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First run of my Eurorack modular synthesizer.
Sounds by Benjolin, Orgone Accumulator, and Sound scaper.
Modulations by Triple Sloth, and Vortex Generator.
Reverbs and delays by Clouds, and Z5000.
(album deleted)

EDITED Jul 5th 2021, 07:08

Hi,

I am building up a dedicated case for the drum modules. It hosts the drums, effects and a 6 ch mixer. I drive it via an 8 track sequencer.
Now, i was wondering what could be the best solution to patch everything so that i can just switch some cables if i want to swap some sounds or effects without having to unpatch/repatch everything.
Usually, in the past, i would have used some patchbays to do that.
The only module i come with is https://www.modulargrid.net/e/addac-system-addac911 but it's 1u and i don't have a case to host it.
Anyone has some suggestions?
thanks
regards,
Matteo

Hi,

If you would nominate some modules whit a 'Roland' sound, which ones you would go for?
I really like the Roland sound and in the past i've been owning many of their synths, sh*, jupiter 4/6/8, system 100, few junos and jx's.

I now own only a few modules of the system 500 series, which i like.

I was wondering, any other modules which could have the characteristic Roland sound? If so, which ones?

Thanks,
Regards

Thank you for the detailed explanation! There are so many ways to get a mixing setup in eurorack, it amazes me every time!

A live set would be lovely, but what ever floats your boat 😉

It's actually more doable than you might think. Remember, back in the interstice between disco and rave (ie: 1979-86), there was actually a great deal of crossover there, and as the rave scene got up some momentum into the early 1990s, you still had that going on to some extent. And even if you go back to the beginnings of industrial, you had proto-techno there as well; a couple of good suggestions for reference would be Throbbing Gristle's "AB7A" () or Cabaret Voltaire's "Do Right" (). Check all the swirly, slushy whirling going on in the first track, and you'll see what I mean on a very simple level (and yes, there ARE even deeper things along those lines).

The big question I have at this point, though, is what sort of cab should this go in? The form factor here is 2 x 104...but there's a power supply there, while the most commonly-used 2 x 104 is Tiptop's Mantis...which is already powered and doesn't need this.

Decided to have a bash at this, then got a surprise when checking the rack values. The Arturia Rackbrute 6U isn't 89 hp wide, it's 88. See the page at Arturia's site here: https://www.arturia.com/products/hardware-synths/rackbrute-6u/overview The copy there states that the cab has 176 hp totalled (including the 5 hp taken up by the P/S), which is 2 x 88. I already had a build completed in the original cab, then had to go back and change several things. Nevertheless, this came out pretty good, I think.

I opted to fill out the cab with a proper build. In the process, you'll find that several modules from the original version are now missing. And much of the trouble stemmed from the module sizes vs. functionality issue that always rears its head in smaller cabs. This is a pretty common problem, inasmuch as users want their builds to do everything imaginable...but they want that in something small, like this. So the automatic response I (and others here) have is to eject modules from these that just don't offer enough functionality for their size; this is what happened to the Contour, in fact, since it makes little sense to occupy 8 hp with just ONE envelope generator when 8 hp = 11% of a row in a Rackbrute. That's a poor use of space. Anyway...

The top row contains all of the audio, the modulation/control is on the bottom, flow in the top row is left-to-right, with the modulation and control modules feeding their signals from below.

Top row: There are now TWO Plaits. When doing a build, you really need a PAIR of oscillators. For one thing, it's a quick and dirty way to get two voices. But more often, you'll want to use these together for detunings, adding different waveforms, etc. The thing in between them is an Erica PICO ring modulator, which has its own internal sine generator, making it easy to apply ring modulation without resorting to using the other Plaits merely for a carrier. After this is a Zlob Vinucvrsal VCA, which gives you six linear, DC-coupled VCAs that can be broken out separately (which is what the configuration here is potentially set up for, if needed) for panning. And you don't necessarily have to use all six for audio; you can just as easily break out one or two of the VCAs from the module's internal mixbus if you need an extra or two for modulation levels (even though the mod row has two VCAs of its own...always best to have extra VCAs). Post-VCAs, you can see an Omsonic panning module with six inputs, and a stereo pair out. This lets you set up stereo placement for your signals pre-VCF.

