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I still have space and I hesitate between:
- zadar and disting 4
Or
- ripples and ears
The two will expand my possibilities in different ways.
I also have a minibrute and a nyx for additionnal vcos and mudolators. I have a mixing table with 4 stereo outputs and 6 mono output for the audio outs from delay, clouds, nebulae, nyx and minibtrute.
Check out/test the 2hp modules first before you buy them. I was previously also impressed by their modules however once I tested them, I am not so overly enthusiastic any more. The modules are only 2 HP (obviously) that is good when you have a lack on space in your rack (don't we all? :-) ) however because it's just 2 HP, personally I feel it becomes to congested, a few cables, somewhere a few small tiny knobs you need to turn. Try the turning of the 2hp knobs, I felt personally the "touch & feel" wasn't very good but that might be just me.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
So for a long time I have been thinking about getting into Modular synthesis. I’ve read a bunch about it and watched YouTube videos and feel like I am beginning to put the pieces together.
I love the sounds of LCD Soundsystem but I also love the sounds that The Field creates with his tracks, which could be described as atmospheric, minimal techno.
I guess I wanted to ask everyone if I am on the right track in trying to captures these sounds with the modules I have started to put together? And what else is out there that I am missing (loads I am sure)?
I was planning to get the Intellijel 7U case with the Audio I/O is always a great choice so I can grow over the years, and the Atlantis and a reverb module first to get to know those before expanding. I have an Arturia keystep which I can sequence through.
I’m pretty excited to start my modular journey and having this great community along for the ride is awesome!
Any advice is appreciated!
So, I've been doing a lot of research, reading the forums, and I think I've got a good start on what I'm looking for in a modular setup.
I also have a Microbrute, so I have an additional LFO, Sequencer, etc.
I have all these modules in my cart ready to go (a lot of them are clones), but before I buy I just want to ask more experienced users some questions.
I think (or maybe hope) I can get a lot out of this in terms of ambient sounds, but I was wondering if there's anything I should change.
Is having 3 effect modules overkill? Should I be prioritizing more EGs, VCAs, LFOs, filters, or anything else? Are both Plaits and Rings REALLY needed?
I left room to grow, because modular :)
For future modules, I'm thinking another sequencer, such as Rene, another VCA or two, since you can't have too many, and uO_C and Maths seem like a great modules to have. Also, a powered mult would probably be a good thing to have. Let me know your thoughts and advice!
Thanks for being so helpful on the forums!
How about Doepfer A-140 ADSR? Simple but good and inexpensive. Once you build up experience with that one you can decide for yourself what you like to have for your second, third, etc. ADSR.
There are hundreds of envelope modules so difficult to recommend you a right one, therefore I think the Doepfer A-140 is a good start or consider to check the major brands, most of them have at least one envelope.
thank you Lugia, it is for delaying either the pitch or velocity signals from a DFAM's sequencer before they are sent to a quantiser in an attempt to get a 16 step sequence, I shall look at analogue shift registers, thank you for your time
How about Doepfer A-140 ADSR? Simple but good and inexpensive. Once you build up experience with that one you can decide for yourself what you like to have for your second, third, etc. ADSR.
There are hundreds of envelope modules so difficult to recommend you a right one, therefore I think the Doepfer A-140 is a good start or consider to check the major brands, most of them have at least one envelope.
Kind regards, Garfield Modular.
For review reports of Eurorack modules, please refer to https://garfieldmodular.net/ for PDF formatted downloads
Continuous signals like modulation, or stepped, as in VCO CVs? If the latter, the device you want is an analog shift register. Basically, it's a set of seriesed sample and holds: the first register locks in a CV value on a timing pulse, then on the second pulse that CV gets passed to the second register and a new CV gets sampled into the first, and so on. And since this uses basic clock timing pulses, whatever time base you want to use to obtain your step times would allow for a lot of flexibility for delaying the pass-on process. This won't work for anything that's a continuous voltage curve, however.
Hi there, just wondering if there is a module that will delay cv signals, looks like Noise Reap Dub Delay will but seems hard to find in the UK, is there anything else out there? cheers for your help
Other than that, you have a LOT of stuff to explore. I would sit down with each module for a day to a week, and mess around with it, and read the manual. See how each plays with the others in the rack. You will learn a lot, and you will figure out which modules need to be moved.
Commit to doing that with at least half of your modules (the ones you don't completely understand) before you buy any more stuff - feel free to research other modules, but don't buy them immediately.. Then your next purchases will be much better informed.
