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Whoa, intense! Gave me a case confused robot head bobbing (in a good way)

This has a neat "alien fire drill" kind of thing going on. Very interesting

Really like the sinister mood! I've learned a lot watching those suggested systems vids.

Thanks Tumeni and Garfield, I appreciate the kind words! I definitely had a video game level in mind while working on this patch. As for the patch notes Akemie was the only voice from the modular -> Percall (VCA) -> VCF1 filter -> Disting (clockable delay mode B4). The real magic here is the looper pedal which I used to loop some notes from the Crave. I also played the Crave a bit live during recording. Because the loop pedal isn't sync'd to anything its temporal relationship is constantly shifting.

Thanks Lugia!
Yes, the hp factor and the aesthetic factor are certainly things to consider. The Mescaline is truly a beauty and I don’t like parting the modules even in Modulargrid. Still…
If I try my idea the Folktek modules would occupy 132 out of 336 hp and for now I’d be fine with that. If so, I would rack the Mental, Motion and Channel vertically in the 9U case, in their original order. Yes, this takes a lot away from the aesthetics (however I’m curious about if it wouldn’t make it easier patching between Motion and Channel - I think the original angle between them tend to make this quite finicky sometimes). And I may very well find that my idea won’t work at all.
The cable mess though – it’s already a reality to me. I’ve been patching the Mescaline with Ciat-Lonbarde and Lorre Mill gear from the start as well as syncing it with the Subharmonicon (and recently w eurorack) and my hopes and intentions were that having the Folktek modules mounted with the other modules would make the cable spaghetti a bit less messy (shorter patch cables would be required, the Duponts would be kept mostly to the right of the rack etc) … how do you avoid the worst mess with your different standalone units?
Edit: put it like this – mounting them in a rack I can’t see the functionality of the Folktek Mescaline modules being done actual harm, in the way rackmounting some semimodulars actually might take some of their intended possibilities away. Or am I mistaken here?

EDITED Jun 29th 2021, 08:49

Synth=Subharmonicon
Rain=Sv-1b
Meris Mercury7 reverb

Thank you very much!!

I more or less understand your concerns and points and I can see clearly the overall is focused in space, lucky for me, this is not a major problem, but I clearly understood the point. I need to say something on this matter, I literally don't have small hands, and it won't be fun play around with smalls nobs and cumbersome 2HP/4HP modules here and there. I had to decide for the small mixers as a way to get some extra space, but I am still thinking on it. But certainly you are right, I need to look for another OSC, I need two VCO for sure, but they can be smaller than the PitsM. I was already thinking about it.

I know the Z8000 is huge and it can't work alone, but I will paired with the Korg SQ-64. And I will definitely look the Hermod module, this is exactly the reason I opened this thread.

And, yes, I need to think more about the clocking system, but overall the SQ-64 will take care of everything externally, I didn't mean to build a stand-alone rack, I will use my external gear with it. The SQ-64 can handle almost everything regarding sequencing, quantizing, clocking, even step gating/clocking the Z8000 Clock inputs. But, you are certainly right, I need to think more on this.

About Clock system modules, what could be my best option, taking in consideration I can generate divider/multiplier clocks from the Expert Sleepers FH-2 module when needed too. I was thinking in something like the 4ms QDC, but it takes 22HP with its expander.

Thanks again, I appreciate it.

Edit: I expanded the rack to 416HP, to show the two Mantis is a fact.

EDITED Jun 29th 2021, 12:10

Lots of audio...but very little in the way of control or modulation. That's a huge stumbling block, as you NEED the control and mod modules in order to get the audio stuff to do what you want. If I were you, I'd go back and delete this, then majorly rethink the bottom row so that you finally do have the right mod/control complement.

Another point, also...the Z8000 and the Pitt Double Helix are hella huge. Taken together, they occupy 56 hp of the total 208, which is close to 1/4th of the entire build. I noticed that you don't have a problem with a second Mantis...which is good, because if you insist on using these, you're going to NEED that second cab. It's not just that they take up 56 hp, either...you also have to factor in ancillary modules for these. The Z8000, for example, has no quantizer onboard...so there's an extra module. Then you'll want some way to make the clocking more elaborate, which lets the Z8000 really get into complex behavior, especially with some Boolean logic onhand. So...yet more modules. Etc.