The VCF is a stereo state-variable from Olivella that I've been a bit impressed with as of late. It contains an internal stereo "spatializer" as well, which can allow you to CV-control width, which can go from hardpanned L-R, to mono, to an inverse channelization (ie: R-L from an L-R input). After that is another VCA pair, a dual VCA from After Later based on the Veils circuit topology. Then there's your Typhoon, and after that is a very neat output module that also contains a second ganged stereo input...so if you want to shift back and forth between a signal processed via the Typhoon, then to just the VCF's outputs (or anything in between) as desired. It's also got your headphone preamp, plus your ganged stereo output level, and transformer isolation on the 1/4" outs to keep DC out of your system AND to help reduce noise, crud, and ground loops. And as a fringe benefit, you can even hit the transformers a little bit hard and get some nice "big iron" saturation for a touch of warmth.

Bottom row: Went all in on the MIDI interface and put in an Expert Sleepers FH-2, which can handle MIDI via USB from either your DAW or a class-compliant controller...so if you've got a Keystep or such laying around, you can tie it in right there. Then Pam's, Kinks (dropped the Links...the build's too small for mults, so I'd suggest using inline passive "widgets" instead)...and then this weird as hell thing from Clank that is a SIX CHANNEL "Aleatoric Brain". Think the "Turing Machine" sequencer on 'roids, with a wacky joystick interface, and the ability to store and loop various fragments, etc resulting from using it. Best to look this one up to see all of the mayhem it can cause. Disting EX is next, situated near the middle for convenience, then an Eowave Zone B.F. mkii gives you a pair of syncable wavetable LFOs. After that, the amazing 20 hp that is Maths, which is one of those exceptions to the "keep it small" rubric. It's that useful, really. Following Maths, you then have a Frap 321 for tampering with modulation signal behavior in a number of ways, and another After Later dual VCA specifically for modulation control duties. Then for four envelopes, a Xaoc Zadar + the Nin expander.

This isn't too bad. It'll make for a more-than-ample starter modular, plus it also has the ability to work with chance-determined melodic patterns (and a lot of other stuff) via the Clank Chaos. 2 x 104 would've made for a better fit, admittedly, but I think this 2 x 88 came out pretty decent.

This is crazy but I kinda want a ambient making machine but also a techno industrial machine wrapped into one. What suggestions does anyone have with this current setup

Hi Mod Life Crisis,

Oh yes, a complete album made by you! I am struggling with writing yet another review report however by listening at your album suddenly this work becomes more pleasantly. Once and a while I can't work on the review report because your music needs my attention :-)

Which module did you use for that robot voice?

In a few tracks I recognise here and there bits of Latin Quarter ;-) I love that kind of yelling sound in "I Struggle To See", nicely done!

Great album and I continue to listen at it, I want to hear all of it! Thank you very much for sharing this and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Bleepadelic,

He, he, yes that raspy mosquito drone type of sound is a nice one! And that low frequency whump sound, oh yes! Lovely :-)

Very interesting jam, so interesting that I just can't wait for your next release! :-)

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

Hi Nokulture,

Oh wow, this is great! So nice to listen at, somehow relaxing yet intriguing. A track like this could go on for me for ages, wouldn't mind at all :-)

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

Hi @andrew0 !

My $0.02 - I've only been doing modular for a little over two years now, it's been great fun and I have several of the modules you have here (Links, Plaits, Tides, Veils and Pam's, plus Clouds (Typhoon)) plus a Disting MK4. I still consider myself a beginner because I just haven't spent the time with the modules I have to learn them enough to do them justice, so take this with a grain of salt.

Links is a good utility module, I've never owned anything but so can't say much about it. I do love the LMNTL splitter "asterisks" you can get from Perfect Circuit but not sure if there's a quality difference (probably). As with all the MI stuff, I'd recommend checking it out on VCV Rack first to see if it really inspires you. For me, Tides has been the one that I've used the most, and partially because I've read the manual over like 10 times, no exaggeration.

