All Posts

The big reason for not having important TRS connections is that, more than likely, you'll accidentally use a TRS cable that you need elsewhere, and then you'll have to hunt that down from inside the patch. Not fun!

Anyway, row three:

Without the EML Fuzz in place, this now lets me add a decent logic section which can be VERY useful for altering clock signals, as well as CV level "pick-offs" via the Derivator (reads CV and outputs gates based on CV movement) and the Min/Max. The Boolean voodoo happens in the Frequency Central Deep Thought, plus I dropped in a dual pulse delay so that you can "lag" a clock or two for the Boolean module to chew on as well. Given that there's a bunch of clocking and sequencers in the fourth row, this makes loads of sense.

I think Behringer has one in the works.
-- Ronin1973

And I have two of them, actually. They operate pretty much like the genuine article...which is why I have two, allowing me to eventually replicate a drum machine setup I was using back in the mid-1990s. And in case anyone's wondering, the RD-6's kick through a Rohde & Schwarz UBM (I've got two of these Stockhausen-endorsed slab-crackers!) will crack your wallboards! In short, pretty much as I remember the original, but with a few tweaks that actually make them a tad more versatile than the OG.

EDITED Sep 3rd 2021, 03:30

mog00 has the right idea here. Losing the Subby is a must, frankly, but we'll actually break this down so that you can see how it works...

Rackbrute 6U = $359 street w/ 171 hp available (you lose 5 hp due to the P/S).
Subharmonicon = $699 street, takes 60 hp.

359/171 = $2.10 per hp.
$2.10 x 60 = $126, so...

The Subharmonicon, if it stays in the Rackbrute, now costs $825 because of having to figure in the 60 hp it takes up when it uses this cab.

Eurorack cases really are intended for modules that have no power and no cab of their own. Yes, I know that some synthesists like the convenience of that "all-in-1" idea, but this rig is also too small to allow for something like the Subby to take up nearly 30% of the cab. Plus, if you "take apart" the Subharmonicon down to its "primitives", the resulting list of modules would probably not take up that same 60 hp space.

If you're interested in the sound of the E520, this track explores a variety of FX algos

Hi Igor,

Oh this is fantastic! Congratulations on your first solo album! Hopefully many will follow in the future :-)

Pity that I live in Germany, I am not daring to take the risk of shipping a vinyl over such large distance. Let's hope you are able soon to sell via Amazon.de too ;-)

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

Hi TumeniKnobs and Gworn,

Thank you both! Ha, ha, yeah, with this track I just couldn't control myself and used tons of effects. Being subtle is sometimes nice but doing the opposite is nice too! ;-) Kind regards, Garfield.

Hi TumeniKnobs,

Indeed beautifully done, how that sound of those cicadas fit so nicely into your music, weaved together as if they are one! Even that squadron of planes is really subtle and nicely merged into your track. When did you said your next concert is going to be here in Germany? ;-)

Can't wait for your next track, this is a real great treat, you made my Wednesday wonderful! Thank you very much and kind regards, Garfield.

Get a guitar tuner app for your iPhone/smartphone. Place it by a speaker or headphones. I can't think of anything cheaper than that.

I think Behringer has one in the works.

Well, the Mother-32 only has saw and pulse outputs on its oscillator as far as I have read. Also... it only has one oscillator. So you might consider integrating two stand-alone oscillators that can generate those as well as triangle and maybe sine. If you do that, you will probably want a small mixer to sum them as well. I'd want FULL oscillators capable of sync. There are so many choices out there that you'll have to decide what's the priority.

Eurorack effects that can be modulated might be nice. Again, there are so many..

I feel like a broken record... but a multi-function module might also be great if you're looking to explore new functionality. An Expert Sleepers Disting EX has a nice selection of functionality. If you find a function that you constantly use, then it might be prudent to buy a module dedicated to that functionality. For example if you're constantly using the quantizer, then you might want to buy a dedicated quantizer.