-- naught101
Check out the Moog Grandmother or the Matriarch. I don't think they are going to sound like the M32 but they do have that Moog sound. Both are semi-modular compatible but don't require any patching to work for your most basic sounds.
If you're looking for polyphony, patch recall and so forth... a traditional all-in-one synth would definitely suit you better. Most stand alone synths operate at line level. Eurorack operates at "synth level" which is a lot hotter... more volts... than line level. So if you want to use Eurorack to process your sound then you'll want some line to synth level converter to go into your Eurorack and probably synth to line level to get into the rest of your set-up. There are a lot of ways to do it, but this is the sure-fire way. It is possible to also sync your stand-alone synth to Eurorack components. Some forward thinking synths have CV and gate outs. Others you'll have to find a MIDI to CV converter to go from MIDI clock to eurorack clock.
There's nothing wrong with finding a pure Eurorack set-up not-for-you. You hit the nail on the head when you wrote that it's not worth it to spend so much time tweaking modules when you want something that is relatively simple most of the time.
Your first step is going to be a semi-modular synth. Cool. They come in two basic flavors... even though they aren't technically the same. The first is a true semi-modular synth. It's stand-alone in its own case with its own power supply. The other notion is a "synth-voice" which is a Eurorack module that's a complete synthesizer. You'll find both out there so take a look around.
If you buy a true semi-modular that can be mounted in a Eurorack case... don't mount it in the case! At least if you're starting out. There's no reason to do so unless you're looking to be mobile often. Use the saved rack space to build your Eurorack module collection.
The Moog Mother is a good choice. There's also the Behringer Neutron, Behringer Crave, Minibrute (no keyboard), and others. I'd consider your budget and your skill level. If you're new to synths or analog then I'd start out small and cheap and THEN start adding RackBrute or another case later. Don't try and buy everything all at once. You'll probably spend a lot on stuff you either won't use or won't care to use. The Moog's big advantage (other than that Moog-sound) is that it has a built in sequencer.
For your rack... consider effects like reverb, delay, ring modulation etc. You may also want modules like logic (AND,OR, etc.), attenuverters, small DC coupled mixers, filters that are unlike what you have in your semi-modular, low pass gates, or even a complex oscillator.
I am thinking thru changing to a small Eurorack setup, mainly for effects or modulation downstream of a standalone synth. Sounds like blasphemy for some here I imagine, but hear me out....
I have a Mother 32 and been exploring that over a year. Built a 6U 84 HP case and bought uZeus power, added another VCO, a Doepfer ADSR and a VCA since the M32 is limited in this regard, bought a MI Tides and an MI Clouds, an x4 attenuator. Before adding more and going further down the financial black hole, I had an epiphany that I liked the core Moog sound of the M32 but would probably just be as happy with a monosynth with lots of 'tweakability' like the Moog Sub 37 and some effects downstream. Patching a bunch of modules and getting some wacky sounds was fun at times but was frustratingly tedious when I wanted to just "play".
I sold off a lot of my modules. M32 will probably leave but still have for time being. I plan on keeping the Clouds, Tides, and x4 attenuator within a single 84HP rack. I think the next order of business is adding a random source like the WoggleBug to get some randomness going while modulating the Clouds. I have stompbox delay and reverb in my guitar rig that I use currently, but I might want to add some dedicated Eurorack modules to keep my guitar and synth stuff completely separate. Granular stuff like the Phonogene and the Nebulae seem very interesting to me. Has anyone else gone this route - essentially using Eurorack for effects with a standalone synth (and not a "semi-modular" synth)? I'd love some ideas or thoughts on what others have done.
Why are you getting in to modular? Sound design? Getting away from the computer? Composing? You can have more than one reason, and they can change, but it's good to lay out a bit of a vision first, to help guide your decisions..
How big a rack to eventually want to head towards? If you want to have something small, then maybe the 2S and rackbrute would be all you ever need. If you want eventually build a huge rack, then a the Moog and and a 6U rack is probably a good starting point, because you can resell the rack and get a bigger one later.
Are you interested in playing the rack at all? Or just controlling it externally? the 2S is probably the most playable option you've put forward. The SV1 or 0-Coast would need a sequencer (could just be your outboard devices).
As for starter modules, you probably want modules that don't duplicate functionality of your semi-modular. Wasp is cool, but you will already have good filters. The Moog has a noise source. EG is a good idea. Passive mults are useful. An extra VCA or two would probably be useful. It's probably not a terrible idea to think about a Disting mk3/4, because those things are small, can do nearly everything, and you can use them to figure out if you really need that new module that you think you need..
as a total Eurorack noob I am planning to start my modular system with a semi modular synth which is then to be expanded with the proper moduls step by step (and should be used with my PC and NI Maschine Jam and a NI Key).