I'd definitely recommend checking out the EX over the MK4. MK4 does a ton of things but I rarely use it because I have to RTFM every single time I want to try to use it. I'm planning to trade mine in for an EX eventually as I think it will be more user friendly.

Also, if you're c0ming from MIDI (as I did), something like uMIDI is key. I haven't worked with the MIDI expanders for Pam's or the Disting MK4 but probably worth researching.

Whatever you do, enjoy the process!

Cheers,

-loops

May I ask how you are mixing your sound on this? is it "only" with the VCAs and then straight to the 2x3 µmix?
-- zuggamasta

I use the Veils as a voltage controlled mixer, and the combined output goes to one of the various effects modules, or to the Retroverb. The output of that goes into the Links and/or A-138u (depending on whether I'm doing stereo stuff). From there it goes to the HN Isolator, which has the most impressive output transformers I've ever seen in an output module! Its balanced TRS outputs go through two custom-made cables to Mackie's Big Knob (custom made to short the ring and the sleeve, because the Big Knob does not support balanced input...) and from there I can select whether it goes to the monitors or to the headphone amplifier.

The custom-made cables are actually Y-cables that mult the signal and send it to a PCIe audio interface (ESI MAYA44 eX) so I can record it using Audacity. The Big Knob allows me to switch the audio source to the output of the audio interface so I can listen to the recording (and watch movies). It completely eliminates the need for a mixing desk, and it's completely passive too!

I have never given a live performance but I'm practicing for one. When I'm on location, I'll plug the Isolator's output straight into front of house and let the mixing engineers be amazed by the quality of my signal 😎

EDITED Jun 25th 2021, 18:06

No touch, no post production. Pitttsburgh Modular Sv-1b, Moog Subharmonicon, Eowave Titan through a Doepfer Wasp Filter, are the main voices.

The Sv-1b is the bubbling and most, I think it might be all, of the other mid frequency sounds.
The Titan through the Wasp is the raspy mosquito drone type of sound. Not drone as in synth but drone as in quad copter.
The Subharmonicon is the low frequency whump.
The sort of shot that rings out is a Minibrute.
Reverb is a Meris Mercury7

Very nice track!

You probably won't need Scales with the quantizing abilities of the Disting and Bloom. I may be wrong but I think a recent update to Pam's New Workout also has some quantizing capabilities. Maybe someone else could chime in on that.
-- farkas

The Disting can run as a quantizer. The Disting EX can run as virtually two Disting Mk4s... so it can juggle quantizing and still be capable of offering another function.

I own a micro Ornaments and Crime. I like it for quantizing. I think with a Disting EX,an O_C, and the Pam's, you'd be very covered in possibilities.

You probably won't need Scales with the quantizing abilities of the Disting and Bloom. I may be wrong but I think a recent update to Pam's New Workout also has some quantizing capabilities. Maybe someone else could chime in on that.

So I've made some changes to the rack. Layout isn't final but anyone reading please let me know your thoughts on my current selection of modules:

I've ditched MN Morphagene (for now) and added Typhoon back in, along with finding room for a Disting EX, and uMIDI. This should for more modulation possibilities as well as allow my Digitone & Octatrack to play along with the Rack and possibly send LFOs over MIDI into the Rack if needed.

@JimHowell thanks for the recommendation! Will check that out.

Hmmm...it occurs to me that you could also arrive at a "matrix-ish" result with a Frap 321 in place of the Shades. The fit's the same, too. Not a "true" matrix, sure, but it's in the general ballpark.
-- Lugia

isn't it just 3 utility mixers that feed 3 3-way passive mults (that can chain) ? so nothing like a matrix mixer

Hi everyone

I'm planning to finally get into modular. What i want to build is a generative system but i also want to be able to control the synth via a DAW if needed.

generative music which changes over time randomly? I would look at marbles and bloom - probably marbles is better as a starter 'generative sequencer'

My thoughts:

VCOs:
I'm pretty sure i want to go with Plaits to be flexible and the Behringer 112 VCO because i love the sound and it gives me 2 Oscillators.