Instead of the "Buy another Mantis" option here, try and come up with ways to replicate the behavior you want in the build...but smaller, and with more onboard features. For example, the Squarp Hermod is only two hp smaller than the Z8000...but at the same time, the Hermod has EIGHT channels, MIDI interfacing, quantizing, and so on, which eliminates the space requirement for those ancillary modules.

One other point, also...don't assume that you're going to build a separate effects build, because you'll invariably find that you'll want the use of some of the "main" build's modules. It would make more sense to build up a single, unitized system that contains all of these features and then you can have numerous interrelated patches running FX and sound generation, sometimes even in sync with each other.

That would be me. And I wouldn't do this. For one thing, the observation about the module sizes is very significant...each one is 42 hp, and if you have a 2 x 84 cab, you'll fill 3/4ths of it with the Mescaline. I keep mine in the original stand/rack that Folktek came up with...partly because of the space issue, and partly because the Mescaline was intended as a stand-alone in the first place. And I also use mine with other devices, such as a 160 (soon to be 180) space AE system, a quartet of window comparators from FHC, and a couple of Bastl devices, the Softpop and bitRanger.

If I were to move this to a "proper" Eurorack cab, the interfacing would immediately become an issue. Consider: you would not only have the Dupont pinwires for patching the Mescaline, but some standard 3.5mm cables as well for the Eurorack implementation. This would get messy really quickly, to say nothing of being problematic for the Dupont connections as they tend to come loose far easier than Eurorack TS cables.

Besides, Arius Blaze DID intend these to also have an aesthetic component. Given that, my Mescaline is staying in its rack, where it looks cool and cryptic and mysterious.

Sure...have you had a look at ALM's Akemie's Castle? Also 4-op FM, but it has a much better panel layout that explains what's going on.

Also, there's a few decent librarian/editors for the old Yamaha devices. One of the better ones, which is also FREE (100% open source) is Ctrlr...have a look at what they offer at https://ctrlr.org/ Ctrlr's panels allow you to dive into the "guts" of numerous synths, and then to control those via the DAW or via Ctrlr's panels themselves. Since many of the older rack synths are sort of out of vogue right now, they're relatively easy to snag. Plus, Ctrlr has panels for synths that otherwise would be a total annoyance to use, such as the Roland JV1010. And, if you're used to some basic coding, you can whip up your OWN panel in it, with the aid of various SYSEX tables for the synths. No, it's not as comprehensive as a paid package like MIDI Quest, but it can hold its own with the more common instruments and processors out there.

Aha...remembered another one: SYNTHETIC MUSIC SYSTEMS, from the UK, started about 2001. These guys made patchables...but these patchables were assembled in sort of a modular method to build up a sizable system, all 100% rackmountable. I thought this was actually pretty snazzy some years back, but they also went in a different direction to what was coming down the pike at the time, and that probably contributed to their disappearance. Here's a site that looks back at 'em: https://www.cykong.com/Synths/SMS%20MARS+BOB/SMS-MARS+BOB.htm

Hi Molerat99,

That sounds almost like a soundtrack to me with some great ambient influence. Together with the video, I think you got a nice video jam here! For which movie was this soundtrack again? ;-)

Nicely done and I look forward in hearing & seeing more from you. Kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Wishbonebrewery,

Pity of the Roland SH-01, on the other hand interesting that you are getting soon a Mimeophon. Please let us know your experience with that one and hopefully a nice jam with it as well? :-)

I am still hesitating about the Mimeophon however perhaps with a jam from you demoing the Mimeophon, I am perhaps able to confirm I want one :-) Kind regards, Garfield.

A massive list of Black Eurorack Panels available @ www.audioparasites.com

Basically a quantizer with knobs that lets you set any step values?

Mimetic Digitalis: 16 steps, 4 (0-5v) CV channels.

For morphing cv I use MI Frames: 20 steps (frames), 4 (0-10v) CV channels. Morph using the knob or the cv input.

EDITED Jun 28th 2021, 23:40

[deleted]

EDITED Jul 8th 2021, 19:25

I started listening a while ago and I'm in the middle of Lockdown. So far it's been awesome. Can't wait to hear the rest! Was Lockdown recorded in one take as a live recording or are there overdubs of different parts. Just curious. Cheers.
-- TumeniKnobs

Hi there TumeniKnobs. Thanks for your comment. Glad you're enjoying it. Yes, Lockdown was recorded in one take - four mono tracks (if I remember rightly) into my DAW. There was some post-processing, with some panning and extra reverb. All of the tracks on the album are live except for the two with additional vocals by the current UK prime minister who I had to get in for the overdubs :)

Anybody care to compare FILThy to Popple?

