I'd try it with my modular system, and found it a lot of fun.

Ah ah great Jihel ^^
I'm sorry for these inconveniences, I can send you a well calibrated one 😉

I have a Pam's and it's nice but you can't change parameters easily without menu diving. You do have two CVs you can assign but it's still not "performable".

After starting out with a bunch of everything-and-the-kitchen-sync modules, I am slowly replacing those with singular function modules. Space in the case be damned.

The last module I added was an actual Turing Machine. :)

I bought one, but the silence is a bit saturated in the high frequencies.
Probably a calibration issue...

Loved it for random sequences etc but recently acquired a Pams New workout and a Malekko Voltage block. Also have Batumi 4x LFO and Disting mk 4 which between them can produce lot's of sequenced and random cv stuff. As I'm running out of space in my rack I am wondering if the Turing and the two expanders are worth keeping or pretty much redundant now. Am I missing something unique about it that the other stuff doesn't cover? Thanks for any advice.

That’s what I usually do is tune to middle and have both octave up and down, because it is normalled you can have 3 octave span. In a single input. I often patch these into a gated switch to further drive melodic sequences.

Im producing Dark Ambient ,try to search for dark ambient or ambient that should give you some ideas

any more info on the game?

That’s usually how I use it. I suppose you could tune to your preferred pitch on the center setting and have one octave up and one octave down for four different voices.

EDITED Sep 12th 2021, 10:38

looks nice but....does it switch only octaves up?

Thanks

Wow, that's great! Can you say a bit more about how you're using Marbles? It isn't clear to me if it's generating a pattern for the pitches or rhythm or....?
-- asleepwheel

It’s doing both, sending triggers from the left side and pitches from the right side !
It’s sending two quantized (pentatonic major if I recall) pitches and two triggers for the enveloppes for the blades osc and the verbos CO in a locked sequence, sequence that I modify by turning the bias knob of marbles. The bass is not sequenced but changed by wiggling a Stages fader, from a quantized pentatonic scale.

EDITED Sep 12th 2021, 13:05

I use Noise Engineering’s Quant Gemi for octave switching. Handy little module.

Wow thank you for all the kind words, I didn’t have the notifications! If you’re interested I have a SoundCloud where I put more elaborate songs (layers of modular recordings for instance).

https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/38xsiHGKcrBfT6Rc7

EDITED Sep 12th 2021, 10:21

Thanks,

Yes, noticed that.

Any suggestions? I was looking at the WMD Volt. Any other?

Thanks

Hello,

I'd like to know if, as users, we can add videos on the module description, and if it's allowed, how to proceed. Thank you !

Hello, the M303 is a very nice mpodule, if you plan to pair it with another VCO you'll need an octave switcher !

EDITED Sep 12th 2021, 09:26

Talking of heat, I think the Rackbrute case I bought had a problem, it got really hot and smelled like burning plastic and made the room stink. This ended up going back to the supplier who fit a new Power supply and sent it back. I'd lost faith in it by this point so left it boxed up and sold it on.
I'd never had a problem with my TipTop uZeus (x2) or my subsequent KonstantLab Power, I even found some of my modules ran cooler when NOT in the Rackbrute.

Hopefully this was a one-off and you'll have a good experience with Arturia.

Mat, a couple comments:

— if you are looking at DPO vs Verbos Complex vs Furthrr, may as well also consider Instruo Csl and Mindphaser. I personally love the “complex OSC” setup which is very west coast and to me a big change from what I experienced with lots of prior VST exposure. In other words I find that setup a breath of fresh air. DPO sounds great to me; the dual primary routing is very good and it has a fat warm musical sound to me. CSL a lot of people love but to me it sounds a lot thinner than DPO. Anyways there are some very strong modules in this set and it’s worth some good comparison and consideration. And whatever the spec sheets say, man DPO really sounds great to me…

— from the thread above I have to mention FSS Makrow and ADDAC 306 which are basically macro controllers in modular. I have a hunch 1,2,3 of those might be a great fit with your overall setup.

I’ll have to check out your videos!