Plaits is a decent starter vco - I'd look around a bit more for an analog osc though - there are many many out there (mostly more expensive than the behriinger, but definitelly worth checking out - especially as the behringer is so big

Filters:
Behringer 121 seems like a good choice for me.

Modulators:
I put Maths in because from what I understand it's good to have in a generative setting.

Maths is great in any setting - google the 'maths illustrated supplement' and work your way through it a good few times - it will help your understanding of modular immensely

The Behringer 140 seems like a good choice because it gives me 2 envelopes and an LFO.

if you say so - again there are many more interesting options - given that maths is a cycling envelope generator (ie an lfo) then this may be superfluous, at least to start with - especially with...

I'm pretty sure I need some sort of Clock generator and Clock Modulator. Is Pamelas New Workout a good choice here?

Pam's is great - screen is meh - but really useful for providing all sorts of clock functions and modulation options - unipolar oonly though

Sequencer:
I'm a bit torn between Melodicer and MakeNoise Rene. Am I right that i can do a lot of similar things with the two? Do I need a Sequencer?

No you don't need a sequencer - but you do need a way to play - pick one or more of - midi, sequencer - and there are lots of different types of sequencer, dc-coupled audio interface to send cv to/from rack/daw (es9 for example), complex modulation sources lots of utilities and a quantizer, or a vc/gate keyboard (which may be the only time you really need an adsr envelope)

I'd go for either midi (keep the module small 8hp?) /es8 and some kind of turing machine based sequencer, such as Marbles, which is kind of a triple turing machine with built in quantization

Effects:
PicoDSP seems like a good choice because it doesn't use a lot of space.

fx aid is similar, but you can choose the algorithms - I personally like the xl due to better ergonomics and more modulation points

Beads (not sure i should count this as an effect) seems very interesting for pads.

unless you already own beads it's unlikely that you will find one before next year, due to mi production schedule and global parts shortages

Utilities:
What do I need here? I've added some multiples and the pico Quant and some logic gates but i'm very unsure if that is sufficient or even needed...
-- cryforhelp

if you use midi/dc coupled interface from daw or most sequencers , a quantizer in this size case is pointless (both sources will probably be quantized already)

a good utility starter set is links, kinks, shades and veils - or other modules that cover the same ground - this will give you a taste of a lot of things and be incredibly useful - btw kinks is discontinued - so buy one quick whilst stocks last -- and they may last you a long time - most of these were in my first batch of modules and still get used constantly after 4 years and 1500hp

I would dump the behringer quad vca - it is too big and doesn't have enough channels - get veils or the intellijel quad instead - both of which can also be used as external input modules (due to them being actual amplifiers instead of voltage controlled attenuators)

a good rule of thumb that seems to scale well from a single voice to many voices is:

sound sources < sound modifiers < modulation sources < utilities

buy some stackcables for passive multing

go slowly - buy the minimum you think you need

sound source, sound modifier, modulation source, some utilities, a way to pay and a way to listen - btw, how are you planning on mixing and listening to this???

there's a decent sell/trade thread on modwiggler.com too

I love that black spot of just Doepfer jack inputs, its even visible on your photo.
May I ask how you are mixing your sound on this? is it "only" with the VCAs and then straight to the 2x3 µmix?

Congratulations on your great setup, I also did listen today for a while, sounds crisp! ;)

Complex analog oscillators... the modulation possibilities. An analog oscillator isn't subtractive. They can be used in subtractive set-ups and usually are. But subtractive synthesis means you're removing frequencies to shape your sound... not the source of the sound. Check out some Youtube videos using the Rubicon 2... or the Make Noise DPO. They are analog but can produce a lot more than your simple waveforms. Take note of the modulation possibilities both in and out of an oscillator. Some oscillators can be run at LFO rates... there's also something to be said about audio rate modulation (using the oscillator as a modulation source rather than sound).

A preference for digital oscillators is perfectly fine. But something with more modulation inputs than Plaits. You don't have to ditch Plaits. It's perfectly useful and will continue to serve in larger set-ups. Noise Engineering makes some very nice digital modules. But I'd go with the bigger NE units rather than the 12HP smaller ones... much more modulation inputs...