Thank you all for the kind comments!

That's a great ambient atmosphere! Could have kept listening for a lot longer. Would love to see the patch notes on this.

I started listening a while ago and I'm in the middle of Lockdown. So far it's been awesome. Can't wait to hear the rest! Was Lockdown recorded in one take as a live recording or are there overdubs of different parts. Just curious. Cheers.

Hi!
I am trying to figure out my first rack, I am into most experimental sounds and messing around combining and dividing to get weird and crazy stuff, but sometimes get musical things out of it. I don't need percussions, nor bass lines oriented modules. I can always get another Tiptop 208 case, there is no pressure for space, not travel or mobile stuff.
I will use the Korg SQ-64 as the brain sequencer, clock and quantizer. The TR-8S as my drum machine and Behringer Model D for the bass line. In conclusion I just want a extremely focused noise mutable Lead sound rig. Apart for the 208HP, I want to build a 108HP mono/stereo effect rig. I have both of them Public, I will pay attention to all the experts ideas and helping comments if I ever get one.

Thanks in advance!
Regards.

Edit: Here is the second part of this rack with lot of changes:

EDITED Sep 22nd 2021, 22:51

To take a step back... what is it that you're hoping to achieve by expanding into Eurorack. You mentioned your Minibrute 2S. Are you looking to build on that semi-modular synth? From the modules I'm looking at, you've added a few that are popular in discussions. But I'm not noticing anything that feels like you're trying to build something with a purpose.

I don't want to tell you to do this or do that without a little more information. Talk it out. Do some soul searching. Are you at the point now where you want to explore? Is the MiniBrute meant to be the foundation or your system or just a convenient stepping off point? Don't feel intimidated or afraid to say "I don't know". "I don't know" really means "I don't know yet." Don't be afraid of that.

What do you want to get out of physically patching synth modules that you're not going to get out of a DAW or traditional self-contained synth?

For a starting set-up... you have a bit of redundant modules. You also have some that I would wait on purchasing.

Let's get started:
The Quadrax is a quad LFO generator. You also have the Zone BF which is a dual oscillator. I'd pick between one of the two. The Quadrax looks to have more features and more LFOs. The Zone BF is smaller. But for a starter set-up... I'd just pick one.
You can make the same argument with Veils vs. the Doepfer A-130. Having more LFOs or VCAs isn't a bad thing. But for the moment, you probably have too many.

I'd get rid of the X-Pan, the PICO sequencer, Ladiq sequencer, Quad Clock Distributor, and Sequential Switch. They aren't bad things to have. They just don't make sense for a case of this size or your level. Don't put money into them at the moment.

A couple of dedicated envelope generators would be nice. The Intellijel dual EG I would recommend. There are others. But I have wiggle time on the Intellijel.

A Pam's New Workout or a Temps Utile would cover clock and trigger sequencing. I would start with that. I believe the DFAM can take clock from PNW. The Analog Rythm has CV inputs. If they can take clock triggers from PNW then you are good to go with your two hardware instruments.

For your main sequencer, I'd do some soul searching. If you're worried about live sequencing, I would research the Make Noise Rene series and see if that works for you. A Nerd Sequencer or a custom built Weistlich Performer are also options if those types are more suited to your style. Again... it's personal style.

The Maths has two attenuverters built into it. Plus two more with slew limiters. You may want to get a couple of dedicated attenuverters as your system grows. Having a ton of open space in your case will let you move naturally to modules that are more to your future liking.

Adding in a multifunction module like an Expert Sleepers Disting EX will let you experiment with different functionality and act as a Swiss Army knife if you're missing something like a quantizer, reverb, delay, precision adder, etc.

If your mixer can handle the voltage levels from Eurorack, you should be okay. If not, you can buy a synth level to line level conversion module to help out.

Hi GarfieldModular, Thanks for taking the time to listen and comment. I didn't realize you would have to download the files, I thought the links opened in a new window or tab and streamed from there without having to download. I'll look into hosting elsewhere for future posts.