I would like to use my own color scheme for my patches - one colour per voice. I can achive this by clicking often to get some cables and take only the color I need at this time and erase the others. Picking up from your color palette would make this easier. But
making a screenshot seems to use allways the stackcable logic – color by lenght. It would be nice, if the same colors I see in the patch were used for the screenshot.

And finaly it would be great to have a text function similar to the knob marker, where you can write a text at any place. You can use this for example for documenting the channels of a mixer or a sequencer.

Those features plus the ability to update the firmware via SD card would be great. And yes, so raw, such power!

Hey I'm really a beginner, but I also started with semi-modular stuff then expanded their abilities with new module. Does the M32 have a sub oscillator? You could add one like this: take the square wave out and put it down in a clock divider (a cheap one). It's outputs will be sub octaves, they can then go through a Filter ( with two inputs even better) and a VCA. You'll also need Envelopes to control the VCA and Filter. For maximum fun just trigger your envelope with a different sequence to the M32's main voice. That way the pitch of your sub voice will be the same but the rhythm different. It might slide between notes or 'trill', but if you don't like that use a Sample and hold module.
Hope that's clear, good luck.

EDITED Sep 1st 2021, 19:04

Hi, there is a user contacted me for a module, he wanted me to make him a certain price, I did not accept and he put me a negative vote, I think it is not correct to be able to vote if you have not completed the transaction, thanks

EDITED Sep 1st 2021, 18:58

If you compute the cost/hp for any given case it just doesn't make sense (especially in a small system) to re-rack anything that already has a case and power (lots of discussions on here about that). I would consider swapping the two passive mults with a mutable links, you get a 1:3, 1:2 (sum or mult), and a 3:1 mixer in 4hp. If you need more passive mults consider getting stackable or those knuckle splitters.

There are many i/o modules, I happen to use the 4ms i/0 has both an input and output section (that supports headphones). I am assuming the two pico outputs is an oversight.

I also use the Joranalogue Fold 6 (great wave folder in 4hp). I am not familiar with the uTune, or the BBD, but I would consider replacing the BBD with an FX aid XL you get a lot more effects for the money and when you settle on which effect you use the most you can get a dedicated replacement for that algo and try more of the available options (once you expand to a bigger case and you will expand if you keep at it).

Hi Snarky. Considering the Subharmonicon already has a case and power, you could make space for the Morphagene (and more utilities, etc.) by leaving the Moog in its own case. That’s what I would recommend first.
Have fun and good luck!
-- farkas

Hi, thanks for the answer. I actually hadn’t even thought about that, maybe cause I’m so excited about getting new equipment without getting new wall warts. I was thinking of getting a DFAM eventually, so it would be cool to get a two tier Moog kit and use the existing rack and power supply.

A couple substitutions I’m considering: the Xaoc Zadar instead of the Quadrax, which saves some space and is actually less expensive. Or getting the Sarajewo instead of the BBD.

I guess when the time comes, I might also get a second RackBrute as a substitute for the MiniBrute… but I can shove these plans in the future. I can only afford one or two modules per month, so actually running out of space won’t happen all that soon.

I really love modular… it’s just a lot more hands-on than digital or software… It’s also annoying that, when buying the non-modular stuff, you always end up getting another sequencer you don’t need.

Cheers

Bought a Noise Engineering BIA & Erica Black Hole DSP 2 from @NSOTB, originally found his offers via eBay-k.

He ships fast, really nice & timely in communication!
I definitely recommend to purchase things from him and highly likely will do so myself as well.

Serge from Berlin

Thanks,

Looks sold out tho.

Thanks for the suggestions anyway

Hi Snarky. Considering the Subharmonicon already has a case and power, you could make space for the Morphagene (and more utilities, etc.) by leaving the Moog in its own case. That’s what I would recommend first.
Have fun and good luck!

pixel dust and ouch from omsonic come to mind

https://www.modulargrid.net/e/omsonic-omsonic-ouch
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/omsonic-pixel-dust

Hi,

Anyone is aware of any tr606 clones?