There isn't a good source for second hand modules. You pay your money and take your chances. Dealers will want more money. But the reputable ones won't sell broken gear or steal your money. Doing business with an individual means taking more risks and paying less. This website has a buy/sell section. You will also find modular synth buy/sell groups on Facebook.

-- Ronin1973

Thanks for explaining. I had forgotten about Complex Oscillators and assumed the basic stuff which you basically have to use filters with if you want to get anywhere. I've used Complex Oscillators "in the box" and I do agree they are fascinating. Thank you for recommending Rubicon + DPO. Will check those out.

Thanks for the info on second hand modules. I'll look around and see if anything is going in my area. Fortunately I live in an area which has a modular synth shop nearby so I am planning to pay them a visit and try some of these modules out to see if this set up i'm planning makes sense for my musical needs.

What I did with Beads on my rug after a couple of glasses of wine. Keep exploring. :)

Hey Ronin, thanks for your input. I've switched back and forth between Disting mk4 vs EX just due to the size difference. I'll reconsider the EX.

Whats your argument for analog oscillators? I'm not sure thats the direction I necessarily want to go in & I'm not particularly interested in subtractive synthesis at this time. In terms of having more options for a given voice, I've wondered if picking an MI Rings instead of Plaits might be more fruitful but at the moment Plaits is appealing just due to the number of options you have for a digital voice. I'm open to hearing more of your thoughts though.

I agree with you regarding the modulation sources. I think its why I want to get a MN Maths at some point (maybe even now) because its so useful. But it's a big module and I wanted to keep myself limited as much as possible to 3U if I could.

Also, do either of you know good places to pick up used / 2nd hand modules?
-- andrew0

Complex analog oscillators... the modulation possibilities. An analog oscillator isn't subtractive. They can be used in subtractive set-ups and usually are. But subtractive synthesis means you're removing frequencies to shape your sound... not the source of the sound. Check out some Youtube videos using the Rubicon 2... or the Make Noise DPO. They are analog but can produce a lot more than your simple waveforms. Take note of the modulation possibilities both in and out of an oscillator. Some oscillators can be run at LFO rates... there's also something to be said about audio rate modulation (using the oscillator as a modulation source rather than sound).

A preference for digital oscillators is perfectly fine. But something with more modulation inputs than Plaits. You don't have to ditch Plaits. It's perfectly useful and will continue to serve in larger set-ups. Noise Engineering makes some very nice digital modules. But I'd go with the bigger NE units rather than the 12HP smaller ones... much more modulation inputs...

There isn't a good source for second hand modules. You pay your money and take your chances. Dealers will want more money. But the reputable ones won't sell broken gear or steal your money. Doing business with an individual means taking more risks and paying less. This website has a buy/sell section. You will also find modular synth buy/sell groups on Facebook.

Hey Ronin, thanks for your input. I've switched back and forth between Disting mk4 vs EX just due to the size difference. I'll reconsider the EX.

Whats your argument for analog oscillators? I'm not sure thats the direction I necessarily want to go in & I'm not particularly interested in subtractive synthesis at this time. In terms of having more options for a given voice, I've wondered if picking an MI Rings instead of Plaits might be more fruitful but at the moment Plaits is appealing just due to the number of options you have for a digital voice. I'm open to hearing more of your thoughts though.

I agree with you regarding the modulation sources. I think its why I want to get a MN Maths at some point (maybe even now) because its so useful. But it's a big module and I wanted to keep myself limited as much as possible to 3U if I could.

Also, do either of you know good places to pick up used / 2nd hand modules?

To pick ONE module to add next...

I would pick a multifunction module: Disting EX, Ornaments & Crime, etc.

A small sequencer would also be nice, like a Noise Engineering Mimitec Digitalis. Search Youtube for Ricky Tinez. He uses one a lot in his small set-up. I'd recommend watching his videos relating to skiff sized set-ups...

You mean you can't put together that mega ambient/generative build in 104HP with zero time or knowledge invested. :)

It's lover-ly :)

In modular, all of the things that you take for granted in a typical synthesizer must be thought out.