Hi Splendor, thanks for sharing!
Maybe this is a bit off topic but how do you like the ergonomics of the two RackBrutes? The lower part is laying flat on the table and the top part in an almost 90 degrees angle, if I see it correctly. Quite often I see „angled systems“, so I wonder if you had any issues with that (I‘m noob, so haven’t tried out myself).
Regards, C.

@nickgreenberg Haha yes I got a little carried away. Here is an updated one that is current. I have my case coming soon and the modules are slowly coming on. I can't contain my excitement at this point. Flux has not arrived yet and still waiting on it as well.

More to come soon!

Best
V

Hello, reasonably new user here. I’m in the process of building up a rack (see below)

https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_1614676.jpg

which consists of the modules seen in the screenshot (except the Doepfer dual qnt which I hope to get soon and cheap) plus a Moog Subharmonicon, Field kit Fx as well as an MS20 mini which I use as an external filter/mod source. The rack pictured is in reality a cre8audio nifty case + a Doepfer LC9 84 hp. That’s 3-6U more than I initially planned for, but as you can see, I consider using the extra hp/u to rack
Mount the three Folktek Mescaline modules. I wonder if anyone has tried this and which pros there may be with this way of setting up the Channel, Motion and Mental?
There’s a big con of course: the amount of hp used. Mental is a true space devouring monster that way. But I figure the ergonomics would be better with the Medcaline trio integrated. I’ve used them for about a year and find the original setup beautiful but a bit impractical – more so when using the Mescaline in sync with other modular/banana stuff.
Any Mescaline user there who’s willing to chime in on this matter?

Hi Gabor,

Ha, ha, yeah, this sounds like you had a lot of fun! :-) Nice interesting track from you. After this message, I am going to listen at it again, so much (sonic fun) to discover!

I think this is one of those tracks, the more you listen at them, the more you are going to appreciate it and after a while, you just can't let them go, you must hear it otherwise you are missing something :-) I love that!

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

Thanks Garfield, as always, for your kind feedback :)

Hi Lugia,

Yes, i am aware of the presence of FM (yamaha) sounds in their works.
I still believe that also a good amount of juno and jx (mostly 3) is there too.
I might give a try to the dx7 reface even if i am little bit scared of the programming part, which can be very time consuming.
If you have any other suggestions other then the humble audio quad operator, this would be very welcome.
Thanks
Ciao

Thanks Garfield,
you are always way too polite about all of the music on this forum :) :) Cheers

This was a fairly quick patch, letting Marbles control all the Pitches and using it as a modulation source, splitting the EvenVCO 3 ways into Clouds, Pico DSP and 2hp Verb. Playing Marbles live for more variation, then there is a lower bass note from the STO which is probably not quite in tune but its low enough not to notice. I used the feedback on the Stereo Delay on the Pico DSP as another texture, also I had a play with Clouds live too as a bit of a de-tuned breakdown.

I've just sold my Roland SH-01 and ordered a Mimeophon which I think will fit in with this sort of style of play nicely.

ELEKTOR FORMANT: modular system in kit format . I used to see some FORMANT systems in my pre-modular days and was
always mystified by their appearance.
"The Elector Formant modular synthesizer was designed by C. Chapman. The Formant was published in a series of articles in Elektor (in The Netherlands, Elektuur), and later as a book with a compilation of the articles."

While there's a lot of modules based on designs of the "classics", there's still a few old manufacturers out there that don't seem to have seen ANY reissue action. So, let's have a look at some of these...and maybe, just maybe, some developer might see fit to put some of these classics back into use.

WAVEMAKERS: http://wavemakers-synth.com/ Wavemakers was a small synth company that came out of the Ann Arbor scene and which only made a handful of systems. However, the sound of these is...well, sort of like what you'd expect from a West Coast synth that's being made to work in East Coast modes. They had an interesting format, also...both full and half-size modules, but implemented rather differently from the Moog half-size paradigm. Wavemakers made a number of modules that would fit here; just have a look at the site above.

TECHNOSAURUS: They came onto the scene perhaps a bit too early, but their designs were pretty amazing. Again, you see some West-meets-East Coast stuff going on here with their oversized modules. One that looked especially tasty was their Octal Subharmonic Oscillator. Technosaurus also offered some small tabletop boxes, too...the Microcon synth, Cyclodon sequencer, and Effexon multieffects box in addition to their Selector range of modules (http://www.vintagesynth.com/misc/selector.php). No website anymore, though...that got taken over by some domain squatter, apparently some time after they left the business.