Of course, the question for suitable further moduls will come very soon.
But that will depend from my first decision, which synth to buy for my purposes, I guess.
I've found a deal containing of a Rackbrute 6U and a MiniBrute 2s, which seems quite a good idea to me so far. At least fiancially, because this would mean 200,- Euros off from the normal total price for these both pieces of gear bought separately.
On the other hand I also like the idea of getting a Moog Mother plus the Rackbrute 6U very much, stacking this synth in the system as a modest start of my patching heaven instead of using a MiniBrute 2s.
Or even change these alternatives and better get an Pittsburgh Lifeforms SV-1, a o-coast...? Or any completely other system I have not thought of yet?
Are there any kind suggestions maybe?
Thanks a lot in advance!
M.
P.S. If not obvious yet: The moduls shown in the rack are just an idea of what to come. ;)
Other than that, you have a LOT of stuff to explore. I would sit down with each module for a day to a week, and mess around with it, and read the manual. See how each plays with the others in the rack. You will learn a lot, and you will figure out which modules need to be moved.
Commit to doing that with at least half of your modules (the ones you don't completely understand) before you buy any more stuff - feel free to research other modules, but don't buy them immediately.. Then your next purchases will be much better informed.
Also the fact I have all VCAs the right side of rack is because they can reach the line ins to my mixer that is right side next to that eurorack case .
Well yes I read that because of the passive mults but it was a rookie error . I buyed then before I read a lot of that stuff . Grrr
Well about the stereo moduls I have a soundcraft MTK 22 mixer to rec to Ableton all in mono (maybe I should rec in stereo) from the VCAs out . (I really don’t know yet how to use them the right way.
Ok so I should get some ADSR right ? :)
Yes , ergonomics I should put this in a different way, and many thanks for your time thinking about redistribution my modules in a more efficient way
I see two passive mults. Passive mults aren't bad. But if you're going to dedicate rack space to mults go with active (powered) mults. When you passively split signals you might experience a voltage drop in the splits. When it comes to triggers, gates, and audio that's not a big deal. If you're splitting control voltages... especially pitch... that will be an issue.
The Morphagene, Monsoon, Pico, and Disting are all capable of stereo outputs. You also have a Dixie, a dedicated percussion module, etc. You don't have a mixer that will handle stereo and the Optimix is more of a low-pass-gate. You probably want to invest in a stereo mixer. There are a few on the market ranging from about $250US to well over $700. Blue Lantern, Happy Nerding, Roland, etc. are good brands to look at. I have a Blue Lantern Sir Mix A Lot. It's inexpensive and does the job.
The Batumi can always use a Poti expander (3HP) to get to all of those jumper settings that offer additional waveforms, sync and reset.
I don't see any dedicated envelope generators. For the basics, Doepfer just came out with their slim-line modules. I would have a couple. Don't underestimate the instant tweak-a-bility of a dedicated ADSR. The Maths is okay but only offers attack and decay. You have some digital modules capable of envelope generation... but you might find them a bit fiddly to change on the fly. Keep your mind open about adding them.
As far as ergonomics, you seem to have some like modules grouped together and others just scattered about. For example, I'd put the Braids after the KickAll. The Braids can be used for snares, hats as well as traditional sounds. I'd group all of your oscillators together.
If I get some time I might rework the rack for you with some suggestions.
You almost have it right. Posting a jpg doesn't let anyone explore your module choices. If someone is unfamiliar with a module or modules then they can't easily look them up. Your link should be like this:
Your welcome. Also, I forgot to mention. The noise module from Intellijel also has a slew limiter that can be accessed independently.
The Morgasmatron is also capable of self oscillating. Pair it with a VCA (Shakmat and Intellijel are BOTH coming out with 1U VCAs) and some envelopes from the O_C and you can generate some decent kick drums. Filter some pink or white noise through the other filter and you have snares and hi-hats.
By modulating the Morgasmatron's mix knob at audio rates you can get a ring modulation kind of effect.
The Shuttle is tasty. But I strongly feel having the O_C for some onboard sequencing that can also be clocked and reset by the Shuttle will give you lots of additional modulation possibilities.
All of these modules should stay very useful should you want to expand or expand in a different direction.