Mixers are a must as far as utilities. Simple mixers are great for summing together multiple oscillators or multiple CV signals together. The more complex, audio mixers are great for routing. Both are part of a well balanced set-up.

Generative set-ups aren't beginner friendly (truly generative set-ups). It's something to strive towards... but only after some hands-on experience. Right now, you're shooting in the dark and I don't think generative means what you think it means.

Define "need" as far as a sequencer. :)

Your rack is tiny and you're populating it with large modules like the Vermona and Maths. I would buy a bigger case and leave 1/3rd of it unpopulated. I'd ditch the Vermona and find something smaller and simpler. I'd also ditch the Pico DSP and go for an Expert Sleeper Disting EX... more space... but you'll get more mileage out of it in a small set-up.

Any gifted module should be worn proudly like a badge... especially from someone outside of modular synthesis. :)

I'm looking at your set-up and thinking you'll be able to do some useful things. As far as oscillators... this is okay for a start. I'm not criticizing your choices. But recognizing that every initial set-up has limits of budget/space. Kudos for leaving lots of room for expansion.

A multi-mode filter and dedicated LFO wouldn't be a bad idea for this set-up WHEN there's budget for it. The filter should be the type able to self-oscillate (they can be used as simple oscillators in addition to filtering). The LFO should have CV controls allow it to reset, sync, and even modulate frequency. Multiple LFOs on one module would be nice.

The Braids/Plaits line is pretty vanilla in terms of what you can do with them. When expanding your rack, I would add a couple of full analog oscillators to the mix. Be sure they have plenty of points for modulation. I bought an Intellijel Rubicon II. I'm not telling you to get that... but that's the level of complexity I'd go for.

The BIG thing I can tell you to do is to swap out the Expert Sleepers Disting Mk4 for the Disting EX. It's a little bit bigger. But you get a much easier to read display, more features, and it can basically do the job of two D Mk4s. As you're exploring the Disting's features, you'll get some hands on experience in what types of functionality suits your own personal style. From there, you may consider buying dedicated modules for those functions if you use them often enough.

hey farkas,

yeah if you do a hard refresh on your browser it should update. it's probably showing a cached image.

sorry for lack of description. I have the following gear: Elektron Octatrack, Elektron Digitone, Arturia Keystep 37.

I'm interested to get into modular for the following things: making experimental melodic sounds/textures, using it as an FX box for current gear + microphone (longer term goal), and generating unusual rhythms/sequences that would be hard to create in a DAW environment.

I make future downtempo, uk garage, ambient etc. with a lean towards experimental melodic sounds. I'm a huge fan of granular synthesis and resampling of sound. Hopefully this makes sense why I picked the Plaits + Morphagene.

At this point I'm not scoping out audio input for jack + mic but thats an eventual possibility. Given the OT, DT, K37 it may be unnecessary to have a sequencer in eurorack at this point.

edit: i want to add as well I'm not particularly fixated on any equipment apart from the following items: Arturia Rackbrute 6U (again just because of the significant discount I'm going to be getting), Morphagene (because of its processing possibilities), Contour (because I already have it). I'm also interested in Marbles / Bloom as a potential sequencer down the line. I'm also going to pick up Maths at some point.

EDITED Jun 24th 2021, 15:23

The image hasn't updated yet so I looked at your rack via your profile, and the answer is... maybe.
What are your overall goals for getting into modular? What kind of music are you hoping to make? Do you have any external gear that you will be combining with your rack?

Thanks for the feedback. So is something like this better?

EDITED Jun 24th 2021, 14:18

Hi everyone

I'm planning to finally get into modular. What i want to build is a generative system but i also want to be able to control the synth via a DAW if needed.

Rack here:

My thoughts:

VCOs:
I'm pretty sure i want to go with Plaits to be flexible and the Behringer 112 VCO because i love the sound and it gives me 2 Oscillators.

Filters:
Behringer 121 seems like a good choice for me.

Modulators:
I put Maths in because from what I understand it's good to have in a generative setting.
The Behringer 140 seems like a good choice because it gives me 2 envelopes and an LFO.
I'm pretty sure I need some sort of Clock generator and Clock Modulator. Is Pamelas New Workout a good choice here?