POLYFUSION: While there's claims that these will "eventually" be reissued, that claim's been afoot for years now with no discernable action. Polyfusion was started by some ex-Moog guys in Buffalo, NY and gained a decent popularity in the 1970s for their modular line, with the most famous users probably being Toto. Much of the modules are similar to Moog ones, but with a different form factor and some improvements to the original designs. Interestingly, the original Polyfusion actually still exists, but these days they make industrial process/control systems and medical electronics. It's also worth noting that the still-not-really-operational "new" Polyfusion intends to offer modules in the standard MU format, and not the form factor developed by the original firm.

ARIES: Now, a few Aries designs HAVE been reproduced, notably by Nonlinearcircuits, but not very many. They were a New England-based firm that offered both kit and prebuilt gear, up to full systems. Much of these use fairly basic circuits, but a few things do stand out...and as a rule, these are ones that Nonlinearcircuits are reissuing. Aries modules are also very similar to...

DIGISOUND: A British kit company during the 1980s, the Digisound Series 80 modules offered modular functionality but the stability and goof-proofness of CEM chip topologies. Several makers are either reissuing these in Eurorack, such as Pharmasonic, and others are clearly influenced by the Digisound line. Probably their most notable module is the VCDO, a VCO which uses digital wavetables which can be scanned in banks or across ALL banks, by sending the wavetable selector pulses to shift wavetables. This is the origin, in a sense, of things such as the Blacet Miniwave, etc. Both Digisound and Aries used the same 5U form factor and power requirements, which explains why my Digisound 80 has an Aries Power Supply and output module.

SYNTON: The Fenix is still a highly regarded modular. But like Polyfusion, the parties responsible for the Fenix claim to be reissuing this "real soon now"...as in, probably not really ever. The Synton Fenix was a brilliant system with lots of sonic quirks all their own. It's worth noting, btw, that G-Storm released a VCF module based on the incredible Synton Syrinx formant filter, which is definitely one of the great performance filters...it begs to be tweaked! Synton sort of still exists, and they also seem to be the "umbrella" for Tinrs, but the links for the Fenix on their site just recurse back to the main page. http://synton.nl/

Anyone got more? Post 'em!

EDITED Jun 28th 2021, 02:32

It's not even close to being a pedal, in fact. I can see why someone would want to use it as a very spendy stompbox, but this Buchla stuff belongs where it belongs...not in pedals.

Effective VCA complements sort of REQUIRE different VCAs...since you can't really use an exponential (for audio, primarily) VCA to control modulation signal amplitudes. You've basically got those two types: linear, in which voltage relationships are maintained, and exponential, where the signal follows our psychoacoustic exponential hearing profile. Also, most of the latter tend to be AC-coupled and won't pass a signal below a certain frequency, generally in the subsonic range. Linear VCAs, though, tend to be DC-coupled, which allows modulation and other subsonic signals to be processed by the VCA.

Then there's the Veils and the Intellijel Quad VCA. These are DC-coupled...but have a curve control that lets them work on a smooth continuum between linear and exponential response. Far as I'm concerned, these (and designs based on the Veils topology) are the "standard" as long as you have the space for them. Now, you see me (and others) using the Happy Nerding 3xVCA for modulation VCAs...and these are perfect for that in terms of space needed (6 hp) vs amenities offered (three linear VCAs) as you probably won't use those for audio. So when you have an obvious application that requires something other than that sweepable curve, sure, use different VCAs.

Ol' Drex, hm? Well, lessee...

Amazingly enough, Drexciya (and some other Detroit producers from the same general period of time; Derrick May comes to mind immediately) actually used a good chunk of DIGITAL synths. One ubiquitous one would have to be the 4-op Yamaha FM synths, with the DX100 being popular there due to the ease of transport. The Korg M1 is also in there, too, as well as Casio's CZ-101.

When putting together Detroit-style tracks, it's important to remember that that scene utilized loads of "we pay you"-grade pawnshop and used gear due to the cheapness and ease of obtainability up into the mid-1990s. You see a similar situation in the Chicago scene as well, which is how the TB-303 wound up being a desirable track. When Larry Heard cooked up "Washing Machine" in 1987 with that little box, it succeeded because he used it "wrong"...not as a bass source, but for all of that squelching and weirdness, and this was still during the tail-end of the period where the TB-303 was considered to be Roland's most massive mistake up to that point.

