Sorry, owikeddal. I'm not following you. You lost me.
Hey, I'm Oscar from Berlin.
I'm still in highschool so I don't really earn Money yet, but I ve been fascinated by Synthesizers for quite a while now and already own some non-modular stuff . Currently I'm looking for a job I as a minor can do and earn some money to spend on modules, a lowcost case (probably 6U) and just start it. Of course I already did some research online how to get into modular, watched Molten Music, Tuesday Night Machines and similar channels to get myself educated a bit. I came here to get some more personal advice, this community is always called nice and cooperative. I really like many genres of electronic music (and can't decide where to go with the modular) . As an introduction I'm planning to invest into a Kastle by Bastl Instruments. Do you approve of that?
Hope to hear from some more experienced synth-lovers soon
Oscar
So since I purchased the CV:OCD, I can now generate pretty wild CV signals.
So what modules could be fun for this?
I already purchase MI Clouds for this.
Actually, if one purchases this:
http://www.synthtopia.com/content/2016/10/20/the-cv-ocd-is-a-super-flexible-midi-to-cv-box/
Then it doesn't really matter, since that device has plenty of CV outs and costs only $95 plus shipping.
So I've been looking MIDI/CV interfaces and there are plenty of them in eurorack format.
However, I've noticed that some MIDI keyboards also come with USB/MIDI to CV interfaces, so rather than buying just a converter I could buy a keyboard that also has the converter.
Actually keyboards such as Arturia Keystep are more affordable than many eurorack USB/MIDI to CV interfaces.
But the Arturia Keystep for example seems to have only one CV out and one Gate Out.
So this is just one channel of CV, right?
But how many does one need?
As many as there are controllable parameters?
This could also work:
It would be useful if one could use some other module for either the input or the output.
Like some other effect such as compressor or distortion.
Then it would serve multiple purposes, rather than just input/output.
Wonder if something like this could be used for the I/O:
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/sputnik-modular-valve-multiplier
I've used Crusher, but I haven't used Clouds.
Crusher is rather difficult to use though.
-- soundmodel
I suggest trying your hand on a Clouds before you do anything else.
Well. If anything modular seems too much trouble, why bother at all.
Go for software.
-- wiggler55550
Do you think Crusher has similarities with Clouds?
I've used Crusher, but I haven't used Clouds.
Crusher is rather difficult to use though.
For better input they suggest:
http://www.circuitabbey.com/Gozinta.html
I still think it would be easiest to buy the Intellijel Audio Interface, but
it's rather expensive at 249€.
Well. If anything modular seems too much trouble, why bother at all.
Go for software.
Here are some suggestions:
https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=51415&highlight=output
They note that one can use some of the Doepfer modules such as the A-134 Pan for creating the output.
They also say that A119 is low-quality.
I was wondering, do I really need to purchase some "boutique" eurorack module to do the 5v to line conversion.
And could I perhaps get some normal audio mixer and use some adapters on it?
-- soundmodelNeither Ladik nor Doepfer are "boutique"; they are at the lower end as far as pricing.
I guess you could use a mixer with a -20 db pad on the input.Know someone with some electronics knowledge?
-- wiggler55550
They are "boutique" in the sense that I don't see them as useful in other than eurorack modulars.
Using a general mixer would be more "generic". Allowing one to use "general purpose" hardware, rather than specialized.
I don't think the eurorack modules really do anything special, they just do the attenuating accurately, precisely to the needs of the hardware.
Forget about headphone amps. Your modular level is already way too high; it will clip the input on your sound card. There is no point in making it even louder, right?
I was wondering, do I really need to purchase some "boutique" eurorack module to do the 5v to line conversion.
And could I perhaps get some normal audio mixer and use some adapters on it?
-- soundmodel
Neither Ladik nor Doepfer are "boutique"; they are at the lower end as far as pricing.
I guess you could use a mixer with a -20 db pad on the input.
Know someone with some electronics knowledge?