Sequencer:
I'm a bit torn between Melodicer and MakeNoise Rene. Am I right that i can do a lot of similar things with the two? Do I need a Sequencer?

Effects:
PicoDSP seems like a good choice because it doesn't use a lot of space.
Beads (not sure i should count this as an effect) seems very interesting for pads.

Utilities:
What do I need here? I've added some multiples and the pico Quant and some logic gates but i'm very unsure if that is sufficient or even needed...

This looks like a collection of fun modules, but your first build suffers from "sexy module syndrome" which is a common mistake. You are missing VCAs and don't have enough utilities to get too far with this. Take a look back through some of the other starter rack threads to get an idea of what is often recommended to overcome these barriers (Links, Kinks, Veils, etc.).

Hey modular grid community,

I've been looking at getting into Modular for a while and have been putting together a basic rack to get me started. Would love to hear your thoughts / opinions on what is right + wrong with the current selection. Although this is shown as a 3u 88HP case please pretend it is 6U. I plan on getting a Rackbrute 6U and I gave myself the limitation of 3U so I only picked what I felt were essential to my needs starting out.

I'm getting a really hefty discount on the Rackbrute 6U so it makes cases like the Tiptop Mantis and others not very good value for my budget.

Screenshot here: https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_1612919.jpg

Please note the Make Noise Contour module was selected as part of the rack because it was bought for me as a surprise, so it would be a shame not to include it in my first foray into eurorack.

EDITED Jun 24th 2021, 13:17

So, here goes. I've released an album of modular music on Bandcamp. All of the tracks were created using Plaits and Morphagene as the main sounds sources, together with external effects. I pleased with the way it turned out and I had a lot of fun making it. Hope you like it too.

https://modlifecrisis.bandcamp.com/album/covid-drones

Here's are the modules I used:

EDITED Apr 27th, 13:34

Just finished filling up 4U of my 7U case.

The main focus of this rack is to build a complex oscillator with multiple waveshaping options.

Nevertheless, I tried t0 c0ver as many area as I could e.g. monophonic synth / generative / acid / drum etc., so that it can be a very flexible multi-genre instrument.

Kinda satisfied with the outcome and it works well with my ES-8 and Sequential Pro 3.

EDITED Jun 24th 2021, 07:42

Really love your system design. I can tell you put an incredible amount of thought into it, and I'm just scratching the surface.

That said, good luck with that complete thing. :D

Now that's a hella beautiful build! Layout's different from what I prefer, but the bases are all covered here.

And that brings up a point: it DOES take time to create the "perfect build". Five years? Yeah, I could see that...

Going back and looking at Synthrotek's site and the warnings that Firefox pops up on it, it shows that the site contains "unsecured content". The certs for transactions might be secure, but my concern is that there's elements there that clearly are not and which could, in theory, be used as part of a backdooring scheme. Very sloppy in this day and age to put up a commerce website that's not 100% nailed down.

And Jim has a very good point: MAKE SURE your transaction traffic is ALWAYS secure. Check for "https" and NOT simply "http".

Hi EroGumby,

Thanks a lot for the background information! Interesting that ALA Pique, will check that one out.

Thank you very much and kind regards, Garfield.

kinks is discontinued - I'd pick one up if you can find one - the other functions are very useful

maybe look at 2hp for a kick and snare - maybe even a hats - do check for depth though - 2hp can be quite deep and the nifty case does not seem that deep

Hi Garfield,

First off, thank you for the feedback. Much appreciated... and great point on the fact I did a 17 minute jam... it was me just mostly goofing around with the device and getting some sounds going.

One thing I really like to do with the Percal is to take the evelope out and control the filter with it. In this case I was driving part of the MS-22 via that for a while. It makes for some fun rythmic filter changes. (although I think i'll back off on some of the higher pitched sounds next time around... well maybe... :D )

To your question on what happens toward the end of the song:
The audio you are hearing at that point in the jam is actually the ALA Pique (https://www.modulargrid.net/e/after-later-audio-pique-upeaks) running the deadman's catch firmware in the split FM drum mode. That sound is the "snare" be manipulated.
it is kind of a fun little device and I thought i'd see how it does for making a kick and a snare-like sound for me.

