The Bermuda VCO is not currently available direct from NoiseReap, but they sometimes come up for sale on Reverb. I have a Noise Reap Mino, which is very similar but with no self-mod feature, except it has 4 simultaneous wave types so a good utility VCO to have. The sine wave is nice and clean, and it has a pretty nice sawtooth that's not all that different from my Moog Mother 32.
I support this! I think it would be useful exactly as-is, and...
Once a module IS set to "discontinued" here, I would love if you could tick a checkbox that says "Hey, I still want to buy this!", or something to that effect, which would flag that module with your unique user ID (must be logged in to see this new checkbox). This could serve multiple purposes; for example, the site could tally how many unique accounts indicate this option as a way to inform the manufacturer (or any would-be competitor) that there might be more demand for new production of the module than had been thought. This might give hope to a new production run in the future by the original manufacturer, or help to show that there is an unmet demand in the market for other companies who may wish to fill the gap with a similar module of their own. It could also be a way to collate data for private sales here on the ModularGrid Marketplace in order to inform the buyers automatically when the discontinued module they want comes up for sale. If this functionality already exists and I've missed it (which is possible, considering how powerful ModularGrid already is), then please ignore this.
Either way, I support Raccoonboy's idea.
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll play around with them where I can. I've always found the Noise Engineering modules confusing, but that's entirely just based on looking at pictures of them online. It looks like Noise Reap's Bermuda is out of production, unless I'm missing something, so I'll wait to try that one. That ADDAC looks very cool, though.
Biggi explaines this Filter Case here after 16
And more in detail here in the 2. part:
You can find the large Case ("The Doepfer" - explained in the 3. part) here:
... as described here:
Instead of the both A-180 Multiple in the upper row, Biggi uses modified modules with switches.
Really thank you, Lugia: nothing but your response about Pam and her orchestration skills is crystal clear. Great for the 808! I am bad in Midi connections: no personal practice. I did not think it was possible to use it as a master clock. Awesome !
With ModularGrig: more than two months of daily searches, 5 to 8 hours per day (!), After fifty "final" configurations of rigs, only the top of the iceberg is visible (the last piece of ice while top of the pic!). I must also deepen sequencing compared to randomness. The Euclidian will change me from my Korg SQ 10 (it is absolutely necessary that I find where I put it, and at the same time the Korg tape echo that accompanied him).
My first synth, in 1977 was an MS 20. Then the MS 50. Sold to buy the Odyssey. This is where I lost the opportunity to lose myself in the world of modular. My absolute dream was the 2600 I had heard live in Brussels. But budget inaccessible! So, no more patches. Student's work after work, and others, the all new Yamaha DX7 came to complete. As you said in an exchange with someone: horrible programming of the 80s! First polyphonic at home, first internal memories. But, aargh, where are all the knobs, the direct commands, the interactivity? In addition to subtractive synthesis, the FM was another real discovery. Operators, carriers: really fun, and a typical sound (although ..). I still like it so much. Many years without synths followed. Nine years ago, an Access Virus came to complete this small world. The possibilities of modulations are enormous. It is a very open, playful instrument that leaves a large field for creativity. Despite all the knobs, I find that there is not enough interactivity for quick changes. Or, work with the control software. But blah, only one mouse = only one click at a time.
The modular meets everything and more. Simple and terrrrrible question of choice and budget ...
Visualize the waves: I understand very well and totally agree with your answer. In music, no ear, no guide. No sensitivity, no way out. To hear the sound and to see the wave's evolutions, to morph, to vibrate, sometimes goes beyond the "toy". We say to ourselves: hey, I like this sound, but now I just see something that makes me understand why it starts to vibrate like that. Fun and informative.
Hearing the mixes of evolutive waves and syncopated rhythms (is that the right word?) in the beginning of Radio Activity, at 16, that I wondered what a great instrument generated such incredible sounds. ALL come from THIS piece! Two weeks ago, I was reading one of your threads with someone (a fictitious medicine ;) ) who was also starting with the modular. Long and rich exchanges. You have awakened this person. And with your personal background, let me: wow !! (I read and read it again).