Thanks,
Ciao,
Matteo

thanks guys have both of these modules now added to my list

Hi Igor,

Great! Can't wait for your first solo album, please keep us updated about it :-) Kind regards, Garfield.
-- GarfieldModular

Hey, here it is: https://polarseasrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/still-life
Hope you will like it :)

Hi all!

My debut solo album is ready!
It is called "Still Life" and it will out in September on vinyl and digital via Polar Seas Recordings.
You can already listen two tracks and make a pre-order here:

Digital - https://yalivec.bandcamp.com
Vinyl - https://polarseasrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/still-life

Hi everybody,

I wanted to ask for a critique of my first attempt at planning a build. I ordered the case yesterday. I already own the subharmonicon and will be working on the bottom row first (Subharmonicon + effects). I am more likely to change around stuff on the top row. I was originally planning a morphagene, but am having trouble finding the space.

Goal of the system is recording experimental music, but live gigs would be great, too.

Some things I am considering getting last: the midi interface, since the subharmonicon and rample both have midi inputs and I have a Keystep Pro also. And Pam’s New Workout is cool, but I’ve already got several clocks. I am pairing the system with a Minibrute 2S, and sometimes use a Yahmaha Sy77 for things like chord progressions.

Link:

Cheers

Snarky

EDITED Sep 1st 2021, 06:42

@TumeniKnobs I wanna hear that!

Thanks @Gworn!

Beautiful! Really enjoyed this.

Really nice work! Enticing sounds. Awesome rig too

Thanks for sharing Garfield, I enjoy the spacey vibe. Nothing beats a good ping pong delay!

After getting the Mother 32 and DFAM for Christmas a few years ago, I've finally decided to delve deeper into modular synths. I got a few used modules, but I admittedly am lost on what else would work well with what I have. The Moog modules do so much of the heavy lifting that I kind of chose the other modules based on adding interesting elements on top of the Mother 32 and the DFAM. I enjoy creating experimental noise while still maintaining some rhythmic elements, which is why I thought Pamela's New Workout would be a nice option. I also use a few other synths as sound sources, so that's mostly covered (although suggestions are totally welcome!). I am open to literally anything that anyone thinks would beef up this rack

Hi Gworn,

Nice video! Great Werkstatt and modular jam, this gives me some appetite for the Werkstatt :-)
-- GarfieldModular

Great video! That thing does have that classic Moog tone. Mmmmm buttery!
-- TumeniKnobs

Thanks for listening! This is my first Moog and I was blown away by the sound in person. My behringer crave has the same filter design but a different oscillator, and the Werkstatt sounds much better for bass notes to my ear.

Lovely piece! The nature sounds and music blend really nicely

You guys have all been posting great tracks recently and I humbly submit some mellow ambient for your chill out time. This is the short version... ;-)

This was going to be just an ambient track with the sounds of a steamy, hot summer day as the base, however... a squadron of Warthogs (A-10 Thunderbolt) started doing laps over my house. It was race day in Indianapolis and they were getting ready to do their fly-by. I figured I'd just let the recording roll. There's almost no processing to that field recording, just a bit of reduced levels for the fly-bys because they were very loud.

There is a simple modular track with a slow sequence running into Plaits which is running into Bionic Lester using both filters, one is LPF and the other is the comb filter which makes cool glitchy sounds when freq is modulated. Beads is providing additional glitchiness with the Size knob being modulated. There's a track using a lovely pad on the Prophet Rev2 which, when the resonance is turned up, really does sound an awful lot like the sound of the cicadas, so I am riding the cutoff and resonance knobs for each pad swell. Since I'm slowly fading in the resonance you can barely tell it's not just more cicadas. There's also a track from the Subsequent37 adding some high end swells with fast warbling. Then there is a pulsing bass sequence provided by the Moog Taurus Pedals. I am using my foot to ride the cutoff up and down manually (pedally?). The chirping you hear is a Northern Cardinal . :-)

Cheers

I have this cranked in my studio right now and this section from about the 2:00 mark sounds fantastic. You know I love lots of delay and reverb (who doesn't?), and the effect is great between my monitors. :-)

Funky, would love to hear another acid line over the top of that :)
-- wishbonebrewery

I was just cranking a preset called Acid Wiggler on my Subsequent 37 over the top of this and it sounded awesome. Nice track!