Cheers,

Nicholas
-- nickgreenberg

Hi Nicholas,
Interested to read your comments about the complex oscillators out there. It's a tricky choice, because whichever one I choose is going to have such a major effect on the eventual sound. I really need to find a shop somewhere which has them all so I can play with each of them and see which floats my boat I guess. I like the look of the FSS Makrow and ADDAC 306, which would be great for transitions. Not sure what I'd take out though. I'm planning to pair the eventual case with a Make Noise 0-CNTRL or something similar to give me some hands on control.
Cheers,
Mat

well its all together, hard to understand it and blew a speaker all ready!

Mat, a couple comments:

— if you are looking at DPO vs Verbos Complex vs Furthrr, may as well also consider Instruo Csl and Mindphaser. I personally love the “complex OSC” setup which is very west coast and to me a big change from what I experienced with lots of prior VST exposure. In other words I find that setup a breath of fresh air. DPO sounds great to me; the dual primary routing is very good and it has a fat warm musical sound to me. CSL a lot of people love but to me it sounds a lot thinner than DPO. Anyways there are some very strong modules in this set and it’s worth some good comparison and consideration. And whatever the spec sheets say, man DPO really sounds great to me…

— from the thread above I have to mention FSS Makrow and ADDAC 306 which are basically macro controllers in modular. I have a hunch 1,2,3 of those might be a great fit with your overall setup.

I’ll have to check out your videos!

Cheers,

Nicholas

QQ: what level Furmann conditioner do you consider good? I find their product literature nearly useless; seems to me nearly the same marketing speak is applied to their $200 units up to their $3600 units—I can barely discern a functional difference.
-- nickgreenberg

Until you get into the EXTREMELY high end of Furman's power conditioner line, most everything gets handled by MOVs, which are there to filter voltage spikes...which are the REAL problem here. One good high voltage transient can do loads of damage, but lots of not-so-high voltage spikes will have the same cumulative effect as a rule. In here, I use a bunch of PL-8 and PL-8plus Furmans, in addition to some recently-added M-8Lx units.

And they can even protect against Stupid User Tricks...f'rinstance, I once had to plug in my Korg MS-20 (which normally has a 2-conductor power cord) "blind", as seeing the connector in that case would've required some physically-impossible contortions. Sure enough, one prong went into the "hot" leg, but the other was against the grounded Furman case. Switch on the Furman...and POP!!!

Did that fry the MS-20 (it should've)? Nope. Instead, one of the Furman's MOV's had popped and the MS-20 blew its P/S fuse due to the improper connection. That's what you WANT to happen! One annoying fuse change (which turned into a mod of putting the fuse receptacle on the back, next to the power cord) and replaced MOV later, and all was well once more. I should also note that the mods also included changing the power cord to a more sensible 3-prong, with the cord ground going to the chassis. This not only made the unit QUIETER (definitely a big deal in original AC-powered MS-20s) but it prevented the same cord insertion problem from happening again.

Hi Klodifokan,

Thanks a lot for the updates and extra info. Indeed, let's hope next year the modular meet and Superbooth are a bit further away from each other from a timing point of view. For me Brussels is not so far (few hours drive), much closer than Berlin (Superbooth), so I don't mind to come next year to Brussels and have a look :-) Thank you and kind regards, Garfield.

Arturia is probably stating that the width is 88 hp because they want some airflow around the edges of the module layout. This is a perfectly valid way to keep heat buildup in the cab from becoming a problem, as overheating can damage components (caps especially) over time, alter module calibrations, screw with tuning stability, and the like.

Metropolix with the gate expander is worth considering here too.

Hi,

Got two seeks which i am using with m303 and other roland-ish filters.
I am actually having fun but as you said the seek has some limitations.
I would love to buy a stepper but it's sold out everywhere and i was not able to find one.
I mailed a couple of time Transistor to know if they are planning to restock but i got no answers.
Anyone know if they will restock at some stage?
Thanks

Hi Garfield,

This year, the modular meet is very small.
Only 3 exhibitiors : Klavis, Joranalogue and Three Tom modular.
Because there is superbooth next week.

Maybe next year, if there are lot of people interested in this event, they'll organize something bigger.
Not just before superbooth of course.

Cheers

Merhaba!

Çok güzel... Looking forward to the Thru Zero VCO. Please keep us updated!

Hi,

I'll ask the organizer if he can communicate on MG next year.

And you can submite them a 404 second track.
For the moment I don't have anything to submite but I think about.

Cheers