Ok, I go to order modules (aaargh, my savings ..!). But what sound pleasures to come!
Thank you for everything, Lugia!
fullmazeSH
Hi there. A module I've been interested in for a while I've just noticed is being discontinued and the remaining stock is being sold off. I noticed this completely by chance. So will have to buy one now.
This happened to me once before. Again, I noticed by chance and managed to order before it sold out.
So far I've been lucky but I'd hate a module to be discontinued and then not be able to find it ever, or have to buy for a massively marked up price.
Note: the module in question does not come up yet as discontinued on modulargrid.net.
So my request of a feature is to have better communication with the module companies and an easy way for them to let you know which modules are being discontinued so the site can be updated asap. And a notification option so if anything in my rack is becoming discontinued I get notified via email.
Thanks
Nasty sound... I’ve been playing around with Noise Engineering Ataraxic Iteritas and it nicely fits the bill. They also have a gnarlier version the Manis Iteritas. Nifty 10 HP modules. Could add a ModDemix for even more nastiness.
Yep...if you're more inclined toward "nasty", sound-wise, the Mysteron's the one to keep, to be sure. But there's another killer VCO you'll need to look at: cheap, small, and capable of some really crazed self-mod jazz, and that's Noise Reap's uBermuda. Just recommended them on another build for similar timbral reasons, in fact. A couple of those cost about the same as a typical big-name VCO, and for secondary audio sources (or even up front!), they're a bargain on $$ and hp. Cold Mac? Yeah, that actually makes some sense, but if you want some craziness to pair with it, ADDAC just dropped a very inexpensive device that might pair with it really well as a performance control: the 306 VC Transitions. Check that out. Combining the two of those would set up a very intricate CV morph capability that you can use to affect quite a bit, given what the Cold Mac's designed to do. And yes, the MakeNoise 7U case with the CV Bus is a truly nifty thing...that 1U row solves quite a bit of problems!
Thank you, everyone, for your input. It seems pretty clear that I'm lacking VCAs!
Lugia: I neglected to include my 2hp Mix module in the rack, probably because I was so focused on sound sources. My mistake. Thank you for how thorough you went, and especially for explaining the logic behind it--it became very clear for me after reading your note. I see what you're saying about big, sexy modules: I definitely allowed myself to get carried away with the Cloud Terrarium, for instance. I'm actually more inclined to get rid of that module over the Mysteron, since I use the latter for timbral modulation and randomness, and I think it has a good "ugly" sound, but honestly they tend to be among the lesser-loved. You're right in that I feel like I'm hitting a wall. Thanks for the suggestion on the Doepfer. I've been looking at more of their modules after getting the spring reverb, which is gorgeous and relatively cheap. As for the utility modules, what about a Cold Mac? As for the mults: I currently use a few Intellijel non-magnetic hubs, and haven't noticed any kind of a signal drop-off. Either way, I've been planning on getting a 7U Make Noise case, which I believe would solve that issue in the future though--right?
Liquid_air: Yeah, I've downsized quite a bit. I had a few MI modules, but I just didn't get along with them, and wasn't interested in the micro version. As for your questions, I'm not sure I understand what you mean. I do use the MIDI in on the Mother-32 with a keyboard, but I'm not sure about your other question without an example.
Sudaunt: I've thought about getting a wogglebug or a Turing Machine, and I'm certainly not against having either. I'm not really too familiar with the Disting, but it looks like it does a little bit of everything. I'll certainly try it out. Thanks!
OK...one more shot here. I blew your budgeting all to hell, but I wanted to suggest what an instrument of the sort you were discussing could actually be. Here it is...
Now, you'll notice first off that the case is different. Instead of a Doepfer 84 single row, I went with an Intellijel 4U/104. This opened up a bit more space, plus added the Intellijel tile row for some extra functions, and it's fully-powered with Intellijel's excellent integrated supply/power bus. From left to right up there, you'll see your main clock, noise sources, a slew limiter, sample and hold (in the first tile alone, too!), a 4 x 64-step trigger sequencer for your drums as well as clock modulation/tinkering, a Quadratt which is your CV linear mixer/mult/inverter, then the line in/out which uses the Intellijel case's I/O jacks, already built in.
