All Posts

The modules in my rack I use the most when making ambient-related stuff:

• XAOC Zadar
• Intellijel Quadrax
• Make Noise Mimeophon
• Make Noise Morphagene
• Ornaments & Crime
• Squard Hermod
• Mutable Instruments Marbles

I'd agree with this

If you only ever played a piano and try to pick up the guitar or trombone or whatever, there is a learning curve - and productivity will take a nose dive until at least a certain level of skill has been attained

the same with modular - it's like just like learning a new instrument - except this one is often constantly evolving

Hi Matteo. I am a big fan of the Make Noise QPAS filter. It has a lot of potential for stereo ambient explorations. The 4ms Dual Looping Delay (DLD) is a lot of fun too.
Have fun and good luck.

Thanks

I record all my Stuff with the 4ms WAV Recorder. Works perfect.

I have been exploring this module on VCVRack.. It's really great!!! But one thing that confuses me about the hardware version that puzzles me: Why are there so few VC inputs? This combination of delay/overdrive/flanger effect is just Crying for modulation. Is there a similar Eric module with m0re inputs?

EDITED Jun 7th 2021, 07:56

Hi,

I am looking for an hardware solution to record my modulars.

I am tempted to buy a 4ms WAV recorder. I've read quite a good amount of reviews and it does what i need.

Anyway, i've also come across a few articles/reviews which suggests the ZOOM (h series) to record modulars. At the same price of the 4ms, you can have the zoom 5h (or even 6h second hand).

Any of you is recording modular with hardware device? If yes, any suggestions?

thanks
Ciao

Hi,

Have been searching the forum for this topic but no real luck, hence the question, what are your favorite modules for ambient music?
I personally think that a bunch of modules from MI works great, those are, Elements, Rings, Clouds and Beads.

If you are into ambient, what are the modules you like more to produce it?

thanks
Ciao,
Matteo

Thank you again! Nice to hear you liked it, and by the way every sunday I will release a new video, hope you'll enjoy.
Next time I will fill the cup of coffee haha
Have a nice day

For that size, probably the ES-8 would make the most sense...IF you opted to go with a module as a solution. However, CV Tools and so forth can ALSO use any DC-coupled audio interface to do the same thing. Not only is this way cheaper, it's also just as expandable since you can chain up more I/O via the ADAT Lightpipe interface. I currently use a MOTU 828 mkii for this, works just great. But here's the real point: you can get these older "obsolete" interfaces for dirt-cheap. Right now, the original 828s go for around $75 on Reverb, with the mkii coming in only a bit higher, and either are just fine for this purpose. So if you felt you needed 16 channels of CV/gate/trig/clock send, you can get there this way for $300 LESS than the ES-8...and also wind up with more outputs than the ES-9!

Looking for some feedback on the Expert Sleepers ES-8 vs. ES-9

My 'hybrid' setup will only ever be as big as the RackBrute 6U...I know, thats what everyone always says when they get into modular :) I have Ableton Live 11 Suite and want to make use of CV Tools to integrate my modular setup with Ableton and I've heard the Expert Sleepers module(s) are a must have for this. I'm just wondering what I would be missing if I went with just the ES-8 vs ES-9...Since the RackBrute 6U is as big as I'll ever get, I obviously want to conserve space for adding cool modules so am looking at the ES-8 for that reason alone, but wondering if I'd be missing out on any thing big if I didn't go ES-9.

One other item of note regarding my setup...I also have a Hydrasynth desktop which I've already been playing around with using the first module in my RackBrute (the Make Noise Maths)...so ES-8 vs ES-9 with that in mind also comes into play. I currently have a Focusrite 8i6 audio interface, Push2 and LaunchKey49

Thanks for any suggestions/feedback!

• Productivity: a Modular is by far the least productive thing you want to use if you want to make music. You tend to get entangled while finding a sound or simply by patching. You may end up with something interesting, but it possibly is not what you wanted or needed for the composition you had in mind (if you had one).
  -- suomynona

Actually, this only seems to be a problem with people starting off in modular, while they still have more of a sense of exploration...which, frankly, is good. Modular synths allow for lots of that. But I wouldn't call any of this exploratory effort unproductive...rather, it's just the electronic equivalent of figuring out what all of the keys on a sax can allow you to play. But after several years of living with modular synth gear, it's actually QUITE easy to patch up what you need once you've got the instrument(s) sorted out...and exploration is the key to getting there.

Hi Sacguy71,

Thank you! :-)

Yes for this kind of crazy things as well as for other stuff this Vector is just superb! It ain't cheap but it provides a lot of pleasure. Kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Wishbonebrewery,

Oh yes! A bonus track, an extended version! You made my day :-) Nice video by the way, good quality and it's nice to see you at work. Nice to watch you handling the Planar joystick module. What's that module under the Planar? Looks interesting, are you enabling and disabling percussion voices with that?

I hope to see more videos/jams from you in this style :-) Thank you very much for investing in a camera and kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Shanewave,

Oh lovely, a second video and jam from you :-) Nice, slowly building track indeed. Calm as ever, yet very intriguing!