Of course one could get something else for the output module:
e.g.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1198520-REG/pittsburgh_pms2017_outs_stereo_headphone.html
A-119 is mono: "The pre-amp has two inputs: an unbalanced input for line level signals, with a gain factor of from 0 to 20, and a balanced input with a gain factor of from 0 to 500, for insertion of low level signals, for instance from a microphone or electric guitar"
On p. 4 in the manual it says that:
Symm. In
The 6.3 mm stereo full-size jack socket " is the
A-119’s balanced input, for low level signals such as
from a microphone, electric guitar, and so on.
A-139-2 is a headphone amplifier. You need to bring down the level going into the computer.
-- wiggler55550
I thought one needed to amplify the output signal. I wonder if there's some other Doepfer module that can handle the output.
A-119 is mono: "The pre-amp has two inputs: an unbalanced input for line level signals, with a gain factor of from 0 to 20, and a balanced input with a gain factor of from 0 to 500, for insertion of low level signals, for instance from a microphone or electric guitar"
A-139-2 is a headphone amplifier. You need to bring down the level going into the computer.
There's also pretty affordable solution from Doepfer:
The A-119 Ext. In. as input (note the input there is stereo):
and A-139-2 as the output (this is also stereo):
I was wondering, do I really need to purchase some "boutique" eurorack module to do the 5v to line conversion.
And could I perhaps get some normal audio mixer and use some adapters on it?
Right, Ladik has excellent value for the money. Rather than investing in a specialized interface module (ALM S.B.G for example) you could get away with getting a pre-amp (A-510, A-520 , A-525 ) for input from computer to modular and a mixer (M-110, M-120, A-530) for attenuating from modular to computer level. BTW, no affiliation with Ladik here, I'm just a satisfied user. There are many alternatives. Note that this will be useful for most any external input, hi-fi, walkman, phone, whatever. And you will need a set of matching cables.
By know you are suspecting that just making Clouds work costs as much as the module itself. And oc you're right. On the other hand nothing of that is lost once you decide to expand ;-)
Exactly, everyone!
Guitar Pedals are natural companions for modulars and even many modular manufacturers are coming from the stompbox DIY scene.
So we thought ModularGrid should support pedals, too.
Here you go, click around and tell us what you want to see improved.
If you want to help to make it better:
We will see how many of you gals and guys will use the pedalgrid and then decide to go further or leave it as it is in beta status forever :)
The default format on ModularGrid will always be Eurorack. But we have a shortcut URL for the pedals, too:
It's http://pedalgrid.net
Beep, Bopp, Bleep: info@modulargrid.net
It seems that Intellijel has Audio Interface II, but ladik has even more affordable modules:
http://ladik.ladik.eu/?page_id=1148
and
I found:
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/xaoc-devices-sewastopol
But I wonder if there are other modules that would do what I need.
How will you handle the difference of voltage levels between your soundcard and your modular?
-- wiggler55550
I don't know.
Perhaps I need to buy some module to do this.
You may be familiar with the sound effect produced by a sample & hold module, plugged into a VCO, for example.
But, are there other ways S&H can be used? For instance, controlling a VCA, or VCF.
What prompted me to ask was hearing a Jean Michel Jarre track on his Oxygene 3 album... Oxygene 15, I think.
It has a S&H quality to it, whilst still keeping to a melody.
Would love to read peoples opinions/ideas.
Peace... Simon.
A modular club in Scotland... https://www.facebook.com/groups/1625075307726784/
How will you handle the difference of voltage levels between your soundcard and your modular?
Could e.g. this power the Clouds:
https://www.rawvoltage.wien/eurorack-gehause/doepfer-a-100mc-mini-case-schwarz
-- soundmodelYes it can and does.
What are you going to feed into it?-- wiggler55550
I'm going to connect it to my sound card and run stuff from my computer through it.