Bottom row, left to right again: the Permutations is a generative randomness sequencer based on the popular Turing Machine, sort of a 2nd-gen version of that. This provides loads of random and psuedorandom (at varying levels) CV possibilities. Next to this is a Toppobrillo Quantimator, a quantizer with scaling/tuning/chordal control via CVs, plus three outputs which can also be fed via an analog shift register, a sample-and-hold-type device which feeds CVs forward by a step on each clock pulse. These three outs are also your chord outputs, as well.
And with three outputs, you need three VCOs. I opted for the Noise Reap uBermuda here...very cost effective, plus they have a very crazed self-regen control that can drive the VCO waveforms into some really nasty shapes for lots of distortive harmonic fun. Audio mixer is next to these to sum your VCOs down.
The Delptronics LDB2 setup is next. This is a pair of modules (voices and CV expander) that offers analog sounds in the typical Roland 606/808-type family, with CV control over numerous parameters. Next is a pair of linear VCAs, to be used with CV/mod signals to control their levels. And for modulation, that's now fairly comprehensive: a Takaab triple LFO, Takaab CVable A/R envelope, and dual Doepfer ADSRs. Note the location, also...the Quadratt is directly above so that you can easily route your mod sources into it to combine them.
More Noise Reap...state-variable VCF with three frequency CVs, plus CVable resonance. Another audio mixer allows you to sum the outputs from this along with the mix out from the LDB2, if you choose. Right next to this is a switchable linear/exponential VCA with built-in AR envelope for your outgoing audio level control prior to the effects: 106 Chorus (again) which can stereoize your mono audio to feed direct to the uClouds SE for more processing, with the audio outputs directly above for convenience.
Yes, I know it's about $1500 more. However, this is the sort of thing you're actually pointing towards with the ideas you'd mentioned, so I thought you might like to see a reference of what this might entail. Oh, and as for the passive mults...there are none. In this tight a space, it's best to use inline mult widgets so you can maximize your active functions. And while there's buffering on the Quadratt output(s), there's no buffered mult because you won't be connecting CVs across so many modules that would cause voltage sag.
I was just about to suggest Marbles for you... the thing is amazing. Also: can be had on a great discount at Juno Records in the UK (with cheap shipping if you're in the US).
Maths here is used as the control signal to both channels of Optomix-- it could be anything but I didn't want to clutter the diagram by throwing more things into the mults.
One other point is that if you're going to want all of those sound sources to track evenly on a single CV, you are definitely looking at adding a buffered mult in order to avoid CV voltage droop from trying to connect too many exponential converters to the same CV out. Going smaller means you've got room for one...even if it's just 2-3 hp, in a cab that small, space can get pretty dear pretty fast. As for passive mults...nah. If you're going smaller, like this, lay in a supply of in-line mult widgets instead. Jam as much function as you can get into the panel space; by using widgets, you get more functional space potential.
Wow guys I was not expecting all the trouble you went trough thank you so much for the help! As much as I love the toolbox idea it is a bit out of my budget right now. What do you think of using marbles and get one more oscilator? I could even get a pico drum to get some lo-fi rhythms going on. I am still exploring and getting to know modules while experimenting on vcv rack so new ideas keep coming! I also love the juno chorus since it was my favorite thing about the tal-u-no-lx plug in. I was even thinking of getting the upcoming tc electronic pedal for my guitar based on it!
I hope that's not your actual module draw, because if it's that close to the rated maxes for the Doepfer PSU3, you're going to wreck that P/S. A sensible rule of thumb is to never exceed 2/3rds of the rated amperage per rail; this allows the P/S to run cooler, extending its life, and also reduces the likelihood that inrushes on power-up will momentarily exceed the P/S capacity. There's also a lot of other things not quite right here, but I'd like to know if you've pushed this build to a zone that's too close to P/S damage.