This Sunday, the end of my weekend is getting better and better, thanks to you! Kind regards, Garfield.

P.S.: One pretty "disappointing thing" I noticed... your cup of coffee (or hot chocolate or whatever it was) looks quite empty, it requires a refill! ;-)

Hi Mowse and Toodee,

Mowse: A lovely track from you again, really nice to listen at. A great way to "close" the weekend.

Thanks a lot for sharing this and for providing a grand finale of the weekend ;-) Kind regards, Garfield.

Toodee: Indeed, now you mention it, certainly in the beginning I recognise a few elements here and there from On The Run :-)

Kind regards, Garfield.

Yes, and I suggest u the QX expander to ampliate the links to other modules and also the possibility of concatenate 4 lfo of quadrax in different ways.

Thank you everyone! I will review more options and hopefully visit a dealer to try some things out :)

OK, I bought the OBS Camera app and installed OBS..... Live tweaking!

Great little sequencer the DOT, pairs well with a Robaux LL8, I like that the DOT lets you program ratchets and you can control Euclidean sequences with CV for a constantly moving set of rhythm. Programming it can be a little boring but its great for little fills and background percussion, I also use one channel as an Accent pattern on the Patching Panda Hatz.

If I was going to give a negative about the DOT it would be that the Trigger outputs could be a bit stronger, and the Channel mutes should come up first on the Long Press Encoder knob.

EDITED Jun 6th 2021, 16:46

Hello, here's my second video with a more organic sound through beads this time, with the nice melodies from marbles again!
Thank you for listening !

It is one of the very few dedicated compact modules with which you can CV shift the patterns, what I found really interesting as I want something non-chaotic shifting which can be easily reset top the default value. I have a uGrids, but we don't get along; I can't shift and I want the visual feedback, but I do like the compact size.

Thanks so much !! I just buy a VCA Mutable. I forgot it. My music is similar to Fjaak or some times like as Boys be kko.

Anyway my setup is the next
Modular rack (singular sounds)
Cobalt8 (atmospheres)
Tb03
Mpc1 (sequencer and drums)
Mixer Blue Box (with reverb and delay)
Pedal Elipson dreadbox

:) what do you think ? In general I prefer more minimal sounds. Jjj
This is my first approach

Pretty cool, it reminded me of Pink Floyd's On The Run but with a softer, more gentle timbre, thanks for sharing

Great advice from Jim here, and note he also included NaN, the expander for Zadar which I think is a must-have, especially for ambient types of music that will greatly benefit from the additional CV input per channel and the ability to trigger the shapes manually.
I also think that for a build where space is limited, the FX Aid is an instant win, absolutely gorgeous sounding algos and again, I think Jim's choice of the XL version is a good one for your type of music, the additional CV input and the CV over sample rate is pretty useful.
Something else to consider in such a small build: do you really need that buffered mult ? If you remove it, you'd have space for an Erica Pico module, for example, and you could use inline mults instead...
And also another vote for Jim's advice on a bigger rack, if you can afford it of course, if you don't mind the small-sized modules a 7U 104HP would get you far ;)
Actually I could've just written "Jim was right" and called it a day

I bought one recently and have no regrets, the CV matrix is a really clever design and once you have remembered all the button combinations, this module offers a lot of power in relatively few HP. Oh, and the link modes are also very very useful for creating complex yet controllable modulation. I initially thought it was a bit on the expensive side but it's actually great value for the money imho...
Another win for the robots :-)

Hi Diego,

What type of music do you make ? What do you hope this rack will achieve ? I see some shortcomings but I wouldn't want to advise on anything before knowing what you want this build to be...

Let us know more about what you want to do with modular and maybe we can help ;)

Diego (yeah, me too)

I doubt there's that many people with them - it's doesn't appear to be in the top 100 sequencers by popularity on here

I think it's more important that the sequencer fits in your workflow and that you enjoy using it than what a few videos show

only you can really decide if it's a keeper

zadar is great, but watch out about the enocders - especially if you are buying used and are the type of synth user that constantly wiggles - I'm not so much and I just bought a new one - so fingers crossed

fx aid xl is a great and versatile fx unit in 6 hp

I would probably want something like this https://www.modulargrid.net/e/rebel-technology-mix-04

which basically gives you

and after that there will be the search for the next case - hint go bigger, much bigger

Though I have followed several videos of this module, I’m still in doubt if it’s a keeper.

EDITED Jun 6th 2021, 14:08

Hi Folks,
This is my first modular setup and I could use some suggestions. My goal for this is an ambient music machine. I think I need a solid function generator and I'm leaning toward a Zadar because it will throw all kinds of shapes by trigger giving me easy note shaping. I also need some effects, but I'm completely lost there. It would be nice to have something that plays with samples like the morphagene, but that's a pretty intimidating unit, and I'm running out of space.