Could e.g. this power the Clouds:
https://www.rawvoltage.wien/eurorack-gehause/doepfer-a-100mc-mini-case-schwarz
-- soundmodel
Yes it can and does.
What are you going to feed into it?
Could e.g. this power the Clouds:
https://www.rawvoltage.wien/eurorack-gehause/doepfer-a-100mc-mini-case-schwarz
So I'm interested in the MI Clouds, but I don't have a modular system, nor do I really have interest in anything else.
So what's the minimum setup that I need to use just Clouds?
We could use the main point from this study.The EssayJedi is needed for the development this community.
I had a great purchasing experience with @oneirictomb
Good guy, honest seller.
Here's what I have so far. Any suggestions on what I should drop or add is appreciated. I do have 9-12U of space in my rack right now and this will be a slow purchasing process starting out. What I'm hoping to get out of modular is making my own sounds, anything from bass, leads, pads, drums, etc. and processing sounds further through plugins in Ableton Live. Thanks.
Ah man I totally forgot to mention one huge reason Im interested in modular aswell, the effects and modulations I could use with something like guitar, I have planned a system that would work more as a effects box for guitar or any sound source for that matter, Ive researched this dimension a bit but havent found anything difinitive so it will just remain as a plan until I know more...
Thanks mate! Ill keep this around for reference!
To be honest, when I fisrt became more interested in electronic music and synthesis little over year ago, and I saw these beast of modular synths, I was scared of them and the complexity, but more I watched videos (like demos, tutorials, 'getting started with modular' and anything I could find) of them little by little, the more I was interested in them and the infinite possibilities they offer... also I started to show some interest in making my own simple modules and such (Ive never before been interested in small electronics until now, planning to start with some simple DIY kits and a solder)... Im kinda still looking for the thing I really wanna do in life, one thing is music, that I love much to make and to listen... About the modular synthesis with MIDI, I wouldnt want the MIDI keyboard to be something I completely rely on, but more of a traditional approach maybe(?), Im planning to build up more and seek all the ways I can use the modular synths with, Im interested in the drum things and patches and sounds, self playing and generating soundscapes, and sound design is really close to my heart, like with my Korg Volca I couldnt get my hands off of it in first few days because I was having fun just turning the knobs and exploring everything I can make it sound like but soon I craved for more.... Sorry if Im kinda all over the place with my messages, I try my best to keep it bearable haha
There are many things that really interests me to build a modular system, one big thing is that its unique to me, I want to build my own custom case that I can fill up partly with my own DIY modules and many cool ones from all different companies (I built my first custom PC for myself last december, so if building custom modular synth is anything like that, then I dont want to miss out on it). Other thing is the expandability and customizability, there would never come a point when I could say ''now thats too many I need to stop'' other than in bad financial situation maybe haha. 3rd thing I think is the creativity it offers, I like to think Im creative guy with tons of ideas for different purposes and modular synth would really compliment that creativity, not to say one can not be creative on much more simpler things, like you said 'It is amazing what creativity necessity invokes in us' it is most definitely true! :)
I live in Finland, and Im not much of a traveller kinda dude but Ill try and remember to take pics if I happen to find myself at Erica :)
Hey, Doc!
I'm glad what I wrote helps. My biggest realization is that I wish I had someone to help walk me through many of the modules I have. I could have covered a lot more ground in the past year+. That being said, some things are starting to click. When I started I had no idea what a control voltage is. What is a gate? What is a trigger? What's the difference?
With the Korg products you listed I can see you are already on your way. Those products are like a small doorway you can crawl through and find yourself in this HUGE arena of modular synthesis. The learning curve is steep if you're on your own. That being said, it isn't really complicated. The modules can be complicated and the patches can be complicated. It is like the game of Go: the rules are few and easy but the game can take a lifetime to master.
The desire to connect a keyboard to a modular system is understandable. Now I can see that such a feeling is misguided. Not that I wouldn't do it. (I do.) I kind of misses the point of modular. I suppose it is paradoxical. A keyboard is not the point, but it is the point if you want it to be. So, I am interested to hear what you make of the midi module. There are also so many good synth keyboards on the market and a lot less expensive than putting a modular system together.