-- Lugia
yes this is my actual module draw according to modular grid. I was assuming it is correct. 1375 mA +12V | 985 mA -12V
please tell me more. i was not aware of only being able to use 2/3 or the power. I was under the impression that 2/3 reserve was for switching power supplies and this is a doepfer that is not a switching so I could use all of the rated power
OWNED
- bloomery volume pedal
- strymon zuma
- meris m7
- morgan od
- chase bliss audio warped vinyl
NOT OWNED:
- board: temple solo 18
- tuner: https://pedaltrain.com/products/sst-space-saving-tuner
- strymon volante
- morning star mc6 midi controller
- jackson audio bloom
- disaster area Midibox
alec t
Great read here, again, Lugia.
I pondered similar questions as I just recently jumped into modular. Even though I did my research, still a few things I’d do different. It just uncurled to me how big the DPO really is. Also, many cool modules are now available as micro-units (clouds, marbles, braids, plaits...). So, gotta swap them at some point. I didn’t go for a particularly small cab, but it’s quickly apparent how critical function density really is. I love XAOC in that regard is awesome with the 10 HP Batumi and Zadar.
And, yeah, mixers. I quickly learned that you’re going to want those for CV and audio separately. So one bottle neck for me is that I rely on a single triple bipolar.
Also, do you plan to integrate your system with other gear? MIDI and/or audio I/O seem to be missing (need for a dedicated audio I/O was something I hadn’t considered).
I hope that's not your actual module draw, because if it's that close to the rated maxes for the Doepfer PSU3, you're going to wreck that P/S. A sensible rule of thumb is to never exceed 2/3rds of the rated amperage per rail; this allows the P/S to run cooler, extending its life, and also reduces the likelihood that inrushes on power-up will momentarily exceed the P/S capacity. There's also a lot of other things not quite right here, but I'd like to know if you've pushed this build to a zone that's too close to P/S damage.
Well, problem #1 here seems to be that there's a lot of big footprints in a smaller-sized case. The Batumi addition is a better direction to go in, where you can have a lot of function in a much smaller hp count. As for this being "too heavy" on sources...hm...yes and no. Having plenty of VCOs is a good thing, however you make it fit. But having too many "showpiece" sources...not so much so. In this case, you've got three: the DPO, Cloud Terrarium, and Mysteron. The only "basic" VCO present is the STO...and this neglects the ability to have basic, boring, utilitarian VCOs as effective audio-frequency modulators, either as FM sources for other oscillators or as mixable audio sources to add to other oscillator signals with a bit of detuning and/or waveform difference to beef up basic sounds. This is something you might want to reconsider, perhaps losing the Mysteron in favor of a few very basic VCOs for those purposes.
Dynamix...no. You have a pair of proper vactrol LPGs in the Optomix already. What's needed are...yep...boring, dull, sleepy VCAs. Again, this goes toward sonic complexity. Dropping something like a Doepfer A-135-2 quad VCA into the Dynamix's space would then give you four DC-coupled linear VCAs which can then be used to process CVs, LFO and other modulation signals, as well as mixing these if desired. Yes, VCAs are boring. But they're also bread-and-butter devices when it comes to being able to create complex control paths.
Another glaring omission...and also boring stuff but necessary: mixers. I don't see any...and that's a crippling issue. You can't make really good use of all of those audio sources unless you also have the ability to mix some of them together. That last thing I suggest above, combining the STO output with some other source's...you actually don't have a good way to do that right now. Like VCAs, mixers are boring but 100% essential. You need ways to combine audio and CV/mod sources; the whole point of "synthesis" is to reach a sonic result by combining signals to create very complex and changing spectra. The DPO can do this...but that's the only thing here that can, and by leaving mixing out just for audio alone, you've hamstrung this build.