So the heuristics you propose needs to be extended, somehow, or maybe replaced by a possibility for users to manually propose similar modules, ideally with a field to describe similarities and differences of the two modules (that would be really useful to make educated decisions before buying)
-- mcleinn
Yes, you're right - manual suggestions of similar modules would probably be far more accurate, given enough votes. If everyone's suggestions were recorded independently, too, then you'd have a measure of strength of similarity (number of suggestions).
I agree with your point about similar modules sometimes appearing in the same rack, however, I think given general scarcity (very few people have the resources to buy EVERY module they want, and so choices are going to be made between similar modules), it would still work to some degree. The question is just whether the signal would be stronger than the noise.
But yes, as I noted in the OP, it's definitely a partial solution, and I was hoping others would come up with additional constraints that might make it more useful (or even come up with entirely different and better options for an automated solution!).
Your particular example might be mitigated by putting higher weight on "similarities" found in smaller racks - if a rack is very large, then there's more chance that you might find a Maths and a Rampage. I doubt those two modules would ever appear together in a 1U 84HP skiff :)
Your English is fine and your English as a second language doesn't bother me... as it should not.
Okay. Now I understand what you're going for. The Eurorack is going to function more like an effects processor.
If you're wanting to add a filter I would recommend the Intellijel Morgasmatron. But it's 20HP. So you'll want a bigger skiff!
It has two multimode filters that can work independently, parallel, or series. The knobs are very good for live adjustments. One side has a switch for overdrive and the other has a phase-flip. There's also a mix-mode for blending the sound of the two outputs that can also be modulated. So you will get a lot of usage out of it for processing your effects.
The other filter I would recommend is the Joranalogue Filter 8. It's only one channel but all filter outputs are available via 3.5mm jacks rather than selecting a filter going to one jack.
The one thing I think you're missing is a mixer. The Blue Lantern Stereo Sir-Mix-A-Lot would work... but again, it's a big module. But the price point is under $300US. Six inputs, two stereo returns, two stereo aux sends, mutes, panning... there's a lot of value there.
If you're going with a skiff... find one that's 104HP. I don't think 84HP is going to be enough. I've reworked your case. I used Monsoon rather than uBurst as you'll get more functionality out of it. I also used a micro version of rings. I added the Morgasmatron and the Sir-Mix-Alot. For the remaining 8HP, I added a micro Ornaments & Crime module for some internal modulation, envelopes, sequencing, LFOs, etc. You could also replace the O_C with a VCA module should you want to use this as a synth and rely on the Shuttle for all of your modulation. I'd replace the buffered mult with the Intellijel dual VCA when it's available. https://forum.intellijel.com/t/1u-dual-stereo-vca-module-what-features/1428/14
My ultimate recommendation would be an Intellijel 104 4U case. I'd get that. I stocked the 1U row with some line to Eurorack modules, noise/sample&hold, a quadratt for submixing, inverting, attenuation, and a buffered mult.
What I have been searching is Filter module with both low and high pass. Do you have any suggestion ?
-- noopaul
Second for Wasp, too - it's my favourite filter at the moment.
God's Box Humpback filter also has LP/HP/BP/Notch, and two attenuated CV inputs. Sounds decent, and comes as a full DIY kit , so is cheap, and probably easy to find second hand. Also if you're into DIY, build yourself some passive vactrol low pass gates - they are super cheap, useful, and sound cool.
Check out the Worng Vector Space if you have the room. If I wanted something experimental, I'd definitely consider this module when combining different CV signals.
A Hum-X could help if both the modular and the amp have 3-wire AC connections. However, this sounds suspiciously like leakage across the busboard, TBH. First thing I'd do is to check the bus connection to the module on both ends and check for pin problems, debris in the ribbon connectors, that sort of thing. Then carefully reconnect the ribbon to the bus and module, feeling carefully to see if there's any resistance that doesn't feel quite right. If that doesn't work, then try replacing the ribbon cable itself, as there might be a broken wire in there that could be forcing leakage in some way.
Also, this is a good reason for investing in filtered busboards. Issues like this usually get sorted out by the filtering on the DC rails, which can be very useful if a certain module or two have a tendency to leak, as some older designs might. But yeah, this is a bit weirder and definitely more Eurorack-centric in terms of problems than a simple ground loop.
It isn't a constant hum unless you mean that it's constantly making noise. The sound changes accordingly when I select low, mid, high or when I turn the frequency range knob. All while the module isn't patched. Would a power conditioner like the Ebtech Hum X relieve the problem at all?
Generally a good idea, however I am not sure about your heuristics. Medium-sized and big racks often will employ one type of module several times. That's certainly true for mults and VCAs, but also for bigger modules such as Maths.