Hope that helps!

As always, thank you for the feedback.

I mean yeah the modules are pretty limited but you do get quite a lot for the 60€ the bundle costs more than the solo case. For now, I will keep them in for some background noise.

Getting back to the Mutable Instruments Kinks. I do get the sample and hold thing now and feel like I could totally benefit from that but the other stuff on the Kinks don't really appeal to me yet. So I lean more into a Doepfer A-148 as a simple dual sample and hold module.

Edit: Also I am looking into getting some rhythm background going in this case. It doesn't need to be a full drum set but maybe something to create a somewhat "enjoyable" metronome percussion or maybe bass. Maybe If I just modulate a bass-drum module? Or a Hihat as it kinda gives me 2 elements (open/closed). Again I do know I can't get it all into this case so it's more of a fancy metronome thingy I am aiming for

EDITED Jun 24th 2021, 00:21

If you like chipz , I would get rid of it and get the basimilus and the use that with your pams, it’s awesome trust me. I have a cre8 case too, I think it’s ok but I think their modules are utter rubbish.

decades to come .. wow
nice setup tho, you've got me thinking now about the vermona kick !

Little fun jam around this liquid d&b modular patch.

Chords pad from Plaits thru Prism and FX AID XL. Arp melody from Rings thru Typhoon (on delay looping mode). Second melody from BIA thru volante (not in shot). Bass from second ring thru c4rbn. All drums from Plonk.
Modulation from Ochd, sequenced on Hermod.

Recorded on Ableton live. Mix with Fabfilter plugins. Master with Ozone.

EDITED Jun 25th 2021, 10:16

nice, enjoy!

VCV rack for me is more of a learning program than something I want to integrate into a physical setup. I just put together stuff there to see how it interacts with each other to get a general idea about how stuff is working. So no es8 or es9 for me.

Update 23.06.21
As I got a decent deal on Twiigs and a nanoRings (still considering getting the big one if I feel like it) I ordered those two. Living in Europe it is kinda hard to get those modules from serious sellers that provide warranty (again correct me if I am wrong) so I just had to take them.

EDITED Jun 23rd 2021, 23:22

And I'm not even kidding. I've spent 5 years slowly upgrading from a single Rackbrute 3U to dual Rackbrute 6Us, and gradually all aspects were refined and eventually cemented into a complete system that I'm incredibly happy with. All my modules perfectly complement each other and they are arranged in an ergonomic, functional, logical and visually pleasing way. All the patch points are grouped together in logical places, and all the controls are exactly where I want them. Modules of the same manufacturer are clustered together, but only if it makes sense functionally. Cable length is minimized for patches I use often, and I can usually get by with using only 15cm and 30cm cables. I have experimented with all kinds of layouts and this one is by far the best one I've come up with.

It took me a long time to finally come up with a bass/kick drum sound that I liked. First, I used an external drum machine (DrumBrute), but when I discovered I could produce a much more pleasing drum using the STO and Maths envelopes I decided to get rid of it and go fully modular. However, the patch took up all of Maths, the STO, and my favorite VCA (Xaoc Devices Tallin) so I decided to replace all of this with a 2HP kick. Unfortunately, I did not like the sound at all; way to "clicky" for me. For a long time, I continued to use various patches to create my own kick drum but finally decided to buy a Vermona Kick Lancet. It was exactly the sound I was looking for! Together with the Vermona Retroverb Lancet they fit perfectly in the empty space inside the hinge of the two Rackbrutes. You should see it, it's really quite wonderful.

And now, my desk is full. There is no space to reasonably fit any more synth gear, and I have no desire to add anything anyway. I love the endless possibilities and the raunchy analog sound of my setup, and it will remain in this exact configuration for decades to come.

Here is a picture of the rack in real life:

You can listen to my music (freely!) on https://www.splendor.wtf/

EDITED Jun 23rd 2021, 21:02