Some of your other module purchase ideas suggest the real problem, actually. There's always the temptation to go for the big-name, super-sexy modules...but if you do that, you're going to wind up totally screwed. Some of them are nice to have, but if you neglect the sleepy-looking parts like mixers, VCAs, envelope gens (only one in this...that's not going to cut it!) and on and on, you'll have a sexy-looking box that works like crap as a synth. Couple that with the space limits in your existing cab, and it doesn't surprise me at all that you've realized you're lacking flexibility. But to get that flexibility...big and sexy is not the answer. Spend some time looking at dull, boring things...consider how they might fit with your other modules, and which modules it might seem that can be removed in order to optimize the capabilties of the remaining ones. Those boring scut-worky modules are actually the key modules that make the pile of modules into a workable instrument...and without them, yep, you've got something expensive and lacking.
Yep...the Pam's is a rather different device, allowing for pattern programmability and loads of other tricks. It has major divide/multiply capabilities on clock rates, has Euclidean pattern sequencing and probabilistic skipping abilities (which fit great with your generative ideas), all sorts of internal swing and delay functions...aside of being a really excellent clock gen in of itself. It has everything you need (and more!) to wring every last bit of timing voodoo out of the Varigate, with plenty left for elsewhere in the build.
An oscilloscope has uses in the studio, to be sure...but visualizing waveforms is more of a 'toy' function, not essential. A good musician doesn't rely on whether a waveform looks suitably "textbook" or not, but instead they use their ears. Sometimes that which looks nice and "pure" doesn't have any musical use in a given situation. And yes, I do have an oscilloscope in my studio, but its main use for some time has been as an X-Y display for reading stereo phasing and diagnosing imaging problems, particularly below 200 Hz where there can be real detriments to the sound from misphased audio. I also use it to diagnose noise issues; at high gain levels, I can see any induced noise issues down at very low dB levels and this helps me diagnose noise sources and potential corrections.
Anyway, yeah, this looks great now...it'll be a good match with both the Odyssey and the M32, and if you get something such as TouellSkouarn Triglostek box, you can convert the 808's outgoing DINsync to a modular clock, letting you use the 808 as your master for pretty much the whole rig.
Power ratings for box +12V/2000 mA, -12V/1200mA, +5V/4000mA
Can any Morphagene ( or possibly Phonogene) users tell me if after you’ve recorded an external source like guitar or standalone synth you can begin playback and still hear the input source if you we’re to play over it?
Hi. I'm also fairly new to modular, about 2 years or so. I think it depends on what you're trying to do. This seems like a cool rack for sound design and ambient. If you're trying to do more rhythmic stuff I might recommend some more utility modules. Maybe try a disting and see which utilities you find the most useful. Multiples are great. VCAs that aren't Low Pass Gates seem like they'd also be a welcome addition. Random might be a nice touch. Inexperienced as I am, I'd say you're at the point where you should look less to sound sources or even effects, and more towards modulation, utility, and getting the most out of what you already have. It's incredible how much the smallest pieces can change everything.
I've been building this out for about a year now, but recently I've been looking to cut out the redundancies and give myself more flexibility. With the DPO, the STO, the E-352, and the Mysteron, I essentially have four oscillators and it can feel like overkill sometimes. To be clear, I have everything here minus the Batumi and the Dynamix, which I plan on getting in the next month or two.
In addition to this I have a Mother-32, which I use with the Rene 1 for minimalist tones, syncopated rhythms, and three- or four-voice drones.
I'm considering getting a sound modeler like the Plonk just for some variation, and I've found the Echophon does S&H well enough for my purposes, though I'm not against getting a Morphagene or a Nebulae v. 2.
Any thoughts?
https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_612113.jpg
Hey gridlers!
I hope someone is able to help me here. I have been trying to use the randomize function on my Plonk, but can't seem to make it work.
The plan is to randomize all the parameters with every new trigger signal. (You see Andrew Huang doing it in this video:
)
I used the same patching as described in the manual and in the video, but it doesn't work, it only happens when I additionally press the red button.
Here's the way I patched it:
- Sequencer Gate out -> Trigger In on Plonk
- Sequencer Mod Out -> Mod In on Plonk
- Mod settings set to Randomize in Plonk
Looks like I'm missing something here, can someone point me into the right direction?