That being said you might want to take a screwdriver to the back of those Korg boxes and see what you can jumper to what. Just a though.
QUESTION : what is it that interests you to build a modular system? For me it is the electronics (not my strength), tinkering, the sound scape, and programming an analogue computer in a physical language of patch cables. Then the meta patch becomes the most interesting part!
Here are some basic observations I've made in no particular order. And I don't direct these at you, per se, but at the modular community for reflection. Perhaps someone else will jump in here and repair my understanding or offer a different perspective.
It looks like you are off to a decent start with the Intellijel modules. I will be interested to hear how useful you mind the MIDI module. I am just starting to figure out how to integrate MIDI with what I'm doing. I tried a year ago and dumped the effort. Too much else to understand first. And MIDI can feel limit(ed/ing) without the proper approach.
Well, Doc, I see you are pricing euros. So, if you are close enough to Latvia to take a trip to Erica Synths, I highly recommend it. And send me pictures. Please! I would love to visit their shop. I live in eastern Tennessee (USA) and Make Noise and Moog are just 2.5 hours from me. Have I visited yet? No. But I'm on my way. :-)
Also, right after my first post to this thread you have started, I rearranged my cases (!). Go figure. So, one of the rigs might have been empty. That has been fixed.
Something else I forgot to mention: check out the Korg SQ-1 sequencer. It's not too expensive and offers a lot. Integrates beautifully with eurorack.
I have more to write but I've gotta go...
alex
Hello,
So the last past days I've been checking so many youtube channels and on this site here and soaked so many information's that I feel almost drained. This world is very overwhelming. But also very very exciting.
So I have a few questions as I'm a total noob and I wouldn't call myself musician.
I want to build a rack that allows some kinda fun on it's own but also works with Pocket Operators and outside things. I do a little bit music with a friend and we have a few PO's and a Korg Monotron. I wanted to buy a Kastle from Bastl but then I decided to keep that money and first check this world out. I love exploring sounds, noisey or dance able.
So this rack might be super random. 
My targets are:
Low Cost and if possible DIY.
I wanna learn to solder.
I want it to be fun on it's own but also kinda working with the Operators.
So I'm planning to get a Uzeus and build a rack.
Are these 3 first moduls making any sense?
I'm super intrested in getting the Turing Machine and the Volts and the Radio Music Modul and build it myself.
Behind the Radio Music Modul are things I would love to get but maybe not at the beginning.
So thank you for your inputs. Any help is very much appreciated.
Thanks heaps for your interesting reply! It really made me want to think about my rack more in depth, since this one was more of a compiled piece of stuff Ive seen on youtube that seemed interesting to me. Ive so far decided to start with pretty simple set up with Intellijel Atlantis and Metropolis and a MIDI interface (
) since I figured I want to get right into playing and sequencing stuff and having possibility to expand as I go along... Ive also looked at other similar options to this like Pittsburgs SV-1 and Moog Mother 32 but this Intellijel stuff seemed the best for me from what Ive seen online.
As for my experience with synthesis so far I only got Korg Volca Keys and I ordered Korg Minilogue not too long ago (still wating for it to arrive), and I do also have Korg Kaossilator Pro... Ive watched countless synth reviews and eurorack module demos to get an idea how it all works and I think I got somewhat basic understanding of it by now, but ofcourse I need to get my hands on some eurorack to really put my mind into it! :)
As I start building my first Eurorack (by the end of this year hopefully) I will be referring to your suggestions and ask more questions as I go along, I will not spend 4000+€ at once like you said I will save up and make meaningful purchases to get the modules I really need (because I really dont got much money going around and this is very expencive hobby : D), this was just the first touch on designing a rack and getting something to refer to when I am deciding what modules to get :)
Thank you once more, very much appreciated :)
For oscillators I considered the Make Noise DPO, Mutable Instruments Braids, and Erica Synths new Black VCO and expander. I chose the Erica Synths modules because they were the least expensive. The DPO is the most expensive. Braids is a close second to the Erica Synths modules. All are excellent in my opinion.