Hi! This is V2 of my next potential build. The focus of this build is around ergonomics and a huge emphasis on analog synthesis. What can't be removed is primarily in the OSC section and the MIDI section

OSC requirements
- TZ VCO w/ wavefold
- dual syncable analog VCOs
Voice additions
- Ring Mod and polarized mixing (for multiple waveforms and subtractive/inverted mixing)
- Logic and Clock Division ( for sub octave creation and gate length PWM from unorthodox waveforms like folded TZFM )

I'm a huge fan of LPGs and creative mixing that doesn't require a standard format similar to the StereoMix or an external Mixer. However the end-point in my mixer set-up has a bluetooth option which I'm all about and am a huge proponent of the advancement of BT tech and the convenience it brings to music as a whole.

As for the MIDI requirement, the Michigan Synthworks mBranes is perfect cost-effective and size-effective arp and midi->CV conversion that can use the WIDI module format. I've talked directly with MSW on this mod and it's nice to know they use the same tools to sequence off their phones, or from their DAW, or any other BT sequencing solutions.

It's important to note that this build has been built from the suggestions of those in the forums and from the immensely helpful community here on Modulargrid. I'm sorry I can't name all of you, but I want to share my gratitude for you and the benevolence and philanthropy of this community. You all rock and help the world feel less like an obstacle and more like a home.

Great video! That thing does have that classic Moog tone. Mmmmm buttery!

You absolutely ROCK! I love your input and your revisions as they 1) introduced me to modules I wasn't aware of 2) you understood the applications of the modules I had previously used and the ergonomics suggested by their selection. Seriously thank you so much.

Hi Gworn,

Nice video! Great Werkstatt and modular jam, this gives me some appetite for the Werkstatt :-)

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

Hi Steve,

Great nice little track. I am going to hit the play button another 5 times to get me the 17+ minutes ;-)

It has a nice lively feeling to it, as if this was taking from a live jam, was it? Great work and kind regards, Garfield.

First revision:
3 Songs.

Nice! That was the exact perfect length to make me want to play it again. Well done.

I'm looking forward to hearing some of your more refined work too 🧐🧐 don't keep us waiting
-- troux

Don't hold your breath. Haha.
If I can stop being lazy and buying modules, maybe I'll finish something more substantial over the winter. I've been working on structure and songwriting, but I don't know that anything will ever see the light of day. :)

Funky, would love to hear another acid line over the top of that :)

Cheers :)

Agreed with @farkas, lovely journey here, if only I could get sounds like these out of my Chainsaw!

Thank you so much, Lugia! I am going to chuck the RML Fuzz into my original case and I can use it from there if I really need it. So if you have a suggested use for the space, I am all ears. I had gotten it so my daughter could pump her guitar into it and have some fun. I am not sure what will eventually fill that space. I appreciate your advice on all of this. A bunch of the Erica modules I picked up used early in my journey, someone sold them all as a group and the price was hard to pass up. I can sell them and not lose any money. I hadn't considered a bunch of the modules you have laid out, but I will be setting some alerts to pick most of them up. I have been looking for a Quadrax for some time. Damn chip shortages.
I am going to start rearranging things this week.
I love this case. I picked it up used, at basically half price. The utility row is very helpful and I am doing lots of experiments to learn how to best use it. The mixers with OR, AND and INV are super helpful as are the buffered mults.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to help me with this.

EDIT: Is there a risk to using TRS cables? Just curious, I hadn't really thought much about it. I was using the Cockpit 2 "mixer" to pull in a few stereo sources outside the rack and add them to mono modular voices.

EDITED Aug 31st 2021, 03:16

Nice to see some new music from you @farkas. It sounds totally different but I got some Studio - West Coast vibes on this around the middle, fun stuff. That said... I'm looking forward to hearing some of your more refined work too 🧐🧐 don't keep us waiting