Finally, there is enough space. Thank you so much ! And I think it's great, all the time you share with the Modular community. Long live the passion!
fullmazeSH
Hello Lugia,
I’am really honored with your answer! (this is my first question on the Net!).
I forgot to say this: in fact, Clouds comes from the States (second hand) and has arrived in Belgium. Maybe at home today or in two or three days. This is the only module I bought.
Comparing the functions of ALM Pamela and Erica Synths Black CodeSource, is this quite similar? (or not). Black CodeSouce generates clocks, but does not modulate them. Is this the difference? Pamela has the advantage of eight trigger outputs. Now I understand with the Varigate 4+ !
Thanks for the idea of Retro Mechanical Labs ! Will the Intellijel Buff Mult 1U tile not be enough? Finally, because of Clouds, there is no room for a multiple of the SSSR type. (O'Tool would come after). I find it rather functional to visualize the waves precisely in some cases. Maybe you could do without it?
fullmazeSH
And if I might, I think I have the perfect solution for that open 6 hp: Feedback's 106 Chorus. An excellent addition to an ambient-focussed system, with mono in and stereo outs, based on the Juno-106 chorus circuit. Paired with the uBraids, that would nail the effect processing situation nicely!
One other thing, also...the Toolbox is a nice idea, but having just one oscillator really undertaxes it. Instead, jamming that space with 2hp modules would allow for three sources (VCOs, or a mix of VCOs and some of their other things like the Vowel or Pluck) and a 2hp Mix to sum that down to the MMF for a nice paraphonic-type voicing. Yes, a bit more spendy, but the capabilities would really jump up at that point. You could also drop the Z4000 and go with a couple of Ladik modules; a C-214 replaces the ADSR capability of the Z4000, then tossing in a C-041 adds two AD/AR envelopes that can also function as LFOs if they receive a constant pulse from the Toolbox.
It's pretty well thought out, actually...but there is one flaw: Clouds was discontinued some time back, and the best way to deal with that would be to get a third-party version, with Tall Dog's uClouds SE probably being your best bet on availability. This then opens up 10 hp, with a very good suggestion for 8 of those being a Pamela's NEW Workout. This would do quite a bit to address your clocking/pattern concerns, and it would play very nicely with the Varigate 4+. For the remaining 2 hp, given the sort of complex interconnection you're envisioning, I'd strongly suggest a regular multiple module of some sort...buffered isn't necessary, but making sure you can use this a few different ways is. SSSR has one which incorporates a switch to select either 2x4 or 1x8 modes, a function you might find useful.
As for the Intellijel line-in, yes, that'll work fine for incoming line-level audio, but you're going to need the corresponding Audio I/O 1u tile to make use of the cab's line-in and outputs. I would suggest removing the Pedal I/O tiles and the headphone tile so that that can fit, then consider removing the O'Tool and looking at Retro Mechanical Labs' GPI instead; not only would this restore the pedal I/O, but that module features two pedal interfaces, which would be a perfect complement to the Strymon pedals you have. These do require 3.5mm to 1/4" cables, but those are easily obtainable.
Actually, yeah, a couple of things come to mind. You might consider a VC Polarizer such as the Doepfer A-133 for changing envelope (and other) polarities in lock with other modulation. Might be very entertaining to have a filter envelope switching back and forth from positive to negative polarity in sequence, f'rinstance. Joranalogue's Dual Window Comparator is a nice fit with sequencing, also, allowing CVs above/below/in window to fire gates that can be used to add further complexity to sequencing. And a bit of Boolean Logic can work with that as well, turning things off and/or on depending on comparator vs clock states. And maybe one more filter, namely the Tiptop Forbidden Planet. The Steiner Synthacon had a wonderfully raucous filter, and this does a good job of nailing its feel in minimal hp.