Hi Wishbonebrewery,

That's a lovely video, it's a nice "by night" to watch video while listening to your live jam. Almost 21 minutes of sonic pleasure to close this weekend. I was worried that my Sunday would be yet another boring one, you prevented that of happening. This is what we need to finish off the weekend with :-)

I really enjoyed it and like to thank you for that! Kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Bleepadelic,

Quite amazing to get results like this with synths synthing themselves, he he, funny phrase too :-) Pitty that Ableton broke off your recording, would have been interesting to see (hear) how that would have continued.

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

Thanks for mentioning Makrow! It seems to be just the thing I wanted for connecting my expression pedal to control multiple things.

:)

That MSCL compressor looks pretty cool. Also, the Erica Drum Mixer has a nice sounding compressor too. That's on my list for mixing my modular drums.
I had initially tried to do everything in the rack too, but found that there were a lot of sounds I was going for that I just couldn't pull off effectively without expanding into some external hardware (and guitars, but that's another story).
Take care, and let us know if you crack the code of the Drexciya sound. :)

I ran into a problem rendering with Ableton for a bit where it would cut off the track before the end, so this has an abrupt ending. As usual for me it is all synths synthing themselves, no touch while recording, no post production.

Hi Farkas,

Thanks for your reply.

Actually i got a few roland boutique (jp, juno, sh) but i feel like i want to keep all mysetup in modules. I am actually selling them and replace with modules. For the juno i will try the soundforce whereas for the sh, i am not sure yet. I own few system500 modules and i can use it for now.
For the FM, humble audio quad operator is on my list at the moment.
I am not really interested in play poly chords on keyboard. I play the piano and i can have fun with them on my digital piano.
Modular poly are fine, as long as i get get the typical drexciya (rolandish) sounds. I will keep expoloring and see if somethgnice will came.
I am actually also thinking at what effects/compressori i could get for the drums (808). Typical drexcyia's 808 is very effcted/compressed. I am using a pico dsp at the moment. Thinking to go for happy nerding aid fax and a wmd mscl compressor.
Thanks,
Ciao!

This is not a pedal.
You can keep it, but it will be private from now on.

Best,

KNYST

Hi Garfield, ha ha. Sorry, didn't get the Latin Quarter reference at all. Funnily enough, the bass player to that band lives very close to where I do. I used to see him quite a lot at jam nights... he's a brilliant bassist.

Hi Gabor,

Ha, ha, yeah, this sounds like you had a lot of fun! :-) Nice interesting track from you. After this message, I am going to listen at it again, so much (sonic fun) to discover!

I think this is one of those tracks, the more you listen at them, the more you are going to appreciate it and after a while, you just can't let them go, you must hear it otherwise you are missing something :-) I love that!

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

Hi Cmb_,

Oh wow! This is some interesting stuff :-) To me it sounds like experimental, kind of (almost) orchestral and modern classical music. Nicely done!

I only listened to the first track. I will be honest with you, I am not very comfortable with downloading files (regarding possible security aspect), so I haven't listened to the other files. Not sure if I stand here alone in this matter, however for myself, I would appreciate if you can release your music on well-known sites so (from a security point of view) I would feel a bit more comfortable. Examples (but not exhaustive) are: soundcloud.com, bandcamp.com and youtube.com, naturally there are many more however these three are the ones you see most here I think.

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

Curious as to why the variety of VCAs…why wouldn’t you just use one type of VCA multiple times? For example, you have the 3X VCA and then also the Veils quad VCA in the top row…why not just two of the Veils? Is it for different functionality that some have vs others? Different sonics? Looks like the Tallin is also a VCA?

Well, I just love VCAs, and each one has a different quality. The HN VCA has attenuverters so they can be used for inverting envelopes and even AM synthesis, the Tallin has 3 kinds of distortion to choose from, and Veils has offset and linear/exponential controls. Besides audio, I also like to use them for control voltages and as switches in logic patches. You can never have too many VCAs!

I do have the Arturia mini brute 2 which I was thinking to mount to the 6U…second guessing myself as to whether I maybe should have gotten the 2S instead for the sequencing

If it's any consolidation, I had the MiniBrute 2S before I got my second Rackbrute, and I was always second guessing myself on whether I should have gotten the one with the keyboard :-D