There are many good output modules. I chose Make Noise Rosie simply because I am familiar with it and like it. I rely on it and it delivers.
Make Noise MATHS is so versitle you just have to have it around. It's an envelope generator. It's a sound source. It's an ADSR when used with the Disting module as a gate source. It's a positive or negative voltage source.
The Expert Sleepers Disting is useful in its own right, but it is also a great learning module to experiment with functions that might cost a lot more $$$ if purchased as individual modules.
Erica Synths Black Hole DSP is not strickly necessary, but it brings a lot of fun into modular synthesis. Without it it is kind of like shooting black and white photographs when you really want to be shooting color.
Make Noise Pressure Points is purely optional but can really help when learning.
I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT to point out that there are more cost effective ways to get involved in synthesis if you don't know anything about it and putting a system together. For example, Moog Mother-32 or Make Noise 0-Coast. There is also the Erica Synths Pico system. If $$$ is no object, then take a look at Macbeth Studio Systems. They have a stand alone synth which is pretty sweet and classical. I think Doepfer and Pittsburgh Modular also make stand alone packages. Finally, there is also the DIY synth voice from Erica Synths if you might enjoy building your own synth and then playing it. And it sounds pretty good.
Hey, Doc! It looks like your post has been left out here with us crickets.
I've been experimenting with eurorack modular for a little over a year now. I have two travel cases and a skiff I use. You can see my setup on my account (current system #1 and current system #2). I am in the process of rearranging my gear and selling off some modules which I hate to part with but they don't fit into my rig anymore. :-( Like Rossum's Evolution filter is a really sweet module but it's out of place for me now. You can check out my planned rig which is Erica Synths Rack v4.4.0 (horizontal arrangement). I also have a Dave Smith Instruments Pro-2 which I'm crazy about. LOVE that keyboard. Very well thought out. And a Nord Lead A1. That last one is a great keyboard synth to learn on. It helped me a lot. The Pro-2 interfaces with eurorack modular very nicely.
If this is your first system, you have quite a mishmash of modules. It looks very much the way I started out a while ago. I had no idea what I was dealing with. However, I quickly learned how expensive modular synths can be! If you're interested in ambient sound and sound shaping to start, then you really only need an oscillator and an output module. This isn't very practical, but it can work. Let's take it a step further. I would add another oscillator or get a dual oscillator module. I see in your "I don't know what I'm doing" rack you have the Batumi and the Deeper A-111 which can work. Alternatives to this are Make Noise DPO, Erica Synths Black VCO and Expander, Mutable Instruments Braids. I highly recommend any of these modules for a sound source. Good quality and keepers.
The reason two oscillators are more fun (in case you don't know) is because you can play around with signal beating where two waves of same or different shape are near each other in frequency or an integer multiple of each others frequency. Very good for ambient.
By the way, since you are new to all this, the basic signal flow goes like this: (oscillator) -> (optional filter) -> (VCA) -> (optional filter) -> (optional mixer) -> (output).
The simplest pathway is (oscillator) -> (output).
A step up from that is (oscillator) -> (VCA) -> (output).
Modulation can come into any of these paths at any point. You can use an LFO for oscillation or another sound source. In fact, you can do pretty much whatever you want, just try not to put an output into an output. Many better modules are protected against this though.
I see in your rig that you have multiple low frequency oscillator (LFO) sources. You probably have too many. The MATHS module is excellent. But it's complicated. It is not so much how it works but what can be done with it. Exploring the MATHS module to fully understand it is a small job. But very worthwhile. The Make Noise manual has some excellent exercises to try. Even better (from my experience) is find someone that would be willing to walk you though it's operations and teach you how to use it not just how it works.