Not 100% sold on the PanMix, tho...you only get CV over level on that. Have a look at the Toppobrillo Stereomix instead; the size is good, plus you have CV over level, pan, and FX send, and the 'Cue' function can be used as a second FX send, which would work well with a Happy Nerding OUT to mix that second FX return back into your stereo out. Only four ins, but adding a small submixer (if needed) would fix much of that.
Hello everybody !
I discovered ModularGrid two months ago. I love my Arp Odyssey since 1979, but here, wow, what a wonderful world of sound possibilities !
After two months of discovering and comparing hundreds of modules, and dozens of "final" MG racks, I don't know if this one (Eptatone Maze (Ground Floor)) is realistic according to what I hope for my achievements. 
. I own a Mother 32, which will remain externally. Also a TR 808 (1981!) And two pedals Strymon, one with Midi and another without. Clouds will arrive by delivery.
The following, as you can see, come in an Intellijel 7u/104 case : I place the I / O modules for the pedals in 1U, but is it still possible to go through the line inputs of the case for other non-Midi instruments? Is there an additional module needed (1U or 3U)? The other questions mainly concern CV modulations and clock modulations. Is it enough? And from your experience, what else is missing (or redundant)? In order to compose ambient music, drones, rhythmic sequences With good generative, moving and evolutionary possibilities… This rack is the main ground floor, and will be followed by a complement for random modules, CV modulations and clocks, and other sound experiments.
Thank you in advance for your ideas and opinions. Here you make a incredible work !
fullmazeSH
DAMM!!!
We measured this between boards without the connector. so sorry for this :(
Editing now!
I've been over this a few times... made some revisions... thought about some things. It's more than you want to spend. But your first case is always the most expensive.
Let's not go random. Let's use a sequencer. In fact, let's go with a good sequencer. The 1010 Music Toolbox is $600. Perfect Circuit will discount it to $500 once in a while during sales (Christmas etc.). There are 8 gate outputs and 8 CV outs. You can multiple sequencers running at once. You can have LFOs, random CV, notes (CV and gates)... you can even sample control voltages, record them, and then play them back in a loop (works for audio too). It'll cover a lot of modulation sources, which you'll want for evolving stuff.
Braids. Braids is a workhorse of different sounds. Having a multitude of different sounds will give you a much wider palette than a basic oscillator. Braids also has a built in internal quantizer just in case you really do want to go random... I didn't forget.
A simple multimode filter. Not thrilling... but filters can create a lot of movement in ambient sounds. It will output all three filtered outputs at once (modulating two or more with two VCAs can be tasty).
Z4000 ADSR with nice long stages available. Plus you can modulate the amount each stage.
Intellijel Quad VCA. This is the one to get. It's very versatile and can even sum outputs.
A-138s stereo mixer. Mono-ambient sounds... (yawn)
Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms Out. If a tree falls in an oscillator and there's no one to hear it... it's also stereo and has a dedicated headphone jack... very convenient when you're tweaking and wiggling away.
There's a lot more you can do with slew limiters, other FX, more ADSRs, dedicated LFOs, etc. But to me this set-up will be fast to learn and give you a lot of possibilities and will grow with you into a larger case. I even left you 6HP of space. :)
As always, take this with a grain of salt. Research everything.
1010 Music Toolbox $599
Michigan Synthworks uBraids II $250
2HP MMF $119
TipTop Z4000 NS $165
Intellijel Quad VCA $189
Doepfer A-138s $90
Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms Out $99
I was thinking of about 900-1300$. I do not mind mono outputs and I think big stereo integration would become a bit expensive, but a stereo mixer as crossed my mind to be honest. And primarily as a random voltage source with a quantizer, although a sequencer with a trigger also might be an option (The pico ones).
Thank you in advance by the way!
What's your budget excluding the case? Clouds is a stereo module. Will you be satisfied with a mono output? Are you using the white noise generator as just as a random voltage source and/or an audio source?
I have been playing around with VCV rack, that is where the idea of randomly generating patterns with white noise and a quantizer into a VCO pitch and Clouds came from. What did I do wrong and what do you recommend?
Don't purchase anything. It feels like you're throwing modules into a rack and hoping that something useful takes shape.