EDITED Jun 6th 2021, 10:45

hhahahaha maybe

there are no 'right' directions, there are just directions

it really only depends on you and how you patch

I would like to add:
- Productivity: a Modular is by far the least productive thing you want to use if you want to make music. You tend to get entangled while finding a sound or simply by patching. You may end up with something interesting, but it possibly is not what you wanted or needed for the composition you had in mind (if you had one).
- Especcially if you are not sure if you are an ADHS type of person, it could be problematic to have so many options directly in front of you.
- And you should think about how your workflow will change. You should get used to having one patch in one moment that will not persist. So you have to record it. The Octatrack will come in handy if you like to build up a set based on small pieces of audio. Or you want to record your composition straigt to a multi or 2-Track recorder.
Some people also try to integrate their modular system with their computer/DAW, but I think that is even more overhead that needs to be managed before making music and most people use a modular system to get away from the screen.

EDITED Jun 6th 2021, 09:52

Interesting question, I am also currently looking for a compact menuless Env Module.
I currently use some make noise function modules (which i would prefer over the contour), some malekko Envelator modules and just recently added the dreadbox attaxia because its cheap compact and offers 2 Env or LFOs.
I would also recommend a function generator: Maths, Rampage, DUSG of Falistri (of which i only had the maths)
The döpfer A-143-2 quad adsr is also a nice and interesting env-generator, if you don't mind the optics and space.

EDITED Jun 6th 2021, 09:33

Hahaha, no fish in their, mainly insects, larvae, pond snails.... we are waiting for Frogs and Toads to find our pond.

I've improved on the gate envelops now, I can now play them via the joystick across the stereo fields/envelope-lengths.

Cheers :)

Thanks for the suggestions

Yeah! A good BBD is just so cool. I’m also very interested in the new Moskwa II and expander module. XAOC has been growing on me. 👍

Zoning out a little bit after a week of drinking from the fire hose.

Cool I dig it so glitchy in a good way of course and yes the Vector is a great sequencer for Eurorack.

Indeed while the Jomox is not cheap, it’s such a wonderful kick drum. Lots of cv patch points and parameters to tweak it for lot of variety. I have a low pass gate and abstract data octacontroller on the way and Roland tb03 for modulation and bass line then my mobile rig will be ready. Add in my make noise 0-coast and 0-Ctrl for leads and I’m good. I’m really liking the VPME Euclidean Circles v2 sequencer for drums the more I use it along with Eloquencer. Drums beg for modulation and processing with FX and have a Happy Nerding FX aid XL on the way as well.

Hi Sacguy71,

Oh yes, that sounds very good about the Jomox. Sounds to me that I need to look a bit deeper into the Jomox stuff! :-)

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

Thanks Garfield,

jomox is the large module on top left of the case in the video. It is a god like kick drum module. I have BIA and WND Crater is my other cases and while these are good kick drums, the jomox is so much beefier! I did learn a trick today that you want to run drums through a compressor and add distortion for serious power. I ordered the Hexinverter Mutant Hot Glue Eurorack mixer as it was designed specifically for modular percussion and it’s truly an incredible mixer with side chain options and decent routing. After covid ends and clubs open, I’m confident that I can deliver a decent techno and house show on modular. I just need to add a good bassline to these drums.

Hi Abstractrhythms,

Another option might be the Sinfonion from ACL. It can handle chords/strings by the "chords" channel, you provide one input and you get four outputs, hence the 4 notes for the chords/strings and, naturally, simultaneously. I use it often in combination with the polyphonic modules from Doepfer (A-111-4, A-145-4, A-105-4, A-141-4 and A-132-8), sounds pretty nice.

Kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Wishbonebrewery,

He, he, thanks :-) Yes, I went a bit crazy that day ;-) Kind regards, Garfield.

Hi Sacguy71,

Nice video :-) Now, at least I thought, I very carefully listen and watched your video, but Jomox module? I don't think I recognised it in your video, which one is your Jomox Bass drum module?

Oh, when you just switched off the music, then I found it :-) Jomox is still on my wish list but I haven't got any module yet from Jomox. How do you like Jomox stuff?

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

Hi Wishbonebrewery,

Oh lovely track! He, he, and a very green picture ;-) Do I recognise at the top part roughly in the middle a large mouth of a dangerous fish?

This is only 6 minutes but you could make it 16 or 26 minutes and it still wouldn't bore me. Nice to listen at, enough variation to keep it going and yeah... I really like it :-)

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

I know what you mean. The graphic designer and the web developer had heated discussions above that topic. That was not very productive especially since they are the same person. (web developer always wins)
-- modulargrid

Yep, I'm the same, but my graphic/UI designer side always wins and the web developer side has to put in the extra hours to make it happen, which is why everything I do....takes ....so.....long...

Thanks!

so im in the right direction?

On the "Command Centre" (sorry..."center") display,

I guess you mean the Kommandozentrale

could we please have the any incomplete rows left-justified rather than fully justified? As a graphic designer, I start to cry when I see three racks spread apart on the final row, after seeing evenly spaced racks above

I know what you mean. The graphic designer and the web developer had heated discussions above that topic. That was not very productive especially since they are the same person. (web developer always wins)

Whilst I'm at it, could the rows also be padded out so that the tops of all the cases align regardless of the length of the case title - e.g. make it like a spreadsheet table where you have a row of case titles above a row of cases.
-- AndyQ

Understand. Will look into it and give it another shot ...