Voltage Controlled Amplifiers (VCAs) are important if you want to shape the sound by volume. And you will. However, for every VCA you will likely need an envelope generator (EG) or LFO. Typical envelope generators are AD or AR, or ADSR. Let me know if you need clarification on what these are. I see you've selected the Doepfer A-131 and the Intellijel Dual ASDR. These can work for you.
The Pressure Points module is also a good idea. It is a great learning tool and is fun to play around with. It can be used for control voltage (CV) or pitch information (to a sound source). With multiple oscillators you can play three note chords.
If you are interested in ambient sounds and such, then I would forget about most of the modules you have in your rig. No sequencers yet, for example. (That means you would have no need at this point for a clock or clock divider.) Stay with the basic signal chain and learn how things work. It's a steep learning curve and you won't benefit from making it harder on yourself. That's my two cents.
One other thing I would recommend adding because of the joy/fun factor is a reverb and delay module. I have used Erica Synths Blackhole DSP, Make Noise Erbe-verb, Synthesis Technologies E580 mini delay, and the Expert Sleepers Disting. I would recommend the Blackhole and the Erbe-verb most for the money. And I completely forgot to mention the Disting a while back. I recommend looking into the new Disting module by Expert Sleepers. It has delay and reverb functions. It is not any easy module to work right out of the box (Os loves to be cryptic, I think. And he programs in his sleep :-). The new mk 4 disting is more accessible though. And it has many functions that can teach you what other modules you might like to spend $$$ on in the future. For example, clocks and clock dividers and sequencers. And it can convert midi files to CV and play audio and granulate! In fact, the Disting modules are also a small job. :-)
So, my final thoughts, since you asked, are start light, learn, and build up saving your $$$ for better more meaningful modules as you gain experiment and start putting A and B together. $4000+ is a lot to spend if that is what you are thinking. If it were my money, I would want to make it count. Then again you could always purchase a gorgeous acoustic guitar for $36,000. Heck. You could spend that much on a drum set!
I like to share what I learn. It helps me learn more. So, if this has been helpful to you, please...ask questions. I will do my best to point you in the right direction.
alex (lexi000)
Even though it's not DIY or pure analog, you might want to check this module out anyway. I just got one and it seems a perfect fit for the styles you mentioned.
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/4ms-company-spectral-multiband-resonant-filter
-- Synnic
Oh lord, yes. I got to play with one at Modular Eight in Portland when I was there. Unfortunately waaay out of my price range (advanced hobbyist).
Highly recommend @meltermusic - bought a module direct from him, fast shipping, smooth transaction, very knowledgeable, hope to deal with again.
so right now, this tiny case is a supplementary one for my 6u (unit 01) that i have planned out for some live shows i am doing this summer.
its function is really two fold. 1) it acts as an efx/processing case for everything going on in my 6u and 2.) if for some reason something were to happen to my 6u, i could still play a minimal set using just what is here in this 4u case.
This one looks sick. I like the idea of smaller contained modular pieces that serve a set function/purpose. The 1u rack above the 3u makes them more realistic sizewise.
If you don't mind me asking how you envisage yourself using this one? Like what roles in your music/sound experiments?
Nice one
-- Kayv
This one looks sick. I like the idea of smaller contained modular pieces that serve a set function/purpose. The 1u rack above the 3u makes them more realistic sizewise.
If you don't mind me asking how you envisage yourself using this one? Like what roles in your music/sound experiments?
Nice one
Do all the modules work if connected by themselves? Also, a lot of power supplies have overcurrent protection and will shut themselves down to protect your equipment if too much amperage is drawn. It's possible you could have a power supply that doesn't match it's published ratings or a module drawing more power than the spec. Have you tried starting with just one module and adding the others back one at a time?
Even though it's not DIY or pure analog, you might want to check this module out anyway. I just got one and it seems a perfect fit for the styles you mentioned.
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/4ms-company-spectral-multiband-resonant-filter