The Mutable Instruments Clouds module is no longer available. However, you can purchase it used or better yet buy a 3rd party micro version. Look for a Michigan Synthworks uBurst or the like.
My advice would be to download VCV Rack. It's free. It also has a virtual version of Clouds. Look for some ambient tutorials on Youtube and start practicing. Once you've learned HOW to make random ambient textures in VCV then start looking at putting together a system.
So the title says it all.... I am especially unsure if I should get the WL Random or just get a white noise generator with a sample and hold module. If this is the case I would need to get a clock or gate generator of some sort which I know nothing about. Maybe instead I should get a Pico trigger and seq?
Any help, opinions or tips would be very welcomed!
Here is the rack, I have no idea how to post it here:
https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_822178.jpg
This is an established rack.
The modules that I'm about ready to add are the following:
1010 Music Bitbox
Befaco Dual Attenuverter
Joranalogue Switch 4
Tiptop Audio Z4000NS
Intellijel USB Power 1U (2)
I'm mostly creating pitched sequences. But I'm wanting to branch out into some ambient textures as well. I'm not looking to produce full songs on modular. I'll probably arrange in a DAW.
A Happy Nerding PanMix will probably end up in the rack eventually. Are there any other utility type of modules I might be missing at this stage? There's more stuff on the wishlist but I wanted you to chime in. Your opinion is always respected.
Precisely, Ronin...some of the best work I've done started with simple patch-noodling. I'd hit a sound that suggested something, work toward that something, then something else gets into that and I head that direction. This then says "add these", and the compositional process is off and running. There does seem to be a certain set of synths that this is more prone to happening with, though; certainly my modular setup, but also my JP-6, CS-80, Wave 2.3 (when I had that) and MS-20 are all ones that've played a key role in several pieces apiece. When you have ALL the sonic variables at hand, so it seems, this method works well...perhaps not so much with the single-data-entry ones.
Got a Tip Top BD808 from @tonicreflex via facebook. Kicks well and is TIP TOP! And got shipped very fast in germany (2 days), nice chat inclusive! :-)
@rsillsley super user! Quick delivery, well packed and mint condition!
Hi,
Any opinions on the Zadar as a main Envelope generator and Sewastopol II as a main audio I/O and FX send loop interface?
Both look really nice and the Batumi I have I really like.
What exactly are you trying to get out of your sequencer. I'm a little confused if you're looking for basic sequencing or something advanced to use along side something basic.
I'd spend a couple of days looking through manuals and watching Youtube videos around the following sequencers:
1. Eloquencer
2. 1010 Music Toolbox
3. Micro Ornaments and Crime in "Sequins" mode.
4. NerdSeq
5. Tiptop Z8000
6. Pittsburgh Modular Electronic Sequence Designer
Each of them have their strengths and weaknesses of course. You're looking around $500-700US for each except O_C ($250-300) The Pittsburgh unit is also available in a stand-alone case for $50 more; which extends the life of your rack in terms of available HP. There are plenty more solutions out there. But at the end of the day you'll do your research, hold your breath, and then hope you made the right decision as you enter your credit card info.
My opinion would be to start with something basic like the O_C then make another purchase a few months later. The O_C can serve quite a few purposes so it won't become redundant in your rack.
There is no wrong way to build a patch. Sometimes you start with the audio pathing... sometimes you start with the CV. It depends on your idea or mental sketch.
Once you have a bit of experience, you'll start coming up with interesting ideas... AWAY from your case. Maybe there's a feature you haven't explored. Maybe you have this crazy CV routing idea that might or might not work the way you've envisioned it.
Just be prepared for happy-little-accidents that take you away from your original goal. Don't be afraid to explore something accidental or unintended. That's the beauty of modular.
Why dummy patches?
I have an Intellijel Morgasmatron dual filter. Both filters can be used discretely. HOWEVER, the FM2 input of filter one is normalled to the FM2 input of filter two. If I don't want the modulation of filter one to affect filter two, I have to connect a dummy patch to the FM2 input of filter two to break the normal.