Now, if someone builds his rack over time, there is a chance, that the original module he used is no longer available, so he will add another, functionally equivalent module later (or switch to DIY modules because the original budget has been used up). Also, there are certainly people who like to experiment with various modules, and by intention would buy, let's say, a Rampage, instead of a second Maths (as I did). That strategy also has a practical advantage: by employing similar modules of different vendors, you can replicate the basic common features, but at the same time, you have always the choice to use features specific to Maths or Rampage, should you need them.
So the heuristics you propose needs to be extended, somehow, or maybe replaced by a possibility for users to manually propose similar modules, ideally with a field to describe similarities and differences of the two modules (that would be really useful to make educated decisions before buying)
Seeking advice / opinions. I have a 0-Coast I would use with this rack. All audio could be sent into MainStage and processed with effects, or other audio or software instruments. What could I add to or subtract from the rack? Thanks for any tips.
Your English is fine and your English as a second language doesn't bother me... as it should not.
Okay. Now I understand what you're going for. The Eurorack is going to function more like an effects processor.
If you're wanting to add a filter I would recommend the Intellijel Morgasmatron. But it's 20HP. So you'll want a bigger skiff!
It has two multimode filters that can work independently, parallel, or series. The knobs are very good for live adjustments. One side has a switch for overdrive and the other has a phase-flip. There's also a mix-mode for blending the sound of the two outputs that can also be modulated. So you will get a lot of usage out of it for processing your effects.
The other filter I would recommend is the Joranalogue Filter 8. It's only one channel but all filter outputs are available via 3.5mm jacks rather than selecting a filter going to one jack.
The one thing I think you're missing is a mixer. The Blue Lantern Stereo Sir-Mix-A-Lot would work... but again, it's a big module. But the price point is under $300US. Six inputs, two stereo returns, two stereo aux sends, mutes, panning... there's a lot of value there.
If you're going with a skiff... find one that's 104HP. I don't think 84HP is going to be enough. I've reworked your case. I used Monsoon rather than uBurst as you'll get more functionality out of it. I also used a micro version of rings. I added the Morgasmatron and the Sir-Mix-Alot. For the remaining 8HP, I added a micro Ornaments & Crime module for some internal modulation, envelopes, sequencing, LFOs, etc. You could also replace the O_C with a VCA module should you want to use this as a synth and rely on the Shuttle for all of your modulation. I'd replace the buffered mult with the Intellijel dual VCA when it's available. https://forum.intellijel.com/t/1u-dual-stereo-vca-module-what-features/1428/14
My ultimate recommendation would be an Intellijel 104 4U case. I'd get that. I stocked the 1U row with some line to Eurorack modules, noise/sample&hold, a quadratt for submixing, inverting, attenuation, and a buffered mult.
Dear community, I'm really new into synthesizers, but was hooked up immediately by the almost psychedelic effect of (interactive) journeys through modular soundscapes, be they rough and stormy or calm and meditative.
My first rack is almost assembled, the budget (for now) exhausted. I still want to add elements, though, on a low-cost DIY basis. Maybe you would have any suggestions or ideas?
The rack is build on top of a (semimodular) Arturia MiniBrute 2S.
Additionally, I am using the (polyphonic) Arturia Keystep with both MIDI and CV out.
Four studio monitors are placed in a quadrophonic setup. Module list here
I already assembled an Arduino-based "scaler" which uses the Doepfer CV2MIDI module as a quantizer, scales the input to a chosen scale and root note, and puts it back into the rack through the polyphonic MIDI2CV module. I plan to add dedicated CV ins and outs to my "scaler box" later, in order to harmonize several CVs in parallel. Also, a "chord builder" or "arpeggiator" stage could be added.
A friend helps me to fit 12 Fonitronik attenuverters into an external "attenuating box" (12 inputs, 12 outputs, 12 control knobs)
I started a "random switch" box, to mimic the effects of the Random Rhythm module. My box is based on an Raspi 3B+ with the specialized PiSound card and the Sonic-PI "live coding" platform. I plan to attach 8 trigger inputs and 8 trigger outputs, the inputs most likely will be connected to the clock divider and logic section in the rack. The likeliness of a trigger signal being passed will be controlled by the sliders on a Korg NanoKontrol 2.
Once this is done, it shouldn't be hard to add a few CV outputs, to simulate additional "Turing Machines". Again, those should not be hard to script using Sonic-PI.
The same hardware will be used as a configurable multitrack looper (I already found a Sonic-PI script).
Looking forward for more ideas, or comments regarding this experimental rack. My focus is on exploring generative patches and to get a grasp of various styles and possibilities.
